What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids?

1. Dragon Con Parade- Downtown

Dragon Con is the pinnacle in fantasy cosplay, and the Labor Day parade is famous for elaborate costumes, creative themes, and flat-out wacky sights. The parade always takes place on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. 

2. The Battery Atlanta - Atlanta

If you don't have the funds for an Atlanta Braves game but still want to get into the baseball spirit, spend an afternoon at The Battery. On game days visitors can watch the action on a big screen outside the stadium and cool off at the splash pad. 

3. Piedmont Park - Midtown

There is no shortage of green space when it comes to Piedmont Park. In addition to an awesome playground, dog park, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and acres of grassy knolls, Piedmont Park also hosts tons of FREE events, like Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.

4. Centennial Olympic Park - Downtown

This 22-acre greespace serves as Georgia's legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The downtown park features the iconic Fountain of Rings, playgrounds, and expansive lawns and gardens.

Stroll along the relaxing riverwalk running along the Chattahoochee River. Photo by Bill Leffler

5. Roswell Riverwalk - Roswell

Stroll the Roswell Riverwalk, along the Chattahoochee River, and enjoy the great outdoors without getting wet. Take photos of the surrounding nature, watch the sun set, and take the dog out for a lovely day on the waterfront.

Free Events, Fairs, and Festivals in Atlanta

6. Decatur Arts Festival - Decatur

My kids LOVE this arts festival for all the hands-on projects they can make in Decatur Square. It's also a great time to check out the amazing works of local and Southern artists, available for purchase.

Marietta's Chalktoberfest is one of the coolest art festivals. Photo by Melanie Preis

7. Chalktoberfest - Marietta

My family loves Marietta's Chalktoberfest for the sheer wonder of watching geniuses create live chalk drawings. 

8. Piedmont Park Arts Festival - Midtown

This summer arts event takes over Piedmont Park for two days, with amazing works and a fun time. Kids can enjoy the festival's play area or head to Piedmont Park's regular playground.

Kids will love visiting the Lemonade Days festival in Dunwoody. Photo by Melanie Preis

9. Lemonade Days - Dunwoody

An April favorite is Lemonade Days, held at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody each year. This is the ultimate family-friendly, weekend event with tons of rides, fair food, and carnival games.

10. Winterfest - Virginia-Highland

Who says spring owns all the great outdoor festivals?! Winterfest is THE event to celebrate the holiday season -- catch the parade, visit the Kids Corner (ticketed activities), roam the gift market, and more.

11. Summerfest - Virginia-Highland

Spend a day of fun, art, food, and kids activities in the VaHi neighborhood!

12. Summer Shade Festival - Grant Park

Say goodbye to summer at Grant Park's annual Summer Shade Festival, with two days full of live music, good food, and great vibes.

13. Summer Concert Series

During the summer months, Atlanta features awesome concert series with live music the whole family can enjoy.

14. Candler Park Fall Festival - Candler Park

Enjoy two days of music, art, food, games, and rides that draw about 20,000 people per day to beautiful Candler Park

15. Atlanta Jazz Festival - Midtown

Held Memorial Day Weekend each year in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is recognized as the largest FREE jazz festival in the country!

16. Kirkwood Spring Fling - Kirkwood

Celebrate spring in Atlanta's historic Kirkwood neighborhood for a day of fun for all ages.

17. Alive in Roswell - Roswell

This monthly festival happens every third Thursday evening from April through October on Historic Canton Street and the Roswell Antique and Interiors lot. Free regular trolley service connects the free parking at Roswell City Hall and Woodstock Park to the event.

18. Sandy Springs Artsapalooza - Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs loves the arts as the city hosts both fall and spring arts festivals. My family and I love coming to this one since I can wander amongst the art while they create their own cute pieces at the children's booths.

19. Sweet Auburn Springfest - Atlanta

Located in the Historic Sweet Auburn District, this free festival celebrates spring with family-friendly entertainment and outdoor activities over the course of two days.

20. 4th of July Events 

We've rounded up amazingly fun 4th of July parades, festivals, and fireworks shows near Atlanta, and almost all of them are free!

21. Alpharetta Arts Streetfest - Alpharetta

This popular event is a great way to kick off summer, before it gets too hot. The Streetfest takes place at The Grove at Wills Park and includes face painting, games, and crafts plus a huge local artists market. 

