Free Attractions and Events for Mother's Day: Atlanta, GA

On May 10th, Mother's Day comes around once again. If you and your mother are getting together on this day, but you're a bit short on cash, you may be thinking: "What are some free options?"

If you happen to live in Atlanta, GA (or are visiting for the weekend), there are a number of great attractions to visit that are free of charge, or inexpensive at the very least. Below, in no particular order, are some of your best options:

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site: This memorial to Dr. King was established to honor the man's life and his great accomplishments. According to The National Park Service, the NHS was founded in 1980. Visitors are given a "GPS Ranger" that allows them to take a self-guided tour of the Sweet Auburn Area.

Included in the GPS' multimedia presentation are selections from Dr. King's famous speeches, and photos of the 1960-1980 Civil Rights Movement. The only cost incurred would be for the GPS, available for rent at $9.95. Using it, however, is entirely optional. More information is available at the National Park Service website.

2. Centennial Olympic Park: This historical park is fun for people of all ages. While they have events on specific days of the week, such as concerts and barbecues, a casual visit on Mother's Day can be just as entertaining. One of the best known attractions of Centennial is the Fountain of Rings, which uses computer-operated lights and spurts of water coordinated with music played all around the fountain.

You can also see sculptures, such as the fantastic "Gateway of Dreams," built in honor of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and the principles set forth in the Olympic Games. Finally, be sure to check out the Water Gardens, a man-made rock sculpture with flowing water that bends its way through the Quilt Plazas, a set of 60 X 60 monuments made in honor of Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Games.

3. Piedmont Park: Open all year round, Piedmont Park is an excellent place for a family get-together. It offers many picnic tables, beautiful undulating hills, and paths for walking, skating, and biking. Bring your mother here for a sunny afternoon lunch. Additionally, if you're coming with a large group of family or friends, Piedmont has two "covered picnic pavilions" available for rent. If you wish to rent one of the pavilions for Mother's Day, call the Bureau of Parks, City of Atlanta: 404-817-6757.

Also of note: there is a great playground for kids here, featuring swings, a jungle gym, and other entertaining equipment.

4. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History: This amazing museum, open even on weekends, makes for a great family outing. Currently, they are running an exhibit entitled: "Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries," open until August 16, 2009. Some of the dinosaurs you'll be able to see are the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Apatosaurus.

Also, through May 17, you can find a photography exhibit entitled "Scenic Stone Mountain: Photographs by Larry Winslett"; it consists of 51 color photos by professional photographer Winslett, taken over the course of 30 years.

Fernbank even offers an IMAX© Theatre, which in May will be showing Galapagos, a film that explores these marvelous natural wonders.

Both adults and children are likely to enjoy this museum, with its multitude of great displays and varied features.

5. Stone Mountain Park: Although there are no special events scheduled for Mother's Day at Stone Mountain Park, it's a great attraction for any day of the year. However, the day before Mother's Day, S.M.P. has their weekly "Lasershow Spectacular," using classic scores from Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other films. Laserlights, graphics, and fireworks are combined to create an incredible show, exclusive to the park.

On any given day, too, visitors can hike up Stone Mountain for fun as well as fitness. There's also the Sky Hike, a "family adventure course" that allows you the thrill of exploring the park while safely suspended from ropes. For more information, visit the link below.

6. Little Five Points: While primarily a shopping area, Little Five Points is fun in and of itself for its appeal to the bohemian crowd. Often, street musicians and poets populate the area; there are also great coffee shops and ice cream parlors in abundance.

Of course, if you want food or coffee, you will have to pay, but there's no charge for simply visiting! Recommended spots: Junkman's Daughter, The Vortex Bar and Grill, Java Lords, Aurora Coffee, Criminal Records, Rag-O-Rama and Bang-On.

7. Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta: Imagine It! features a number of exhibits and activities for children as well as parents. For Mother's Day, this is a great spot for families to spend time together.

One of the fascinating aspects of Imagine It! is The Amazing Castle, where children can play the role of a blacksmith, chef, jester, prince or princess.

Though this museum isn't entirely free, they do offer a number of great family discounts.

8. Freedom Park: Located northeast of downtown Atlanta, Freedom Park is "the largest green space set aside in a major metropolitan area" in this country, according to Art in Freedom Park (that is, at least in the last century).

On display are a number of fascinating artworks, including "The Bridge" by Thornton Dial, a modernistic sculpture with any number of interpretations.

In addition to the fascinating artwork, the park is incredibly pleasant to stroll through and as a place to relax with family and friends.

9. The Age Is Beauty Festival: For 60+ mothers who aren't afraid to get their groove on, this event is held the day before Mother's Day. Highlights include: Belly Dance lessons, face painting, and live music courtesy of Asha and Friends, who perform Punjabi/Bhangra songs.

10. Atlantic Station (Semi-Free): Though the restaurants and shops in this area aren't free of charge, it remains a great hangout spot for walking, having a drink, and people watching. If Mom is the type who loves a "happening" place with lots of window shopping, take her here.

Though there are many other possibilities for an Atlanta Mother's Day, these are some of the best. Consider your mom's personality and style, and take it from there. So, from all us Atlanta-dwellers, happy Mother's Day!