The Dunwoody Nature Center is a free, shaded nature area just north of downtown Atlanta. It’s an amazing, green, free, non-profit nature area for exploring: a wetlands boardwalk, water play in Wildcat Creek, two miles of hiking trails, and a nature center with opportunities for geocaching nearby. There are multiple impressive playground areas including a giant log swing, flat bottom swings, and two towering structures. As a learning environment, the gardeners have also set up pollinating gardens and beehives. For field trips and classes, the Eco Nature Classroom blends with the environment and is a great learning space. Check out all the areas on the online map.
🧭Where:
Dunwoody neighborhood, 30 min north of downtown Atlanta
Address: 5343 Roberts Drive; Dunwoody GA 30338
⏰When:
Daily from sunrise to sunset
⏳How much time do I need?
Plan to spend all day or drop in for a couple of hours
💰Cost:
Free!
🚙Parking:
Not many spots
🧺Food:
Large group of picnic tables as well as a few scattered throughout the park. Snacks and drinks are okay everywhere.
🚽Restroom:
There is only one restroom! Take the time to stop at the clubhouse before heading off into adventures.
🌳Shade:
This whole area is covered in huge shade trees. Great for summertime heat!
🐶Pets: Allowed
👋Extras:
- The shade from the surrounding forest of trees makes it an excellent play area for warm days.
- Bring bug spray just in case.
- Consider packing extra clothes if planning water play in the stream. There isn’t a specific “water play area”, but the stream meanders through the park and is sure tempting! It’s slow moving so watch for snakes. (We didn’t see any – just heads up.)
- Take advantage of the hammocks for resting!
- Being parent entertainment. There are lots of seating areas for parents while the kids run free.
- Before you head out to the playground, stop at the area close to the parking lot to enjoy the garden and extra trail.
- Check out their online offerings for birthday parties – it would be a great venue for nature fun.
- I wish we lived closer to participate in the beekeeping club!
⚠️Warnings:
- This amazing nature area is next to school so avoid school pick up or drop off hours. It may be difficult to get out of the parking lot with the pick up line.
- Most of the paths are mulch or gravel pathways, so this is not the place for skating, strollers, or rolling bags.
- iPhone map takes to wrong place; double check the location.
- This is a big play area. Don’t forget to set limits or you might “misplace” a child as you can’t see all areas due to trees.
📝Education:
Playtime! Take a hike and enjoy nature. Walk through the wetland boardwalk. Look into planning a field trip for your group – there is plenty of room.
🗺Nearby:
This is a great drop in place for a break, but it’s a distance from downtown.
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