In the Neighborhood: Decatur (plus, nearby)
While Decatur is its own city, neighborhoods like Emory, Druid Hills and Avondale Estates (home to the first Waffle House), deserve a shout out.
The Square, centered around the old DeKalb County courthouse, is the heart of Decatur. The 15-block walkable district is undergoing renovation soon, which will feature a new children’s play area, a performing arts stage, updated plaza and MARTA bus terminal. The Square is home to community events and local restaurants, businesses and shops.
Little ones will love First Christian Church of Decatur’s Toy Park that is filled with toys families decided to donate and is a great place for toddlers to play. The sidewalk “track,” which runs along the edges, is great for riding the scooters, tricycles and push cars you’ll find all over the grass and mulch area.
Get lost in nature at the 28-acre Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur. Explore the forest where you’ll see rich birdlife, as well as the wetland and pond habitats for frogs and beavers. There are seven short trails that the whole family can enjoy.
Newer to the area, Avondale Estates’ Town Green is a beautiful place to play. The play area has a unique and artful appearance. The park also features green space, a pavilion for picnics, and a stage for performances. There are places to sit and watch the birds visit the Tudor-style birdhouses, or you can play a game of bocce ball.
Discover dinosaurs, ancient fossils, prehistoric cultures, new science and more at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills. Kids will love the daily live animal encounters and Family Nature Walks. Enjoy learning about science in the 3D theater, and head outside to WildWoods and explore the treetops and immersive exhibits.
Explore art and culture when you visit Michael C. Carlos Museum on Emory’s campus. Featuring objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, Africa and the ancient Americas, the whole family will learn something during your visit. If your crew needs a calmer environment, the first Saturday morning of each month is dedicated to visitors with sensory needs; visit the information desk for a special sensory friendly bag.
Comet Pub & Lanes has been a staple in Decatur since the 1970s. Originally known as Suburban Lanes, in addition to bowling, try playing pool, darts or games in the arcade. Their full menu of pizzas, burgers, quesadillas and more is made with real ingredients, and they have a full bar, including fun mocktail options for the kids like Shirley Temple. Reserve a lane online before you go for the best experience.
If you love to read, you have to stop by Little Shop of Stories in Decatur. The shop is eclectic (the floor is made out of pennies donated by customers and laid one-by-one) and hosts a slew of authors and book-related events. It hosts storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., as well as summer camp and birthday parties.
Shop seasonal produce and international finds at Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market in Decatur. Be aware that they don’t take credit cards; they do take debit cards, cash and check. Since 1977 the store has been providing quality seafood, meat, cheeses and baked goods to customers in the metro area.
Locally owned by a set of sisters, Treehouse Kid & Craft in Decatur is a toy shop with personality. The store features everything from books and art supplies to slime and outdoor toys, and everything in between. Jellycat fans will appreciate their massive collection.
School-aged kids will love showing off their skills at Color Wheel in Decatur. An art studio with an afterschool program, as well as workshops and camps, kids can focus on visual arts, sewing, pottery and more. You can get it on the action with their “Mini & Me” classes as well.
Friday nights are more fun at Zone of Light in Decatur where kids can enjoy art activities, a movie and pizza dinner while you get the night off. In addition to these special events, the studio offers private art lessons, birthday parties, group classes and camps.
From classes and workshops to galleries and performances, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Druid Hills has been a staple in the community for 50 years. The center offers classes to children, teens and adults, and their Jazz on the Lawn concert series brings well-known artists to the metro area.
The Bach-O’Connor Family Faves
Ryan O’Connor, Kim Bach, Juno Bach-O’Connor (8), and Dolly Barkin (dog)
We love the vibe/location of our neighborhood because: Decatur is a charming gem that perfectly blends the warmth of a small town with the vibrancy of a large city. Its walkability makes it easy to explore local shops, cafes and parks, fostering a sense of connection among residents and visitors alike. The friendly people create a welcoming atmosphere, making every stroll feel like a walk through a community filled with familiar faces.
Our favorite playground is: Glenlake Park holds a special place in our hearts and is conveniently located just around the corner from our home. We take family walks, scoots and rides through the park and adjoining cemetery, while ending at the playground. We find tranquility in the peaceful scenery and the simple joys of being together.
Our favorite restaurant is: Waffle House. You will find us sitting at the counter most Sunday mornings, chatting with the super-friendly staff and chowing down on good ole diner goodness! In general, we love to dine out, especially in the vibrant culinary scene in Decatur. We enjoy the ambiance of Sushi Avenue and the patio at Raging Burrito & Taco.
You can’t miss this hidden gem: The Old Depot District in Decatur is a lively hub filled with some of our favorite spots. A few of our favorites are: Opo Coffee for our caffeine fix, Smileys Burger Club for mouthwatering bites, Kimball House for an upscale dining experience and Kelly’s Market for local finds. It’s incredibly pet-friendly, making it perfect for outings with your furry friend. We love taking our dog to Spot for Dogs right next door.
-Tali Benjamin
Great family resources in Decatur:
