In the Neighborhood: Intown Atlanta
There are so many unique neighborhoods ITP to discover, including Downtown, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Morningside/Lenox Park, Summerhill, Piedmont Heights, Grant Park and Old Fourth Ward.
Piedmont Park, located in the heart of the city, is a 200+ acre greenspace that hosts more than 6 million visitors and hundreds of events each year, including the Atlanta Science Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Dogwood Festival and Summer Arts & Crafts Festival. Two centuries old, it is now home to bike paths, green market, three-acre dog park, fishing pond, walking trails, community garden and much more. The two playgrounds in Piedmont Park are true destinations. The Noguchi Playscape (currently closed for renovations), located near the 12th Street Gate, is a playable work of art; Mayor’s Grove Playground is a more traditional play space, accessible for all abilities and is located near restrooms and picnic tables. The splash pad and pool, featuring four lap lanes and beach entry, help cool families off in the summer.
Be a tourist in your own backyard at these well-known attractions. Sip on soda at the World of Coca-Cola, root for your favorite team at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, visit the amazing animals at Georgia Aquarium, ride high at SkyView Atlanta, cool off in the splash pad at Centennial Olympic Park, and check out the view from 73 stories at The Sun Dial (recently re-opened to the public).
Featuring 33.1 acres of woods, Morningside Nature Preserve is bisected by the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. There are about two miles of trails on both sides of the creek for nature-loving families to explore. You can access the trailheads at Wellbourne Road and the Georgia Power Substation on Lenox Road. A suspension bridge over the creek connects the trails on both sides. The shore of the creek has shallow water; the shaded area has become known as Atlanta’s “dog beach.”
Bessie Branham Park is known for children’s birthday party celebrations at the Urban Treehouse deck and grilling area, a fabulous playground, and regular pick-up games on the courts and multipurpose field.
The newly renovated playground at Candler Park is a must-see; it has the city’s longest hill slides, climbing towers, hills to roll down and much more. The 55-acre park also features a pool, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic pavilions. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy checking out the various ecosystems, including the park’s re-naturalized wetlands that are home to several species, including beavers.
Atlanta’s Beltline provides 22 miles of trails to bike, skate and walk on with parks, public art and other play spaces to enjoy along the way. Just off the Beltline is Historic Fourth Ward Park, which includes a skate park, playground and 17 acres of green space. A two-acre lake sets a tranquil scene for a lakeside stroll or picnic. Benches, public restrooms and nighttime lighting all make this park a comfortable spot to hang out for the whole family. Skyline Park on Ponce City Market’s rooftop offers games and the complex has food stalls, shops and restrooms. Other cool parks to check out off the Beltline are Westside Park, Perkerson Park and Rose Circle Park in the West End. On the West End, you can also get lunch at the Lee + White Food Hall, play on the Great Lawn and go climbing at The Overlook.
You may not think of an art museum as a great place for kids, but the High Museum of Art in Midtown is full of family-friendly finds. Every Thursday, toddlers can enjoy a drop-in art activity, and the weekends feature family tours and monthly UPS Second Sundays when admission is free. Any day you visit, The Greene Family Learning Gallery offers two distinct spaces for creative play that combine cutting-edge technology with hands-on activities for kids ranging in age from infants to 8 years old.
At the Center for Puppetry Arts, the Jim Henson Gallery is a perfect museum for the little ones since it includes puppets, props and costumes from “Sesame Street,” “The Muppet Show,” “Fraggle Rock,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth” and more. While you’re at the Center, see a puppet show and create your own puppet after the performance.
The whole family will enjoy the beauty and color of garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Seasonal exhibits, like Orchid Daze (currently on display), highlight a holiday or seasonal plant collection. The Children’s Garden features a splash pad, playground, timed frog feedings and other fun activities.
Zoo Atlanta
Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s most treasured attractions. Dating back to 1889, the zoo is home to 45 animal habitats, a world-class conservation effort, a splash zone and playground for the kids to let loose, special events and more.
Designed for children ages 8 and younger, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta sparks imagination, sense of discovery and learning through play. Permanent exhibits include Fundamentally Food, Leaping into Learning and Stepping Up to Science. Through May 4, enjoy XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness where families can come together to spend time to reflect and focus on one another.
