Thrifty Thursdays with Mel: Atlanta activities October 6-12

Happy fall, y’all! This is the best time of the year not only because of the cooler temperatures, but also because of the many great Atlanta activities going on, especially this week, October 6-12. If you need festive fun for your little ones, look no further than our weekly list of free and cheap activities throughout metro Atlanta and beyond.

THURSDAY
Story & Sing-a-long @ Hippo Hop
October 6
11 a.m.
FREE with admission
Head to the healthy, indoor play place for a story and sing-a-long every Thursday at 11 a.m. Free for adults and babies under one year old. For children aged 3-10 require $9 admission fee. Read more about Hippo Hop’s commitment to provide a safe, healthy environment for children to play here.
FRIDAY
FREE Teen Open Studio at The High
October 7t
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309
FREE!
Swing on by the High to find inspiration in the galleries and experiment with materials like charcoal, paint, metal, fabric, and duct tape in our studio! Projects will be different each month, and you’re welcome to bring in sewing projects you need help with. Teen Team members and Shannon Mulkey, founder of the Indie Craft Experience, are always around to lend a hand. Open Studio is a drop-in class! Come any time from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a teen-only event for high schoolers only. Admission to Open Studio and the Museum is FREE for high schoolers. Drinks and snacks provided. For more info, click here.

SATURDAY
Atlanta Parent Family Featival
October 8
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mercer University, Atlanta Campus
$5 per person
This event will feature over 50 family-friendly activities including a petting zoo and camel rides. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase advance tickets. Click here for more info.
SUNDAY
On The Same Page Day at Zoo Atlanta
October 9
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Zoo Atlanta hosts the official On The Same Page Day event featuring a special storytime, a sneak peek at a new play from Synchronicity Theatre, gorilla facts and fun! On The Same Page is a community reading initiative started by Little Shop of Stories. Mention “Ivan” the gate for $5 OFF regularly-priced general admission for up to four guests. The offer is valid in-person only (not valid online) and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. For a complete list of the schedule of activities click here.

MONDAY
Magic Monday at Atlanta History Center – Historic Halloween
October 10
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW | Atlanta, GA 30305-1366
$6.50 for adults; $5.50 for children
Preschoolers will be able to show off their favorite costumes in a Halloween parade, costume contests and trick-or-treating throughout the museum. They will also be able to make Halloween-themed art projects and listen to spooky tales. Each Magic Monday has a unique monthly theme and includes a guided exploration of one of our award-winning exhibitions, historic houses or Goizueta Gardens, as well as demonstrations, arts and crafts projects and story time.
Click here for more information.

TUESDAY
Target FREE Second Tuesdays @ the Children’s Museum
September 13
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Target Free Second Tuesday is a special opportunity for the community to bring their children to experience the Museum for FREE, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free admission is made possible through the generous support of Target on the second Tuesday of each month for visitors who may not have the opportunity to experience the museum or want to try the museum free of charge. Click here for more information.

WEDNESDAY
Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch
October 12
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FREE admission & hayride for kids in costume!
This deal is so good that it’s worth traveling OTP to Stockbridge. This pumpkin patch features a petting zoo, inflatable structures, a talking chicken show and more! Adults, $8, but for $3 extra you can upgrade to include the fun zone and a mini pumpkin to take home. On Wednesdays, kids dressed in costume get free admission and a hayride! For more info, click here.