Summertime is a great time to explore Middle Georgia and find out all it has to offer, and this list of free (and cheap) activities will help you enjoy your summer without ruining your budget.
Macon
Amstar 16 Theater ($4.00)
- Each summer, the Amstar Theater offers discounted kids’ movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Admission and a kid’s popcorn and drink cost $4.00.
5996 Zebulon Rd, Macon, 478-474-3484
Barnes & Noble (free)
- Barnes & Noble offers a weekly Story Time every Friday that is geared for 2 – 5 year olds, and they have also starting hosting special events on Saturdays for kids of all ages.
5080 Riverside Drive, Macon, 478-474-0161
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (coupon for free child admission)
- The Sports Hall of Fame has issued two coupons for free kid’s admission this summer when you purchase an adult ticket. My boys really enjoy the second floor interactive exhibits – racing, basketball, sports announcing, football, and many others.
301 Cherry Street, Macon, 478-752-1585
Hay House (free)
- Twice a year, the Hay House hosts Hay Day and offers free admission to celebrate a holiday. This year, it is on June 11th, and they invite you to come inside and see their latest renovations, make a craft, and enjoy light refreshments.
934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, 478-742-8155
Library Events in Bibb County (free)
- Each summer the libraries in Bibb County offer activities during June and July, and they are all free! Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program while you are there.
Ocmulgee Indian Mounds (free)
- Bring a picnic and enjoy a day outdoors hiking the trails and learning about Macon’s history.
1207 Emery Highway, Macon, 478-752-8257
Parks in Macon (free)
- Macon offers a wide variety of beautiful parks, and they are in the process of updating many of them and building new ones. You can find a list here and here.
Warner Robins
Houston Lakes Cinema ($1.50)
- Houston Lakes Cinemas offers kid’s movies on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the summer. Admission is $1.50, and you can purchase a Kid Drink ($1.50) or a Kid Popcorn ($1.50).
- The focus is Build a Better World at the Houston County Libraries this summer. Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading program!
721 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins, (478) 923-0128
Museum of Aviation (free)
- Perfect for a hot, summer day, the Museum offers four buildings full of planes and other memorabilia. Don’t forget to take a lunch and enjoy the playground and covered pavilion.
GA Hwy 247 & Russell Parkway, Warner Robins, 478-926-6870
Parks in Warner Robins (free)
- The parks in Warner Robins offer some great playgrounds and picnic areas.
Byron
Library Events in Byron (free)
- Weekly Story Times and special guests will be a part of the activities at the Byron Library this summer.
105 Church St, Byron, 478 956-2200
North Peach Park (free)
- Playground (geared to older kids), walking trails, and seasonal splash pad make Byron’s South Peach Park a fun place.
W White Road, Byron, 478-825-3334
Centerville
Galleria Mall Cinemas ($1.50)
- The Galleria Mall Cinemas offers kid’s movies on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the summer. Admission is $1.50, and you can purchase a Kid Drink ($1.50) or a Kid Popcorn ($1.50).
- The focus is Build a Better World at the Houston County Libraries this summer. Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading program!
206 Gunn Rd, Centerville, 478 953-4500
Dublin
Library Events in Dublin (free)
- Wildlife, fire fighters, and athletes will be visiting the Dublin library this summer. They will also have movies and technology classes.
801 Bellevue Ave, Dublin, 478 272-5710
Splash Pad ($2 per person)
- Opening this year on May 23rd, the Splash Pad offers summer fun for a low price.
675 Southern Pines Road, 477-277-5060
Jackson
Dauset Trails Nature Center (free)
- See wildlife, hike or bike the trails, or enjoy a picnic at Dauset Trails.
360 Mt. Vernon Road, Jackson, 770-775-6798
High Falls State Park (free; $5 parking)
- Visitors can hike along the water, fish in the lake, or play on the playground – something for everyone at High Falls.
76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, 478-993-3053
Perry
Go Fish Education Center (free with library pass)
- Whether your children enjoy fishing or just looking at fish, they will have a great time at Go Fish. Closed on Mondays.
1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, 478-988-6701
Library Events in Perry (free)
- The Perry Library has great events all summer for all ages! Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading program!
1201 Washington Street, Perry
Parks in Perry (free)
- The parks in Perry offer a variety of options – fishing, picnicking, or playing on playgrounds.
Other Areas
Andersonville National Historic Site (free)
- Andersonville, a Civil War Military Prison, is now home to the nation’s only museum to offer tribute to all prisoners of war. A trip to the museum and a driving tour around the grounds would fill a day for older kids.
760 POW Road, Andersonville, 229-924-0343
Indian Springs State Park (free; $5 parking)
- You can hike the trails, swim in McIntosh Lake, wade in Sandy Creek, or play on the playground.
678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, 770-504-2277
Noah’s Ark (free)
- Walking the trails to see the animals, eating a picnic, and playing on the playground – you can definitely fill a day with a visit to Noah’s Ark.
712 LG Griffin Road, Locust Grove, 770-957-0888
Train Viewing Platform (free)
- If you are planning a visit to Noah’s Ark, consider visiting the Train Viewing Platform in Locust Grove. Newly built, it allows kids to view the almost 40 trains that pass each day.
3840 Highway 42 South, Locust Grove, 770-692-2320
Do you know of any other free or cheap activities? Feel free to comment and let us know.