Big-ticket attractions like Zoo Atlanta, The World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and The Children’s Museum of Atlanta are all concentrated Downtown, but don’t let that fool you. Buckhead and Brookhaven are brimming with kid-friendly museums and activities throughout the year. Whether you want to check out a Civil War-era farm or get an ice cream cone from a train’s caboose, North ITP has plenty for you to check out. Keep reading for our favorite places to take the kids in Buckhead and Brookhaven, below.
The Atlanta History Center
Over 33 acres of curated gardens, four historic houses, varied programming, and a range of signature and temporary exhibitions housed in the Atlanta History Museum are yours for enjoyment at the Atlanta History Center, in Buckhead. Atlanta’s oldest surviving farmhouse at Smith Farm was built in the 1840s for the family of Robert Hiram Smith, and today, you can explore it and other buildings—including the dairy, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, corncrib, chicken coop, and barn, as well as the vegetable, herb, field, and enslaved peoples' gardens. Just up the hill you'll find Atlanta's Swan House, constructed in 1928 at the end of the Jazz Age, which was the home of Mr. Edward and Mrs. Emily Inman. In the History Center, you'll find contemporary exhibits about Jim Crowe laws and segregation, the 1996 Olympics, and a robust history of the state.
Don't Miss: Just outside the Swan House you'll find the children's Victorian Dollhouse, constructed by the Inman family for their daughters. And if you get hungry, make a stop in the oh-so-fancy Swan Coach House, where your manners will be most appreciated.
130 West Paces Ferry Rd. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: atlantahistorycenter.com
Visit Chastain Park Playground
Chastain Park has 268 acres filled with a pool, a horse park, a golf course, trails, tennis courts, and most notably, an epic (and shaded) playground that recently enjoyed a $2.8 million overhaul. Nestled into six acres of wooded hills and grassy playing areas, the playground includes plenty of boulders and tree stumps to entice even the most grass stain-averse parents and kids—not to mention a tree house that will make every dad’s back yard aspirations seem attainable. In addition to the usual playground constructs, Chastain's playground is complete with an outdoor piano, drums, and chimes. There's a pavilion, restrooms, and the entire playground is wheelchair accessible.
135 W. Wieuca Rd. N.W. (between Lake Forrest Dr. & Pool Rd.)
Online: chastainparkconservancy.org
It’s a plane! It’s a playground! It’s the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport Park! Your crew will love a trip to PDK, with its playground, picnic area, and air strip observation stadium. Please direct your eyes to our manual and fasten your seat belts for some high-flying fun.
Don't Miss: No trip to the PDK Airport Park is complete without two things: grabbing a burger from the Downwind Restaurant, and getting a scoop of ice cream from The Frosty Caboose, nearby. The Caboose is a retired train car that's been outfitted as an ice cream shop. Serving Greenwood's ice cream—an Atlanta favorite—make sure you plan your trip around the Caboose's hours of operations.
2000 Airport Rd.
Atlanta
Online: pdkairport.com
Explore Town Brookhaven
This mega shopping district attracts families every day with its green space, restaurants and shops. It is home to tons of events, many of which are fun for kids like Holiday on the Town in December, the Best of Town Brookhaven in the spring, and Movies on the Town during the summer. The area has its share of upscale restaurants, as well as several restaurants comfortable for people with kids like Lucky’s, The Flying Biscuit and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
4330 Peachtree Rd. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: townbrookhaven.net
Hike Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Nestled in Atlanta’s North Buckhead neighborhood, Blue Heron Nature Preserve is home to the 3-mile Blueway Trail which allows visitors to experience 30 acres of woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas and meadows – all without leaving the city.
Good to Know: If you're looking for a break from all the screen time, BHNP offers 9 weeks of summer camp, filled with hands-on activities focused on discovery, exploration, creativity and a connectedness to nature within its 30-acre greenspace. Each week of summer camp at Blue Heron, educators will explore a new theme that will get campers digging in the dirt, flipping over rocks, building forts and wading in the creek.
4055 Roswell Rd. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: bhnp.org
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