In the Neighborhood: Peachtree Corners and Norcross
Peachtree Corners Town Center / ptreecornerstowncenter.com
A look at the top family-friendly spots in this part of metro Atlanta.
Peachtree Corners Town Center is more than a shopping center and dining destination — it’s a community hub. The Town Green is a 2-plus-acre lawn that is home to events like concerts, movies and festivals, as well as a dog park, outdoor obstacle course, playground and splash pad.
Downtown Norcross is a dynamic destination full of public art and historic spots, as well as new restaurants and shops. Kids will enjoy the playground at Thrasher Park while mom and dad will like perusing antique shops and checking out local joints for lunch and dinner. The walkable area is also home to family-friendly events throughout the year.
The towering American elm in Norcross’ Betty Mauldin Park is the largest American elm in the state of Georgia (more than 100 years old!). You can take photos with it, but please don’t touch!
Nature lovers appreciate the natural beauty of Simpsonwood Park, a 223-acre preserve in Peachtree Corners offering a campground, BBQ grills, forest trails and a small chapel with gazebo.
Kids as young as 3 can drive their own tiny car around the track at Tiny Towne in Norcross. The indoor complex also features a train and arcade. Each driver gets their own license, complete with photo as a fun keepsake.
Bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages and go karts are fun for everyone at Malibu Norcross. The adventure park also features an arcade and a water attraction that is five stories high and features slides, sprayground and water tunnels.
Kids will love playing at Superior Play Systems in Norcross. The store features outdoor and indoor play equipment that you can try before you buy. Check their website for open play hours that change daily and for details on hosting a birthday party at the store.
If you are in Norcross, you have to check out Rossie Brundage Park which features a fully accessible, ADA-approved playground that was designed with children with special needs in mind. This park also has ball fields, basketball courts and pavilions.
The whole family will enjoy the fresh air and green space at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross. Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy in the large lawn, and cool off in the splash pad.
Enjoy the view of the Chattahoochee River while the kids play at Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners. The 30-acre park features areas for fishing, as well as a sand volleyball court, soccer fields, green space, a playground and more.
Also situated on the banks of the River, Holcomb Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners is great for younger kids. The playground features swings and right-sized equipment; there are also short walking trails to explore.
For indoor playground fun, check out DinoDash in Peachtree Corners. Everything is dinosaur themed, and there is a dedicated toddler space. Older siblings will like racing down the slides and jumping on the inflatables.
The Anderson Family Faves
Robert, Amelia, Olivia (7), Clementine (5), Violet (2) and Clark (5 months)
We love the vibe/location of our neighborhood because: It is so relaxed. There is enough of everything that you don’t really need to leave city limits. There are great restaurants and shopping, plus lots of nature to explore, including the river.
Our favorite playground is: We love the layout of the Jones Bridge Park Playground. We can swing our 2-year-old and still keep an eye out on the big girls. A short distance from the playground is access to the river. Calm enough for the curious and cautious nature lover. Plus, the extra bonus of having ducks to feed all of the crackers your kids spilled during snack time.
Our favorite restaurant is: Royal Thai Bistro is small and not so busy inside but always extremely friendly and delicious. Their food travels well, too! Our kids love the black pepper beef (not at all spicy and kid-safe); their lo mein and spring rolls are also our kids’ favorites. Don’t skip out on their curries and chicken satay.
You can’t miss this hidden gem: Round out your pilgrimage to Peachtree Corners by visiting a unique and hidden anomaly. Nestled in an office parks sits Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, a small-scale replica of a papal basilica in Rome. The facade is a wonderful backdrop to the church’s family-friendly events in the piazza-like setting. The interior architecture is transportive with its huge columns and new artwork being added periodically. We love the interesting reactions and questions our children have in such a serene and visually stimulating place. Finish your mini-Italian field trip with a visit to Millie’s Pizzeria and Giulia Italian Bakery at The Forum.
-Tali Benjamin
Great family resources in Norcross and Peachtree Corners:
