Atlanta is a great place to raise children, particularly because of the number of incredible cultural attractions that are available. While there are many free amenities here, other places can be quite expensive for an entire family. For instance, a day at the world-famous Georgia Aquarium is quite amazing, but will set you back over $150 for a family of four (two adults and two children over age 3)! Want to get in on the action at no cost? Check out my list of ways to visit some of Atlanta’s top attractions for free!
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. N.W, Atlanta
404-581-4151
On your birthday, all Georgia residents can visit the Georgia Aquarium for free! To claim your free Total Ticket, just bring either your ID or birth certificate to the ticket window and enjoy free access to all of the galleries and shows.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta
404-624-5600
During a special weekend in August, Fulton County residents can enjoy a free day at Zoo Atlanta. Visit the website for more information. Not a Fulton County resident? You’re still in luck as long as you have a valid library card. Card holders from any of the participating libraries in the state can get free admission for four with the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass. Simply check out the Family Pass DVD. Once you return it, you will receive a receipt that you can show at the gate which is valid for seven days.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta
404-659-5437
Gotta love an attraction that has a dedicated page on their website to help you save money! And there are several ways to visit the award-winning Children’s Museum of Atlanta free of charge. The second Tuesday of each month is Target Free Second Tuesday. Between the hours of 1pm-6pm, admission is completely free. Get in line early as this is a very popular day at the museum. The next Target Free Tuesday is July 12. Click here for more info. Fulton County residents receive BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) tickets on the opening day of each feature exhibit. Just show proof of residency at the ticket counter. Bonus: Any veteran, active duty or reserve military members receive free admission on Memorial Day, July 4, Veterans Day, Flag Day and Armed Forces Day. You must present a valid military ID at the ticket counter. Click here for more info.
The World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St. N.W., Atlanta
404-676-5151
All veterans, active duty and reserve members of the armed forces receive complimentary admission to the World of Coca-Cola with a valid military ID.
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta
404-733-4400
On the first Saturday of every month, Fulton County residents receive free admission to the High Museum. Bank of America/Merrill Lynch debit or credit card also receive free admission (for the cardholder) on the first full Saturday and Sunday of each month as a part of the Museums on Us program. Active duty military personnel receive free admission Tuesdays-Saturdays. On Sundays, all military personnel (including veterans and reserve members) and their immediate families get free admission. You must show a valid military ID to take advantage of the offers. Anyone can save at the museum on Fridays from 4-9pm, when admission is 50% off.
The Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta
404-873-3089
Check out the Center for Puppetry Arts for free every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Work, play or live in Fulton County? On the first Saturday of each month, residents, employees and students all receive complementary admission. Check the website for more details. You can also secure free passes for four through the Georgia Public Library Passport to Puppetry program.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means St. N.W., Atlanta
404-688-1970
Every Thursday from 11 am-8 pm, you can visit ACAC for free!
Atlanta History Center
130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta
404-814-4000
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch debit or credit cardholders receive free admission to the Atlanta History Center every first full weekend of each month through the Museums on Us program. The offer is good only for the cardholder.
