North Georgia Family Fun

Hembree Park

Trails
There is a trail that is just over 1 mile (maybe 1.2 or 1.2).  It is perfect for a stroller - crushed gravel. The trail is also extra wide so going with a friend is nice; you can walk side by side on the trail, even with strollers. The trail follows the outside edge of the park all the way around.  It is mostly shaded, but there are a few full sun spots.  It is also fairly level, making the walk pretty easy (unless you are in brand new flip-flops like I was today).  There are numerous rest stops along the way.

Playground
There is a pretty neat playground area in the back of the park.  It is fenced in, also. It kind of looks like it is in full sun, but the way the sun comes up, it is in the shade most of the day.

Other
There are lots of birds in this park and not a lot of people.  Tennis courts and ball fields, as usual.  I really like the fountain at the front of the park - took some cute pictures of my DS there.  There is also an activity building at this location.

Website

Pictures

East Palisades Trail

Trails
3 mile loop. Beautiful and peaceful. Dirt/clay trail which get REALLY muddy after the rain. This was very doable but not easy with a jogging stroller.  I would not recommend it without one (or an all terrain).  I would not have been able to do what I did with our regular Chicco stroller.  There are a lot of tree roots on the trail and about 10 or so tree trunks crossing the path (in one area, three cross the path all together - don't let this discourage you - this path is the easiest way).  You have to go over these - you can't go around them.
As a rule of thumb, stay to the left when the trail spits.  I did not follow this rule and spent 30 minutes on a sharp incline with tons of tree roots.  I was not able to finish after that craziness, only to learn upon turning around that I went the wrong way and it should have been a relatively easy 5 minute walk.
Trails are in all shade, and we got a good breeze from the water (at least today we did).  Bring Skin So Soft -- it was cool today but the mosquitoes were still out because it is such a lush forest and by the water.

Playground
No playground here.

Other
We saw blue heron, babies ducks, pretty native wildflowers, tons of song birds and more.  It was very nice.
If you are a timid walker, you may want to bring a sling rather than a stroller.  There are some tiny paths, steep drops and big holes (from tree roots coming out of the ground).  I am a wimp and I still did it, but it is not a piece of cake.
There is a $3 parking fee here.
Great places to bring the kids to play in the water, especially right by the parking lot.
There are not any restrooms that I saw.
People were fishing there which was nice.

Website

Pictures

Coming Soon

Tanglewood Farms

Trails
None

Playground
None

Other
This is a great farm of miniature animals that kids can pet and feed.  Goats, cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, llama, cows, rabbits (these are big actually)...
There is a little "town" also.  It is out in the middle of nowhere which I like because there is no crowds, etc.  We did the whole thing in about an hour.
I was able to take the stroller around.  It was a little difficult because of "rounding up" gates. I would bring it again though - worth the trouble.

Website

Pictures

Welcome!

Hi - Glad you found your way here.  Since I have had my son and quit work, I am looking for ways to spend the day, have some fun, maybe even get in some exercise.

I have scoured books, websites, community literature and more, and put together a list of parks, nature centers, local attractions, etc.  As we visit each location I am posting information about the trails (how are they with a stroller, how long is the trail, what is it like), the playground (is there one, is it in the shade, what is it like), other information, the website, and pictures of the location.

I have deliberately left out directions, hours, fees, etc.  Because of the this, please see the website or contact the location before you go.

If you have additional comments or ideas for fun places you would like us to check out for you, please leave a comment at any post.  Thanks! Hope you get to enjoy at least one of these locations with your family. Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun. ~Mignon McLaughlin

 - Lesli Peterson

Maps of locations

Alphabetical list of locations

Autry Mill

Trails
Autrey Mill has over 2 miles of nature trails that feature a walk through a hardwood forest to pine forest. They wander past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, many spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life. There is plenty to explore with bridges, an outlook, a farmer's attempt to discover gold, foundations stones of the old mill, plus benches and pavilions.

The trails are almost all in shade and I had no problems using a stroller. I got a trail map at the visitor center which was helpful, except that there were trails in the forest that were not on the map. Annoying for me.

Playground

There is not a playground

Other

There are some neat things there - an adobe shelter and a teepee.  There is a farm museum and a preserved house and church that are beautiful. The visitor center has geese, snakes, turtles and even a chinchilla.

Website

Pictures

Kidstock @ First Baptist Church of Woodstock

Trails
Just learned when I was there today that they have 3 walking trails - 1 mile, 1.25 miles and 1.5 miles. All sidewalk. Mostly sun.

