Summer is wrapping up, but we can still squeeze a little fun out of it. There are many kid-friendly things to do in August. Best of all, they are 100% free. Here’s a list to get you started; be sure and share more ideas in the comments below.
Anytime in August:
Library Loan program – Head to your local participating library to check out the Georgia State Park ParkPass. It’s good for free parking at 46 state parks and free admission for up to four people at 17 state historic sites. (Including a Passport to Puppetry for the Center for Puppetry Arts.) Along with the ParkPass, you can check out a Discovery Backpack to use on your adventure.
Marietta Fire Museum – Take a free, self-guided tour of antique fire engines, then enjoy a stroll around historic Marietta Square. And here’s a bonus – kids eat free after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at nearby WR Social House. The museum is located at 112 Haynes St NE, Fire Station Ste 1, Marietta, and is open weekdays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Noah’s Ark – See exotic animals up close! Noah’s Ark Sanctuary offers free, self-guided tours from 12:00-3:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. It located at 712 L G Griffin Road in Locust Grove.
Fernbank Science Center – Learn about animals and all things space. The sky, the earth, the sun, the moon, the universe. Bring lunch to enjoy on the grounds after. There are free public observations at The Buice Observatory every Thursday and Friday evening from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m., weather permitting. The Fernbank is located at 156 Heaton Park Dr, in Atlanta.
Young Eagles Flight Program – Kids age 8-17 can receive free instruction on flying an airplane, and then take a 20-minute ride with their instructor. There are Young Eagle opportunities all over Georgia. Visit their website to find the closest one to you. If you are in Lawrenceville, check out the Young Eagles Day on August 18.
Piedmont Park Pool – Swim for free, Monday-Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. And don’t miss the Legacy Fountain Splash Pad with over 70 jets and LED lights!
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – Spend an afternoon learning about the life and legacy of civil rights champion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids ages 9-12 can become Junior Rangers. The Park is located at 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, in Atlanta.
Date-Specific:
August 4 – Old Soldiers Day Parade – The City of Alpharetta and American Legion Post 201 host this event to honor the service of our war veterans. The day begins with a band performance, followed by a memorial and then a parade. Stay and enjoy free Varsity hot dogs and soft drinks and a variety of children’s entertainment options. The event starts out on Roswell Street and ends at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road.
August 4 and 18 – Flic-Nic – Pack up your children, your pets and your picnic baskets for movie night at Candler Park. August 4 is Jumanji and August 18 is Black Panther. The Park is located at 599 Candler Park Dr. NE in Atlanta.
August 10, August 18, August 25 – Georgia Movies in the Park – Visit parks in Canton, Dawsonville and Woodstock for popular kids’ movies under the night sky. Visit the website for times and locations.
August 12 – Second Sundays at the High Museum – Everyone gets in free to the High on the second Sunday each month. They even have special family programming from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Don’t forget to check out a Discovery Backpack! The museum is located at 280 Peachtree St NE in Atlanta.
August 12 – Concert by the Springs – Grab a blanket and cooler and get your 80’s groove on with this outdoor concert by Electric Avenue. The concert will be held from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Green on The Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road.
August 18-19 – Piedmont Park Arts Festival – Come to Piedmont Park to enjoy all mediums of art, music and a special play area for kids.
August 25-26 – Grant Park Summer Shade Festival – You’ll hear music all day, and there is a Kids Zone, featuring storytellers, puppet shows, art activities, a bungee jump, and more.
August 26 – 3rd Annual GSU|Perimeter College Plays in a Day Festival – College students write, rehearse, and perform an original work in just 24 hours. The show takes place at the Perimeter College Clarkston campus, Building F, at 8:00 p.m. Address is 55 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021.
August 26 – Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education 7th annual Healthy Living Day – Join the Atlanta Ballet for an all-day healthy living celebration. Folks from 1-100 can choose from arts & crafts, dance classes, healthy living seminars and a book fair. Classes take place from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, located at 1695 Marietta Boulevard NW in Atlanta.
August 31-September 2 – The Decatur Book Festival – There is something for everyone, but for the kiddos, this is their chance to meet the authors of some of their favorite books, such as Ivy and Bean, The Penderwicks, and Rick Riordan Presents, and explore subjects such as historical fiction, fairy tales, families, and more. Check out their website for locations and parking.
TBD – Contemporary Kids – One Sunday each month, the Atlanta Contemporary Museum introduces children and their parents to contemporary art and artists through approachable media and hands-on activities. Be sure to RSVP. Visit their website for August’s date (likely August 26.)
