The Atlanta area is home to some great museums and attractions. But did you know that several offer FREE ADMISSION?
AMERICAN GIRL STORES FREE special events weekly. Check website for dates and times.
Anne Frank Museum: FREE Tuesday- Saturday. Closed on Mondays
This exhibit uses over 500 photographs to tell the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary while she hid with her family from the Nazis in Amsterdam. Anne grew up in Europe amidst the events that culminated in World War II and the Holocaust. Anne was one of millions murdered during the Holocaust. Her story is used as a lens to examine this period of history and the lessons it teaches. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, FREE TUES- SUNDAY! See website for hours.
The Contemporary exhibits consequential contemporary works by local, regional, national, and international artists. Thursday evenings also often feature programs such as lectures, gallery tours, film screenings, and much more. Museum is closed on Mondays.
Atlanta History Center: FREE admission the first full weekend each month through Museums On Us to Bank of America cardholders
Explore the award-winning exhibitions in Atlanta History Museum, the 1860s era Smith Family Farm property, the 1928 Swan House mansion, and 22 acres of gardens.
Atlanta Monetary Museum: FREE MON-FRIDAY 9AM-4PM
The museum features a display about the history of money; interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve's role in the economy; and a view of the bank's automated vault and cash processing areas. In addition, most group tours include a stop in the bank's boardroom.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve: FREE hiking trails and exhibits daily 8AM to dusk
Enjoy 46 acres of woodlands, nature trails, creek, pavilions, animal exhibits & historic buildings.Grounds are open daily 8am to dusk. Visitor Center open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.Information regarding classes, resources, and events are listed on our website.
BAPS Hindu Mandir (Temple): FREE 9AM to 6PM daily
This masterpiece of exquisite Indian design and workmanship is the largest Hindu Mandir in the United States.The Mandir is comprised of Turkish limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone. More than 34,000 individual stone pieces were carved by hand in India, shipped to the USA, and assembled in Lilburn like a giant jigsaw puzzle. The Mandir is completely etched with intricate carvings, depicting a mosaic of tales of inspiration, devotion, and historic figures from Hinduism. The best times to visit being from 9am to 12pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Visitors are also welcome to participate in a traditional Hindu ritual known as Arti which takes place at 11:15am each day.
Booth Western Art Museum: FREE every first Thursday each month from 4pm-8pm.
Booth Museum’s permanent collection contains Western art, Civil War art, Presidential letters and portraits. They also host a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year
“Caching Duluth” Geotour: FREE Geocashing Adventure every day!
Learn something unique about the City of Duluth in an exciting and new way. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants must navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. If participants take something, they must leave something of equal or greater value for other participants. The GeoTour stretches across ten square miles of Duluth, GA showcasing their unique history, award-winning parks and must-see hot spots! You will experience quite a bit on this tour from hidden gems within the City and new adventures.
Centennial Olympic Park : FREE every day!
The 21-acre park is the city's lasting legacy from the Centennial Olympic Games. Be sure to take a quick dash through the Fountain of Rings!
The Center for Puppetry Arts! Upcoming FREE Dates: July 14, October 13 & Jan 26
- FREE admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum on select dates, if you live, or attend school in Fulton County, or are a Gov't employee. Show proof of residency (GA Driver’s License or ID card), a student ID, or a Gov't employee ID card to get in free.
- Passport to Puppetry Library Loan Program: Check out this pass from your local library and in addition to four FREE museum admissions, you can attend a performance at the Center and/or participate in a Create-a-Puppet Workshop at a 25% discount, when space is available.
DeKalb Peachtree Airport - FREE every day!
Watch planes take off and land from benches within a playground. There is also a covered picnic shelter resembling an airplane hangar. 2000 Airport Road, Atlanta, GA 30341
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles - FREE Plane ride on 3rd Saturday each month!
EAA 690 Hangar, Sports Aviation Complex, Briscoe Field, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30045
Kids 8-17 can learn about aviation and take a free introductory flight (usually over Lake Lanier, or Stone Mountain) at the Chapter 690 hangar each third Saturday of the month, weather permitting.
The Westbrook and the Richards Gallery feature visual art exhibits that usually display original artwork or photography by contemporary and student artists. Monday-Friday, by appointment only. Please call 404-894-2787 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. to make an appointment. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Self-guided tours Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. include a history of the building and lawmaking process, the public galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate and the Georgia Capitol Museum.
