Check Out These Great Parks and Playgrounds in Metro Atlanta

The kids are running around and it is time to get out of the house and get some fresh air. A lot of parks and playgrounds have opened back up since being closed during the pandemic. I have created a guide, that is continuously updated to help you pick out which ones are great for you and your family. An important feature for me was to at least have a playground that is suitable for toddlers and bigger kids. I also like parks that have plenty of green space if the kids want to run around, kick a ball or even have a picnic. Check them out for a few details on each.

Parks and Playgrounds In Midtown Atlanta

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is my absolute favorite park in Atlanta, really in Georgia. Piedmont has large green areas, to picnic, run, dance or whatever. Plenty of pavilions that an be reserved for events, an equipped outdoor exercise area, and two playgrounds. If your goal is to tire out the kids, definitely take them here. They also have a snack shack, Willy’s and Park Tavern are located on the outer grounds as well. There is so much to do here, fun for the family or just hanging out with friends, make sure you hit Piedmont this summer.

Parks and Playgrounds In Downtown Atlanta

Tanyard Creek Park

Tanyard Creek Park is located in Atlanta close to Northside Drive, and connects to the Beltline. We visited here on a weekday, so it was fairly quiet. Most people were walking and jogging along the trail. This park has two playgrounds and a swing set for toddlers and kids. I liked that it feels like it is in the middle of the woods and I think the kids liked that as well, it made it more exploratory and provided plenty of shade. There is a creek along the trail, where we saw turtles and tadpoles. Overall the kids loved it and I think that this will be a fun park to go to in the summer, when we can dip our feet in the water to cool off.

Parks and Playgrounds in Smyrna-Vinings

Nickajack Park

Nickajack Park is one we go to often, because it is so close to our house. This park is great for the whole family. Of course there is a playground, as well as a basketball court, baseball fields, pavilions and plenty of space to run around. It is located in Smyrna close to I-285. The only thing about this park is it does not have a lot of shaded areas, so you may want to visit in the morning before it gets too hot or when the sun is going down. There is also a small trail, if your kids are into adventuring in the woods like mine are.

Cobb Park and Kidscape Village I & II

This park is located in Smyrna, right across from Campbell High School. I think this is a great park if you have a toddler or infant and an older child, because there are two playgrounds suited for each. In the photo above is the smaller playground, not pictured is the larger playground, along with another swing set and jungle gym. In the video, you will see that my children were picking up trash. We came here on Earth Day to give back to Mother Nature. There is also a pavilion as well, and some times the Ice Cream Man will show up, so bring a little cash with you.

Jonquil Park

Jonquil Park is located in Smyrna, very close to Truist Park. This park and playground is great for younger kids. There is a small playground, swing set, walking trail, soccer field and pavilion. The playground was a little too small for Mila, but the perfect size for Maxwell. Park goers have the ability to reserve the fields if they want to have games or matches. This park also has little shade so make sure you pack the sunscreen and water.

Gonzalez Park

If you live close to West Atlanta or the Vinings area this is a small nice neighborhood park. It is small in size but it has plenty of things to play with. There is a seesaw, swings, slides and even small goals to play soccer. There is no restroom or facilities here, but there is a pavilion and shaded areas to sit if you want to enjoy a picnic. My kids really enjoyed the time here, because we were the only ones.

Parks and Playgrounds in Buckhead/Brookhaven

Nancy Creek Park

I visited Nancy Creek Park without my children, and I can say that it is peaceful and great for a place to be alone or with the family. It sits in the middle of the Brookhaven neighborhood. It has a community feel and even a community garden. There is a large playground, good for big and small kids, a small creek, walking trail, shaded green area, bench swings and pavilions. Really everything that you need to have a good time at the park.

Parks and Playgrounds in West Cobb

Tramore Park

Tramore Park is mostly known as a soccer complex, but it also has a playground, pavilion and walking trail. It is located in Austell, off of East-West Connector. I took Max here one day during the week and we were the only ones at the playground. In the summer, I am sure that will not be the case but it is a low key park. I really like the playground here because it has plenty of slides, swings and other climbing/play areas. Not a whole lot of shade here, so make sure to bring plenty of water or come when it is cool outside.

Things to take to the park

Before you pack up the kids in the car don’t forget the essentials. Here is a list of supplies that are needed and some optional items for fun.

The sun is out and it is blazing. It is important to protect your kids skin with sunscreen.
Staying hydrated is essential. I like water bottles with straws, making it easy for kids to open.
We recently got a hammock, which we will use when we just want to hang out after the playground.
Bringing snacks and juice boxes? Don’t forget your insulated cooler bag to keep everything cold on those hot days.
If it is a really hot day, bring along these cool water shooters.
Having a picnic in the park and need a blanket. We use this beach blanket, because it comes with a travel pouch, light weight and easy to get rid of crumbs.

As the days get warmer I will add parks with splash pads and other parks where kids can enjoy the weather. Please let me know of any parks and playgrounds you think that we should check out or you recommend.