Outdoor
Family Fun in Atlanta and Beyond

Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors or feel the sun on your face without getting mud on your shoes, Metro Atlanta has something for you. With 377 parks spanning 5,000 acres, there is no shortage of places to put down the technology and have family fun together.

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Maria Smith is a wife and mom of four children. In her pre-kid life, she was a TV producer on The Oprah Winfrey Show, among others. Now, she is a freelance writer, blogs at MamaliciousMaria.com and spends her time playing tennis, coaching basketball and carpooling her kids.

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In Atlanta, you can perch on a dirt bank, watching the Chattahoochee River roll past, smell the sweet scent of blooming dogwoods in Piedmont Park or feel your heart race while whipping around the coaster tracks at Six Flags Over Georgia.  Spending family time outdoors isn’t just a road trip away. Metro Atlanta weaves green spaces through its urban heart, inviting everyone to escape, unwind and connect without leaving the city.

Atlanta has concentrated on increasing green space and making it accessible and safe for all families. My four teenagers, my husband and I spend days outdoors walking, talking and laughing, always finding somewhere engaging to explore. Being outside is more than just good family bonding time; it feeds our souls.

There are many outdoor destinations in metro Atlanta. Here is a family-crafted list of 13 places we adore.

1. Porsche Experience Center

Address:  One Porsche Drive

Parking: Complimentary on-site parking is available for guests.

The Porsche Experience Center Atlanta is one of the poshest, most exhilarating ways to feel the breeze rush past. This special-occasion-worthy destination immerses you in Porsche culture with various family-friendly activities. Families can race each other in the simulator lab,  enjoy a fine-dining lunch in Restaurant 356 overlooking the tracks, explore the Heritage Museum and experience the thrill of a demonstration lap with a professional Porsche drive coach. 

After you experience the indoor activities, you are welcome to lounge outside of Carrera Cafe, enjoying various house-made treats while watching the adrenaline-fueled excitement roar by on the tracks. Age and/or height requirements for the demo laps and simulators:

• 12 years old and at least 80 pounds
• Children must be at least 48 inches tall for the Simulator Lab

Insider tip: Even if you are not booking a driving experience or making a dining reservation, you can purchase general admission for $5/person to explore the facility and experience the sights and sounds of the legendary Porsche cars on the development tracks. 

2. The Roof and 9 Mile Station at Ponce City Market

Address:  675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Parking: Valet and self-parking are available starting at $3 for the first hour. 

Come to THE ROOF at Ponce City Market for outdoor family time with some of the most amazing views in Atlanta. Rising atop the historic, mixed-use retail development of Ponce City Market, Skyline Park is an outdoor Coney Island-style boardwalk that includes mini golf, vintage amusement games and lots of fun food and drinks.  In addition, you can zip down a three-story slide or rise to the top of the  Heege Tower. After all the action, visit 9 Mile Station, THE ROOF’s indoor/outdoor dining room with an open-style kitchen and seasonal menus. 

Insider tip: A reservation at 9 Mile Station, confirmed with a credit card, waives the daily admission fee (saving up to $15/person).

3. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Address:  450 Auburn Ave.

Parking: Free parking is available.  

A visit to Atlanta should ALWAYS include the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. We visit to pay homage to an American hero, learn about American history and explore the Sweet Auburn community surrounding the park.. The King Center, an indoor museum, offers an immersive experience for all ages. It highlights the realities of the Civil Rights Movement while offering hope and positive solutions. 

To burn off some energy when my children were younger, we would always finish the day at the charming playground behind The King Center. It is the living embodiment of Dr. King’s vision, with kids of all ethnicities playing together. The gravesites of Dr. and Mrs. King, the King family home and Ebenezer Baptist Church are also part of this national historic site. Everything is free and within walking distance of each other. 

Insider tip: Jump on Atlanta Streetcar to get here from Downtown hotels.

4. Atlanta Beltline – Eastside Trail

Address: 400 Park Drive NE

Parking: Free street parking may be available. Paid lots are available at Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park. 

Want to feel the pulse of the city and celebrate diversity? Since its opening in 2005, the Atlanta Beltline has been the place to be. It is a fantastic destination for getting kids off electronics and into the community. The Atlanta Beltline is a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail that winds through central Atlanta. It is one of the largest urban redevelopment programs in the United States, featuring 22 miles of paved, pedestrian-friendly paths through 45 in-town neighborhoods. 

