SPRING NATURE WALKS AND HIKES

Dunwoody Nature Center

Hike around Wildcat Creek, the wetlands boardwalk or the two miles of Piedmont forest. The awesome playground is an added treat with two climbing towers, a giant rope swing, tall slides and more. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free admission. dunwoodynature.org

Cascade Springs

Nature Preserve

An easy, less than two-mile part-paved, partdirt trail round trip takes you by the remnants of a stone springhouse (with moat) and Civil War-era trenches on this former battlefield site. Plus, there’s a small waterfall. 2852 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta. 404-546-6788. Free admission. atlantaga.gov

Constitution Lake and Doll’s Head Trail

This easy, round trip half-mile hike has a fascinating surprise. The highlight of the park’s trail system is the quirky Doll’s Head Trail, filled with folk art created by local Atlanta artists and park volunteers. 1305 S. River Industrial Blvd. SE, Atlanta. Free admission. atlantatrails.com

Roswell Riverwalk

Go playground to playground, from Riverside Park to Azalea Park, and then on to boardwalks adjacent to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. This flat trail runs alongside the Chattahoochee River for up-close views of the water and its wildlife. 9100 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-640-3253. Free admission. visitroswellga.com

Sawnee

Mountain Preserve

Mostly known for the Indian Seats natural rock formation at the peak of the mountain, Sawnee has an easy, short hike best for younger children. The brief round trip leads to a tree house and a trail of fairy houses. Another short (but steep) climb leads to an observation deck. 4075 Spot Rd., Cumming. 770-781-2217. Free admission. parks.forsythco.com

Reynolds Nature Preserve

Three choices of looped trails, all under two miles, make this a great spot for beginners. There’s a wide variety of sights to see, too. Ponds, a butterfly garden, antique farm equipment and resident critters are all part of the landscape. 5665 Reynolds Rd., Morrow. 770-603-4188. Free admission. claytonparks.com

Murphey Candler Trail

A pond is at the center of this moderate two-mile flat loop. Adjacent to a playground, this tranquil spot is a great place to see ducks, turtles, geese and other water fowl. 1551 W. Nancy Creek Dr., Brookhaven. 404-637-0542. Free admission. brookhavenga.gov

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

This land in north Atlanta flourishes with nature and wildlife. Families can regularly spot a box turtle, a midland water snake or the carnivorous lady slipper orchid while walking on the easy two miles of trails. Kids especially love the replica of a teepee. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. Free admission. autreymill.org

Arabia Mountain Path

Amazing views await at the summit of the crater-filled Arabia Mountain. The trail is short, but along the way, plenty of unique land forms and plants entertain. Multiple access points. 404-988-8384. Parking, $0-$5. arabiaalliance.org

Sweetwater Creek State Park

About 20 minutes east of downtown Atlanta, this park offers a wooded trail along a stream leading to ruins of the Manchester Textile Mill. Other trails wind through forests, ferns and wild azaleas. Try the red trail for the easiest route. 1750 Mount Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770732-5871. Parking, $5. gastateparks.org/sweetwatercreek

Red Top Mountain State Park

This park boasts more than 15 miles of wooded trails, and you can even explore a reconstructed 1860s homestead. In the warmer months, pack a bathing suit for the swimming hole at Lake Allatoona. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Acworth. 770-975-0055. Parking, $5. gastateparks.org/redtopmountain

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The Mountain Trail is steep with some level terrain that leads to the peak, where a panoramic view of Atlanta is the reward; rocky sections make this best for more advanced hikers. There are also easier trails and activities at this historic battlefield site. 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw. 770-427-4686. $5. nps.gov/kemo

Stone Mountain Park

Explore 15 miles of walking and hiking trails, including the one-mile trail to the top of the mountain. The Nature Garden trail is an easy walk around large oak trees. The hike to the top is more challenging, but includes great views of downtown Atlanta. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. Parking, $20. stonemountainpark.com

Jason’s Music Party

jasonsmusicparty.com