by Hope
There’s nothing quite like having all my kids under one roof again…especially when it’s to celebrate something as special as Princess’s college graduation! With the mid-week graduation ceremony now behind us, our extended family and friends have returned to their regularly scheduled lives. But now that the big celebration is over, History Buff, Gymnast and I will be crashing at Princess’s apartment in a super walkable area of downtown Atlanta. (Sea Cadet has to leave to return to his schooling and work after graduation tomorrow. And Beauty and her fiancé will to their own home about two hours from Atlanta. We will see them again this weekend.)
One thing about my crew: we love cooking. We’ve decided to make it our plan for the rest of the week — taking turns planning meals, grocery shopping, and cooking together. Honestly, it will probably one of the highlights of this trip. Add in the beautiful (if a little hot) spring weather, and we are soaking up every chance we get to be outside – walking through the city, finding patios to sit on, and laughing way too much.
Since we’re living our best budget-conscious lives, I thought I’d share some of the fun, low-cost and free things we’ve found to do around Atlanta as a family. Princess, Beauty, and I have been texting back and forth for weeks trying to come up with fun things to do that won’t break the bank. That is where this list comes from.
Whether you’re here for a big celebration or just a casual visit, there’s no shortage of ways to make amazing memories without spending a ton.
5 Free Things to Do in Atlanta
Piedmont Park — You can’t beat a stroll through Piedmont Park. Gorgeous green spaces, skyline views, and plenty of spots for a spontaneous frisbee game or picnic.
Atlanta BeltLine — Perfect for walking, biking, people-watching, and marveling at the murals and street art. It’s a whole vibe.
Centennial Olympic Park — Splash around the Fountain of Rings, wander the grounds, and soak up the history from the 1996 Olympics. We’ve been here multiple times. It’s home not only to a great green space, but also the World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium. (We decided to pass on both of these since we’ve been several times over the last 10ish years.)
Ponce City Market — Sure, you could spend a lot here, but just browsing the shops and people-watching is a blast on its own. This is one of my kids favorite places to go. I’m not sure any of them have ever bought anything, but it’s a really cool backdrop for picture taking. In fact, it’s where Gymnast chose to go for his 18th birthday a couple of years ago, just to take pictures. And they have a phenomenal ramen restaurant that everyone loves. Highly recommend. We went here while the extended family was in town this week.
The Carter Center Gardens — Beautiful, peaceful, and free to walk through — a lovely hidden gem. Those that have been reading me here for a while will remember that History Buff loves all things history (yes, explains his name.) So combining that with being outside. Yes, this is a definite plan for this week.
5 Low-Cost Things to Do in Atlanta
SkyView Atlanta — Ride the giant Ferris wheel downtown in Centennial Park! Tickets are under $20 and the views are worth it. We’ve done this at Navy Pier in Chicago before and it was really fun. It’s under consideration for the week.
Atlanta Botanical Garden — Not dirt-cheap, but if you time it right (check for discounts), it’s an absolutely gorgeous day out among the blooms. This is another family favorite. We’ve been multiple times. Princess and her friends have gone at least yearly. I made the mistake my first time going when nothing was blooming. And it’s pricey, at least to me. We are skipping this one this visit. But it is a beautiful place.
Krog Street Market — Grab an affordable bite to eat and wander the funky stalls. I’ve been here once, not actually to the market, but to visit a Texas favorite with Princess – Torchy’s Tacos. I’m hoping we can add this to our itinerary this week. I really enjoy the vibe when we went to eat and would love to explore further.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History — Offers discounted tickets on certain days and is an amazing way to spend an afternoon. If we have weather challenges, we might add this to our list. But since I used to work at the Field Museum in Chicago, well, not super excited about it. But it’s an option. Have you been? Recommend?
Atlanta Streetcar — It’s just a few bucks for a ticket, and you can hop on and off while exploring downtown. It’s not like a San Francisco Streetcar experience, but when it’s hot and you want to get out and visit lots of places without battling traffic and having to find parking, it’s a definite Yes! It’s on our list.
3 Unique Experiences in Atlanta
Tiny Doors ATL — Hunt for the whimsical tiny doors scattered all over the city. It’s a quirky scavenger hunt that’s perfect for all ages.
Trap Music Museum — A bold, cultural celebration of Atlanta’s music scene – Hip Hop Music museum! (It’s definitely more for older teens and adults.) This is 100% on our list. Plus, the escape room. I had hoped to do it with our larger group, but time just didn’t allow for it.
Jackson Street Bridge — Famous for its view of the Atlanta skyline (especially at sunset) and a great spot for iconic family selfies.
A day trip and family dinner planned
We’re also planning a quick day trip back to our tiny town to wrap up a few final things before I officially leave the state — a bittersweet, full-circle moment. Best of all, we’ll get to have a family dinner at Beauty and her fiancé’s house, a perfect way to close out this whirlwind chapter together.
There’s something extra sweet about finding simple ways to celebrate a huge milestone…cooking together, exploring the city, laughing through the heat, and soaking in the joy of being together. Atlanta has given us the perfect backdrop for it all.
If you’re visiting with your family on a budget, take it from me: the memories you make together are worth more than anything you could ever swipe a credit card for. And yes, I know that’s rich coming from me, but I’m telling you, this is a new chapter! A new me! Fresh start and new perspective!
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.