If your tot loves to nap while cruising in the carseat, that doesn’t mean you are confined to parking at Publix. Read on for ten perfect places to park and pass the time without waking your wee one.

Atlanta Food Truck Park
Need a place to stop for some good people watching, the aroma of local fare wafting in the air and food trucks as far as the eye can see? Though the hours are sporadic, it’s a fun stop to let your kids snooze before springing for a quiet snack or lunch. Favorites like King of Pops, The Fry Guy, and Happy Belly are just some of the vendors setting-up shop. Plenty of onsite parking is available.

Details: 1850 Howell Mill Rd NW, 678-883-8471. Click here for our complete guide to the Atlanta Food Truck Park.

Beltline Skate Park
The Beltline Skate Park is a short walk from Parish Market where the bottom floor market sells sandwiches, coffees and pastries with outdoor seating. Stroll over to the Beltline’s Skate Park, or drive and find parking near Rankin and Wilmer Streets, to settle in for a slumber. Parents can watch the skaters do tricks and bigger kids can run around the adjacent open field, use the public restrooms or play at the tiny playground while younger siblings nap.

Details: 830 Willoughby Way NE, 404-590-PARK (7275)

Emory Point
A smaller version of Atlantic Station’s live, work and play concept; Emory Point houses retail and dining from Fresh to Order to the Loft. Park alongside the small park next to The General Muir to catch special events like the Farmer’s Market, Giggles at Emory Point’s tot-tastic events and live music. Events vary, so check the schedule in advance before heading over. But even if nothing’s scheduled for the day, pop into The General Muir or a sandwich or treat and let your baby nap alongside your table at the outdoor patio.

Details: 727 Clifton Rd., NE; Atlanta, 866-312-4782

Jimmy Carter Center
A tranquil haven during the week, the Jimmy Carter Center offers ample parking and shade. Although the museum charges an admission, you can ask the friendly staff to use the restrooms or walk out back to the lush gardens and duck pond for free. A smaller rose garden is tucked away near the left side of the building. On Saturdays, a cozy Farmer’s Market with coffee, snacks, fruits, vegetables and a guitarist or jug band sets-up. Park nearby for some people watching during a nap, or scoot your child into a stroller or into your arms to take a stroll.

Details: 453 Freedom Pkwy. NE, Atlanta, 404-420-5100

Olmstead Linear Parks
Traverse through the long linear greenspace of Olmstead Linear Parks either by foot and stroller or cruising alongside near the Paideia School. Despite being located alongside Ponce de Leon Ave., the park is surprisingly quiet unless school kids are lounging on the lawns during a break. If you’re walking, head towards the intersection of Moreland and Briarcliff to see the historic Atlanta Boy’s Choir building.

Details: 1788 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-377-5361

Peachtree Heights/Garden Hills duck pond
Take a drive through the stately old mansions on the wooded hollows winding into Garden Hills Park. Find a spot to park near the duck pond and bring along bag of bread to scatter. Plan to spend an hour or two and bring along a ball or picnic basket to enjoy on the grassy field. Remember the park isn’t owned by the city of Atlanta, but is part of the surrounding neighborhood. While the public is welcome, take care to respect the ducks’ kind neighbors.

Details: Located at Parkside Dr. and Demorest Ave. off Peachtree Rd.

Piedmont Park
Drive north on Monroe Dr. and turn left on Park Ave. until you see the gates to Piedmont Park. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, but stop your car just outside the gates. There’s plenty of shade to relax and people watch. You’re also just a 10-minute walk from the playground and concession stand, and another 5 minutes to the Botanical Gardens.

Details: Located off Park Ave. and Monroe Dr. Click here for our guide to navigating Piedmont Park with tots in tow.

Starlight Six Drive-In
So the drive-in isn’t’ an ideal spot for an afternoon snooze or quiet time, but it is ideal for young kids who can reliably sleep in the car while giving parents a feeling of adulthood. Depending on the season, shows can start as late as 9:30, but tailgating and socializing is common with families beforehand. Get your babes ready to wind down before the movie starts and get ready to settle in with some hot popcorn. Sitting outside your car is also permitted as long as you’re in your parking space.

Details: 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, 404-627-5786

Tanyard Creek Park
Pull off Collier Rd. in between Peachtree Rd. and Northside Dr. and stop at Tanyard Creek Park. The northside trail of the Beltline stretches through the area complete with paved paths, a nearby playground and quaint old, railroad trestle. The path leads into the Ardmore Park area, giving you even more options for fresh air.

Details: Off Collier Rd. between Peachtree Rd. and Northside Dr.

Westview Cemetery
If you think cemeteries are cool not creepy, pull into Westview Cemetery for a tranquil drive through a historic 1884 burial ground. Famous Atlantans like Asa G. Candler call Westview their final resting place. Park near the Mausoleum and Chapel to see the mural of Faith, Hope and Charity and gorgeous stained glass. But even if you can’t leave your car as your baby or toddler naps, the rolling hills and Confederate Memorial will bring provide a peaceful place to park.

Details: 1680 Ralph David Abernathy SW, 404-755-6611

Do you have a secret spot where you park for naps? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Susan Finch

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Food Truck ParkFriends of the Duck Pond via Facebook, Ivan S. via Yelp, Old Shoe Woman and Clover_1 via Flickr on Creative Commons

 
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