Get out of the house with the kiddos by visiting these scenic, activity-filled and free parks for kids in DeKalb County. There are dozens of parks in DeKalb, and here are 15 spots you can let the kids get some exercise and meet up for play dates and to socialize with neighbors.
All are open seven days a week, unless otherwise noted.
Atlanta
Bessie Branham Park
2051 Delano Drive NE, Atlanta 30317
Hours (recreation center): Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
404-371-5010. More details here.
Within walking distance of Kirkwood Village, this 7-acre park boasts an impressive playground with seesaws, climbing walls and tire swings. The park also offers picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts and softball fields. The Atlanta Hawks renovated the recreation center's basketball court, which is now designed in the team's red, black and neon green uniform colors, through the Centers of Hope partnership with the city of Atlanta.
Peachtree-DeKalb Airport Park
2000 Airport Road, Atlanta 30341
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
770-936-5440. More details here.
This Atlanta park comes with additional entertainment for children. Located next to the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, this aviation-themed park gives kids a front-row seat to planes taking off and landing on the runway. You can even book hangar space for your little pilot's next birthday party.
Avondale Estates
Bess Walker Park
105 Berkeley Road, Avondale Estates 30002
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-294-5400. More details here.
Bess Walker Park in Avondale Estates is home to Lake Avondale. The park hosts many community events, including its annual tree-lighting ceremony by the lake. Go fishing, take a walk on the trails or explore nature with your kids.
Brookhaven
Ashford Park
2980 Redding Road NE, Brookhaven 30319
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-637-0500. More details here.
If you have kids younger than 5, take a trip to this park. Along with a playground, the area is home to push toys donated by neighbors over the years. You can bring your toddlers without worrying about transporting your own toys.
Murphey Candler Park
1551 W. Nancy Creek Drive NE, Brookhaven 30319
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-637-0500. More details here.
Bring the family for a hike, a picnic or some fishing at this popular park. Amenities include a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, sports fields and a 2-mile running trail that wraps around a lake.
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Chamblee
Huntley Hills Park
Longview Drive, Chamblee 30341
Hours: Daylight to dark
770-986-5016. More details here.
You will find a play area with swings for young kids and a walking path at this park at the corner of Admiral Drive and Longview Drive. A butterfly garden was designed and planted by neighborhood volunteers who also maintain the garden. You can reach the garden via a steel bridge over a creek running through the middle of the park.
Clarkston
Milam Park
3867 Norman Road, Clarkston 30021
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-296-6489. More details here.
With several playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts and space to kick or throw a ball, the whole family can enjoy this park. The covered pavilion can be reserved for parties or cookouts and there's a designated area for dogs to play.
Decatur
First Christian Church of Decatur's Community Park
133 Nelson Ferry Road, Decatur 30030
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-378-3621. More details here.
A community project between the Ponce de Leon Heights neighborhood and First Christian Church of Decatur that began in 1999, this park is a town treasure. Known locally as the "Toy Park," the playground features a large collection of donated items from the church's members. Kids can play with different toys and enjoy the swings and other playground amenities while parents watch from nearby benches and picnic tables.
Mason Mill Park
1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur 30033
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
404-679-1349. More details here.
This well-kept park offers side-by-side playgrounds sure to entertain even the most tireless children. The grounds also include lots of trees, tennis courts and a wide, paved walking or running trail. Located near the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Public Library, this park has the potential for an afternoon of reading and play.
Oakhurst Park
307 Feld Ave., Decatur 30030
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-373-1360. More details here.
This 8-acre park provides a playground and picnic pavilion for kids in the Oakhurst area. Home to the Agnes Scott and Decatur High School softball teams along with youth leagues for baseball and softball, the park also features two softball fields, a basketball court and lighted tennis courts. Enjoy an afternoon of play and then take the short walk over to Oakhurst square for coffee and snacks.
» RELATED: 5 DeKalb spots with food and drink specials you won't want to miss
Doraville
Honeysuckle Park
3037 Pleasant Valley Drive, Doraville 30340
Hours: Daylight to dark
770-936-3850. More details here.
If you're looking for a place for kids to play sports, Honeysuckle Park is your answer. The 20-acre facility features two regulation football/soccer fields, a 1-mile walking trail, four baseball fields, and indoor basketball and volleyball courts inside Fleming Arena. A picnic pavilion is also available for events.
Dunwoody
Brook Run Park
4770 N. Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30338
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
678-382-6700. More details here.
This 102-acre park features metro Atlanta's largest skate park, a playground, 2-mile trail for running or walking, a dog park and a community garden. Treetop Quest is a new attraction in the park, offering four obstacle courses as well as a low-ropes course for children ages 4 to 6.
Lithonia
Lithonia Park
2501 Park Drive, Lithonia 30058
Hours: Daylight to dark
404-371-2711. More details here.
Spanning 53 acres, there's plenty of room for kids to run and play as well as a nature trail for a peaceful walk in the park. This facility offers a basketball court, swimming pool, playground and picnic area.
Stone Mountain
McCurdy Park
5190 W. Mountain St., Stone Mountain 30083
Hours: 7 a.m.-sunset
770-498-8984. More details here.
McCurdy Park features three baseball fields, two pavilions with picnic tables, a children's playground and restrooms. It's a good spot to let kids throw a baseball or climb on the jungle gym.
Tucker
Henderson Park
2803 Henderson Road, Tucker 30084
Hours: Daylight to dark
678-597-9040. More details here.
This 121-acre park includes a lake, four tennis courts, six soccer fields, a playground, a community garden, and both paved and natural walking trails. Explore the lake or attend an event arranged by the Friends of Henderson Park, a group of community members who help maintain the facility and plan activities.
