In the Neighborhood: Roswell
Chattahoochee Nature Center
A look at the top family-friendly spots in this part of metro Atlanta.
Population: 91,706; Fulton County
Zip Codes: 30075, 30076, 30077, 30350, 30009, 30022
Known for beautiful green spaces, including a network of parks and trails and designation as a Platinum Certified Green Community, and for its historic downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
Did you know? The Chattahoochee River provides most of the drinking water for metro Atlanta.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), set on the picturesque Chattahoochee River, features 127 acres of forest, wetland and river habitat to explore. The Discovery Center exhibit and surrounding trails explain the river’s role in metro Atlanta, how you can help protect the river and introduce native wildlife. Explore on your own on one of six trails; the Beaver Pond Trail is only .16 miles and is ideal for families with little ones to start on. Plus, you’ll see lots of wildlife along the way! Guided river canoe trips are available (ages 5+ on Family Days), and CNC has seasonal events and native plant sales.
For a full day of fun, head to Roswell Area Park. The playground, which is near newly renovated restrooms, has several play structures to suit kids of all ages, as well as outdoor fitness equipment to get energy out. Trails and bike paths surround the space with views of nature, the athletic fields and more. A sprayground and pool are here to enjoy in the hot summer months.
Tennis courts, soccer fields and a gym are year-round favorites at East Roswell Park. The 40-acre space is also home to a pool and sprayground, disc golf course, walking trails and picnic tables. The whole family will enjoy watching the dogs run around at the dog park. The playground features a shaded play structure and swings.
Playtime includes a view of the Chattahoochee River when you visit Riverside Park. The area favorite has two distinct playgrounds, including one with dinosaur play structures. A large green space is at the center of the park and is great for picnics, throwing a ball or a game of tag. A sprayground is perfect for the hot summer months and is conveniently located near the restrooms for changing. A short walk on a paved path takes you to the river’s edge to feed the ducks and watch kayakers.
The whole family will love Area 51 Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Mini Golf. Two putt-putt courses frame the movie theater, so you can enjoy one activity or both while you are there. They feature specials like $2 Off Tuesdays and Mini Golf Thursdays to save families money.
Formerly known as the Computer Museum of American, Mimms Museum of Technology and Art is located next door to Area 51. Current exhibits include “A Tribute to Space Exploration” and “Supercomputing: Vanquishing the Impossible,” as well as a timeline of computer history.
Downtown Roswell is home to a few historic houses, including Barrington Hall,Bulloch Hall,Mimosa Hall & Gardens (temporarily closed) and Smith Plantation. Admission is free and the grounds can be explored during daylight hours. Each house has its own story; for example, Barrington Hall was built in 1838 and was home to the founders of Roswell. The house’s museums have various hours of operation with docents on site for local history buffs to enjoy.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Whit’s Frozen Custard in East Roswell. Check their website for the daily flavor, or enjoy one of their classic options like vanilla and chocolate. Kids can get a specialty sundae featuring gummi worms and cookie pieces for $4.50. Adults will appreciate the new caramel coffee shake or “whittie,” which is frozen custard sandwiched between two cookies.
A downtown Roswell lunch staple, The Fickle Pickle is located in an 1890s house. They are known for their house made pickles — you can get them fried or to-go — and sandwiches. Unlike some area spots, they do have a parking lot. Kids’ meals include a sandwich, cookie and choice of chips, fries or mandarin oranges. Brie BLT, horseradish beef, fried green tomato and shrimp burger are some of the unique sandwich options adults can enjoy.
Roswell Riverwalk
Explore the waterfront via the Roswell Riverwalk, which is a multipurpose greenway that runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River. The seven-mile path can be used for biking, walking or running. The scenery is beautiful, and since there are no cars, you can let the kids run free.
See a waterfall while you hike on Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill. The hike, comprised of two trails, is easy enough for little legs, and the waterfall’s shore provides a great place to stop and rest. Park at Roswell Mill and walk over the covered bridge to peer at the creek below.
Roswell is home to a seven-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River, so try floating on the ‘Hooch. Bring your own tube, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard and take off from any riverside park with water access, including Garrard Landing Park, Don White Memorial Park, Riverside Park and Azalea Park. You can also rent gear from Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Perfect for tween girls, Ruth & Naomi sells clothes, gifts and accessories. Their staff is friendly and helpful, and their selections are refreshingly age-appropriate while trendy.
Children’s consignment boutique Oolabe is ideal if you are looking for gently-used, high-quality clothes, toys, furniture, books and other items. They can also help you make a profit on items you no longer need.
Open Monday through Saturday, Confetti Clubhouse offers a variety of gifts. The space doubles as a creative space for kids, offering classes, camps and parties.
Young ones will appreciate the calm and welcoming environment at We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym. The indoor play space features specialized sensory equipment and a calming room, plus a zip line, climbing rock wall, trampoline, and pretend play stations. The gym also offers classes, camps and activities for kids across the spectrum and neurotypical kids as well.
A short drive away, you’ll find indoor play places like The Playroom, Play Street Museum, Kids Empire Rivermont and Funville Factory. While not officially in Roswell, each of these spots will only take you 10-15 minutes to get to and are ideal for playtime with your little one.
A Store With a Cause: Sunny & Ranney
If you’re in the market for home goods or furniture, check out Sunny & Ranney in downtown Roswell. Every purchase supports home makeovers that transform the lives of kids with special needs, so your shopping also does good in the metro area.
The Nesbitts Family Faves
Ensley, Temoh, Scarlett (9), Nora (6), Everly (3) and Ellis (3)
We love the vibe/location of our neighborhood because: Roswell has so many wonderful things to offer. Canton Street has the charm of a small town while the Chattahoochee River trails and parks give us an opportunity to experience nature. The wonderful parks and rec department gives our children diverse opportunities like art classes, theater, gymnastics and sports while it allows us to create a community of parents.
Our favorite playground is: Roswell Area Park. It has play equipment for all ages, nature trails for walks and a short, paved path for kids riding scooters.
Our favorite restaurant is: Lucky’s Burger and Brew in downtown Roswell. It has tons of outdoor dining, a turf area for kids to play, and on the weekends, offers a place to listen to music or watch a game.
You can’t miss this hidden gem: The trails, creeks and field at Leita Thompson Memorial Park. It’s a great place to picnic, explore and be at peace in nature. It provides a fun adventure for all!
-Tali Benjamin
Great family resources in Roswell:
