Whether you’re busy with work or the kids are consumed with extracurricular activities, finding a moment to spend quality time with your family is meaningful and important. Why not change your usual routine and have a picnic in a local park? Make some sandwiches, load up your kids’ favorite snacks in a basket, and head out to one of these five awesome picnic spots around Buckhead, Georgia.

Piedmont Park

Man and Woman Walking at the Park with Child by Kampus Production is licensed with Pexels License

Piedmont Park is a true gem for Atlanta residents. What started as a forest in 1822 has now turned into a gorgeous public park spanning over 200 acres. There are several scenic spots with lush green lawns where you can enjoy a picnic with your family, such as Oak Hill, The Meadow, and Reading Circle. Mayor’s Grove Playground offers kids a chance to play in a sensory-rich environment while you relax at the picnic tables surrounded by beautiful trees. 

Bring your bikes and helmets and trek along the bike-friendly paths throughout the park. Alternatively, you could reserve a bike through the Relay Bike Share. If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off after your picnic, purchase a pass to swim at the Piedmont Park Pool. Swimming lessons and seasonal passes are available.

Be sure to visit the park on a Saturday to attend the Green Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through December 9, 2023. It’s a great way to bolster your weekend picnic with something special. You can purchase fresh fruits and baked goods from local vendors and head over to Clara Meer Dock to eat by the water of Lake Clara Meer.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta.
• Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Known as an oasis in the city, Historic Fourth Ward Park spans 17 acres of land featuring a bike trail, a playground, and a splash pad. Spread out a blanket on the steps of Clear Creek Basin, which overlooks the park’s 2-acre pond with stunning water features. As you share a picnic lunch with your kids, take a moment to admire the surrounding landscape of modern buildings and towering trees. 

After your picnic, take a short walk down Eastside Trail to visit the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park at 830 Willoughby Way NE. You and your kids can watch local skaters master their tricks or try a few of your own. Be sure to bring a ball or frisbee with you so you can toss it around with your family at the adjacent field.

• Location: 680 Dallas St. NE., Atlanta.
• Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Centennial Olympic Park

For a picnic in an outdoor venue with historical ties, come to Centennial Olympic Park. This park, used in the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, features the exciting Fountain of The Rings, a water fountain made of the iconic Olympic rings symbol. Your kids can splash and play around the dancing water features before drying off to enjoy a meal with you. 

There are plenty of benches throughout the 22-acre greenspace where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic with the kids. Together, you can marvel at the city’s impressive skyscrapers and the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. Other fantastic attractions surrounding the park include the Georgia Aquarium and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Check out these cool spots along with several other family-friendly museums near Buckhead.

• Location: 267 Park Ave. W. NW, Atlanta.
• Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

If you’d like to relish in the great outdoors for a picnic with your kids, head north of Buckhead to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. For a $5 entrance fee, you and your family will get unlimited access to the park’s natural landscape and hiking and walking trails. This breathtaking park is home to incredible wildlife, including rabbits and white-tailed deer, and houses over 240 bird species. Find a picnic table or flat spot near the river to lay out a blanket and enjoy a meal while observing the local wildlife.

Pack your fishing gear before you leave home to try fishing in the nearby Chattahoochee River. You can catch amazing freshwater fish such as trout, bass, and catfish. Or, if you’re looking for a more leisurely adventure on the river, pack several tube floats to go floating down the river with your kids. Don’t forget to bring life jackets to ensure a safe trip for everyone.

• Location: 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs.
• Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Brook Run Park

Brook Run Park presents 110 acres of expansive green lawns and open spaces for you to enjoy. Order a delicious to-go meal from a local Buckhead plant-based restaurant and head over to The Great Lawn Pavilion to eat at one of its 26 picnic tables. Alternatively, you could take advantage of this area’s terraced seating and lay out under the sun.

After your meal, visit the Dunwoody Community Garden located within the park, where you’re welcome to look at what’s growing throughout the lush garden. Stop by the baseball fields for some soccer, baseball, or softball family playtime. You could even try a new sport together, such as disc golf at the course near the community garden. 

If your family loves thrilling experiences, check out Treetop Quest, a fun adventure park with over 50 obstacles and 12 ziplines across four courses. Families with younger children aged 4 to 6 can visit Kiddie Quest for age-appropriate exploration. Brook Run Park also has a dog park, so you can bring your furry friend along for your picnic adventure. The dog park features 2 wooded acres with lots of shade from the tall trees to help beat the summer heat or protect you from a light rain shower.

• Location: 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody.
• Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit a Family-Friendly Picnic Spot Near Buckhead

Any of these five great picnic spots would be perfect for you and your family to visit for a fun-filled day outdoors. Make new memories as you enjoy a nutritious meal paired with some hiking, biking, or sports at a nearby field. Our team at Crème de la Crème of Buckhead, Atlanta, wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable picnic this summer. Which of these parks are you most excited to visit? We look forward to hearing from you.