Atlanta and its surrounding areas offer a bevy and f outdoor fun, from urban exploration, water adventures, hiking challenges, and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Whether you’re a local or visitor, these activities highlight the city’s “City in a Forest” vibe, blending natural beauty with excitement. We’ve got just the things to do, whether it’s a month from now or this weekend.
In 2026, whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or a full-day adventure, the areas surrounding Atlanta offer world-class hiking, water sports, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives—all within 1-2 hours.
Many options remain free or low-cost, making it simple to explore mountains, rivers, lakes, and state parks without breaking the bank.
Here Are Things To Do Outside In Atlanta
All the outdoorsy adventure you could want is right there, and some of it is free or cheap. This article is going to show you some of the best fun things to do outdoors inside and outside Atlanta.
But if you want to stray from 285 a bit, here are several cool outings that you can get into with your BFF, significant other or your family and it will be free or be pretty cheap.
Run Through A Corn Maze
Take the family or friends just outside Atlanta to a corn maze for some awesome outdoors fun. Here are some of the best corn mazes near Atlanta.
Go On A Wild Animal Safari
If you want to see zebras, big cats and the whole wild nines, there’s no better place than Wild Animal Safari.
From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can travel through the 3.5-mile drive experiencing hundreds of animals you’d see in different spots around the world.
At Wild Animal Safari, many of the animals will come right up to your vehicle for a greeting. That means you could find yourself up close with a bison, camel, a watusi, a zebra.
How Much Does Wild Animal Safari Cost?
Prices for Wild Animal Safari range from around $25 to $29 per individual. Here is a price breakdown:
| Admission | Gate Price | Online Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult – Single Admission | $29 | |
| Seniors – 65+ | $24 | |
| Children (3 – 12) | $24 | |
| Toddlers (2 & Under) | Free |
Wild Animal Safari charges $5.25 a bag for animal food.
Wild Animal Safari boasts more than 75 species spread out over 500 acres and your kids will love it. too.
North Georgia Day Trips: Helen, Blue Ridge & Dahlonega
- Helen (1.5 hours): Bavarian-style village with mountain views, tubing on the Chattahoochee, and hiking.
- Blue Ridge (1.5–2 hours): Scenic railway rides, orchards, trout fishing, and cooler mountain air.
- Dahlonega (1.5 hours): Wine country tastings with vineyard hikes and Gold Rush history.
These charming towns make perfect 2026 day trips combining outdoors with dining and shopping.
Okefenokee Swamp Park (Longer Adventure)
Four hours south in Waycross, glide through prehistoric swamps teeming with alligators on guided boat tours. Each trip varies with wildlife and guide stories. Admission fees apply—check for 2026 rates.
Date Night River Trips
If you’ve ever wanted to be on the water with the one you love, you can do it right here in metro Atlanta. As a matter of fact, you can hit the waves at the Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30075. Tickets go fast for Canoe With CNC events, so act with haste.
Atlanta Beltline Walks
Running and walking the Beltline has become one of the city’s most fun activities. It’s also one of our best places for an early morning jog in Atlanta.
The Atlanta BeltLine—a 22-mile network of multi-use trails connecting 45 neighborhoods—continues expanding in 2026 toward full completion around 2030.
Walk, run, bike, or skate the Eastside and Westside Trails, passing street art, public parks, breweries, and hidden green spaces.
Join guided sunrise hikes or night walks for a unique vibe. It’s free, pet-friendly, and perfect for photography. Connect to Piedmont Park or the new Westside Park (former quarry site) for even more outdoor fun. Ideal for morning jogs or family outings.
This is an invigorating way to start your day and take in the colorful art installations. Hiking in the morning will boost your energy level and increase your ability to focus throughout the day.
Climb Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is the largest landmark in Georgia. Located in DeKalb County, the mountain provides some of the best views in the metro Atlanta area.
Just 20 minutes east of downtown, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction and a must-do for things to do outside Atlanta.
Tackle the challenging 1-mile Summit Trail up the 1,686-foot granite dome for panoramic skyline views. Prefer an easier option? Ride the Summit Skyride cable car.
In 2026, enjoy expanded trails, the scenic railroad loop, and evening laser light shows. Early mornings beat the crowds. Entry fees apply; check for current rates and events.
Tackle the 1-mile Summit Trail up the iconic 1,686-foot granite dome for panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline. The steep, rocky path tests your endurance, and at the top, you can catch the evening laser light show. It’s a classic adventure just 20 minutes east of downtown. Expect crowds on weekends, but early mornings offer solitude.
Take A Self-Guided Tour Of Oakland Cemetery
The historic cemetery just east of Atlanta’s center has a literal who’s who of Atlanta and Georgia nobility, and it’s all there to see. If you’ve got a pair of walking shoes and want to see the names behind Atlanta history, you don’t need a tour guide (Although their audio tours are great). The cemetery is located at 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Park located in the center of downtown Atlanta rose at the height of the city’s resurgence on the national scene. Gifted with the 1996 Summer Games, Atlanta build up and build out and never looked back. Today, the most visible vestige of that momentous time still stands with Centennial Olympic Park.
Want to get out in downtown Atlanta? Tour the grounds and see water spouts that delight the kids, historic markers and red clay bricks that mark the philanthropic effort the area’s families engaged in to make the city a winner.
Hike Arabia Mountain
Venture 20 minutes east to this national heritage area for a 2-5 mile hike over ancient granite outcrops, meadows, and along the South River. Look for diamond mines, paddle the river, or geocache—it’s less crowded than Stone Mountain but equally rewarding with 360-degree views and biodiversity.
Ride The Skyview Ferris Wheel
A heartbeat away from the Olympic Park landmark is one of the newest attractions downtown, the Skyview Ferris Wheel.
Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, the SkyView Ferris wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas.
How Much Does The Skyview Ferris Wheel Cost?
If you’re wondering how much does the Skyview Ferris Wheel costs, here are the prices:
- Adults pay $14.50 plus tax
- Seniors (65+) pay $12.50 plus tax
- Children pay $9.50 plus tax
- Kids under age 2 are FREE
Zip Line At Historic Banning Mills
Soar across Georgia’s longest zip line canopy tour (over 39,000 feet total) in the Chattahoochee Hills, 45 minutes southwest of Atlanta. This Guinness World Record experience includes aerial obstacles, a massive climbing wall, and kayaking options. It’s ideal for thrill-seekers looking for a full-day eco-adventure with treehouse stays available.
Guided Swamp Tours
About four hours from Atlanta, you can tour some of Georgia’s most swampy waters in Waycross, Georgia. There in the Okefenokee Swamp Park, visitors will be instantly transported into a prehistoric environment, populated by living dinosaurs – alligators. Tour routes may vary with water levels, weather, and wildlife activity.
Every tour is different as each guide brings his or her own perspective to your swamp experience. Most of our guides have family roots in the Okefenokee, they were born and raised here, and several have been leading swamp trips for 30 years or more. Here’s the price of admission.
Visit Great Wolf Lodge
This indoor water park is about an hour from Atlanta in LaGrange, but it’s worth the drive. At Great Wolf Lodge, there are tons of kids activities to engage in, from Storytime to the Camp H.O.W.L. Kids Club to the Lunch Lineup and more. There’s also shopping and dining at several restaurants and stores on the lodge.
Here are directions from Atlanta to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Georgia.
You can save 25% when you stay two or more nights at Great Wolf Lodge. Also, you can save 50% when you book more than 60 days out! Read more.
Walk Up Amicalola Falls
Don’t go chasing waterfalls, at least not unless it’s the Amicalola, which is Cherokee for “tumbling waters.” The falls are comprised of seven cascades at Amicalola Falls State Park. At 729 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the state.
Located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains north of Dawsonville, the park and falls are a perfect family destination for the adventure set.
Here are some other Georgia state parks to visit.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Known as that fancy schmancy place where cool people have weddings and dinner parties, Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful venues in Atlanta. Everywhere you look, there’s lush greenery and blooms. Spread out across 30 acres in Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden has special events on the regular and is a great place to catch some fresh air and admire nature’s beauty.
Go Fishing
If you have your fishing license, visit one of Georgia’s lakes and go fishing. Here are the top spots to go fishing in Georgia.
Know of any other cool spots in metro Atlanta or Georgia? Let us know in the comments.
Pro Tips for Outdoor Adventures Near Atlanta in 2026:
- Check Georgia State Parks for First Day Hike events or annual passes to save on multiple visits.
- Download apps for trail maps (AllTrails) and real-time river conditions.
- Visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like Stone Mountain.
- Pack water, sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy shoes. Many areas offer free parking or low entry fees.
- For the latest updates on trails, events, or weather, visit exploregeorgia.org or individual park sites.
Atlanta’s surrounding outdoors deliver adventure for every fitness level and interest—whether it’s a free BeltLine stroll or an adrenaline-fueled zip-line. Plan your 2026 escape today and experience why Georgia ranks high for outdoor recreation.
Final Word
Believe it or not, a lot of people still haven’t ventured outside much in more than two years. Are you ready to enjoy Atlanta’s great outdoors? There are a lot of fun things to do and sights to see!
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. The Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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