Libraries Offer Free Outdoor Adventures

The Cobb County Public Library System is making it easy for residents and library cardholders to enjoy the outdoors with access to free passes to Georgia attractions, including Zoo Atlanta, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, and the Go Fish Education Center. The passes combined can save Cobb library cardholders about $150 annually. 

Zoo Atlanta has been partnering with the Georgia Public Library System since 2011 to provide Family Passes to library cardholders. Zoo Atlanta Family Passes provide free admission for up to two adults and two children aged 3-12 (children 2 and under enter the zoo for free).

To obtain the free Zoo Atlanta Family Pass, patrons must first check out a special DVD on the zoo and return it to the in order to receive the free pass. A family of four can save almost $75 by checking out this pass at the library.

The ParkPass kit for the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites gives library patrons free admission or parking to more than 60 State Parks and Historic Site locations of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The kits also include a parking pass and guide booklet.

Each ParkPass pass is available for check-out for one week to allow for free entry for up to four visitors. Library patrons are encouraged to reserve ParkPass kits in advance, especially for busy vacation seasons. Planning is also highly recommended as hours vary at States Parks and Historic Sites, with several operating under limited schedules due to tight budgets. An annual pass to the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites can cost $50.

New this year for library patrons traveling to South Georgia is the DNR’s Go Fish Family Pass program. The Go Fish Passes provide free entry into the Perry-based Go Fish Education Center for up to six visitors Fridays through Sundays. Each Cobb Library branch has one Go Fish Pass available. Cobb families can save up to $30 by using the pass.

For more information on any of these programs, availability of the passes, and a list of local state parks, please visit www.cobbcat.org/outdoor-adventures.