10 Things To Do In Atlanta For $10 Or Less

Atlanta is an historical and cultural hub. A great city to visit for any patron of the arts, history buff or outdoorsman, there are multiple things to do on any given day which are certainly worth your time. There is no need to worry about your finances while on vacation, just read about all the great events and activities you can experience for $10 or less. For those of you who on a very tight budget, some of the following suggestions are absolutely free to enjoy!

Check out the magical world known as the Center For Puppetry Arts. Not just for kids, the museum features an eclectic display of more than 1,000 puppets and posters of historical and cultural significance. A variety of puppets are available for viewing, including shadow puppets, rod puppets, hand puppets and marionettes! Of notable mention is a special exhibit titled T"he Life and Legacy of Jim Henson." An in-depth self guided tour is offered at an additional price. Learn more about Big Bird and Kermit the Frog, as well as the other characters you've come to know and love through film and television. Daily museum admission is $8 for adults and children. Visitors can enjoy Free Museum Thursdays every week from 1-3 p.m. Located at 1404 Spring Street NW. For more information, call 404-873-3391.

For an exciting night out on the town, visit Decatur Square. This quirky area, just six miles east of Downtown Atlanta, boasts over 200 charming shops, restaurants and galleries. Extremely walkable, Decatur Square is a convenient stop on the MARTA line. No matter when you visit, there's always a worthy event happening at Decatur Square, year-round festivals include the Arts Fest in May, the Beach Party in June and the Book Festival over Labor Day weekend.

Visit Atlantic Station. There's no place quite like this "city within a city." Atlantic Station provides numerous boutiques, sidewalk cafes and popular eateries for all to enjoy. One of the easiest sections of Atlanta to navigate, Atlantic Station offers free shuttle service to your favorite attractions, including the Arts Center and Millennium Gate. If beautiful architecture, artistic inspiration and a strong sense of community is what you seek, make sure to check out Atlantic Station. Located at 171 17th Street. For more information, call 404-733-1221.

Take a free stroll through trendy Cabbagetown. Encompassing six city blocks, just south of Inman Park, Cabbagetown developed around the Fulton Cotton and Bag Mill. The area embraces a strong Appalachian heritage, and features eye-catching architecture that draws visitors from far and wide. During the '80s and '90s, the neighborhood attracted many artists and musicians who in turn helped revitalize the surrounding community. The mill today has been renovated and serves as the country's largest residential loft community, housing artists, musicians and business professionals alike.

US history buffs will be delighted by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum! The attraction provides a great opportunity to hear about the life and times of our 39th president. Explore a replica of the Oval Office, check out special exhibits and listen to oral histories and interviews from the Carter White House. Guests can trace Carter's life from his 6th grade report card to his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. New exhibits are presented throughout the year. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students, and is free for those 16 and under. Located at 441 Freedom Parkway. Call 404-865-7100 for more information.

Explore the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. This dynamic institution features a range of ancient objects from Egypt, Rome, the Near East and the West. Collections of 19th and 20th century Sub-Saharan African art and European and American Renaissance artwork are also on permanent display. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 students and seniors and free for children 5 and under. Check their schedule for Free Friday Admission, which occurs one Friday each month. Located on the Emory University Campus. For more information, call 404-727-4282.

Spend a day at Underground Atlanta. For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, there's no place better than Underground Atlanta. Making use of the city's viaducts which were built over Atlanta's railroads, this attraction stretches over six blocks, offering daily entertainment, fortune telling, home-made treats and fabulous shopping. Guided tours and special performances will cost you a few bucks, but admission into the shopping plaza is free.

Experience hours of endless fun at Stone Mountain Park. This well-known park is home to the world's largest piece of exposed granite, and the longest running Lasershow in the country! A popular place for families to take their children, Stone Mountain offers over 3,000 acres of beautiful nature, kid-friendly recreational activities and plenty of special events. The aforementioned Lasershow is not to be missed. Recently re-mastered, this light spectacle is nothing short of dazzling. Complete with neon laser lights, characters, stories, graphics and fireworks, all choreographed to a special soundtrack, the Lasershow is something everyone can appreciate. Admission into the park is $10 per car.

Love to bargain shop? See what $10 will get you at the North Georgia Premium Outlets. We advise you do a lot of window shopping first, but you may just find a 2 For $10 deal, or a discount where you won't be spending very much on clothes, shoes, and accessories. This outlet mall is the Atlanta region's only upscale outlet. Save big at stores like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, J Crew and more. Located at 800 Highway 400 South in Dawsonville. For more information, call 706-216-3609.

Relax with your loved ones in the comfort and shade of Piedmont Park. With acres of lush woods, plenty of benches and tables for picnicking, walking, hiking and biking paths, and the Lake Clara Meer, there's so much to marvel at inside Piedmont Park. This park is centrally located between 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, and is connected to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Park admission is free. Please check schedule for special events.