Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; guided tours most weekdays at 1pm and 2:30pm (September–May)
Georgia State Capitol · Atlanta
Every tour of the Gold Dome, including the Capitol Museum and Hall of Valor, is free. Walk in for a self-guided visit weekdays 8am to 5pm, or join a small-group guided tour, offered most weekdays at 1pm and 2:30pm from September through May. The public entrance is on Mitchell Street. Closed weekends and state holidays (including November 11, November 26–27 and December 25); groups of 25 or more should call ahead.
DeKalb County Schools' Fernbank Science Center has a free exhibit hall and free parking, with no reservation needed. It's open Monday to Wednesday noon–4pm, Thursday and Friday noon–10pm, and Saturday 10am–4pm; check the site for one-off closures. Planetarium shows are a separate paid ticket.
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (closed university holidays)
Museum of History and Holocaust Education, KSU Center · Atlanta
Kennesaw State University's Museum of History and Holocaust Education is free and open to the public, and so is parking. Exhibits are open weekdays 9am to 5pm at the KSU Center on Busbee Drive in Kennesaw, closed on university holidays.
Sun 9am–1pm; Mon 10am–1pm and 3–6pm; Tue and Thu 9am–12pm and 1:30–4pm; Wed 9am–12pm
Stone Mountain Community Food Center (Atlanta Community Food Bank)
The Atlanta Community Food Bank runs its own client-choice food pantry in Stone Mountain: you pick the groceries your household needs. Hours are Sunday 9am–1pm, Monday 10am–1pm and 3–6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am–noon and 1:30–4pm, and Wednesday 9am–noon (closed Friday and Saturday). There are no requirements to pick up food; you can come twice a month. Book an appointment by texting FOOD to 678-884-4564 or calling 478-394-4547. The Food Bank also helps with SNAP applications.
Verified Oct 27 · acfb.org
Catch: Appointment required: text FOOD to 678-884-4564 or call 478-394-4547 · Up to two pickups a month
Atlanta Monetary Museum, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's museum in Midtown covers the history of money and the Fed, and it's entirely free. Self-guided visits run weekdays 9am to 4pm, no reservation needed for groups under 10. Expect airport-style security with a metal detector; it's across 10th Street from Midtown MARTA, with no parking on site.
Sun 9am–1pm; Mon 10am–1pm and 3–6pm; Tue and Thu 9am–12pm and 1:30–4pm; Wed 9am–12pm
Marietta Community Food Center (Atlanta Community Food Bank)
The Atlanta Community Food Bank runs its own client-choice food pantry in Marietta: you pick the groceries your household needs. Hours are Sunday 9am–1pm, Monday 10am–1pm and 3–6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am–noon and 1:30–4pm, and Wednesday 9am–noon (closed Friday and Saturday). There are no requirements to pick up food; you can come twice a month. Book an appointment by texting FOOD to 404-334-5653 or calling 478-394-4547. The Food Bank also helps with SNAP applications.
Verified Oct 27 · acfb.org
Catch: Appointment required: text FOOD to 404-334-5653 or call 478-394-4547 · Up to two pickups a month
Sun 9am–1pm; Mon 10am–1pm and 3–6pm; Tue and Thu 9am–12pm and 1:30–4pm; Wed 9am–12pm
Jonesboro Community Food Center (Atlanta Community Food Bank)
The Atlanta Community Food Bank runs its own client-choice food pantry in Jonesboro: you pick the groceries your household needs. Hours are Sunday 9am–1pm, Monday 10am–1pm and 3–6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am–noon and 1:30–4pm, and Wednesday 9am–noon (closed Friday and Saturday). There are no requirements to pick up food; you can come twice a month. Book an appointment by texting FOOD to 404-994-3482 or calling 478-394-4547. The Food Bank also helps with SNAP applications.