Playground
One goes here for the playground, not the walking path.  The playground is better than anything I have ever seen. Lots of areas to play. The ground is made from recycled rubber tires so even though it had been raining for several days, it was not muddy or icky (except in the sand box). And the play set is made from materials that do not get too hot in the summer.
I have read that there is a water feature area for the kids.  A friend confirmed this, but I did not see it (I did not search it out, though, either).
Other friends who have been here before say that it can get very very busy, especially with older kids. There is a toddler area where only 2-5 year olds can go, but who knows if the older ones adhere to this.  When we were there, there were only 3 other parents (other than the group I was with).
One comment I heard from a mom-friend of mine who has a very energetic young boy - it is difficult to keep an eye on him because there are just so many places to play. 

Pictures

Grant Park

Trails
I cannot find the total number of miles of trails, but at least 3 miles are available
Trails are all concrete
Sun and Shade

Playground
Great playground and swings, covered picnic tables (require reservations) with a large grill area.

Other
This is a beautiful park with lots of trees and beautiful plants including a Native Plant Examination Area
Adjacent to the Zoo and the Cyclorama - doing all 3 things together makes for a great day

Website

Pictures

Atlanta Zoo

Trails
The zoo walk is about 1-2 miles
Sun and shade, but mostly shade
All concrete, perfect for stroller

Playground
Average playground - of course the zoo is what you are going there for.

Other
This zoo has an amazing collection of plants. They are all labeled and in great condition. Beautiful! Worth a trip just for that, if yo are into gardening.  MAYBE better than ABG.

Website

Pictures








 

Webb Bridge Park

UPDATED with trail information and pictures 5/11

Trails
There are trails here, but we were not able to walk on them. I will update this post when we get the opportunity. I cannot find any information about how long the trails are.

I think you can connect to The Big Creek Greenway from here - 12 miles roundtrip of concrete to Mansell.  But, that is another post.  I am pretty sure there are other trails within the park

Trails are compressed gravel and very easy to maneuver with a stroller. 

They are in mostly shade. 

Main trail is 1 mile; there is an additional 1/3 mile loop available.  It is very nice by a stream at a lower elevation.

Very pretty plant life along the trail; a small man-made pond; multiple elevations but the rise is shallow and very easy.

The trail is very wide so a good choice for strolling with a friend - you can talk with them while strolling.  Right before lunch it was not too busy, but school is still in session.

Did not see connection to the Greenway.

Even though it is only a mile, there is something to seeing the mile markers...makes you feel successful.

Playground
Incredible playground. Water feature through center of playground, but they have not had it turned on lately because of the drought. Sandbox, sundial, swings, slides, xylophone (yes, you read that right). In a very shady area.  There is a center grassy area in the sun that makes for a great picnic space.

Other
Restrooms and water fountains.

Website
http://www.alpharetta.ga.us/index.php?p=219

Pictures

trail map posted at start of trail

beginning of trail (going left) - the sidewalk to the right takes you to the playground - to the left is a bathroom facility

man-made lake

example of mile markers posted every .2 miles

in front of the lake, looking left, see further along the trail at a lower elevation

Irises growing along the "stream" flowing from run off into the lake

flowers and more example of the trail terrain

right before the .7 mile marker, the trail allows for a sharp turn to the right for an extra 1/3 mile. Take it! It is nice and cool in the lower elevation with a stream making a relaxing water noise. There are 2x2 erosion control boards at various places in this area - stroller seemed to have no problem navigating them.

Heading down the spur

Coming out of the spur, looking down on the part of the trail we just came from (you can barely see the trail beyond the trees)

entrance to the playground

Big Trees Forest Preserve

Trails
Following the 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Atlanta book (and website) we walked 1.5 miles

The path was relatively easy with a stroller.  There was one section of the path -- a rock "bridge" over the creek -- that was not stroller-friendly.  I actually had to take my DS across and sit him down, then go back across and carry the stroller over the bridge.  It was not a big deal, but something important to note. (picture of it below)

Along the path in various places are 2x2's on a diagonal to help prevent erosion of the trail.  Most of them have mulch surrounding them that makes the transition over them no big deal.  Some, however, are missing the mulch.  This means having to maneuver the stroller over them which can become annoying.

Almost entirely shaded. Cool shade with a breeze, even on a 90 degree day.

There are a number of switchbacks.  The elevation is very steep, but the switchbacks back it doable with little effort.

Playground

There is not a playground.

Website

http://www.bigtreesforest.com/

Other

This park's entrance is in the parking lot of an office building.  It is a beautiful place, and a secret hide-a-way worth visiting. I highly recommend it.

Pictures