Georgia's Governor invites you to tour the mansion and learn the true meaning of Southern hospitality. Public tours are conducted throughout the year. It is recommended that you arrive before 11:00 to allow enough time to complete the tour before the Mansion closes at 11:30 a.m.
ALSO: FREE admission the first full weekend each month through Museums On Us to Bank of America cardholders
Historic Oakland Cemetery FREE from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year!
At Oakland Cemetery from early builders, to Civil War soldiers, to leaders of industry, to Civil Rights pioneers, no matter where you turn, history surrounds you. It is a shining example of the “rural garden” cemetery movement of the 19th century. The garden cemetery featured winding paths, large shade trees, flowers, and shrubs, and appealing vistas. The garden cemetery concept was a forerunner of public park development in America. It is also a repository for stunning art and architecture. Elaborate mausoleums, soaring sculptures and effusive inscriptions speak of an age when the bereaved found consolation in extravagant expression. Impressive art and architecture can be seen in many styles: Victorian, Greek Revival, Gothic, Neo-classical, Egyptian and Exotic Revival. Several mausoleums feature stained glass windows from Tiffany Studios. Bronze urns over six feet high were cast at Gorham Manufacturing Company in New York, the first art foundry in America. There is a fee for Guided Tours if you decide to take one.
Kids' Workshops at Home Depot FREE kid's workshop on 1st Sat each month
The first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers free workshops, creating cool games and gifts. In addition to developing skills, kids will learn tool safety. No reservation required.
Offers free workshops, creating cool games and gifts. In addition to developing skills, kids will learn tool safety. Check website/local location for dates. Reservations required.
Lego Store at Sugarloaf Mills Mall; FREE mini LEGO build 1st Tuesday each month
Build a cool mini model and take it home after for free, once a month. Open to ages of 6-14. Must register in advance. Open to registered LEGO VIP members. Click here to sign up online or ask a brick specialist in store.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site FREE every day!
Open 7 Days a Week. The National Historic Site includes year-round tours of Dr. King's birth home, the church where his father preached, Ebenezer Baptist Church, his and wife Coretta Scott King's final resting places, the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and the Visitor Center exhibiting civil rights memorabilia.
The free tour includes a short film, then watch how those signature yellow jugs are made. Tour ends at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Make sure to bring some pocket change. A fresh scoop costs $1.50-$3.50. 1160 Broadway Ave., Braselton; 888-298-0396; Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; no tours Wednesdays.
Michael C Carlos Museum: FREE 1-4 pm every Thursday from June 7th - August 16, 2018
See our review HERE
In addition to the Egyptian and Greek exhibits, the museum also has some 17,000 artifacts from the Near East, Rome, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, as well as works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day.
Noah's Ark is a 250 acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted and neglected animals. A beautiful "park like" setting with paved pathways to bring your family and enjoy an afternoon out. We have a beautiful picnic area and playground. Wear your walking shoes, pack a lunch and come spend the day with us! 712 LG Griffin Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248
Shoot the 'Hooch!- FREE every day!
The Chattahoochee River is a great place to cool down after being in the heat of the South! Bring your own tube and enjoy some of the best, free summer fun known to man in the Chattahoochee River.
For rentals (tubes, kayaks, SUPs, return rides) try the following businesses for a fee: Shoot the 'Hooch in Roswell, or $10 River Tubing in Duluth. SUP, canoe rentals and guided trips are also available at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Stone Mountain Park Lasershow Spectacular! - FREE every night through August and Saturday nights through October
The Lasershow Spectacular is a not-to-be-missed Atlanta tradition that will wow your family with state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects. The Lasershow features lights, iconic music, lasers and epic fireworks. Plus, three flame cannons add a punch to the show by sending a trio of flames nearly one-hundred feet into the air. Parking is $15 per car.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs, GA 30122
One of Atlanta's most unusual and least known museums. Exhibits explain the evolution of the phone and its impact on daily life and the world's social and political development. Especially interesting for children growing up in an age of instant communication. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free. By appointment; email Diane Woodall at dw0616@att.com or call 404-223-3661. Midtown Center, 675 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta.
The museum’s exhibits open minds and ignite a passion for science. Come see minerals from all over the world, including some that glow! You can stand under a massive T-Rex and imagine what it was like when the Wright brothers took their first flight next to our full-size replica of their flyer. Kids can interact and learn in the Collins Family My Big Back Yard and pan for gems and dig up fossils to take home. The museum also features various special exhibits throughout the year featuring everything from model trains to incredible photos from space.
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