Visiting the Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings in Atlanta

The Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite free attraction for both locals and visitors. It’s part splash pad, part public art, and part living reminder of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Whether you want a fun place for kids to cool off, a memorable photo spot with the Atlanta skyline, or a quick break between downtown attractions, this guide walks you through what to know before you go.

Where the Fountain of Rings Is and How to Get There

The Fountain of Rings sits in the center of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.

Address:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

You’ll find the fountain in the open plaza between:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• CNN Center (now part of the area around State Farm Arena)
• College Football Hall of Fame

Getting there by MARTA

Using public transit is often the easiest way, especially on busy weekends and game days.

• Rail:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station or Five Points Station.
  • From Peachtree Center, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk west via John Portman Blvd and Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
  • From Five Points, walk west along Marietta St or Andrew Young International Blvd.

• Bus:
  Several MARTA bus routes serve the downtown area. Routes can change, so it’s best to check ahead and look for buses stopping near Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, or Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.

Driving and parking

Downtown can be busy, but there are many parking decks and lots within a few blocks of the park.

Common choices include:

• Parking garages near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Private lots along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and Luckie St NW
• Event parking decks around State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center

💡 Tip: If there’s a big event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, traffic and parking costs can spike. Planning to arrive earlier in the day or using MARTA can make your visit smoother.

What the Fountain of Rings Is and Why It Matters

The Fountain of Rings is more than just a splash pad:

• It’s designed in the shape of the Olympic rings, honoring the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta.
• Water jets shoot up in choreographed patterns, often synchronized to music during scheduled shows.
• It serves as a public gathering space, with open views of the park’s lawns, skyline, and nearby attractions.

For locals, it’s a place kids grow up visiting on hot summer days. For visitors, it’s an easy “must see” while exploring downtown.

Hours, Shows, and When the Fountain Operates

The park itself is typically open daily, but the fountain’s operation can vary based on weather, maintenance, and events.

While schedules can change, here’s how it generally works:

Because exact schedules can shift, especially for music and light shows, many visitors treat them as a bonus rather than the only reason to come.

💡 Local tip: Late afternoon and early evening are popular times, especially in summer, when families come downtown after work or after visiting the Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola.

What to Expect When You Visit

The experience

At the Fountain of Rings, you can expect:

• Jets of water shooting up from the ground in ever‑changing patterns
• Children playing and running through the water in warm weather
• Plenty of photo opportunities with the skyline, park sculptures, and Olympic imagery
• A casual, family-friendly atmosphere—people relaxing on benches, tourists taking photos, and locals cutting through the park

The area is open and spacious, making it easy to watch kids from the edge if you’d rather stay dry.

Is it free?

Yes. Visiting the Fountain of Rings is free.
You may pay for parking and nearby attractions, but simply enjoying the fountain and park does not require a ticket.

Playing in the Fountain: Kids, Water, and What to Bring

The Fountain of Rings is widely used as a splash area, especially by kids.

If you plan to let children play in the water, consider bringing:

• Swimwear or quick‑dry clothes
• Water shoes or sandals with good traction
• Towels
• A change of clothes for afterward
• A small bag for wet items

Parents often sit or stand around the edge of the fountain plaza while kids run through the jets.

⚠️ Practical reminders:

• The ground can be slippery when wet—encouraging kids not to run full speed can help prevent falls.
• It’s an urban public fountain, not a lifeguarded pool. Many families treat it like a splash pad, supervising children closely.
• On especially busy summer days, the area around the fountain can feel crowded, so you may want to keep valuables minimal and secured.

Best Times of Year and Day to Visit

By season

• Spring (March–May):
  Comfortable temperatures, blooming trees, and lighter crowds weekday mornings. A good time for photos and short play sessions.

• Summer (June–August):
  This is peak “splash pad” season. Midday can be hot and bright; many locals prefer late afternoon or early evening.

• Fall (September–November):
  Often very pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer afternoon thunderstorms than summer. Good for relaxed strolls after downtown events.

• Winter (December–February):
  The fountain may run less often or at limited times, and fewer people use it for play. The park can still be enjoyable for walks and views, and certain years feature seasonal decorations or events in the broader downtown area.

By time of day

• Morning: Quieter, especially on weekdays; nice for photos without crowds.
• Afternoon: Busiest for water play, especially in warm months.
• Evening: Often lively but a bit cooler; nearby attractions and restaurants make it easy to combine with a dinner outing.

Combining the Fountain With Other Downtown Atlanta Attractions

The Fountain of Rings is surrounded by major “Things to Do” in Atlanta. Many people plan a half or full day downtown that includes:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of Atlanta’s most-visited attractions, just across the street from the park.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A short walk from the fountain, with exhibits about the brand’s history and memorabilia.
• College Football Hall of Fame – South side of the park, with interactive exhibits and a large helmet wall.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel a few blocks away, offering views over Centennial Olympic Park.
• State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – Within walking distance; the park is commonly used as a meeting point on event days.

The fountain makes a perfect midday break or cool‑down stop between indoor attractions.

What’s Around: Food, Restrooms, and Amenities

Food and snacks

You won’t usually find large food operations directly in the fountain plaza itself, but:

• There are cafés, restaurants, and fast‑casual spots along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and nearby streets.
• Nearby attractions like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola have their own dining options.
• During large events or festivals, food trucks or temporary vendors may be set up around the park.

If you’re bringing kids to play in the fountain, packing water and light snacks is a simple way to keep things easy and budget‑friendly.

Restrooms and seating

• Restroom facilities are typically available within the park or at nearby attractions, though specific locations can change over time.
• Benches and low walls around the fountain and within Centennial Olympic Park provide seating and shady spots under trees.

Accessibility

The fountain’s plaza and surrounding park pathways are generally flat and paved, and many visitors using wheelchairs or strollers find the area manageable. As with any urban park, specific conditions (like construction or events) can affect access on certain days.

Safety, Weather, and Practical Tips

Being downtown, most of what applies to urban Atlanta parks also applies here:

• Weather:

  • Summer afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms. If you hear thunder or see lightning, it’s wise to leave the open fountain area.
  • Heat and humidity can be intense; sunscreen, hats, and water are helpful.

• Personal items:

  • Because of the water and crowds, it’s smart to keep valuables minimal and secure in a zippered bag or leave them with a non‑splash‑participant.

• Events and closures:

  • Large festivals, concerts, or races may temporarily change access, security screening, or which areas of the park are open.
  • If you’re planning a special visit, it can help to check for major downtown events happening the same day.

Who Manages Centennial Olympic Park and Where to Ask Questions

Centennial Olympic Park and the Fountain of Rings are part of the broader downtown campus that includes major attractions and event spaces. For the most specific, up‑to‑date information about:

• Current fountain operating hours
• Event days or partial closures
• Maintenance affecting the Fountain of Rings

you can contact or check with the organizations that oversee the park area and nearby complexes, such as the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which is closely associated with the park.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general inquiries, subject to change): (404) 223‑4000

Staff at nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola are also often familiar with current conditions around the park and fountain, since many of their guests visit both.

Quick Planning Checklist for the Fountain of Rings

• ✅ Know your transportation plan (MARTA vs. driving and parking)
• ✅ Bring towels and a change of clothes if kids will play in the water
• ✅ Wear comfortable shoes for walking downtown
• ✅ Check for any major events that might affect crowds or access
• ✅ Plan nearby food or attraction stops to make the most of your time downtown

The Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings is one of the simplest and most iconic ways to experience Atlanta’s Olympic legacy—whether you’re cooling off on a summer day, grabbing a quick photo, or building a larger downtown itinerary around it.