5 Things to Do in Alpharetta & Vicinity

Grab Lunch & Picnic in Downtown

From Atlanta, it should take you just over a half-hour—depending on traffic—to reach Downtown Alpharetta, which makes it a perfect first stop. The square has a traditional small-town vibe, and the green space in the middle of it is usually filled with kids running and rolling, and parents chatting around park benches. Downtown Alpharetta has two breweries that are great (Jekyll Brewing and Currahee)—casual spots for a seated lunch with kids. If you'd rather picnic instead, just hit the walk-up window at Never Enough Thyme to grab a delicious sandwich, salad, or kids' food. 

Tip: If you're dying for dessert, Four Fat Cows has unique as well as traditional ice cream flavors, and is walkable from the green. Or, head down the street to 2B Bakery, which offers an incredible selection of delicious gluten-free baked goods. However, we've saved some recommendations for dessert at your last stop in Avalon, just in case you need the promise of a sweet treat to get your tired kiddos back in the car at the end of your day. 

Visit Wills Park

After you've filled your bellies and enjoyed some sunshine (and perhaps perused the local shopping found in Downtown Alpharetta), head over to Wills Park, where you'll find a killer playground (all wooden, and kind of resembling a fort or a castle or something Midieval, perhaps), ball fields, trails, and even an equestrian center. With luck, you'll catch a glimpse of some horses and their riders. If you go on the weekend, there are frequently horse shows for hunters and jumpers. 

Extra: If you have a military buff with you (or just a kid who would be amazed at getting up-close-and-personal with some tanks and aircraft), make a pit stop at the American Legion Post 201 Walk of Memories. It's just across the intersection from Wills Park, and you'll find a tank, helicopter, Navy gun, and an Air Force T-33 Trainer installed outdoors, part of a permanent exhibit honoring veterans. 

Drive North to Scottsdale Farms in Milton

This garden center, nursery and family farm is a great place to enjoy the farm life without making it the entire focus of your day. It's a little bit like going to Pike's, a gift store, and a farm—all at once. Though technically in Milton, Scottsdale Farms is an easy (and pretty) 20-minute drive from Downtown Alpharetta. There you'll find chickens (be sure to ask for chicken feed at the front desk), a pig, cows, goats, and even a fancy Italian goat shepherding dog. There's a playground, picnic tables, a cafe and cute retail spot, both inside the barn. You'll find artwork, jewelry, home accessories, pet stuff, and tons of seasonal items.

Intel: Scottsdale Farms hosts tons of event year-round. Check out their calendar before you go to see if you'd like to time your trip to Alpharetta and the vicinity to anything on their calendar.

15639 Birmingham Highway
Milton, GA
770-777-5875
Online: scottsdalefarms.com

Plan a Play Date at The Art Barn

This is an appointment-only activity, but one you won't want to miss. When you arrive at The Art Barn, which is technically in Canton but just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Scottsdale Farms, you will be greeted by the farm team, check in, then head back to the barnyard to hang out with some furry friends - the donkeys, Ellie, Ernie - the miniature donkeys, Jenny and April - a sweet sheep, Willow and Fern - and last but not least some fabulous goats, Jester, Blossom, Latte, Holly and Oakley. Oh, and the pigs - Hank, Pearl, Pickles, Hampton and Olivia. There are also horses, ponies, AND more goats and sheep to see in their paddocks. Visit with the chickens and create art along the way. Hop a Hayride and cruise around the farm, learn about compost, earthworms and see what’s growing in the garden.

Don't forget: Bring a snack to enjoy under the magnolias at picnic tables or out in the grassy green paddock on a quilt.

Click here, for Play Date flow, rules and reminders!

Click here, for Family Farm Night flow, rules and reminders!

208 Roper Rd.
Canton, GA
Online: theartbarn.com

Swing by Avalon for Dinner, a Treat, or Music

After all the sunshine and farm fun during your day in the Alpharetta area, you might be in need of some retail therapy. Before hopping back on 400, head to Avalon for tons of restaurant choices (including Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream) a movie theater, excellent retail options, and family programming.

Good to know: If you go on the last Tuesday of the month from April to October, there is a Little Acorns club for preschoolers, which is free and has activities, entertainment, and crafts. On Friday evenings, expect live music at Avalon Nights Live.

400 Avalon Blvd.
Alpharetta, GA
Online: avalon.com