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

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

JJ Biello Park - "The Valley"

Trails
There are no trails here.

Playground
This playground is HUGE.  It is one of the largest in all of Georgia. It is so cool. Rock climbing walls, interconnected play areas...it is incredible.  The only problem - no shade except for the picnic pavilions.

Pictures

Swift-Cantrell Park

Trails
Outer trail is 1 mile; inner trail is 1/2 mile
Paved and perfect for a stroller
SUN SUN SUN - there is just no shade at this park. (Why do they level those trees?)

Playground
Really nice playgrounds. The one for the younger kids is fenced.  But, again, there is no shade.
There are covered picnic pavilions for some respite.
The restrooms are very close (as is parking) and they are nice and clean.

Other
There is a skate half-pipe and quarter-pipe (combined), and an off-leash area for dogs. One for small dogs and one for other dogs.
There is a lot of green grass for hanging out.  There were people sunbathing when we were there.

Sorry, no pictures.  Going there was unplanned and I was without a camera. Click here for pictures taken by someone else.

Roswell Riverwalk

Trails
An old website indicates this is 5 miles each way (10 miles total) from Don White to Willeo. I think it is 3.5 miles each way (7 miles) from end to end.
Regardless, it took us exactly 2 hours to walk from Azalea Park (the first parking lot at the .75 mile marker) to the "End" marker, and back. 
All paved or packed gravel perfect for the stroller
Sun and shade along the trail

Playground
There are several playgrounds along the way in the first 1-2 miles.

Pictures

 

Roswell Area Park

Trails
Multiple lengths from 1 mile to 3.1 miles
Stroller Friendly
Mostly shaded
Part of longer trail is on the lake

Playground
5 stars
Multiple playgrounds including a fenced area

Other
Includes ball fields, swimming pool ($5), art gallery, lake, and tennis courts

Dogs welcome

10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075