Atlanta museums are great ways to spend a weekend with kids, especially during the cold winter and scorching summer. But if you don't have a membership, admission prices can add up quickly. Fortunately, we have the scoop on all of the FREE Atlanta museums as well as the ones that have certain free museum days throughout the year. Because isn't everything a little more enjoyable when it's free?!
Take note that many awesome Atlanta museums participate in the Museums on Us program, in which Bank of America cardholders and Merrill Lynch customers receive free admission to participating museums the first weekend of each month. It is a great national program to make use of during trips to other cities as well.
Latest Videos
Connatix video player
Whether your kids are interested in art, science, history, or even fire trucks, there's an Atlanta museum for them. Looking for more FREE fun? Then be sure to check out our Atlanta Free Things to Do With Kids Guide. To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters!
Tellus Science Museum is about an hour north of Atlanta and offers amazing exhibits. Photo by Rebecca Leffler
Free Museum Days in Atlanta: Specific Days in 2023
Center for Puppetry Arts
Fulton County residents and Fulton County government employees receive free museum admission on select dates (this does not include puppet shows and workshops). 2023 free admission dates are January 28, April 22, July 1, and October 7. Also, the center offers its Passport to Puppetry to any resident with a valid Georgia library card, where cardholders can reserve up to four free passes to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.
Tellus Science Museum
Kids love this Cartersville museum for its fossils, minerals, and science-in-motion exhibits. As part of Museums on Us, admission is free the first weekend of each month. Active military members are always free.
Atlanta History Center
Learn about Atlanta's rich culture, people, and history at this local treasure. Atlanta History Center is also home to the historic Cyclorama, an immersive painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta during The Civil War. As part of Museums on Us, admission is free the first weekend of each month.
During the High Museum's first free weekend each month, families enjoy special activities. Photo courtesy of the museum
High Museum of Art
Develop a love for the arts at the prestigious High Museum. The museum offers FREE admission on the second Sunday of each month from noon to 5pm with special family programming. Visitors still must have a reservation and a timed ticket to enter. Children under six are always free. As part of Museums on Us, admission is free the first weekend of each month.
Free Museum Days in Atlanta: Every Day
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The tribute to the Civil Rights leader is one of Atlanta's top tourist destinations and there is never a fee to visit. Currently all buildings are closed, but visitors can still do self-guided tours of the campus and see iconic sites such as King's birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
mediumrectangle-inline
mediumrectangle-inline
RELATED: 17 Free Things to Do in Atlanta on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places to Play
Fernbank Science Center
Admission to Fernbank Science Center is always free and a treat for kids to learn about science and astronomy.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Explore the legacy of the nation's 39th president, and the only Georgian ever to be president, amid a 30-acre greenspace. This is a free museum for kids 16 and younger, however there is an admission cost for adults and seniors (must be purchased online).
Atlanta Monetary Museum
Nothing like learning about money when you're saving money! The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta created this museum to teach young and old about the U.S. economy, the history of our money, and much more.
Georgia Capitol Museum
Our state's capitol has resumed tours so kids can learn about Georgia capitol's history and government. Admission is free for self-guided tours.
Marietta and Roswell Fire Museums
What kid doesn't love fire trucks?! At these similar facilities, kids can learn about the history and technology of fire fighting in Georgia for FREE.
mediumrectangle-inline
mediumrectangle-inline
The Museum of History and Holocaust Education seeks to teach about the past and heal the present. Photo courtesy of the museum
Museum of History and Holocaust Education
Located at Kennesaw State University, this important museum presents exhibits and educational resources about World War II and the Holocaust to promote dialogue about the past and how it affects today. Admission is free.
Museum of Aviation
Visit the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force and witness 20 aircraft on display and another 20 in renovation. Located next to Robins Air Force Base, this museum is closed on Sundays. Parking and admission are FREE.
National Infantry Museum
Located in Columbus, this free museum pays tribute to Army infantrymen and the country they serve. Visitors are encouraged to give donations and can watch films in the giant screen theater, experience combat simulators, and learn from interactive exhibits. The National Infantry Museum is closed on Mondays.