Summer and early fall are perfect for exploring nature with your little ones. North metro-Atlanta is home to many streams, rivers, parks, and trails that make it easy to get outdoors and get dirty! Next time you (and your kids) need a break from your go-to jungle gym check out one of these three parks to burn off some energy and dig for worms!
Dunwoody Nature Center: Dunwoody Nature Center, DNC, is a hidden gem just outside the perimeter. There is an annual summer concert series, camps, classes, and a lot to explore! In addition to a whole trail network, you will find a hammock garden (hammocks included), working beehives, picnic tables, a neat play area, and a creek to cool your feet after you work up a sweat. DNC also has a wetland boardwalk where the kids can check out plants and animals along Wildcat Creek. My daughter loved the Treehouse and eating lunch in the meadow. We will definitely be back soon!
Murphey Candler Park: Murphey Candler Park in Brookhaven, not to be confused with the other Candler Park downtown, is a 135-acre multi-use park that can be found right inside 285. Murphey Candler includes a few play structures on the east side of the park, but I recommend skipping those. Instead, spend your time walking the 1.5(ish) mile loop around the lake, watching the ducks, skipping rocks, eating at the picnic tables (or BYOB – bring your own blanket), or consider getting a State of Georgia fishing license to see if you can get anything to bite! This is one of our favorite places in Atlanta to dig for worms, hang in our Eno hammock, and get muddy.
Little Nancy Creek Park: Be careful not to blink when driving down Peachtree Dunwoody Road to Little Nancy Creek Park or you may miss it! Little Nancy Creek Park is a great place for your kids to wet their feet (in Little Nancy Creek), check out how food is grown (at the community garden), and run around the quarter-mile walking trail. There is plenty of shade and a beautiful pavilion to help your family beat the heat while being outside. Your kids will love the creek and you will love, among other things, the water bottle water fountain.
What parks are your favorites for exploring nature with your kids?
Great suggestions and pics! Can’t wait to explore!
Enjoy these parks Ashley! Let me know what you think of them if you get a chance to check them out.
The Dunwoody Nature Center looks amazing! You had me at “hammocks…” 😉
Emily, you would love DNC! Let’s take the kids soon. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! All of these spots look exciting enough for my six year old, and easy enough for my toddlers how to get a taste of nature walks.
Of course Annie! These are fun spots for kids of all ages. Enjoy if you get a chance to explore here soon.
I love exploring my adopted home city! I can’t wait to check these out!!