Free Things To Do in Atlanta on Cold, Rainy Days

1. Atlanta Monetary Museum - Atlanta

Learn about money in a cool way by visiting the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Visitors to the free museum will learn about the history of money, as well as the turbulent history of banking, the Federal Reserve's role in the econoy, and a view of the automated vault.

The trip to Babyland is free, however the gift shop is not.

2. Babyland General Hospital - Cleveland

Part museum, part retail store, part doll hospital, Babyland is THE place for Cabbage Patch Kids enthusiasts. Located in Cleveland, Georgia, Babyland is a toyland that shows Mother Cabbage on display beneath the Magic Crystal Tree, where babies are "born." Note: The tour ends in a massive retail shop that charges for a variety of toys, so be prepared for kids to beg.

Kids can climb on squirrels at Avalon's indoor and outdoor nature-theme play area. 

3. Mall playgrounds - Various locations

Lots of malls around Atlanta are great indoor places for kids to run around. Indoor playgrounds at malls like North Point Mall, Mall of Georgia, Cumberland Mall are good spots to let kids run out energy. We also love the recently-renovated play area at Avalon in Alpharetta, which has indoor and outdoor climbing areas. 

4. Marietta Fire Museum - Marietta

Learn about the history of Marietta Fire Department at the Marietta Fire Museum, with antique fire apparatuses, tools, and gear. The free attraction does accept donations, and interested visitors can schedule a tours.

5. Roswell Fire Museum - Roswell

Those in the Roswell area, visit the Roswell Fire Museum to see fire-related pictures, learn about the history of the city and the general fire service. The museum closes when station personnel leave to respond to an emergency.

6. High Museum of Art - Midtown

On the second Sunday of each month, families head to the High Museum of Art for Free admission for all visitors and family-friendly programming. 

7. Museum of Aviation - Warner Robins

Located right next to Robins Air Force Base, the Museum of Aviation includes four climate-controlled buildings that house historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles, cockpits, and exhibits. 

Bring the little ones to free storytime at Little Shop of Stories. Photo courtesy of the store

8. Little Shop of Stories - Decatur

Little Shop of Stories is the sweetest children's bookstore, always focused on young readers with special author engagements, events, and more. The bookstore hosts a free storytime every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

9. Tellus Science Museum - Cartersville

Bank of America card holders receive FREE admission on the first weekend of each month. Only the cardholder receives the free ticket.

10. Libraries - Various locations

Libraries are always a tried and true source of free entertainment. In addition to thousands of books to check out or read indoors, many Atlanta libraries offer free activities and events for kids and adults.

Before you choose your dish, make sure you peruse all the food stalls at Marietta Square Market.

11. Food Halls - Various locations

Stay dry and warm by perusing tasty food stalls at the various Atlanta food halls. Some generous food stalls offer free samples to entice hungry visitors; however, entrees do cost money.

12. Martin Luther King Jr. National Park - Atlanta

Visit the birth home and beloved church of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. at the national park site. Visit the free national park site this month especially, with the commemoration of MLK Day on January 15, 2024. 

13. Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

Ponce City Market is much more than just a food hall; this indoor/outdoor attraction is in a prime location, off the Atlanta Beltline, and features great shops, eateries, and entertainment spots. Standout spots for kids include Rhen's Nest Toy Shop and Posman Books, as well as the fun atop The Roof.

Look into the Passport to Puppetry deal for Georgia library card holders.

14. Center for Puppetry Arts - Midtown

Georgia library card holders can utilize the Passport to Puppetry program and get up to four free tickets to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. The venue also offers free admission to Fulton County residents on select dates. 

15. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) - Midtown

Kids ages 11 and under are free to visit the Museum of Design Atlanta. MODA is dedicated to the celebration of all things design, and always has amazing exhibits throughout the year. FYI, the museum also offers great summer camps and activities.

16. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum - Atlanta

The sprawling Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is free for kids 16 and under. This Atlanta attraction displays historical pages and materials from the Carter presidency, as well as a life-size replica of the Oval Office, a walk-through of the famed Camp David meetings, and serene lakes.

17. Your DeKalb Farmers Market - Decatur

Get a taste (literally) of global culture! Iconic DeKalb Farmers Market is an amazing place to show kids what other regions of the world eat, take a look at exotic ingredients, and learn about the beauty of outside cultures.

18. The Georgia Capitol Museum - Downtown

Head downtown to the Georgia Capitol to view one of the most important government buildings in the state. Tours teach visitors about Georgia's history and government in the city's famed gold-domed building.

19. Kids Skate Free

Check the Kids Skate Free website for participating skating rinks and which days kids get to skate for free.

20. H Mart - Doraville

Take your kids to H Mart and take a look at the coolest products from around the world. My kids love seeing all the global products, including different flavors of recognizable food items.

Unless noted, photos by the author