The wide, paved trail is usually filled with bikers and hikers, parents pushing strollers and teenagers zipping around on skateboards. Snap some photos of the gorgeous wildflowers, city views and socially conscious graffiti. Enjoy the food halls at Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market for a meal or sweet treat in this energy-filled community setting. Find cool things to do on a walk from Krog Street Market to Ponce City Market. 

Insider tip: The Beltline offers the whole family various FREE classes and activities. One of my sons took a skateboarding class and another participated in a learn-to-ride-your-bike lesson. 

5. Historic Fourth Ward Park

Address: 680 Dallas St.NE

Parking: You can find street parking along North Angier Avenue, Morgan Street, Garden Park Drive, Dallas Street or Rankin Street.

You could go to a playground close to home, but why not broaden your horizons with different people and new adventures? The playground at Historic Fourth Ward Park is one of the best in the city and works for a range of ages and abilities. We often head to this park during summer to cool off in the splash pad and fountains. Seventeen acres of green space offer plenty of room for picnicking, Frisbee-throwing or walking the trails. The park also boasts a phenomenal skate park. Bring your board and give it a try if you dare. Historic Fourth Ward Park is built on the site of the old Ponce de Leon amusement park, one block south of Ponce City Market and  Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. 

Insider tip: The entire park is ADA-compliant, including the playground. Look for an ADA entrance ramp at the corner of Garden Park Drive and Morgan Street.

6. Piedmont Park

Address: 400 Park Drive NE

Parking: Paid parking deck, gravel parking lot and limited street parking

New York City has Central Park. Chicago has Grant Park. And Atlanta has Piedmont Park. It is that iconic. Piedmont Park covers 185 acres and is one of the city’s largest parks. It’s been the site of family gatherings for two centuries. With well-kept public tennis courts, a splash pad, two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, ball fields, an adorable community pool and acres of green space, the park offers something for everyone.

Since the early 1800s, the park has evolved from a forest to farmland, an amusement park and golf course, and the urban park we have today. History oozes around every corner. Booker T. Washington opened the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition at Piedmont Park with his famous speech, later known as the “Atlanta Compromise.” It was the first speech by an African American given to a racially mixed but separate audience in the South. The Exposition’s imposing stone archways still stand today.

My family has attended many annual festivals at Piedmont Park, including the Atlanta Jazz Festival and Dogwood Festival. I love the farmers market (Green Market) in the park every Saturday in fair weather. There always seems to be something going on here. 

Insider tip: Atlanta Botanical Garden is adjacent to Piedmont Park. You can visit both places without leaving your parking spot.

7. Paces Mill Trail

Address: 3444 Cobb Parkkway

Parking: Daily parking fee, $5/car

When you want to go on a not-too-strenuous yet exquisitely beautiful walk, visit the trail at Paces Mill. Located in North Buckhead, this trail is like a secret garden in the middle of the city. As you walk or bike along the wide, paved path, you may spot wild animals, various birds and colorful fish swimming in the tributaries of the Chattahoochee River.

This path is not often crowded, but the parking lot can fill quickly on weekends. If you want to dip your feet in cool water, walk down the boat ramp or follow the well-worn paths that drift to the river. The sparse crowds and nearby rushing river make this an extraordinary place to enjoy nature.

Insider tip: This mostly flat path is excellent for beginning bike riders. Bikes can also be rented here.

8. Silver Comet Trail

Address: Mavell Road Trailhead, 0-mile marker, Mavell Road, Smyrna, Ga. (0.25 miles from Nickajack Elementary)

Parking: Free parking is available at trailheads.

Starting in Smyrna, just outside the Perimeter, the Silver Comet Trail travels 61.5 miles through three counties to the Georgia/Alabama state line, ending at the Esom Hill Trailhead. This flat, fast, paved, scenic trail is designed for long runs or bike rides. It is a quiet, shaded, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, distraction-free trail. The Silver Comet Trail is a wonderful place to meet with my mom-friends, with or without the kids, for a relaxing stroll.

Insider tip: The Silver Comet Trail is packed with serious athletes on weekends and holidays. Weekday afternoons are the least busy times to visit. 

