Atlanta CityPASS & Money-Saving Tips for Families

Hi friends, Kiersten here! With three kids, a single Atlanta day at the big attractions could easily cost our family $300+. After years of fine-tuning, here's exactly how the Brook family does Atlanta on a smarter budget.

THE ATLANTA CITYPASS — IS IT WORTH IT?

YES, if you're hitting at least 3 of the included attractions. The CityPASS bundles the Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola + 2 more (Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank, College Football HOF, or Center for Puppetry Arts). For a family of four, you save roughly $80-120 versus buying tickets separately. Buy it BEFORE you arrive — not at the gate.

FREE & ALMOST-FREE GEMS:

• Centennial Olympic Park — totally free, splash fountain, Ferris wheel views, picnic-friendly

• Piedmont Park — free, huge playground, dog-watching, paddle boats on Lake Clara Meer

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail — free, public art, food trucks, free entertainment

• MLK National Historical Park — free, including Dr. King's birth home tours

• Ponce City Market — free to wander, food hall has $5-10 kid meals

• High Museum — FREE second Sunday of every month

• Atlanta History Center — free for ages 3 and under always; library card holders get free passes from many GA libraries

KIDS-EAT-FREE SPOTS WE LOVE:

• Stevi B's Pizza — kids eat free Tuesdays

• Moe's Southwest Grill — kids eat free Sundays in many locations

• Fellini's Pizza — cheap by the slice and a local Atlanta institution

• Ponce City Market food hall — split a Hop's Chicken sandwich, plenty for two kids

MAMA HACKS:

• Library cards from Fulton, DeKalb, or Cobb County libraries get you free or discounted passes to Fernbank, the History Center, and the Botanical Garden. If you have a library card from your home state, ASK if there's reciprocity.

• Buy attraction tickets through Costco or AAA for 10-20% off.

• Bring your own water bottles and snacks — you can refill water everywhere and most attractions allow outside snacks (the Aquarium does!).

• Skip the gift shops by setting a "one souvenir per trip" rule. We use the penny-press machines for $0.51 keepsakes and call it a day.

BEST FOR: Families of 3+ visiting for 3+ days. If you're only here for a layover or one day, the CityPASS doesn't pencil out.