The Bucks Stop Here: 5 Cool Things to Do in Atlanta for $10(ish) Bucks

Ahhh, summertime. The one season many of us want to be doing “stuff” all over the city, every moment we have the free time to do so (in between work and all the other hectic things that go on throughout the week).

[INSERT DILEMMA HERE.] In order to “do stuff,” one must also have the funds on hand. Especially if you’re out participating in activities away from home.

[INSERT SOLUTION HERE.] So here’s the deal: If you’re looking for something cool to do around the Atlanta metro area and you’re on a limited budget, there is great hope for you… because we have found (and tried) these 5 awesome adventures that cost just $10 bucks (give or take).

Curious about what they are?! Read on, friends. Your summer is about to get that much more awesome.

1. A MINI SPA TREATMENT
Where: ULTA Beauty
Total $ Spent: $10.60 (plus tip)

Feel like your face could use a rejuvenating pick-me-up of sorts? Get a 10-minute facial for $10 at ULTA Beauty. Can you believe it?! A facial for $10 dollars. Yes, it DOES exist (for men OR women!). 

Not only will you have your pampering treatment done by a licensed esthetician, you will receive an informational skin analysis and several recommendations for quality skincare products based on your complexion. Includes 600 AWESOME seconds of exfoliating, extracting, moisturizing and massage-y tingles.

2. ADMISSION TO THE COOLEST ROOFTOP AMUSEMENT PARK IN GEORGIA

Where: Skyline Park (on the rooftop of Ponce City Market)
Total $ Spent: $10 (not including drinks & games)

As if the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building (now more famously known as Ponce City Market) wasn’t cool enough already... Bet you didn’t know there’s an amusement park on their rooftop!

While all drinks and games are sold separately, $10 gets you access into this fun lil’ festival, to experience exactly what you may remember from your childhood days of going to carnivals or playing putt putt with your pals. 

And if you still haven’t had enough of the great outdoors based on Skyline Park’s perks, take the elevator back down to the second floor and hop onto the Beltline. That artsy new walking trail is sure to show you an additionally good time.

3. A THRIFTY SHOPPING SPREE
Where: Value Village
Total $ Spent: $11.49

Thrift store shopping is a sport kinda like fencing. Only a certain few people are into it and when you’re really good at it, you become this TOTAL rock star. If you’re one of those rock stars, peep this: Every last Wednesday of the month Value Village has a huge sale. 

ALL clothing is a whopping half-off, and they open their doors at 6am to let you in on this marvelous madness early. My last visit to Value Village was an unintentional shopping spree, but was still one worth raving about. I snagged a gold clutch bag ($2), a rad retro necklace with bright red and gold beads ($3.99), a hippie-lookin’ dress ($2.99) and a Bohemian pair of turquoise earrings ($1.49). 

Although I didn’t scoop up as many clothes this time around, I absolutely cannot WAIT to go back this Wednesday to dig up some more treasures.

4. THE MOST DECADENT DESSERT EVER INVENTED
Where: Lucky’s Burger & Brew Brookhaven
Total $ Spent: $10.84 (plus tip)

Let’s face it. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth (or maybe just a huge affinity for food in general), so we’ve tried a bunch of popular dessert spots in Atlanta just to see what they’re about. But you know what my ALL-TIME FAVORITE sweet treats is? You’ll never guess this… but it’s the Dessert Burger from Lucky’s Burger & Brew inside of Town Brookhaven (rated Best Burger Atlanta in 2015 & 2016)… 

It’s a divine concoction of two warm chocolate chip cookies sandwiched around a gooey brownie (get it? To look like a burger!), topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and… Here’s the kicker: It's served with FUNNEL CAKE FRIES and raspberry dipping sauce for the win! Need I say more?! Okay just one more thing: Their burgers are AMAZING too.

5. A UNIQUE TOUR, EDUCATIONAL LESSON & STORYTELLING SESH
Where: The Wren’s Nest (aka the Joel Chandler Harris House)
Total $ Spent: $9.63 (per adult ticket)

Our historic West End district is jam-packed with all kinds of nostalgic gems, including Atlanta’s oldest house museum called The Wren’s Nest. Built waaaay back in 1870, The Wren’s Nest was home to Joel Chandler Harris, editor of the Atlanta Constitution and author of the Uncle Remus Tales (from 1881 until his death in 1908). Harris is most known as author of the "Uncle Remus" tales (based upon stories he heard slaves tell during his youth) and today, his home is a giant piece of history. 

For just $9 per adult (and $6 for children), visitors will receive a unique tour of this home, learn more details about several of Harris’s most well-known Uncle Remus tales and as an added bonus… be a part of an intriguing storytelling sesh (if you go there on a Saturday). So if you’re looking for a change of pace or just a learning-type activity to engage in, check this one out. It is so, soooo very cool.

While sitting by the pool or frolicking around a mall can be fun, sometimes it can be even more fun to explore the unordinary, without tapping into your savings account. These five things are just a few examples of fun for a few bucks. Which one will YOU plan on doing first?!