See, Do and Have Fun in Atlanta!

 By: Nia A.

Atlanta is a fun and a busy city, full of diverse cultures and heritage. Many people believe

that in order to have a great time in Atlanta, you have to spend a great deal of money.  I’m here to prove that myth wrong!  Here are ten fun things to do in Atlanta that will not break the bank and can be fun for the entire family! All of the activities below require adult supervision, please be sure to follow all safety guidelines, including internet safety to get the most out of your experience.

#1:  Search the local Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta webpage - Our Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta council has an awesome list of programs, activities and events scheduled year-round! Many activities are low cost or free of charge but do have limited space. Some events fill up fast! Programs are open to girls of all ages and Girl Scouts of all levels. Girl Scout events cool ways to meet new friends, so don’t be shy sign-up for events as a troop, with a friend or brave it and go alone, you never know who you may meet! gsgatl.org

#2: Kids' Workshops at Home Depot - The first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers free workshops, creating cool games and great home ware gifts.  In addition to developing skills, kids will learn tool safety. http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/

#3: Futon County Free Saturdays at the High Museum of Art - Walk-up admission to the High Museum of Art is free for Fulton County residents on the first Saturday of each month.  Tickets are subject to availability. Go to high.org for more information. Fulton County residents may view the High Museum's current exhibitions as well as the permanent collection.  Bank of America customers can also enjoy Free Museum days by participating in the Museums on Us® program for a weekend pass to more than 150 partnering museums nationwide. For More information http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

#4: Shoot the Hooch: Tubing in the Chattahoochee River - The Chattahoochee River is considered a National Recreation Area. Tubing in the Chattahoochee River is a popular activity. There are a number of companies that will rent tubes and provide transportation for those who want to go tubing in the Chattahoochee. You can also bring your own equipment for a totally free summer activity. http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/floattimes.htm

#5: Fernbank Science Center: Planetarium and Observatory - Stargazers and Astronomers alike will really enjoy the planetarium and observatory. The planetarium at Fernbank Science Center is a celestial theater that uses a Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector that projects images on the 70-ft diameter planetarium ceiling. http://www.fernbank.edu/planetarium.htm. The observatory houses the largest telescope in the southeast. Free public observations are offered every Thursday. http://www.fernbank.edu/observatory.htm

#6:  Stone Mountain Park - Visit Georgia's most popular attraction with the world's largest mass of exposed granite, Enjoy the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountain vision.  Park entry is only $10, which includes parking and access to the natural areas. Arrive early, parking can be limited. Consider making a day of it and have a family fitness challenge and climb the mountain. http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

#7: Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site - The National Historic Site includes year-round tours of Dr. King's birth home, the church where his father preached, Ebenezer Baptist Church, his and wife Coretta Scott King's final resting places, the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and the Visitor Center exhibiting civil rights memorabilia. http://www.thekingcenter.org/

#8:  Atlanta Cyclorama - See the world's largest diorama painting that revolves around viewers as it depicts the 1864 Civil War Battle of Atlanta. The program includes special lighting, sound effects, music, and narration (available in English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/

#9: Family Fun Days at Centennial Park - The fourth Saturday of each month, from noon-4 p.m., May – September, enjoy an afternoon of FREE family fun.  This event is full of activities including educational programming, specialty workshops, performances, contests, prizes and more. http://www.centennialpark.com/

#10: Historic Oakland Cemetery - Visit the grave sites of Civil War soldiers and historic figures of Georgia’s history free of charge. Twilight Tours of Historic Oakland Cemetery are also offered for a fee, these walking tours offer inside info on the more than 70,000 histories and mysteries interred at the historic cemetery.  The tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from March until October.  http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/