10+ Free Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta during Summer Break

By Joleen Pete

Published May 30, 2023
Last Updated April 22, 2024

If summer break has you stressing over things to do with the kids, fret no more. These 10 ideas are sure to help you create great family memories without opening your wallet.

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Admission to the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is always free at Piedmont Park. Some street parking also is free. Enjoy good vibes, live music and free fitness events on July 27. Support local food and drink vendors, and treat yourself to something sweet.

Free Swim Hours at Piedmont Park

Pool season starts at the Piedmont Park pool on May 25. The Aquatic Center offers landscaped deck, concessions, lockers and a fun floating channel off the main pool. Visit the website for public paid admission pricing, season passes and hours. Swim for free at Piedmont Park from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Visit the Skatepark

If your child likes to pop ollies and tail slide, head over to Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, where sections of the park are marked as beginner, intermediate and advanced. The park is located along the Atlanta BeltLine and is free year-round. Be sure to read the safety guidelines online before your visit.

Explore the Atlanta BeltLine

And speaking of the Atlanta BeltLine — enjoy 22 miles of multiuse trails that are fun to explore and completely free. The entire family can enjoy walking, skating or biking the BeltLine together. Go on a self-guided tour of public art, search for Tiny Doors or stop off for a bite to eat at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market.

Spend the Day at Stone Mountain Park

You can easily spend the day (or several) at Stone Mountain Park. Hike up the one-mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain, visit the playground, have lunch together near the scenic Grist Mill and Covered Bridge, or go fishing in a 363-acre lake. Carpool and split the parking fee ($20 daily) or purchase an annual parking pass for $40 and visit all summer long. There are attractions available for a fee if you’re looking for more fun things to do this summer. Visit the website for details.

Summer Movies Outdoors in Atlanta

Add free outdoor movies in Atlanta to your summer to-do list. You can find family-friendly movies each month during Screen on the Green at Atlantic Station. Bring your own dinner or enjoy to-go options from many surrounding restaurants that may provide discounts for movie goers.

Explore and Play at Dunwoody Nature Center

Explore 22-acres of forest, playground and trails year round at Dunwoody Nature Center. On hot days kids can enjoy water play with a dip in the creek. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Parking is free.

Visit the High Museum of Art

There are so many ways to experience the High Museum of Art for free. On the second Sunday of each month, the High offers free admission for all visitors from 12 to 5 p.m. with special programming from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Bring the entire family and enjoy art-making activities and performances, in addition to viewing the exhibitions. Have a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card? Admission is free for those customers the first full weekend of every month on both Saturday and Sunday. All active and veteran military personnel, along with one guest, can receive free admission during regular admission hours. In addition, they’ll receive free parking in the Woodruff Arts Center deck with proof of service.

Get into Science at Fernbank Science Center

Admission to Fernbank Science Center (minus the planetarium) is free. Visitors can explore the center and its permanent exhibits on space and wild animals in addition to traveling exhibitions. The observatory is open for free public observations each Thursday and Friday from 9 to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Check out the Worlds of Puppetry Museum

Thanks to a partnership between the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Georgia Public Library Service, Atlantans with valid library cards can check out the center’s Passport to Puppetry at any participating public library in all 159 Georgia counties. The Passport to Puppetry offers up to four free passes to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.

Splash Pad Fun

The city of Atlanta has seven free splash pads, open May through October from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. including Historic Fourth Ward and Piedmont Park. Visit the website for a full list of locations.

If you have a bit of a budget for this summer, check out the ultimate list of things to do in Atlanta with kids for more fun ideas.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.