Best Free Museums and Cultural Spots for Kids in Atlanta

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 toys, so be prepared for kids to beg.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

Fun Spots Kids Can Play Indoors for Free in Atlanta

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

10. Mall Playgrounds - Various Locations

Lots of Atlanta malls 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 play area at Avalon in Alpharetta, which has indoor and outdoor climbing areas. 

11. 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.

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

12. 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. 

13. Free Bowling

Atlanta's summer rainstorms can seem endless, so avoid getting wet by squeezing in some FREE rounds of bowling...with the help of the Kids Bowl Free program. Check your area for participating bowling alleys.

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

14. 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.

15. 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 19, 2026. 

16. 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.

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. Kids Skate Free

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

19. 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.

20. Governor's Mansion Tour - Buckhead

Public tours of the governor's mansion run February-October on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am-11:30am. This tour is a hybrid of both a guided and self-guided tour, with docents stationed throughout the collection to answer any questions.

What Are Some Cool (and Totally Free) Indoor Events for Families in Atlanta?

21. Sunday FUNdays at Michael C. Carlos Museum - Emory

On certain Sundays, the Michael C. Carlos museum offers free admission and drop-in studio activities for families from 12 - 4 p.m.

22. Kids Workshops at Home Depot - Various Locations

On the first Saturday of each month, Atlanta-area Home Depot locations offer free, in-person kids' workshops.

23. VaHi Kids Storytime - Virginia Highland

Every Tuesday, kids and caregivers are invited to Virginia Highland Books for a lively storytime!

24. Carter's DIY Days - Buckhead & Alpharetta

Mini mastercrafters (ages 3+) can try out free hands-on DIY workshops in partnership with KiwiCo the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm.

25. 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. 

Which Free Indoor Spots Are Best for Toddlers vs. Teens?

Toddler Pick: Libraries – Various locations

Atlanta libraries are great indoor spots for toddlers because of the many age-appropriate (and FREE) activities offered throughout the year. Plus, toddlers love exploring the children's section of the library with minimal direction.

Elementary Pick: Mall Playgrounds - Various locations

Avoid cold and rainy weather while expelling your child's energy at indoor mall playgrounds. Some of our favorite spots include North Point Mall in Alpharetta and Mall of Georgia in Buford.

Tween/Teen Pick: Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

Teens and tweens love perusing one of the coolest spots in Atlanta: Ponce City Market. This intown attraction is a place to see and be seen, with its massive food hall, trendy shops, and fun events (anyone up for skating)!

FAQ: Free Indoor Places to Play in Atlanta

Q: What can kids do indoors for free in Atlanta?
A: Atlanta families have an awesome amount of free things to do indoors, including libraries, free museums, activity workshops, story hours for kids, and much more.

Q: Are there free indoor playgrounds in Atlanta?
A: Yes, there are a ton of indoor playgrounds at local malls. If you're a member of a community center (like the YMCA or MJCCA), you can play whenever; and many of these rec centers offer guest passes and/or free trials you can also use.

Q: Where can I go on a rainy day with kids in Atlanta?
A: Try local libraries, where staff offer fun activities based on age and interest -- we love Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library, Dunwoody Library, and Switzer Library in Marietta. Try free museum days, especially Second Sunday at the High, to better your culture and learn something new.

Q: What are the best free things to do indoors with toddlers in Atlanta?
A: As mentioned earlier, there is nothing better than the free activities at Atlanta libraries, including storytimes, art projects, age-appropriate play zones, and more for toddlers.

Q: Do museums in Atlanta have free days?
A: Many do! We've got all the details in our Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Atlanta. Some of our faves include Atlanta History Center and Tellus Science Museum.

Unless noted, photos by the author