In honor of summer, I have created a list of the top 25 free things to do in Atlanta. I hope that you can use this list as a quick reference point to maximize the value of your trip! There are tons of green spaces as well as historic locations to add to your trip.
Top 25 FREE Things To Do In Atlanta
Lets start things off with a visit to Centennial Olympic Park. This park is a product of the 1996 Olympics and provides a great place for all residents of Atlanta to hang out and enjoy great music.
Castleberry Hill represents the warehouse district of Atlanta but has been turned into one of the most “artistically progressive neighborhoods” of the city. The monthly art stroll shows off the art studios and paintings in the area and the guided tour is free!
Their doors are always open for free to the public. Enjoy a stroll through modern art and enjoy extras like lectures, special events and kids events. Don’t miss out on some truly beautiful modern art!
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the greatest heroes of the United States of America. Visit his tomb and get a tour of where he lived growing up, all for free. This is a great place to bring the kids to educate them on the Civil Rights movement.
Need to take the kids out to run around, walk paths, or even bike? Come by Piedmont Park and enjoy the sights of beautiful trees and greenery. This is a great place to let some energy out.
This is one is an educational stop. Learn all about the Federal Reserve, what they do, and how they control the money supply. Also see the importance of a federal reserve system. A great place for kids.
Atlanta offers free tours of the Governor’s Mansion every Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 am. It is a great way to learn some history about the city and see the elegance of the mansion.
This massive trail is 61.5 miles long and right next to Atlanta. Take the family out and plan a fun walk to see some of the beautiful country side of Georgia. Pack a lunch make it an afternoon adventure.
Do you have a child interested in space? This gem inside the perimeter features not only exhibits on space but also has its very own planetarium and observatory! Fernbank also is home to several live animal exhibits. Check out the schedule for current events and exhibits.
Tour the lovely Capitol building of Georgia located in downtown Atlanta. Built in 1884 the Capitol is quite a site. It is a sign of the “new south” and modeled after the Capitol building in D.C.
The Sweet Auburn neighborhood is full of amazing history and facts about the civil rights movement. Sweet Auburn is filled with memorials and culture about Atlanta’s African American community.
Little Five Points has lot of fun, quirky shops that you can browse around in. No need to spend any money just soak in the culture!
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Trail
This green space in Atlanta features kid-friendly walking trails and mini waterfalls.
The Chattahoochee River is a great place to cool down after being in the heat of the South! Bring your own tube and enjoy some of the best free summer fun known to man in the Chattahoochee River.
Central Park in Atlanta has free movies that play throughout the summer! Make sure to check the schedule, bring a blanket or two, and enjoy the movie.
This nature center is free and open to the public and has lots of cool stuff to explore.
Take a break and enjoy a lazy afternoon on Lake Allatoona. Explore the area and see what you and the kids can find!
While you’re not going to be allowed into the laboratories, the Centers for Disease Control does have a museum attached it to it that you can visit. (Temporarily closed as of Summer 2026)
After wandering around trails and historic parks walk down to the Oakland Cemetery. Built in 1850, it is filled with interesting gravestones, including many of Atlanta’s founders.
Another art walk hits the list, but nothing beats free art. Located in the Marietta Square electric art scene, there are a ton of cool art exhibits to visit and neat little boutiques to explore.
This museum features fire equipment dating back to the mid-1800s!
Local college Emory University is always having events going on that are usually free. Check the schedule out and see if any interest you and your family.
I love farmers’ markets and enjoy visiting other cities’ markets. It’s always fun to see what products are for sale and a great place to just walk around.
The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Not only is Georgia Tech one of Atlanta oldest schools in Atlanta, it also has a great museum about the history of paper and the art of papermaking. Exhibits, workshops, and collections at the museum make this a pretty unique and artistic place to visit!
See more free city guides!
Don’t miss out on this exclusive online offer from Old Navy! tonight only, take 50 to 60% off mystery styles for the family!
Even better, save an extra 20% off when you use code EXTRA. Save on activewear, tees, sweatshirts and more!
Deal Ideas:
High-Waisted PowerChill Crossover Flared Leggings for Girls – $7.99 (reg. $20)
-20% off with code EXTRA
makes it $6.39
Unisex Loose Sweater for Baby – $11.59 (reg. $29)
-20% off with code EXTRA
makes it $9.27
High-Waisted Wide-Leg Trouser – $19.99 (reg. $40)
-20% off with code EXTRA
makes it $15.99
This offer is good online only thru tonight only, 8/11. Shipping is free for Rewards members on orders for $50+.
Shop up to 50% off Crocs plus $2 singles and $7 Jibbitz packs! Grab a pair of lined clogs to keep your feet warm during fall and winter!
No code necessary. Prices are marked.
Deal Ideas
Toddler Baya Clog – $19.99 (reg. $35)
Bluey 5 Pack – $7 (reg. $20)
Baya Lined Clog – $30 (reg. $60)
Valid thru 8/17. Shipping is free on orders of $34.99+.
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For a limited time, shop at Walmart and score $7 in Walmart Cash when you buy two Old Spice Alchemist Collection products. Try a new scent and save!
Walmart Old Spice Deals (end when offer expires):
Old Spice Alchemist Collection, starting at $12.97
-$7 Walmart Cash wyb 2
makes it as low as $9.47
See the full Walmart Ad for more great deals.
Right now at Kohl’s, score up to 50% off select fragrances! This includes Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and more!
These products are not eligible for coupon use, but you can still redeem and earn Kohl’s Rewards and Sephora Beauty Points.
Deal Ideas:
Sol de Janeiro Sundays in Rio Warm Vanilla Hair & Body Perfume Mist – $18.20 (reg. $26)
Dolce&Gabbana Mini Perfume Sampler Set – $35 (reg. $50)
Chloe Chloe Eau de Parfum with Rose & Amber, 1.7oz – $77 (reg. $154)
This deal is good for a limited time only. Choose FREE in-store pickup if available.
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Last week I went into a Honey Baked Ham local store armed with a free coupon for a sandwich. I decided to splurge on my free lunch and get a side. They have the most amazing “fruit salad” I’ve ever had. They call it Mandarin Pineapple Dream which is a very fitting name. As I ate it I began dissecting it. It’s very simple to make yourself and much cheaper than to buy from them at $5.99 a pint.
Mandarin Pineapple Dream Recipe
I love that it takes no baking, or cooking and can be put together ahead of time. This is perfect for a lighter dessert.
A copy cat recipe to the amazing Mandarin Pineapple Dream you can get at Honey Baked Ham Company. Super Easy and incredibly delicious.
4 Weight Watchers Plus Points
Ingredients
- 1 Can Pineapple Tidbits 20 oz drained
- 1 Can Pineapple Crushed, 10 oz drained
- 2 cans Mandarian Oranges, 11 oz, drained
- 1/4 cup Coconut, shredded
- 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped
- 3/4 Cool Whip 8 oz container
Directions
- Drain all fruit in the same colander, leave in the colander and mash with potato masher (or just wash the bottom of an empty can and use that) to push out extra fluid and break up mandarin slices slightly.
- Put fruit and all other ingredients into a bowl. Mix together. And eat!
Notes
If you don't have crushed pineapple, just mash harder or use a quick pulse of a food processor on any other type you do have. If you want to reduce calories you can do half low fat Cool Whip and half regular. It doesn't turn out that great to use all low fat though.
If you’ve got an area of your budget you can’t seem to get a handle on I’d love to help. Leave any questions you have in the comments and I’ll answer them live! If you aren’t completely comfortable sharing that’s okay send me an email at jenny@southernsavers.com and I’ll try to help.
You can join the conversation right here on Southern Savers or watch on Facebook or Youtube.
Joe’s New Balance Outlet is offering an extra 40% off select sale for men, women, and kids! Grab a pair of adult sneakers for $35.99!
The extra 40% discount will automatically be applied in cart. Note that sizes are limited.
Deal Ideas:
CTLYST Women’s – $59.99 (reg. $80)
-extra 40% off at checkout
makes it $35.99
740 Unisex – $79.99 (reg. $115)
-extra 40% off at checkout
makes it $47.99
237 Men’s – $62.99 (reg. $85)
-extra 40% off at checkout
makes it $37.79
This deal is good for a limited time only. Shipping is free on orders of $99+.
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Y’all! Walmart+ is already a membership that fully pays for itself, but they just added even more perks!
Joining Walmart+ is $98 a year or $12.95 a month. No matter how you pay you’ll get way more back in savings and freebies. See all the perks here.
New Walmart+ Perks
1 Free Money Service every 3 months – check cashing, money order, bill payments etc.
25 free 4×6 photo prints every month at the photo center
Free Flat Tire Repair and Road Hazard Warranty
I think I’m the most excited about the photo prints. Thats 300 free prints a year!!
Total Walmart+ Value
Let’s assume you go with the cheapest option and pay annually at $98. Here is your breakdown of savings that you get back:
- Free Delivery on any order $35+ – $6.99 per order
- Free Shipping on any order – $5.99 per order
- 10¢ of per gallon of gas at Murphy and Walmart stations – approx. $1.20 to $2 savings per tank
- Free Whopper every 3 months and 25% off every mobile order at Burger King
- Free Peacock Premium Plus or Paramount Plus (you can switch between these every 3 months) – approx $16.99 a month value
- Free Online Pet Care
