By Explore Georgia

No matter where you call home, you’ll find an enjoyable escape in Georgia’s great cities, small towns, mountains, beaches and state and national parks. With endless energy, city sophistication and warm Southern hospitality, the metro Atlanta area is one of Georgia’s favorite destinations. And the most well-known attractions are also some of the area’s most affordable! Below are 10 free things to do that the whole family will enjoy. Get out and explore today. You’ll find even more travel inspiration for planning your own Georgia vacation at ExploreGeorgia.org.

#1: Arabia Mountain

At the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, located in DeKalb county, you can roam the mountain, farmland, lakes, hiking trails and a nature preserve on more than 2,000 acres of pristine land.

#2: The Atlanta BeltLine

Take a guided walking tour of the Atlanta BeltLine, a transit, trails and parks project connecting Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Enjoy fresh air, new city views, fascinating Atlanta history and every season along the multi-use system, which will comprise a 22-mile loop when completed.

#3: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center

At the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in Johns Creek, you can walk two miles of trails, see animal exhibits and tour buildings reminiscent of rural Georgia in Heritage Village.

#4: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Pay respects to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. The great civil rights leader grew up in a modest two-story home, preserved as it was when he was a child. Tour King’s birth home, visit the King Center and explore Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Historic District, the center of one of the city’s most important historical African-American communities.

#5: Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

See animals of all stripes at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Locust Grove. The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., when visitors can see an array of wild, exotic and domestic animals.

#6: Yellow River Park

Explore 566 acres of forests and wildflowers along the Yellow River at Gwinnett County’s Yellow River Park. You also can enjoy mountain biking, hiking and horse trails, as well as family-friendly playgrounds.

#7: Piedmont Park

In Midtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, children can play on a work of art or the restored Noguchi Playscape with slides, swings and seesaws. Take Fido for off-leash fun in the dog park area, stroll around Lake Clara Meer and along the paths of the 211-acre park’s green spaces and cool off in the free Legacy Fountain Splash Pad.

#8: High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art, Atlanta’s premier art museum, has more than 11,000 pieces, from African and folk art to photography and decorative art. Admission is free for everyone on the second Sunday of each month from noon to 5 p.m. Additionally, all active and veteran military personnel along with one guest are free every day.

#9: Centennial Olympic Park

Relax in the well-groomed 22-acre public park that pays homage to the 1996 Olympics, located in Downtown Atlanta. The park hosts a wide variety of free events all year.

#10: The Carter Center

Take a free stroll around the grounds of The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, where you’ll see the Circle of Flags from all 50 states, a rose garden, a Japanese garden and a beautiful koi pond. While entry into the venue costs $8 for adults, children 16 and under are free.

Explore Georgia is the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the state’s official destination marketing organization. For more information, visit ExploreGeorgia.org.