Sunshine and blooms means Atlanta parents break out our strollers and, well, stroll. Instead of hitting your tried-and-true neighborhood playground, pack it up and take a nearby trip to one of Atlanta’s best public gardens. You’ll have new paths to explore and a backdrop that may just make you cancel that appointment for family photos by a professional photographer. Keep reading for our favorite spots to see the blooms, but remember: weather affects bloom seasons, so call before you go to make sure a storm, a freeze or other acts of nature hasn’t wiped them clean.
Gibbs Gardens
Spring is in the air at Gibbs Gardens with millions of golden daffodils covering rolling fields. Stroll along paths, traverse hills, and wander through the woods to experience more than 220 acres of specialty gardens, including the Japanese and Waterlily Gardens. Tickets may be purchased online, and reservations are not required.
1987 Gibbs Dr.
Ball Ground
770-893-1880
Online: gibbsgardens.com
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is composed of serene woodland paths that showcase more than 3,000 species just minutes from Kennesaw Mountain. Unique plantings and fascinating elements such as The Rose Garden, Bonsai Exhibit and waterfall area delight the senses in this designated wildlife habitat. Smith-Gilbert Gardens is open Tuesday through Saturday.
2382 Pine Mountain Rd.
Kennesaw
770-919-0248
Online: smithgilbertgardens.com
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Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Explore hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. Check out a variety of ways to grow bulbs, including container gardens and floating islands. Watch for updates on peak bloom times at atlantabg.org. While you're there, check out Orchid Daze in the Fuqua Orchid Center—an awesome option particularly for rainy days!
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Midtown
404-876-5859
Online:Â atlantabg.org
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Not a Pollenator? Alliance Theatre Has You Covered
Based on In My Granny’s Garden written by Pearl Cleage and Zaron Burnett Jr. and illustrated by Radcliffe Bailey, Alliance Theatre for the Very Young invites guests to explore the glory of growing your own food. Watch a tiny seed become a field of corn, green beans, collard greens, and bright red tomatoes. Step into a visual feast inspired by world renowned artist Radcliffe Bailey’s original paintings, and discover the one superpower that fuels Granny’s garden. This play promises to leave you nourished in body and soul—plus you don't have to walk through fields of flowers if you're not into pollenating at our city's finest gardens.
1280 Peachtree St. NE
Midtown
404-733-4600
Online: alliancetheatre.org
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