Verified Oct 27 · acfb.org
Catch: Appointment required: text FOOD to 404-994-3482 or call 478-394-4547 · Up to two pickups a month
Sun 9am–1pm; Mon 10am–1pm and 3–6pm; Tue and Thu 9am–12pm and 1:30–4pm; Wed 9am–12pm
Atlanta Community Food Center (Atlanta Community Food Bank)
The Atlanta Community Food Bank runs its own client-choice food pantry in Atlanta: you pick the groceries your household needs. Hours are Sunday 9am–1pm, Monday 10am–1pm and 3–6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am–noon and 1:30–4pm, and Wednesday 9am–noon (closed Friday and Saturday). There are no requirements to pick up food; you can come twice a month. Book an appointment by texting FOOD to 404-474-0578 or calling 478-394-4547. The Food Bank also helps with SNAP applications.
Verified Oct 27 · acfb.org
Catch: Appointment required: text FOOD to 404-474-0578 or call 478-394-4547 · Up to two pickups a month
Thursdays and Fridays, 8–10pm (Nov–Feb hours; clear skies only)
Fernbank Science Center Observatory · Atlanta
Look through the 36-inch telescope at Fernbank Science Center's Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory, one of the largest built for public viewing. Free public observations run Thursday and Friday evenings, 8–10pm from November to February, but only when the sky is clear. Call 678-874-7102 half an hour before opening for an update, and dress for the weather since the dome isn't heated.
Roswell's police and fire departments host their annual Trunk or Treat at City Hall on Friday, October 30, 2026, 4–7pm: candy, games, police cars and fire trucks to explore, photo ops, a scavenger hunt and music. Costumes optional. Free and open to everyone.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park · Atlanta
Kennesaw Mountain normally charges a $5 daily entrance pass, but on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day) it's one of the National Park Service fee-free days. Hike the mountain and battlefield trails at no charge.
The Alive in Roswell street festival returns to Historic Canton Street and the Roswell Antique and Interiors lot on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5–9pm. This extra date replaces the June festival that was rained out. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome. Food and drinks are sold separately.
Downtown Alpharetta lights its Christmas tree on Saturday, November 21, 2026, as part of the city's Season of Celebration. Admission is free. Check the city's events page for the start time closer to the date.
Roswell lights its 40-foot Christmas tree at Heart of Roswell Park on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6–8pm. Expect choirs, hot chocolate, fire pits and s'mores, the mayor reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a visit from Santa. It's free and open to everyone.
The City of Mableton shows The Grinch (2018) on the lawn at Mableton Town Square Park on Friday, December 11, 2026. Doors open at 6pm and the movie runs 7–9pm. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, and coolers and snacks are allowed (no alcohol). Food vendors will be selling, and parking is free at Mableton Elementary and First Baptist Church. An optional free RSVP is on the city's event page.
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1–4pm, Mimosa Hall (next to the Christkindlmarket at Bulloch Hall) holds an afternoon of free winter holiday fun for kids: ornament making, stories, games and activities. Best for ages 4–10.
Georgia offers three free fishing days a year. On those days Georgia residents don't need a fishing license or a trout license to fish any public waters in the state, including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas. The waiver covers public waters across Georgia, including Georgia public waters (Atlanta area). Eligibility: Georgia residents.
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library lends a pass to the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art (formerly the Computer Museum of America) that covers four free general admissions. Seven-day loan, one renewal, once every six months.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds, first come first served) · One checkout every six months · Late fees if returned after the 7-day loan
Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University · Atlanta
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card holders can check out a pass that admits up to six people free to Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum. It covers general admission only, not audio tours or special exhibitions, and children must come with a parent. Pick it up at a branch and return it to the same branch within seven days.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds, first come first served) · One checkout every six months; general admission only · Late fees if returned after the 7-day loan
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card holders can borrow a Breman Museum pass good for four free general admissions. Seven-day loan, one renewal, once every six months.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds, first come first served) · One checkout every six months · Late fees if returned after the 7-day loan
Every Cobb County Public Library branch has a family pass to the Marietta History Center that admits up to six people free. Card holders borrow it for a week and can renew it for one more week.
Verified Oct 27 · cobbcounty.gov
Catch: Cobb County Public Library card; borrow the pass from a branch · General admission only, not special events · The venue may limit the pass to one use per year
Borrow the Chattahoochee Nature Center family pass from an Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branch and four people get in free. The pass is a 7-day loan with one renewal, and each card can use it once every six months.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds, first come first served) · One checkout every six months · Late fees if returned after the 7-day loan
Cobb County Public Library card holders can borrow a pass for free general admission for up to four people at Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw. It isn't valid for special events or exhibits.
