7 Awesome Outdoorsy Things to Do with the Kids in Atlanta

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Published February 25, 2025
Last Updated February 26, 2025

Atlanta is overflowing with parks, green spaces and other opportunities to get outdoors — so it’s no surprise that you can find a wide variety of family-friendly attractions. Certain landmarks almost seem to have had insight from kids in the planning process. A park overflowing with toys, a trail that runs right along a mini-amusement park and a lakeside dog park are just some of the attractions that kids will want to return to again and again.

If you grew up in Georgia, some of the places we’ve picked for incredible outdoor family adventures will evoke the best of childhood memories. Some have gotten excellent upgrades, though, and there are a few that didn’t exist back then. Your brood will want to check all that out, but they’ll love the longstanding traditions, too, just like you did as a kid.

Take a Stroll Along the Beltline

The many trails on the continually expanding Beltline make finding a family-friendly path convenient from nearly any location in the city. Together, the trails connect so many in-town neighborhoods that an access point is never too far away. If you’re headed out on the Eastside Trail, you get the added benefit of some Atlanta’s best restaurants and retail — and parks, too, of course.

Near the 10th Street entrance, you’ll find all that Piedmont Avenue has to offer: the expansive greens of the iconic park itself, Atlanta Botanical Garden and the popular Flying Biscuit Cafe. The Historic Fourth Ward Park, with the skatepark and an innovative playground, is another stellar attraction along that route. If you hop off at North Avenue, you’re smack-dab at Ponce City Market, where there are family-friendly eats, shops and — in case the kids haven’t reminded you yet — loads of rooftop fun at Skyline Park.

Here is an easy-to-follow tour that you can take from Krog Street Market to Ponce City Market.

Enjoy a Relaxed Picnic at Piedmont Park

It’s a landmark for good reason: Piedmont Park boasts one of the most gorgeous stretches of green in the city and, particularly if you’re standing on the edges of the lake, the skyline view simply can’t be beat. Your bunch has plenty of activities to choose from here — tennis, basketball, bocce ball, Frisbee, or skating and biking on the main roadway and 10th Street Meadow paths. Reliable rental businesses abound to help with equipment, plus there are plenty of pedestrian-only paths for running or walking.

Having a picnic at Piedmont Park should be on any family’s to-do list. Grilling out is encouraged, by the way. You can’t bring your own, but you don’t need to — there are public-use grills throughout the park.

Explore Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Children’s Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is far more than its name implies. Beyond the incredible plants — there’s a carnivorous plant bog, as well as a horticulturist available for mini-lessons that green-thumbed kids will love — you’ll find activities of all kinds. For adventurous climbers, there’s the tree-house area. Aspiring musicians can jam with outdoor instruments, and for the artists, a water “painting” wall makes a perfect canvas.

Spend the Day at Stone Mountain Park

The massive dome monadnock just outside the city is a centerpiece of many a Atlantan’s childhood. The jaw-dropping view from the top after ascending Stone Mountain by foot, the souvenir pressed penny, the Skylift, and — of course — the nighttime laser show (and fireworks) are all in a day’s adventure at this tried-and-true Atlanta landmark. Let’s not forget the scenic railroad trek around the mountain, either.

Kids these days can get even more out of the trip to Stone Mountain Park: Now, there’s the quarter-mile SkyHike loop of suspended wooden bridges that offers endless combinations of routes for all skill levels (the super challenge is 40-feet high). The Geyser Towers playground/water park combo features thrilling tunnels and winding bridges made of rope placed perfectly above the excitement of a gushing geyser.

Shoot the ‘hooch with the Family

Another undeniably Atlanta-only outdoor activity is a lazy float down the Chattahoochee River during warm-weather months. Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities, especially for adventure-seekers. But for a laid-back family trip, the inner tube or river raft option is especially ideal. You might spot wildlife while leisurely rolling past wooded stretches and swaths of lush greenery. It’s easy to dock your grouop for a midday picnic or a quick swim. You can bring your own gear, but rentals are available from businesses like Shoot the Hooch, headquartered at Azalea Park in Roswell, which also comes through with snacks like Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream.

Day Trip to Lake Lanier

About an hour-and-a-half northeast of Atlanta is Lake Lanier, a reservoir that’s a famously popular site for warm-weather adventures. The beaches — 23 total on the 680 miles of shoreline, to be exact — make for picturesque swims, paddleboarding, tubing and other water-based fun. If your family has a dog in tow, try Laurel Park in Gainesville — pups are welcome at the Bark Park, and within its 136 total acres, you’ll also find a paved trail, splash park, baseball field, and tennis and volleyball courts. Nearby, Don Carter Park, a newer addition, is also stacked with options, from swimming to a multi-use trail and an adjacent hardwood forest waiting to be explored.

Discover Gorgeous Views on Georgia Hikes Near Atlanta

Just a short car ride from Atlanta, you can find gorgeous views and perfect hikes to do with the kids. Pick your poison and get started. Explore nature at Morningside Nature Preserve, get spooked at Constitution Lakes Park, enjoy the views at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area or refresh at Sweetwater Creek State Park. No trail is like the other, and you will sure find your treasure.

If your outdoor plans change due to rain, don’t let that spoil the fun. Check out our list of things to do on a rainy day in Atlanta. For more ideas of things to do with kids in Atlanta, check out our guide with more than 50 ideas.