As summer fades into fall, Metro Atlanta is buzzing with excitement for Kids Free September, a month-long celebration offering free admission and activities for children at some of the region’s top attractions.
This annual promotion, running from September 2 through September 30, 2025, invites families to explore educational, cultural, and outdoor experiences without breaking the bank.
What Is Kids Free September?
Below is your guide to the best free activities and places for kids in Metro Atlanta this September, perfect for creating lasting memories with your little ones.
Atlanta Attractions Offering Free Admission for Kids
Many of Atlanta’s premier attractions are participating in Kids Free September, offering free or discounted admission for children with the purchase of an adult ticket. Note that some offers exclude special events, group bookings, or other promotions, and most are valid only after Labor Day (September 2). Always check the attraction’s website for specific terms and conditions.
Georgia Aquarium
Dive into an underwater adventure at the Georgia Aquarium, where kids can explore marine life from sharks to penguins. For September 2025, purchase a general admission ticket online and receive a free child’s admission (ages 3-12). This offer is valid online only from September 2 to September 30 and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Georgia Aquarium review: What To Know, What To Do
College Football Hall of Fame
Get in the game with a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame! Throughout September (excluding Labor Day, September 1), one adult ticket purchase grants one free child’s ticket (ages 12 and under) for weekday visits.
Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits, inflatables, games, and mascot appearances, especially during the Football Fest and Free Day on August 30, 2025, which kicks off the season with free admission for all.
High Museum of Art
Art lovers can explore the High Museum’s renowned collection, including works by Faith Ringgold. Children ages 5 and under are always free, but September brings additional savings with a Family Saver offer: 20% off two or more general admission tickets using promo code FAMILY2025. Additionally, the second Sunday of the month (September 14, 2025) offers free admission for all from noon to 5 p.m., with SmARTbox activities for kids ages 2-12.
Zoo Atlanta
Roar into September with a special offer at Zoo Atlanta! Use code FALL25 at checkout to receive $15 off a membership plus one free month, granting unlimited daytime admission, including October’s Boo at the Zoo event. Kids under 3 are always free, making this a budget-friendly way to explore the zoo’s animals and exhibits.
Read our Atlanta Zoo Guide to find out what to see and do.
Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, join Sunday FUNday at the Carlos Museum for a free drop-in artmaking program. Families can create art, explore galleries, and connect past with present. This event celebrates Kids Free September with a buy-one-get-one-free admission deal (one adult ticket includes one free child’s ticket), valid for walk-in visits from September 1 to September 30 (excluding September 27).
Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Kids 16 and under enjoy free admission year-round at the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, in keeping with the wishes of former President Jimmy Carter. Families can explore the Oval Office replica, historical exhibits, and 35 acres of ponds and grounds with a Nature Journal. This is a perfect spot for an educational outing any day in September.
Free Outdoor and Cultural Activities
Metro Atlanta’s parks, nature preserves, and historic sites offer endless opportunities for free family fun. These destinations are ideal for kids to burn off energy while learning about history, nature, and culture.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta’s oldest public park, Oakland Cemetery, is free to visit and spans 48 acres of history, gardens, and architecture. Kids can explore the grounds, learn about notable figures like Civil War soldiers and golfing legend Bobby Jones, and enjoy the natural beauty of ancient oaks and magnolias.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
This 35-acre, family-friendly park is free and offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Families can take free guided tours of Dr. King’s birth home (timed tickets required) and explore landmarks, monuments, and exhibits at the Visitor Center or King Center.
Piedmont Park
A favorite for Atlanta families, Piedmont Park offers free access to playgrounds, green spaces, and walking trails.
On July 26, 2025, the park hosts a free ice cream festival with music and kids’ activities, but its playgrounds and open spaces are perfect for September outings too. Check the park’s calendar for additional free events.
Dunwoody Nature Center
Open from sunrise to sunset, this 22-acre nature center offers free admission to hiking trails, playgrounds, tree swings, and more. Join the guided hike on the first Saturday of September (September 6, 2025) for a family-friendly exploration of the shaded grounds.
Big Creek Greenway
For active families, the Big Creek Greenway provides shaded bike paths and walking trails for free family fun. This scenic trail is perfect for biking, walking, or simply enjoying nature together.
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Located 20 miles east of downtown Atlanta, this 2,000-acre preserve offers free access to hiking trails, lakes, and a nature preserve. Kids can fish, bike, or join interpretive hikes to learn about the area’s unique ecosystem. Don’t forget to grab a National Parks Passport Book stamp!
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
In Johns Creek, this 46-acre preserve offers free access to three miles of trails, animal exhibits (featuring Pebbles the tortoise and Maggie the goat), and Heritage Village buildings. Check their calendar for free family activities throughout September.
Additional Free Activities
- Library Storytimes: Visit kid-focused bookstores like Little Shop of Stories in Decatur or Virginia Highland Books for free storytimes throughout September. These cozy events spark a love for reading in young children.
- Atlanta BeltLine: This urban trail is free to explore and offers a unique way to see public art, parks, and city views. Kids will love the open spaces and vibrant murals.
- Woodruff Park Playground: Located in downtown Atlanta, this ATL-themed playground with climbing walls, slides, and spinners is free and perfect for kids to burn off energy.
Final Word
Remember to plan ahead. Some attractions require online ticket purchases or reservations (e.g., Georgia Aquarium, MLK birth home tours). Many free locations, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Woodruff Park, are near downtown, making it easy to visit multiple spots in one day.
But that’s not all: Georgia has some beautiful state parks you can check out along the way. Here’s a guide.
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