Verified Oct 27 · cobbcounty.gov
Catch: Cobb County Public Library card; borrow the pass from a branch · General admission only, not special events · The venue may limit the pass to one use per year
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library lends an Alliance Theatre pass good for up to two tickets to performances on the Hertz Stage, Coca-Cola Stage and Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families, plus 50% off extra tickets for family shows. Tickets are first come, first served. One performance per checkout, twice a year.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds) · Designated stages only; tickets non-transferable · One performance per checkout; twice a year
An Atlanta-Fulton Public Library passport admits four people free to the World of Puppetry Museum at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Call the Center to schedule a date and time before you go. Shows aren't included (the pass only gives 25% off an all-inclusive ticket), and parking isn't covered.
Verified Oct 27 · fulcolibrary.org
Catch: Atlanta-Fulton Public Library card; borrow at a branch (no holds) · Call the Center (404-873-3391) to schedule your visit · Museum only: puppet shows are not free; parking not included · One checkout every six months
Cobb County Public Library card holders can borrow a pass for free general admission for up to four people at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. It isn't valid for special events or exhibits.
Verified Oct 27 · cobbcounty.gov
Catch: Cobb County Public Library card; borrow the pass from a branch · General admission only, not special events · The venue may limit the pass to one use per year
Adult DeKalb County Public Library card holders can borrow a pass for up to four free admissions to the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium at Fernbank Science Center, where shows normally cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. Check availability with your branch or the library catalog.
Verified Oct 27 · dekalblibrary.org
Catch: Adult DeKalb County Public Library card holders; borrow the pass from a branch · Up to two passes out at a time
On the second Sunday of every month the High Museum of Art in Midtown is free for everyone. The museum is open noon to 5pm on Sundays (last ticket at 4pm), with family-friendly programming from 1 to 4pm. Free tickets are handed out at the door. Parking in the Arts Center garage is not included.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park · Atlanta
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park on Auburn Avenue has no entrance fee, and no park pass is needed. Check the park's site for visitor center hours and tour availability before you go.
The King Center on Auburn Avenue holds the crypt of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, the Eternal Flame, a peace garden and Freedom Hall's exhibits on the Kings, Gandhi and Rosa Parks. Admission and parking are free, daily 10am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Trails daily, 8am–9pm; visitor center Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 12–4pm
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center · Johns Creek
Autrey Mill in Johns Creek has wooded trails, outdoor animal exhibits and a heritage village, and it's free to visit (donations welcome). The grounds and trails are open daily 8am to 9pm; the visitor center and farm museum open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday noon–4pm. Access can be limited during events, programs and summer camp.
The hand-carved marble and limestone Hindu temple in Lilburn is open to all visitors daily 9am–6pm, and entry is free. Clothing must cover shoulders and knees (wraps are provided), phones go off inside and photos are only allowed outside. The audio tour is an optional paid extra.
Historic Oakland Cemetery is free to visit from dawn to dusk every day. Download the free digital guide or map for a self-guided walk; guided tours and special events are ticketed separately. Parking in the lot across Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. is paid; street parking is nearby.
Atlanta-Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb public libraries all lend the Georgia State Parks ParkPass: a hang tag for free parking at state parks (normally $10 a visit) plus free admission to state historic sites. Borrow it from your own library system with your card; loans run about a week. Nearby options include Sweetwater Creek, Red Top Mountain and Etowah Indian Mounds.
Verified Oct 27 · cobbcounty.gov
Catch: Library card from Atlanta-Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb or DeKalb County Public Library; borrow from your own system · Historic-site pass covers 2 people (4 with Gwinnett); general admission only · Atlanta-Fulton: one checkout every six months; some parks excluded (Gwinnett)
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve · Atlanta
DeKalb County's 2,200-acre preserve in Stonecrest has granite outcrop hikes, trails and Arabia Lake, open dawn to dusk with no fee for parking or trails. Leashed dogs are welcome, and fishing at the lake needs a Georgia fishing license.
Verified Oct 27 · arabiaalliance.org
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