Is the Centennial Olympic Park splash pad free?

Yes, completely free. The fountain is open to the public at no charge, and kids can splash as long as they want. There are no tickets, no reservations, and no time limits.

What time are the fountain shows at Centennial Olympic Park?

The choreographed fountain shows typically run four times daily at 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9:00 PM. The evening shows include colored lights. Schedules can change, so check the Georgia World Congress Center Authority website for current times.

Are there bathrooms or changing rooms at Centennial Olympic Park?

There are public restrooms in the park's Visitor Center, but no dedicated changing rooms. Bring towels and plan to change in the restrooms or your car. Experienced families bring kids already in swimsuits with a dry change of clothes.

What else is near Centennial Olympic Park for families?

The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Children's Museum of Atlanta, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights all border the park. The CNN Center is a short walk away. It's the most attraction-dense area in Atlanta for families.

Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings

Name: Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings
Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, US
Telephone: (404) 223-4412
Rating: 4.5

Rating

4.5(25,000)

Price

Free

Duration

1-2 hours

Best Ages

2-10 years

About

Centennial Olympic Park is the centerpiece of downtown Atlanta's family-friendly landscape, built for the 1996 Olympic Games and maintained as a vibrant public space ever since. The park's Fountain of Rings — the world's largest interactive fountain — is one of the best free family activities in the city, especially during Atlanta's warm months.

The fountain features 251 water jets arranged in the pattern of the Olympic rings, embedded flush in the ground so kids can run directly through the spray. The jets operate in random patterns most of the day, creating an unpredictable water playground that keeps kids guessing and laughing. Four times daily, the fountain performs a synchronized show with choreographed water patterns set to music, with jets shooting up to 35 feet high.

The 22-acre park surrounding the fountain is a beautifully maintained urban green space with wide walking paths, manicured lawns, public art, and shaded seating areas. The commemorative Olympic ring sculptures, the Quilt of Remembrance, and various historical markers give the park educational depth for older children and adults. The wide-open lawns are perfect for running, playing, and picnicking.

Centennial Olympic Park's location makes it an ideal anchor for a full downtown Atlanta family day. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Children's Museum of Atlanta all border the park's Pemberton Place plaza, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is steps away. Families can easily combine a morning at the aquarium with an afternoon splash pad session, making the most of a single parking fee.

The park is open daily and the fountain operates year-round, though the splash pad experience is obviously best in warm weather (May through September). Evening visits offer a different charm — the fountain is illuminated with colored lights during the nighttime shows, and the downtown skyline glows behind it.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Summer mornings for splash pad play; evenings for lit fountain shows

Wait Times

No wait — open access

Nearby Food

CNN Center food court (5-min walk), Georgia Aquarium café, World of Coca-Cola gift shop snacks, seasonal food trucks in the park, The Varsity (short drive).

Why Kids Love It

The Fountain of Rings is pure, uninhibited water play — and kids lose their minds over it. The interactive fountain shoots jets of water in patterns synchronized to music, and kids are invited to run straight through it. There are no rules about getting soaked. The water erupts from the ground in unpredictable patterns, creating a game of chase that kids play for hours without tiring.

The fountain is shaped like the Olympic rings in honor of the 1996 Atlanta Games, which gives parents a chance to share a bit of history while kids splash. Four times daily, the fountain puts on a choreographed water show set to music, with jets reaching up to 35 feet — it's like a free mini Bellagio for families.

The surrounding park is a spacious, grassy green space in the middle of downtown Atlanta, with walking paths, the commemorative Olympic ring sculptures, and views of the CNN Center and surrounding skyline. Kids can run on the lawns, and families often spread out blankets for picnics between splash sessions.

Pro Tips from Parents

Bring swimsuits and towels — kids WILL get soaked in the fountain. There are no changing rooms, so come prepared.
The choreographed fountain shows happen four times daily (typically 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, and 9:00 PM) — check the schedule online.
The evening fountain show with lights is the most spectacular and runs year-round.
Parking at the park's garage is pricey ($15-$20); consider MARTA (Dome/GWCC station is a short walk) or combining with Georgia Aquarium parking.
There's minimal shade near the fountain — sunscreen is essential on hot days.

What to Bring

swimsuits
towels
change of clothes
sunscreen
water bottles
picnic blanket

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$0-$15.

The park and fountain are completely free.

Budget $5-$15 for snacks from nearby vendors or food trucks if desired.

Tips to Save

Everything is free — the fountain, the park, and the splash pad experience.
Pack snacks and water to avoid vendor prices.
Combine with a visit to the adjacent Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola for a full downtown day.