Our guest today is Amy Q, a working mom of two active kids who love to travel. She shares her family's wanderings on The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog and her hometown discoveries on Atlanta With Kid. Here are five of her favorite free things to do with kids in the Big Peach.

Centennial Olympic Park: This is one of our favorite spots in downtown Atlanta. It’s has a great playground for kids big and small, and several pavilions for family picnics or parties. The main feature is the Fountain of Rings. Bring your kids' swimsuits and let them run wild. Also don’t forget to check out the calendar for fun events through out the year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site: A visit here is a great way to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You can take a tour of the birth home of Dr. King with a park ranger guide, tour the Freedom Hall complex, and check out the visitor center to learn more about his story and accomplishments. The Peace Plaza is a beautiful place to take a break. Kids 9 to 12 who complete a set of activities and agree to live by Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence can earn a Junior Ranger patch.

Children's Soft Play Area, North Point Mall: When the weather is bad, bring little kids (under 42 inches tall) for a break in an indoor soft play area at one of the shopping malls around town. One of my favorites is the soft play area in North Point Mall, which is also home to an American Girl Store. Park near Dillard's; the play area is nearby in the West Court.

Greenway Trails: Atlanta has an extensive greenway trail system that offers plenty of choices for a family outing. A greenway trail is for non-motorized walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. A few notable options include the Silver Comet Trail in Cobb county, Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway in North Fulton county, and the new Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway. Bring your stroller, wear your walking shoes, and enjoy a beautiful day at these nature trails. 

Piedmont Park: This family favorite in-town park offers activities for the whole family, from bike trails to playgrounds to a dog park for four-legged family members. There are also events scheduled throughout the year, including a fun farmer's market, seasonal events like pumpkin decorating, and a free historic park tour. On a hot summer day, bring your swimsuits and for a small fee you can cool off in the public swimming pool (open 11am-7pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day). 

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