If you’re starting to plan your next family trip, you may be considering Atlanta. After all, it is a wonderful place to enjoy with the little ones. There are plenty of good restaurants, places to shop, historic sites, and activities for kids. You can opt to spend the day in nature or the city, or you can hit up once of Atlanta’s zoos, aquariums, gardens, concerts, parks and seemingly endless kid-friendly attractions.
Of course, the biggest question, once you’ve decided on Hotlanta for your family’s trip, is “How much money will I need for my Atlanta family vacation?” Today, we will discuss how much things cost in Atlanta, as well as great ways to save money on your family’s Atlanta adventure.
How to Save Money on a Family Trip to Atlanta
On average, an adult spends $140 per day on a vacation in Atlanta. If you are traveling as a group of two parents and two kids, this can be expensive. Sure, things for kids usually cost less, but I like to estimate their costs equally as adults. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If we take the average daily spend, then your1-week family-trip to Atlanta for 4 people will cost somewhere around $3,920. That’s not small change.
What is the Best Time of The Year to Visit Atlanta to Save Money?
Sure, you can save money if you visit in the middle of the summer…but is it worth it to go if it is so hot out you’re stuck at your hotel or uncomfortably hot the entire time? Do you want to hear the kids whining the entire time? Probably not. Besides, in the Summer, hotel room rates are at their peak. The fall is nice, but this is hurricane season, so you’re taking a big chance. There is a big difference between finding value or a deal to something cheap. Cheap is bad. You want to find some great deals.
You will want to visit Atlanta in the late winter, early spring. This is especially good if you live in a cold city like New York. The weather in Atlanta at this time is mild and comfortable enough for you to enjoy outdoor activities. Spring in Atlanta means music with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
On top of that, flight tickets and hotel deals are readily available during this time.
Where to Stay in Atlanta to Save Money On Your Family’s Vacation?
If you are traveling with family, there are really only two options in my opinion.
- First, you can choose a home with multiple bedrooms giving you and your spouse a little privacy while away.
- Second, you can also choose a property that has a washer and dryer.
- If you choose a property with a kitchen you can significantly save on breakfasts (which are crazy expensive at hotels) AND snacks.
- Just make your own instead of having to buy some while you’re out. Just make sure to read the rules and be sure that the property you choose is kid-friendly.
- And if you’re really patient, you may even find a property with amenities like a pool.
Just make sure to read through the rules and to specify that you’re coming in with kids. It will make it easier for your hosts to prep your place.
Family-Friendly Atlanta Hotels
If you don’t feel like staying at someone else’s home…there are some great hotels and apart-hotels that focus on families. The good thing about these is that they sometimes offer free breakfast for kids, come with pools and arcade rooms, and make it easier for you to feel like you’re already on vacation. Check their sites to see if they offer values such as discounts on Atlanta attractions.
How to Save on Eating Out in Atlanta
First, check out all the Atlanta restaurant coupons available. Then, check out some of the beast cheap eats in ATL:
- Eats – 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE – fast comfort food. Under $10 per person
- Aviva by Kameel – 225 Peachtree St NE – Mediterranean – $10-$15 per person
- Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes – 775 Lake Ave NE – Hungarian
- Buenos Dias – 30 Decatur St SE – Mexican – $5-$14 per person
How to Save on Atlanta’s Family-Friendly Attractions
There are plenty of ways to save on those cool attractions for kids in Atlanta. First, start with Atlanta’s City Pass. What I like is that it is available on your SmartPhone, it is valid for 30 days (plenty of time), and that it includes great deals for the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo Atlanta, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Their deals change, so check out their site for the latest details.
Free (And Almost Free) Things to Do In Atlanta
The best way to save money is to do things that are free. A vacation is a great time to test out a freegan lifestyle. Here are a few things you can do with your kids that are either free or almost free:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (free)
- Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
- David J. Sencer CDC Museum (Free on weekdays)
- Fernbank Science Center (observatory & exhibits are free – other items have a price)
- High Museum of Art (Free the 2nd Sunday of every month. Active military and veteran military personnel can go in free with 1 guest).
- Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary (donation-based – it’s a good cause, so drop them at least a few bucks…or choose one of the paid options)
- Yellow River Park & Stonemountain