10 minute read
Outdoor Fun
City Green – Sandy Springs, GA
Outdoor & Family Fun
ALPHARETTA
American Girl ® Boutique and Bistro Shop the doll collections and then enjoy a wonderful meal in the Bistro. Your special girl will love treating her doll to a new look at the Doll Hair Salon and attending in-store events. 877.247.5223; americangirl.com/alpharetta
Big Creek Greenway Ideal for walking, jogging, inline skating, and biking, this 12-foot-wide paved path meanders eight miles through the woods and connects to mountain biking trails. 678.297.2811; awesomealpharetta.com
ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT East Point – Dick Lane Velodrome Built in 1974 after seeing the track at the Munich Olympics, the Dick Lane Velodrome is one of 22 active velodromes in the U.S. The Dick Lane Velodrome hosts rides for both beginners and professionals, with a 1/5- mile track at maximum banking of 36 degrees in the turns. dicklanevelodrome.com
East Point – MTB Atlanta’s Ride and Fly Experience A series of hiking and biking natural surface trails is a part of the MTB Atlanta’s Ride and Fly initiative. The paved bicycle paths create an extensive network of trails that will be seamlessly integrated into the heart of three populated downtown centers including East Point and College Park and 19 different schools throughout the Metro Atlanta area. mtbatlanta.com/ride-and-fly
Atlanta, GA
Photo credit: Atlantaphotos.com
Atlanta Beltline The Atlanta Beltline is one of the most comprehensive urban renewal efforts in the United States. The Beltline is a sustainable redevelopment project that will ultimately connect 45 intown neighborhoods via a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, modern streetcar and parks—all based on railroad corridors formerly encircling Atlanta. Biking, shopping, dining, strolling past art and even a walk with a Trees Atlanta expert offer fun, exciting experiences along the Atlanta Beltline! 404.477.3003; beltline.org
Children’s Museum of Atlanta Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, designed for young children ages 0-8. The Museum features bright, hands-on exhibits designed to promote inventive problem solving and artistic expression. 404.223.3675; childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame Located in Downtown Atlanta, this state-of-the-art attraction provides visitors with a highly immersive, interactive and engaging experience combining historic artifacts and cutting-edge multimedia exhibits. 404.880.4800; cfbhall.com
Georgia Aquarium The Georgia Aquarium may be docked on dry land in downtown Atlanta, but dive inside and you’ll discover more than 10 million gallons of water and home to tens of thousands of animals including 500 species from around the world and more than 60 habitats. 404.581.4000; georgiaaquarium.org
Zoo Atlanta Located minutes from Downtown Atlanta in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta offers memorable close encounters with more than 1000 animals from around the world. Highlights also include Giant Pandas and North America’s largest zoological population of great apes. NOW OPEN: the all-new African Savanna, featuring new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs and meerkats. 404.624.5600; zooatlanta.org.
BROOKHAVEN Brookhaven Parks Take advantage of Brookhaven’s 8 parks and vast green space. Each park has a distinct personality and offering, from Murphey Candler’s athletic paradise and Brookhaven’s dog park to Blackburn’s playgrounds and Ashford’s collection of “misfit toys.” 404.637.0542; explorebrookhaven.com
Peachtree Creek Greenway - Model Mile Now Open! The Peachtree Creek Greenway will offer Brookhaven guests and residents a nearly 3-mile linear park featuring nature trails, paved trails and promenade trails with residences and businesses. peachtreecreek.org
CLAYTON COUNTY Newman Wetlands Center Catch sight of over 130 bird species, explore tree-lined paths and enjoy the sounds and songs of nature at the Newman Wetlands Center. 770.603.5603; ccwa.us/newman-wetlands-center
Reynolds Nature Preserve Walk under towering pines and oaks, pass by spring-fed ponds and take in the natural landscape of this 146-acre preserve. Explore three miles of hiking trails and rolling hills without ever leaving Metro Atlanta. 770.603.4188; claytonparks.com/reynolds-nature-preserve/
COBB COUNTY Truist Park Home to the Atlanta Braves, Truist Park has a classic ballpark feel, modern amenities and souther hospitality. 41,000 seats are designed to maximize sight lines, making every seat feel like the “best in the house.” braves.com/truistpark
Six Flags Over Georgia An icon of family entertainment throughout the Southeast. Test your bravery with a ride on the Dare Devil Dive roller coaster that has a 10-story vertical lift followed by a terrifying beyond-vertical first drop! 770.948.9290; sixflags.com/overgeorgia
DEKALB COUNTY Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Encompassing over 40,000 acres, the area offers visitors natural wonders and compelling history that includes Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and Panola Mountain State Park. 770.492.5231; arabiaalliance.org
Dekalb County, GA
Stone Mountain Park Georgia’s most popular attraction features a wide variety of family activities. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, adventure awaits as you discover interactive family friendly attractions and many natural and historical sights. 770.498.5690; stonemountainpark.com
DOUGLAS COUNTY Foxhall Resort Foxhall Resort is a celebrated estate on 1,100 acres of sprawling Georgia countryside. A playground of luxe lodging and year-round outdoor activities. Their on-site Paddock Restaurant serves seasonal cuisine with ingredients from North Georgia farms. 770.489.4380; foxhallresort.com
Lithia Springs, GA
Sweetwater Creek State Park Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. An awardwinning Visitor Center – one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country – features exhibits on the areas history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a renovated gift shop. 770.732.5871; gastateparks. org/SweetwaterCreek