22. Inman Park Festival - Inman Park

Spend a spring weekend in one of Atlanta's most beloved neighborhoods, Inman Park, at the Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. Spanning two days of fun, families can enjoy arts and crafts, music, and a fun day outdoors.

23. Atlanta Dogwood Festival - Midtown

For 90 years, Atlantans have enjoyed the great outdoors at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park every spring. In addition to great art, live music, and food, Dogwood Festival features a fun kids area with lots of awesome activities for youngsters.

24. Free Fishing Days

Throughout the year, Georgia offers license-free fishing days for residents of all ages and skills. 

Learn about other cultures at The International Night Market event. Photo by Melanie Preis

25. The International Night Market Atlanta - Suwanee

Celebrate the world without having to leave Atlanta at this fun two-day festival. If your kids can't stay up late, there's a night AND day component of the event!

26. Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival - Brookhaven

Celebrate spring's glorious blooms at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival at Blackburn Park. In addition to nature's beauty, the festival celebrates rad live music acts.

27. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival - Midtown

So the actual frosty treats cost money, but wandering around the ice cream festival and admission is free. Besides filling your tummy with sweet goodness during Atlanta's sweltering summer, festivalgoers enjoy live music, fitness routines, and wellness engagement activities. And again...ice cream.

28. Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival - Downtown

Commemorate Juneteenth in Downtown Atlanta with events, including a parade, musical performances, food trucks, and more.

Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Atlanta

29. Farmers Markets

Need something to do weekend mornings? Bring the kids to a local farmers market and let them see food and products in their most natural state.

30. Doc Manget Aviation Park - Chamblee

Located at the Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Chamblee, this small park and playground lets aviation lovers watch planes take off and enjoy the thrill of seeing these mechanical beasts up close.

31. Autrey Mill - Johns Creek

Get close to nature at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Families can explore over 2.5 miles of trails through a hardwood forest, wandering past a scenic creek, native plants and trees, and a variety of animals.

32. Blue Heron Nature Preserve - Atlanta

Experience meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and riparian corridors all in this one beautiful nature preserve. Parking and trails are free.

Walking around Stone Mountain Park is free; however, parking and attractions cost a fee. Photo by Melanie Preis

33. Stone Mountain Park - Stone Mountain

If you enter Stone Mountain on foot or bike, there's no fee (parking requires a fee). This is one of the most popular hikes in Atlanta, suitable for all ages, entirely on smooth granite rock for about 2.2 miles. 

34. Brookhaven Park - Brookhaven

The playground at Brookhaven Park is home to the tallest Robina wood play structure in the country. The park also offers ample green space for running around, plus a cute track for ride-along cars and scooters with pretend gas pumps. 

35. Brook Run Park - Dunwoody

Brook Run Park is the park with it all! Bring the kids (including the four-legged variety) and check out the playground, skate park, dog park, ropes course, and much more!

36. Spraygrounds and Splash Pads

During the summer months, make sure to bring your kids to one of the many refreshing and FREE Atlanta splash pads throughout the city. These spraygrounds are fantastic ways to fill up a blistering day.

37. Silver Comet Trail - Cobb, Paulding, and Polk Counties

The Silver Comet Trail extends from Smyrna to Powder Springs and throughout the region, covering about 60 miles. This multi-use trail is a welcome respite for bikers, runners, skaters, walkers, and anyone in between.

Take the kids to Halcyon's Village Green for free, outdoor fun. Photo by Rebecca Leffler

38. Halcyon - Alpharetta

The Village Green at Halcyon is a covered outdoor space where kids can play in the giant sandbox, with sand toys, kick soccer balls, play games and cards at the table, and more. Halcyon also hosts a ton of free events throughout the year.

39. Morningside Nature Preserve - Morningside

This beautiful nature preserve offers two miles of trails.

40. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area —Stonecrest

Arabia Mountain lies 20 minutes east of downtown Atlanta. As you hike across the granite outcrops, look for the rare plant species growing in the pools of standing water, called solution pits. The area is also home to the Arabia Mountain PATH.

41. Westside Park - Midtown

This mega park once held a massive quarry, now a city reservoir, and features great amenities like a playground, public restrooms, safe trails, free parking, and more. 

