Built specifically for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Park contains 21 acres of free activities for locals and tourists. In addition to hiking, biking and enjoying the flora and fauna, visitors can visit the Olympic Fountain of Rings, enjoy an event at the Southern Company Amphitheater, skate in the ice rink or watch the children have fun in the park's playgrounds. The park is home to several weekly and annual events, including Music @ Noon, Wednesday WindDown, 4th Saturday Family Fun Days and the holiday season's Holiday in Lights.
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave. West NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
404-222-7275
centennialpark.com
Those seeking to relive a bit of history around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family can visit The King Center. You can obtain free tickets at the Visitor's Center before heading inside to relive some of the country's history during the civil rights movement through videos and exhibits. Once through the center, be sure to visit the outdoor manicured gardens. Dr. King's birthplace is located next door to the center. Tickets are free, but are limited on a first-come first-served basis. You can also visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, also located next to the center, to see the place where Dr. King served as pastor for many years.
The King Center
449 Auburn Ave., NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-526-8900
thekingcenter.org
Three Atlanta biking buddies were the inspiration behind Path, a series of interlinking trails running through Metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties. The Silver Comet and the Chief Ladiga Trail provide outdoor enthusiasts with a 95.5 mile-long continuous trail that stretches from Atlanta to Anniston, Alabama. Along the way, visitors can take advantage of the dog parks, picnic areas, campgrounds and other outdoor amenities.
Path Foundation
P.O. Box 14327
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-875-7284
pathfoundation.org
The Fernbank Science Center contains enough exhibits and activities to keep groups of any age busy for the day. Explore the history of the Hubble telescope in the Fernbank Observatory, take a guided tour of the constellations, explore the Fernbank forest or discover the prehistoric past with the Dinosaurs in the Sky program. The center adds new programs and exhibits frequently, like Nature Into Art, Science Night Out or Exploring Nature with Your Child, so pick up a program book before you begin your tour.
Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30307
678-874-7102
fsc.fernbank.edu