DOUGLASVILLE West Pines Golf Club Their grounds feature an excellent 18-hole golf course, practice facilities, a pro shop and the West Pines Grille. 678.391.1600; westpinesgc.com
Arbor Place Mall Arbor Place Mall features food, entertainment and shopping for the whole family. Enjoy a movie at Regal Cinema or shop at any of their stores. 770.947.4244; arborplace.com
DUNWOODY Dunwoody Nature Center Exploration and education meet at this tucked away woodland retreat. Explore 22 acres at your own leisure or attend a variety of events hosted throughout the year. The grounds include streamside trails for hiking, a shaded playground, picnic areas, and a one-of-a-kind hammock garden for relaxation. 770.394.3322; dunwoodynature.org
Brook Run Park At 110-acres, Brook Run Park is the largest park in not only Dunwoody, but the region. This signature park features a large playground, 2-mile loop multi-use trail, skate park, dog park, community garden, and event pavilions. It is also the site of numerous events throughout the year including Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays, Pic in the Park, the Dunwoody Wine Stroll, and more. 4770 North Peachtree Road. dunwoodyga.gov
GWINNETT COUNTY Suwanee Bike Share Get outside and discover Suwanee using the Bike Share Program. Cruise through Suwanee Creek Park and Town Center Park. The first three hours are free! bike.zagster.com/suwanee
Gwinnett County, GA
Treetop Quest Soar, zip, climb, crawl and swing through the most unique ecoadventure course of its kind in Georgia. Treetop Quest features zip lines, monkey bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes at heights of up to 55 feet off the forest floor. Ages 4 through adult. Seasonal. 770.904.3547; treetopquest.com
HENRY COUNTY Atlanta Motor Speedway In addition to hosting the second NASCAR race of the season each year, the facility also hosts many family-friendly racing events, car shows, racing schools, concerts. Tours are available and include three laps around the track. 770.946.4211; atlantamotorspeedway.com
Southern Belle Farm This 330-acre working farm offers four seasons of family-fun with U-Pick berries, peaches, muscadines and scuppernongs in the Spring & Summer, Fall fun with a cornfield maze, pig races and an Old-Fashioned Christmas with pre-cut Frasier Fir trees. 770.288.2582; southernbellefarm.com
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Noah’s Ark is a non-profit animal rescue that provides a forever home for more than 1,500 animals including exotics, domestic animals and wildlife. There are paved walking trails and a picnic and playground area. Admission is free. 770.957.0888; noahs-ark.org
JOHNS CREEK Animal Exhibits at Autrey Mill Goats have arrived at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve! Meet the Dwarf Nigerian Goats on your next visit to Johns Creek, where you can find a variety of other outdoor animal exhibits and even a Native Ectotherm Exhibit - home to a variety of local reptiles, amphibians, and fish. autreymill.org
Chattahoochee National Recreation Area - Jones Bridge Trail Part of the National Park Service, the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area stretches 13 miles within Johns Creek. Check-out the trailhead at Jones Bridge for an easy and scenic hike along the river bank. Heading north on the trail, it won’t take long to stumble upon a river overlook (awesome photo op!). johnscreekcvb.com
MARIETTA Ghosts of Marietta Meet the “ghosts” of Marietta on a lantern-led walk through the historic streets of Marietta and discover the “other side” of this charming town. 770425.5755; ghostsofmarietta.com
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Gather the whole family for a day of bowling, laser tag, karting, and arcade games. 678.496.9530; andrettikarting.com
PEACHTREE CITY Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater Built in 1976, this 2,500-seat outdoor music venue hosts dozens of top-tier acts from every genre and for every generation. “The Fred” has established itself as one of the leading outdoor entertainment venues in the metro Atlanta area 770.631.0630; amphitheater.org
Peachtree City, GA
MOBA Soccer Academy Based in a world-class facility located south of Atlanta in Peachtree City, with high-quality, FIFA-sized artificial turf fields allow year-round training and games. Their Elite Soccer Youth Academy with a focus on longterm player development, and their professional model is built for players to have a path for success at the collegiate and professional levels within our curriculum and club culture. 678.817.1374; mobasoccer.com
ROSWELL Chattahoochee Nature Center Oldest and largest private, non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. Experience forest trails, river boardwalk, native plant gardens, a Discovery Center, and the Screaming Eagle Zipline Course. 770.992.2055; chattnaturecenter.org
Vickery Creek Waterfall One of the most Instagrammable spots in Roswell is the waterfall next to the Roswell Mill Ruins. Just barely over a mile from Canton Street, experience peace and tranquility at the Vickery Creek Waterfall. 770.640.3253; visitroswellga.com
SANDY SPRINGS Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area The three Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area units located in Sandy Springs (Island Ford, Powers Island, and East Palisades) provide endless opportunities to hike, fish, paddle and float. Nantahala Outdoor Center offers seasonal rentals and guided river tours at its Powers Island unit outpost. nps.gov/chat
City Green Located at the heart of City Springs, this four-acre park boasts water features, bench swings, a covered stage, public art, and an interactive fountain for the kids. It’s the perfect place to enjoy gatherings, festivals and outdoor concerts. citysprings.com
Suwanee Bike Share - Gwinnett County, GA
Six Flags Over Georgia - Cobb County, GA
Vickery Creek Waterfall - Roswell, GA
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary - Henry County, GA