Best Atlanta Parks and Playgrounds For Kids

Childhood play is important for more than just physical activity. When children get out and play, they exercise their minds as well as their body. This is even more true when they play at a playground. Playgrounds are the hallmark of childhood play for a reason. They’re a place where children and parents come together. These areas combine play with social interaction which leads to several different areas of development in children.  Here is a list of best parks and playgrounds in the Atlanta and surrounding area. Let us know if we have missed any. We will update this list often.

Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park

70 Abernathy Rd. NE, Sandy Springs
Voted Best Of Atlanta 2014! A new kind of playground for children of all ages — one filled with real art to play on, play with, or inspire imagination.  Where can climb, swing and jump from real art structure. Including the Dragon Fly, Wonder Wall and Spider Walk

Ashford Park

2980 Redding Rd. NE, Brookhaven
The recently renovated small park. What makes this park unique is the collaborative community collection of toys and bikes. Two new play structures, a seesaw, and a huge sandbox.

Brook Run Park

4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody
At 102-acres, the largest park in the region.  The Children’s Adventure Garden has bright play structures with shades and separated for toddlers and older kids. A Dog Park and Skate Park are also available with a 2-mile trail loop.  Something for everyone.

Candler Park

1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta

A 55-acre park which means tons of space for playing with a ball or bikes.  Two play structures for both the younger and older kids. Swings, slides and walking distance to some great restaurants.  It’s shady enough and the kids love to climb the steep, wooded hill from the playground up to the tennis courts.

Cauble Park

4425 Beach St., Acworth
The playground is right by Lake Acworth and is nature-themed. Free parking for non-residents Monday – Friday.  Jungle gym and spider net are kids favorite.

Centennial Olympic Park

265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta
Despite being right in the heart of the city, this park can feel worlds away.  The playground itself is great for all ages and all abilities.  Safe with soft rubber and filled with lots of multi-sensory elements.  Add splashing in the fountains or walking through the water oasis, and you can make it a fun filled day.

Chastain Park Playground

135 W. Wieuca Rd. NW, Atlanta
Kids tend to love this playground as there is a treehouse.  Slides for the entire family – yes parents can go down too! And even a music area.

Old Fourth Ward Park

680 Dallas St., Atlanta
The playground has many features that include climbing elements, slides, swings, rock walls and even a trampoline.  Cool off in the splash pad and easily accessible bathrooms make this a kid and mom favorite.

Kidscape Village at Cobb Park

2776 Sanford Rd., Smyrna
This park has several colorful play structures for all ages, most with giant umbrellas for shade. There are shorter climbing walls for going up and over, and even a toddler play area with has smaller swings and slides.  Lots of benches for parents to watch.

Mason Mill Park

1340 McConnell Dr. Decatur

Large open space playground that is easily accessible.  Large Pirate Ship themed with ramps, climbing walls, three story high slides and a toddler play structure for the younger ones.  Not a shaded park but the nearby building helps provide some. There is also a restroom and water fountain right there.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

200 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs
A modern playground with lots of natural beauty.  Two play structures for both younger and older kids, a large spider web, rock-climbing wall and lots of shade for sun protection

Ocee Park Playground

10900 Buice Rd., Johns Creek
Brand new state of the art playground with two structures for play – one for children ages 2-5 and another for older kids. Everything was built with inclusive play in mind, such as the “Ten Spin” Merry-Go-Round, Swing seats the Avalanche slide.

Piedmont Park

400 Park Dr. NE, Atlanta
Two great play areas and miles of jogging trails and a lake make this feel like a mini oasis.  The Mayor’s Grove Playground is designed for kids with and without special needs. The area is next to the pool house for easy bathroom access.  The Noguchi Playscape is next to the park’s 12th Street gate.  Is a one of a kind play sculpture that looks like art but is a slide and more.

Swift-Cantrell Park Playground

3140 Old US Hwy. 41, Kennesaw
The park features two large playscapes: one for both older and younger kids and one just for younger kids. You can also find a Dog Park, picnic pavilions, a skatepark and even a wellness station.

Thrasher Park

93 Park Dr., Norcross
This is the park if your kid loves trains.  They can climb all over the bright, red train play structure and watch real trains go by at the same time.

This post was written by Stephanie Gilbert, author of The Autism Diva.