If you’re looking for a fun family outing, you’re in luck. The area in and around Alpharetta boasts an array of exciting opportunities for your whole group to enjoy. Still, if you’re feeling inspired to have fun as a family and don’t know where to look, that fun can quickly turn to frustration.

That’s where Crème de la Crème of Alpharetta (Nesbit Ferry Road) comes in. We’ve put together this list of can’t-miss places to check out, all in or close to Alpharetta. Whether you’re looking for an educational museum trip, a day in the great outdoors, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered.

Alpharetta’s Amazing Parks

Families looking for some outdoor fun don’t need to travel far. Alpharetta boasts a great network of parks and green spaces that are sure to keep every member of the family engaged.

Start with a day at Wills Park, Alpharetta’s flagship park. The big park offers mostly shaded areas complete with a walking trail, baseball fields, and more. You’ll find a dog park and even an equestrian center here! Wills Parks also boasts a wooden play area dubbed “Wacky World,” which comes complete with bridges, passages, and towers as well as sections designed for younger and older kids.

Big Creek Greenway is another popular green space local families love. The scenic trail connects Alpharetta with Roswell and Forsyth County. The paved path is perfect for family strolls and bike rides alike, making Big Creek Greenway a great destination when you’re looking to enjoy a day as a family without going far from home. All in all, Alpharetta makes getting some time in the great outdoors a breeze for adults and kids of all ages.

Alpharetta Farmers Market

Image via Unsplash by ecasap

You can’t go wrong with a family excursion to the Alpharetta Farmers Market if you’re searching for the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning together. This market takes place from early April through the end of October, and it’s open from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You’ll find the Alpharetta Farmers Market at Town Green at City Center, right in front of Alpharetta City Hall on North and South Broad streets.

Sure, this farmers market is a great place to stock up on groceries for the week ahead, but it’s much more than that. You’ll find a range of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats alongside gorgeous flowers, tasty herbs, and plenty of other products. Treat the kids to yummy baked goods, or grab some of the homemade sauces or local raw honey to have at home. Kiddos will love hearing the music playing while you shop, making Alpharetta Farmers Market a fun way to spend a weekend morning while introducing your family to wholesome and tasty foods.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers yet another local adventure that’s sure to spark wonder in both kids and adults. This museum features science at every turn — even the limestone tiles that line the floors contain fossil remnants. Whether your kids want to get up close and personal at the feet of prehistoric dinosaurs or look up to the sky to learn about the stars, you’re sure to make family memories to last a lifetime here.

The museum boasts a range of indoor and outdoor experiences, so you’ll find new ways to enjoy your time every visit you make. In fact, Fernbank includes 75 acres of nature adventures thanks to WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Immersive trails, exhibits, and educational programming come together with beautiful scenery to create a nature-lover’s oasis you’ll love exploring with the kids. Just remember to buy your timed tickets to the museum in advance, as they currently limit capacity.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Ready for an epic adventure? Head over to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, located just a short drive from Alpharetta in Buckhead. With rides, LEGO bricks, and more, there’s fun for all ages at this amazing place.

You won’t want to miss out on MINILAND, an interactive Atlanta cityscape, or creating your own LEGO race car. Then, go behind the scenes on a factory tour, take in a 4D movie, or hop on a LEGO-inspired ride. There’s even a DUPLO village ideal for the youngest builders in your brood.

Since the space has limited admission, your best bet is to buy tickets ahead of time online. Whether your kids love building with LEGO and DUPLO bricks at home or you’re just looking for a day of fun, you should have our local LEGOLAND at the top of your list.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Kids and kids at heart will love an outing to the Center for Puppetry Arts. An array of exhibits, live shows, events, and workshops are ready to inspire the entire family.

The Create-a-Puppet workshops are popular events for kids ages 4 years old and older. Children ages 2 and 3 can also attend if they have an adult puppet builder alongside them. These hands-on workshops let participants make a puppet for a performance on the classroom stage, then take the puppet home. Look for these workshops on days when Family Series performances are offered, or get a Create-a-Puppet to-go kit if an in-person workshop isn’t available when you plan your trip.

Your family can also enjoy the Jim Henson and global exhibits or puppet shows when you visit the Center for Puppetry Arts. All visitors over 2 years old need a ticket, though kids under 2 can enter for free. Ticket prices vary depending on the combination of museum entrance, shows, and workshops you want. Pro-tip: Go for the all-in-one to get the most out of a visit.

That wraps up Crème de la Crème of Alpharetta’s list of amazing family-friendly attractions right here in our own backyard. We hope this list has you inspired to get out for a day of fun. Did we miss your family’s go-to spot close to home? If we did, drop us a line so we can check out your favorite family attraction and add it to our list!