42. Swimming Lakes and Beaches

Take a dip at some of Atlanta's nearby swimming lakes and beaches. Be aware that some charge parking fees on the weekends, but may be free on weekdays.

Kids love exploring the Chattahoochee River all year round. Photo by Melanie Preis

43. Chattahoochee River

Shoot the 'Hooch and explore the beautiful Chattahoochee River, either by kayak, canoe, rafting tour, and other means. There are fees for parking or if you need to rent boating equipment.

44. Morgan Falls Overlook Park - Sandy Springs

This riverside park is a favorite among Atlanta families, with its fantastic playground, loaded with play structures and sunshades, as well as wooden porch swings, covered picnic pavilion, and boat dock.

45. Roswell Area Park - Roswell

Roswell Area Park's playground is the ultimate in fun for all ages! This sprawling playground features swings, climbing structures, slides, and a mini zipline. Families have access to bathrooms, picnic tables, shaded area, and an area reserved just for younger kids.

46. Abernathy Greenway Park - Sandy Springs

The colorful Abernathy Greenway Park playground features a "giant spider" play structure as well as other artistic sculptures to climb on.

47. Free Public Pools 

Depending on where you live, many city municipalities and counties offer free admission to public pools for residents.

48. National Night Out - Midtown

This free neighborhood block party connects neighbors with the dedicated individuals in your respective communities and promotes crime prevention awareness and more.

49. Sope Creek Trail - Marietta 

My kids love walking the Sope Creek trail, with its scenic lake. The trail is decently flat and great for most ages.

50. Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy - Southwest Atlanta

Families love exploring this 125-acre forested city park, featuring a waterfall, three artesian springs, and 250-million-year-old rocks!

Free Indoor Things to Do in Atlanta

51. Kids Skate Free

Check the Kids Skate Free website for participating skating rinks and which days kids get to skate for free.

52. Free Performances at Alliance Theater - Midtown

Alliance Theater offers free performances for Atlanta Public School (APS) families during the year.

53. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu Temple) - Lilburn

This stunning temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Check the website before visiting to get the details about dress code requirements.

54. Free Atlanta Restaurants

Feeding kiddos can get pricey; check out our guide of Atlanta restaurants with free kids meals (usually with the purchase of an adult meal).

55. Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

One of my go-to's when looking for an afternoon of free fun is Ponce City Market (PCM). There are always new shops and food stalls opening throughout the space. Since the BeltLine runs right by PCM, it's a great place to stop and grab a treat (and enjoy air conditioning/heat) during an outdoor excursion.

56. H Mart - Doraville

Take your kids to H Mart and take a look at the coolest Asian products from around the world. My kids love seeing all the global products, including different flavors of recognizable food items.

57. Indoor Playgrounds

Most indoor playgrounds in Atlanta malls are free for kids to run, play, and scream. Bonus? You may be able to get some shopping in after the kiddos have worn themselves out.

58. North Point Mall - Alpharetta

North Point Mall is a great resource when Atlanta's weather gets extreme. This Alpharetta mall features kid-friendly retailers including LEGO, Build-A-Bear, multiple toy shops, a Hi-Five Sports Zone, a carousel, and much more.

59. Your DeKalb Farmers Market - Decatur

Get a taste (literally) of global culture! Iconic DeKalb Farmers Market is an amazing place to show kids what other regions of the world eat, take a look at exotic ingredients, and learn about the beauty of outside cultures.

60. Storytime at Little Shop of Stories - Decatur

Everything about Little Shop of Stories is adorable and aimed at kids. Visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am for storytime hour, which runs about 30-40 minutes.

61. Home Depot Kids Workshops - Multiple Locations

Sign your kids up for a monthly build workshop at participating Home Depot locations, where kids can build a project to take home with them.

62. Kids Bowl Free

Spend a day knocking down pins (with or without bumpers) AND save money when kids bowl free at participating Atlanta bowling lanes.

63. Libraries

It's hard to pinpoint one library in metro Atlanta for fun, free activities. Take a look at your nearest library system and check out the classes and events they offer for kids. 

64. Lowe’s DIY Kids’ Workshop - Multiple Locations

Each month, Lowe’s stores offer a free workshop for kids to build their own projects to bring home.

65. Company Tours

Contact corporate offices in Atlanta and find out if they offer free tours for kids and/or groups. Just a few companies that offer free tours include Great Harvest Bread Co., Kia Georgia, and more. 

66. Bass Pro Shop — Lawrenceville

Bass Pro Shop offers multiple free events throughout the year with kids' crafts and activities, including a Go Outdoors event in the late spring, summer activities and workshops, and a free Winter Wonderland during the holidays.

Top Free Things to Do with Teens and Tweens

Spend an entire day wandering the Atlanta BeltLine! Photo by Bill Leffler

67. Atlanta BeltLine - Atlanta

The Atlanta BeltLine is a lively spot for Atlanta kids -- either on weekends, vacation breaks, or after school. Skip, bike, scooter, run, or walk the dog along one of the many intown trails (some of which connect to fun neighborhood parks).

68. Little Five Points

Bring older kids to people watch and wander through Little Five Points. This beloved neighborhood features the coolest spots to visit, including shops that sell crystals, wacky costumes, out-of-this-world antiques, and more.

69. Avalon - Alpharetta

Avalon has a ton of fun activities and events for families, many of which are free. This Alpharetta live/work/play space celebrates holidays with epic, kid-friendly parties, including free events like trick-or-treating, Luck of Avalon, and more.

70. Atlantic Station - Midtown

There's always fun to be had at Atlantic Station, especially during the holidays and summer. Free events include outdoor movie nights, Maker's Markets, and even a weekend magician!

71. Free Movie Nights

Enjoy Atlanta's (mostly) good weather by bringing your family to a free movie night for the whole family!

72. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - Kennesaw

With 22 miles of hiking trails, the 3,000-acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers many opportunities for your family. Although there is a $5 fee for parking, you can tour the museum inside the visitor center.

73. Marietta Square - Marietta

Wander the historic Marietta Square in downtown Marietta to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beloved area. There are TONS of free festivals and events that happen in the Square, as well as cute boutiques and restaurants throughout the area.

74. Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark - Old Fourth Ward

Teens who love to skate will flip for this massive intown skatepark. For siblings who prefer to keep sneakers on the ground, kids can also spend time at the nearby playground and greenspace.

75. Disc Golf - Various Locations

Spend a few hours outdoors while unleashing competitive spirits on disc golf courses throughout Atlanta.

76. Public Art for Selfies - Various Locations

Atlanta has majorly talented street artists, and their murals make for some epic selfies on the 'gram. Good spots to find colorful art include the Jackson Street bridge, Krog Street tunnel, and along the Beltline.

77. Apple Store Workshops - Multiple Locations

Apple stores offer free workshops such as coding an app, making emojis, photography, and more.

Hidden Gems and Weird Free Things to Do

My kids love searching for Tiny Doors ATL spots, like this one at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Photo by Melanie Preis

78. Tiny Doors ATL - Midtown

Participate in the ultimate (and cutest) scavenger hunt by searching for the colorful public art display known as Tiny Doors ATL.

79.  Slip-N-Slide Extravaganza - Roswell 

Roswell offers this awesome free event at the beginning of the summer and at the end. Register in advance for a free, one-hour timeslot, and let the kids slide down 200 feet of wet Slip-N-Slide fun! 

80. The Big Chicken - Marietta

The KFC Big Chicken is a Marietta landmark! This 56-foot-tall metal rooster features moving eyes and beak and greets everyone passing through the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road.

81. Georgia Governor's Mansion - Buckhead

See where the governors of Georgia live by signing up for a tour of the Buckhead mansion. The tour is a hybrid of a guide and self-guided tour, with docents stationed in each room to teach guests about the collection.

82. The Camp at The Works - Upper Westside

We love hanging out at The Works, home to fun venues like Chattahoochee Food Works. Families gravitate to the green space, called The Camp. This one-acre signature park offers kids a place to run and play, with plenty of seating for adults to relax. 

See where Cabbage Patch Kids are born at Babyland. Photo by Melanie Preis

83. Babyland General Hospital - Cleveland

See where Cabbage Patch Babies are born by heading to Cleveland, Georgia for a free tour of Babyland General Hospital. Be warned: While your tour is free, adopting a doll is not.

84. Historic Oakland Cemetery - Grant Park

Though it may seem a bit morbid to include a cemetery on our list of free things to do in Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery is the exception. This city landmark is Atlanta's oldest public park and the final resting place of many noted citizens, including Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, Kenny Rogers, and more.

85. Geocaching 

Our family loves this modern "treasure" hunt, which you can do with a free app and your smartphone's GPS. Atlanta has thousands of geocaches so start hunting!

86. Peachtree Heights Duck Pond & Park - Buckhead

Enjoy the quacks and honks of the resident ducks and geese at this sweet Peachtree Heights neighborhood spot. 

Free Arts, Culture, and Learning Activities

87. MLK Jr. National Historical Park - Atlanta

Get a taste of history and learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. at the national park dedicated to the civil rights leader. Take a guided tour of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home, as well as the DREAM Gallery, Ebenezer Church, and more.

Tellus Science Museum offers free admission to Bank of America card holders the first weekend of each month. Photo by Melanie Preis

88. Tellus Science Museum - Cartersville

This amazing science museum explores the world and how humans make an impact every day. Bank of America card holders get free admission to Tellus the first weekend of each month.

89. Atlanta Monetary Museum - Midtown

Learn about the history of money, American banking, the bank's automated vault, and rare coins and currency at the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Guided tours must be requested in advance.

90. Georgia Capitol Museum - Downtown

The Georgia Capitol offers visitors a chance to see the most important government building in the state. Interpretive tours (scheduled in advance) give an overview of Georgia history and the building itself.

91. Birthday Entry at Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

Spend your special day with special underwater creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia residents receive FREE admission on their birthdays to the Aquarium.

92. Marietta Fire Museum - Marietta

Located just two blocks off the Historic Marietta Square, the free museum boasts a collection of antique fire apparatus, tools, and gear dating back to 1854.

Check out the deals for Georgia residents to get free admission into the Center for Puppetry Arts. Photo by Rebecca Leffler 

93. Free Passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts - Midtown

Passport to Puppetry allows Georgia citizens with library cards to reserve up to four free passes.

94. Fernbank Science Center - Atlanta

Operated by the DeKalb County School District, the Fernbank Science Center seeks to uncover the big and small wonders of our world for FREE! 

95. High Museum Second Sunday - Midtown

On the second Sunday of each month, High Museum offers free admission for all visitors and special family-friendly programming! Enjoy art-making activities, performances, and the High’s collection and special exhibitions. Each month features a different theme.

96. Dunwoody Nature Center - Dunwoody

The shaded, beautiful grounds of the Dunwoody Nature Center (DNC) are open from sunrise to sunset all year round. Visitors pay nothing to use DNC's hiking trails, playgrounds, tree swings, and more. 

97. Museum of Aviation - Warner Robins

Located next to Robins Air Force Base, this museum includes four climate-controlled buildings that house historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles, cockpits, and exhibits.

98. Museum of Design Atlanta - Midtown

MODA offers free entry for kids under the age of 11 (adults pay). This museum offers a glimpse into the beauty and power of design.

99. Hapeville Depot Museum - Hapeville

Admission is always free at this 1890 train depot that's now a museum, gallery, and visitor center; telling the story of aviation, railroad, and automobile history through the lens of Hapeville.

100. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art - Brookhaven

Visitors can come to this museum any time for free, which regularly shows nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions.

Free Fun for Kids in Atlanta FAQ

Q: What are the best free family activities in Atlanta?
A: Parks, museums with free admission, outdoor concerts and cultural events offer plenty of no-cost family fun across Atlanta. We love wandering Piedmont Park and Brook Run Park as there's always some awesome outdoor fun to be had!

Q: What can kids do for free on weekends in Atlanta?
A: Check local libraries, rec and community center calendars for free art projects, shows, and festivals.

Q: Are there free museums or attractions for kids in Atlanta?
A: YES! Many Atlanta museums have free admission days (also perfect for rainy and cold days). Check out our Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Atlanta for more details! Fernbank Science Center is always free and always a good time.

Q: What are some free things to do in Atlanta with toddlers?
A: Storytimes, splash pads, indoor playgrounds, and nature walks are all toddler-friendly and free. We've got the best free playgrounds for toddlers to help plan for these little kiddos!

Q: What's the best time to visit free attractions in Atlanta?
A: Mornings on weekdays are often least crowded; summer weekends can be busy because of vacation plans, so plan ahead.

Unless noted, photos by the author