Kid-Friendly Nature Centers in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta may be a busy metropolitan city with skyscrapers, highways and plenty of Targets, but it is also home to many naturally wooded sanctuaries. Here are 15 nature centers that provide perfect opportunities for your family to get back to nature.

Table of Contents

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Perhaps the most well-known of metro area’s nature destinations, this 127-acre center sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Roswell. Kids flock to the CNC for its guided day and night hikes, canoe trips, animal encounters and the reptile and fish exhibit at the interpretive center. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

A hidden gem in southwest Atlanta, Cascade Springs has easy walking trails and a small, but beautiful waterfall. With three hiking trails (all suited for kids or beginners), families can spend a long time in this peaceful place and even see the remains of trenches from the Civil War battle of Utoy Creek. 2852 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta.

Elachee Nature Science Center

Visitors have frequented this center in Gainesville for more than 30 years because of its guided hikes, camp and field trip programs and 12 miles of trails. Kids love the “live animal” exhibit where they can get close to snakes, spiders and reptiles. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville.

Photo courtesy of Dunwoody Nature Center

Dunwoody Nature Center

This center boasts 22 acres and four distinct habitats, including two miles of woodland hiking trails, Wildcat Creek, gardens and more. Find all three geocaching spots for an outdoor treasure hunt. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody.

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Clyde Shepherd is described as “an oasis in suburbia” and it is easy to see why. On the north side of bustling Decatur, this 28-acre preserve has several miles of trails and is a wildlife sanctuary. 2580 Pine Bluff Dr., Decatur.

Lost Corner Nature Preserve

Right in the heart of Sandy Springs, this nature preserve was a working farm in the 1800s and was donated to the city by its last owner. It has a cute bungalow on the property as well as a community garden. Visitors can hike the trail, which is just under a mile, and see lots of wildlife. 7300 Brandon Mill Rd., Sandy Springs.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

This land in north Atlanta flourishes with nature and wildlife. Families can regularly spot a box turtle, a midland water snake or the carnivorous lady slipper orchid while walking on the easy two miles of trails. Kids especially love the replica of a teepee. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek.

Tucker Nature Preserve

At just nine acres, this nature preserve’s smaller size makes it easy for families to navigate. A half mile trail winds through the scenic woods where visitors can see native plants, plenty of birds and also do some geocaching. 4408 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker.

Big Trees Forest Nature Preserve

A simple Sandy Springs escape which features just what you would think–big trees. There are three trails with bridges over a creek in this 30-acre plant, tree and wildlife sanctuary. 7645 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs.

Morningside Nature Preserve

This gem in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood boasts 30+ acres of woods along South Fork Peachtree Creek. A cool suspension bridge over the creek connects the trails. Visitors and their canine friends like to frequent “Dog Beach,” the shore and shallow water under the bridge. 1941 Wellbourne Dr., Atlanta.

Blue Heron Nature Preserve

With 30 acres and a three-mile Blueway Trail, Blue Heron Nature Preserve is awesome for seeing animals and different artworks, including the “Art of Nature: Into the Wild” exhibit opening on April 24. 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta.