Whether you are a resident of Atlanta, or someone stopping in for business or pleasure, you don't always want to spend a bundle to have a good time. The reality is that there are tons of great experiences and sights to take in while in Atlanta, without having to drain your bank account. While you might want to take in a few attractions that cost a little more, we can help you pad your trip with all sorts of fun things to do in the Atlanta area that are free or affordable.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park was the location of the Olympics back in 1996, and it’s a really fun place to visit. Residents and visitors like to visit to enjoy free live music on Wednesday Wind Down. It happens from June through September between 5:30 and 8:00 PM. It’s a ton of fun for guests of all ages.
Walk the Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is often considered the best urban space in the entire United States. You can take a walk along it to get some exercise, hang out in the afternoon and people watch, or go to one of the many events that are offered on a regular basis. It’s entirely free and something you should experience at least once.
Go to the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
While visiting the center does have a cost, it’s fairly low. You can walk around and take in contemporary works by international, regional, national, and even local artists. Kids get in for free on Thursdays to make this an even more budget-friendly destination to spend some time at while you are visiting Atlanta.
Walk the Art Stroll at Castleberry Hill
The warehouse district of Castleberry Hill is a place that is teeming with culture and art. In fact, it’s known as one of the most “artistically progressive neighborhoods” in Atlanta. If you enjoy taking in some art, you can check out the paintings and art studios found in the area. There’s even a guided tour that is completely free.
Get Wet at Piedmont Park Aquatic Center
This is a super reasonable experience to take in while you’re down in Georgia. If you want to cool off from the Atlanta heat, this is the place to do it. You will find ADA accessible pools with lap lanes, a channel for floating, beach entry, locker rooms, showers, and concessions. The kids will have a ball at this location.
Catch a Show at Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center is not just a science museum. You can enjoy an IMAX film, check out some of the largest dinosaurs that ever existed, and enjoy interactive science exhibits. The tickets are fairly cheap, and you can easily spend an afternoon exploring this location. If you or a kid has a love for dinosaurs, make sure not to skip this location.
Get Scared at Twilight Tours of the Historic Oakland Cemetery
Want to get some exercise while enjoying a few scares at the same time? This cemetery has been around since 1850 and is filled with art, history, and architecture. It also has a fantastic garden featuring magnolia and oak trees. The late-night tours are on weekends from March to October, and the price is right for those on a budget.
Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
This great location has a ton of history and costs only a bit to visit. The museum has tons of amazing exhibits and interactive displays, which the whole family will love. This is only one of 13 presidential libraries in the United States, so it’s well worth spending time at. Inside is a replica of the Oval Office, which can be worth the admission price alone.
Take in a Movie at the Starlight Six Drive-In Theater
Whether you grew up enjoying films at the local drive-in theater, or you just want to try that experience for the first time, Starlight Six is the place to do it. Adult tickets are inexpensive, and kids’ tickets are nearly free. This drive-in has six different screens and digital projection that will give you the same quality of a traditional movie theater. This is a great date location, and you can get Mexican food and movie snacks at the snack bar.
Take in Storytelling at the Wren’s Nest House Museum
The Wren’s Nest was the home of the author behind the Uncle Remus Tales, Joel Chandler Harris. If you stop in on Saturday at 1pm, you can take in some exciting storytelling. The admission price is reasonable, and you’ll have a great time. Even if you don’t know much about the author, it’s a great option to see one of the only remaining Queen Anne Victorian homes still located in Atlanta.
Travel 72 Stories Up to the Sun Dial Restaurant
Imagine looking down at the city of Atlanta from 72 stories up. Sounds thrilling, right? You can get that experience taking the glass elevator going to the Sun Dial Restaurant at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel. There is a small fee for taking the elevator, but that is waived if you eat at the restaurant, or have a drink at the bar on the top floor. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the city that can’t be had anywhere else.
Admire African American Art at the Hammonds House Museum
If you want to take in a collection of over 250 pieces of African American art, Hammonds House Museum is the place to do so. In addition to offering tons of art, there are also discussions, lectures, concerts, and workshops on occasion to take in. The location of this museum is in a 19th century Victorian home. There are guided tours available, along with a small gift shop selling artwork, jewelry, books, and more.
Spend Time at Atlanta Cyclorama
The Atlanta Cyclorama is a gigantic diorama, which has a depiction of the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. It’s over 40 feet tall and 358 feet in circumference. The cyclorama was finished in 1886, and features life-like characters who are just under actual size. Also accompanying the exhibit is narration and music from the time period. The Civil War Museum also has many uniforms, artifacts, and other items from the Atlanta Civil War period.
Shop at Freedom Farmers Market
There are numerous farmers markets in Atlanta, but the one to check out is Freedom Farmers Market. You’ll find beautiful flowers, freshly baked pastries, and fresh vegetables grown locally. While the food you purchase isn’t free, of course, it’s free to people watch and take in all the sights.
Wrapping Up
There’s no reason to spend a ton of money when you visit Atlanta. While there might be some locations you want to visit that cost a bit more, you can supplement them with these cheap, or free, options to fill the rest of your time. Everything from seeing art to watching movies, getting in some swimming, and catching up on Atlanta history is available for a low price.
This is only a sample of the great cheap activities to take in while in Atlanta. You’ll likely run into others while you explore and enjoy this amazing city. You can use this as a great start to add fun to your trip without raising the budget. Make sure you’re ready to explore Atlanta by getting your cheap car insurance in Georgia here.
