Fall in Atlanta brings picture-perfect days that are simply priceless. What better time to remind the tots that the best things in life are free? Forgo the expensive outings and enjoy these kid-friendly outings that won’t bust your budget.

  1. Bring the family to Fall Farm Day (on October 11th) at the Archibald Smith Plantation Home for a blast from the past. There will be activities centered on life on a 19th Century Farm including spinning, weaving, open hearth cooking, period games, a petting zoo, wagon rides and crafts. If you feel like spending a little money, there will also be gold and gem panning for $5.
  2. There’s lots of fall family fun to be had at AutumnFest in the quaint Tudor village of Avondale Estates the weekend of October 4th & 5th. You’ll find bands, a huge artist market, food trucks and of course a KidsZone—plus The Reptile Wagon and Whee Ahh Faerie Kin’s troop of merry elves and magical stilt walkers who will be frolicking through the festival. Be sure to check out AutumnEats, a fun feature with local chefs cooking up yummy treats with locally farmed and sourced ingredients
  3. On October 29th, come enjoy the music of Emory’s University Organist. Even the kiddos will appreciate Timothy Albrecht (who has spent 30 years with Emory), as he performs as Count Dracula. This event, Scary Ride! University Organist Recital Series is free with no ticket required.
  4. Sunday drive anyone? The Chattahoochee Forest, Cohutta Scenic Overlook is beautiful. From the top you can see the North Georgia Mountains and a full view of the forest. (Think amazing spot to see the leaves) Bring a picnic and enjoy a great fall outing with the littles. A super plus is you may have the place to yourselves, as it’s not very well known.
  5. On October 12th, head over to Zone of Light Studio for a free family event. J.P. Cox will be reading her new children’s book Millicent the Magnificent Hen.  Also, for more free family fun kids will be able to participate in a hands-on art activity, led by Ms. Cox.
  6. Fall festivals are fine, but how about a whole day just to honor kiddos? In the 1950’s the mayor of Roswell proclaimed the second Saturday of October a day to celebrate the city’s children and ever since The Youth Day Parade and festivities have been going strong. The  October 11th event is kicked off with a 5k, followed by a huge parade which leads to a festival in Roswell Area Park. Besides the usual festival fare of inflatable slides, moonwalks, and pony rides, kids 15 and under are treated to a free lunch (while they last)!
  7. Now that the weather is cooler, take the kiddos to a local farmer’s market for some free fall fun.  Don’t miss the impressive Atlanta State Farmer’s Market in Forest Park. It is considered one of the largest outdoor markets in the US at over 150 acres. The market is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It has a garden center, welcome centerand a restaurant on the property in case the littles get “hangry.”
  8. Join the Sandy Springs branch library this fall for Kids in the Kitchen! On Saturdays, October 25th and November 22nd the whole family will love this amazing free workshop. It promotes health and wellness by empowering children and their parents in a hands on environment that focuses on preparing healthy foods.
  9. Head out to The Festival on Ponce on October 18th & 19th. The little ones will get excited for this arts and crafts festival with over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts. There will also be a kid’s area and local food to purchase when the fam gets hungry.
  10. They say the best things in life are free—and nothing gets the giggles going like rolling down a good, grassy hill. When long lines and pricey admission tickets get you down, head to one of our favorite hilly spots for a few rounds of free fun.

What kind of free fun will you have this fall? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Avondale Estates AutumFestryan30305hoyasmeg,  jimmywayne and cam knows on Creative Commons via Flickr

Advertisement
phone-icon-vector
Your daily dose of joy and connection
Get the Tinybeans app