9. Michelle Obama Trail

Address: 2946 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, Ga

Parking: Free limited parking lot spots as well as street parking near the Panola Shoals Trailhead

The Michelle Obama Trail is 15 miles southeast of Atlanta, near Georgia State University’s Perimeter College Campus. It’s a 3.8-mile shaded trail for biking, hiking or an afternoon stroll for families following the bend of the South River. The river access point near Panola Shoals Trailhead is a relaxing spot for ankle-deep wading, especially for young kids.

Look hard to find the history steeped into this trail. Walking north to the 0-mile marker, you’ll find a small plaque identifying an overgrown field as the Lyons family farm dating back to 1821. The plaque explains that until 1870,  17 enslaved souls lived and worked here. Search for wild cotton growing and the remnants of a rundown shack to turn an afternoon walk into a terrific history lesson.

Insider tip: Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trail. There are benches and picnic tables throughout the trail.

10. Chattahoochee River

Address: 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, Ga.

Parking: Daily parking fee: $5/car. 

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a fantastic way to feel the river’s rhythm without leaving the city limits.  While we may not be close to the ocean, there is still splash-worthy fun for all. You can be adventurous and “shoot the ‘hooch” by tubing or kayaking down the river. You can also walk or bike the shaded trails that meander alongside.

For less structured fun, we take off our shoes and socks and wade into the Chattahoochee to cool off, skip stones or wave to the tubers floating by. Visitors can also go fishing, paddleboarding or people-watching.

Insider tip: The river’s most popular access point is in Sandy Springs. It is also accessible from Buckhead, Roswell, and Smyrna (among other less-traveled places).

11. Amicalola Falls

Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road., Dawsonville, Ga.

Parking: Daily parking fee: $5/car.

Amicalola Falls State Park is one of the most popular parks in the South. It’s one hour north of Atlanta, in the heart of Chattahoochee National Forest. The park has 829 acres of wilderness and trails, both for challenging hikes and easy jaunts. Expect crowds on the weekends, so arrive early.

The Amicalola Falls waterfall is the jewel of this state park. You can hike up 604 steps to the top of this magnificent natural wonder. If a strenuous hike is not for you, consider driving to the top and walking a quarter mile on a stroller-friendly access trail to view the longest waterfall in Georgia, at 729 feet. Its natural beauty and power will inspire you. If you want to extend your stay, Amicalola Falls features a comfortable lodge, cabins and campground rentals.

Insider tip: If you are there on a hot day, visit one of Georgia’s best natural swimming holes off the main trail. 

12. Chattahoochee Nature Center

Address:  9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, Ga. 

Parking: Parking is free. 

Chattahoochee Nature Center is metro Atlanta’s nature destination. Its 127 acres of forest, wetland and river habitat offer trails, exhibits, programs and events. The center also offers unique educational programs on ecology and natural science for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

While visiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center, families can add a zipline tour to their day. Visitors ages six and up can glide along four zip lines and face more than 25 challenge elements on the Aerial Adventure Tour. The Eco Zipline Canopy Tour is even more challenging, including two zip lines that soar 500 feet over Beaver Pond.  

Insider tip: If you want to get out of the sun, head into the center to watch the documentary film “Re-Imagine the Chattahoochee,” shown daily in the theater.

13. Six Flags Over Georgia

Address:  275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, Ga. 

Parking: Purchase online for the best savings, starting at $30/car.

Six Flags Over Georgia is the place to be if your family loves the thrills. My kids treasure every stomach-churning drop and electrifying turn of the attraction’s many rides, including Goliath, the tallest roller coaster in Georgia.

There’s more to Six Flags than rocketing roller coasters, though. Look for unique festivities, live entertainment, exclusive experiences and delicious comfort food to upgrade your family’s fun throughout the year. In 2025, visitors can experience the park’s 13th roller coaster, the Georgia Gold Rusher, and an expanded lineup of special events. 

Insider tip: Buy tickets online before getting to the park. You will save significant money and won’t have to wait in the long ticket line. 

After almost 20 years in Atlanta, my family is still exploring new and exciting outdoor adventures. So, power off your laptop, lace up your walking shoes, douse yourself with bug spray, and enjoy Atlanta’s great outdoors.

Check out our list of recommended things to do with teens and tweens in Atlanta and see what locals recommend to enjoy the outdoors.