Virginia-Highland is home to two spots great for indoor play needs tailored to the little ones in your life. Intown Tumbling has yoga for kids ages 2 and older. Boomerang Play Center features a special area just for those younger than 4 with a ball pond, twisty slides, carousel, jumbo building blocks, toddler climb kit and a unique interactive slide feature.
A Midtown specialty toy store with offerings for every age and interest, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop is just another reason to check out Ponce City Market. In-store events like SlimeTime on March 24 are fun for the whole family.
The locally-owned, two-story Virginia Highland Books has window seats for enjoying a book and complimentary games to enjoy. Come for story time and other kid-friendly events; while you’re there, shop the collection of hard and soft cover books of all varieties and genres, puzzles, games, journals and unique gifts.
Held each Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. across the street from The Beacon ATL, Grant Park Farmers Market is a rain or shine event. Families can find locally-grown veggies, meats, breads and artisanal foods. With plenty of seating and picnic areas, there’s a space for everyone to relax and enjoy. If you bring the family dog, be sure he’s on a leash.
The walkable and bikeable neighborhood is home to restored historic buildings, colorful murals, and a variety of places to eat and drink. Summerhill is nestled between other popular intown Atlanta neighborhoods, including Grant Park, Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward, and was created as part of the redevelopment effort for Atlanta’s Olympic stadium in the ‘90s.
Aimed at older kids, Museum of Illusions in Atlantic Station features interactive exhibits that explore why your mind processes what your eyes see in different ways. Be sure to bring a camera when you go as some of the illusions require that for full effect.
Atlanta’s history is the focal point at Oakland Cemetery, and while a cemetery might not sound family-friendly, this 48-acre space is full of gardens, sculptures and more. Make your visit interactive with a downloadable scavenger hunt, book a tour or attend an event.
With locations in Midtown, VA-HI and inside the Benz, the whole family will appreciate the quality and local sourcing of ingredients with a fun atmosphere and delicious food at Farm Burger. For the little ones, kids’ meals includes fries or fruit and veggie cup with sunflower butter dip and a drink. Mom and dad will appreciate the innovative combinations and craft beer selections.
With two intown options — Summerhill or Poncey Highland — to enjoy this soft serve ice cream made from local Georgia dairy and organic cane sugar, Big Softie is a must try. The cones are also locally made. Unique toppings, such as Cheez-It streusel and rosemary caramel sauce, are fun for the adults to try, while the kids can enjoy traditional toppings, like sprinkles and fudge sauce. Flavors are always changing and can be found on their website and via Instagram.
Quintessential Atlanta, The Varsity is a burger, chili dog and fry joint famous for their paper hats, food and saying “What’ll ya have?” The original location intown opened in 1928, covers two city blocks and can accommodate 800 diners inside. It has the reputation of being “the world’s largest drive in.” No visit is complete without a Frosted Orange.
Perfect for special occasions, Amore e Amore on Highland Ave. will become a favorite. Kids will love getting to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the special menu just for them. You’ll love that they get all of that for $20! Parents will also appreciate the quality, taste and variety of dishes, as well as the robust wine list.
The Patels Family Faves
Hanish, Paru, Sita (4) and Radha (2)
Brandi Inman, Barefeet Imagery
We love the vibe/location of our neighborhood because: We love our neighbors who continually work to make our neighborhood a thriving place to live. We enjoy easy access to the Beltline and several great local restaurants!
Our favorite playground is: We love Gotham Way Park. It is in our neighborhood and definitely a hidden gem! Ethridge Inclusive Playground is another favorite spot because not only is it a wonderful neighborhood playground, it was also designed specifically to be accessible to kids of all abilities. Until our older daughter, Sita, was about 3, she used a walker to help her ambulate. The playground has wide ramps to the various equipment and is beautifully flat and rubbermulched so that kids with differences still have a place to play with their peers!
Our favorite restaurant is: Grindhouse Killer Burgers
You can’t miss this hidden gem: Morningside Nature Preserve
Great family resources in Intown Atlanta:
