Piedmont Park, Atlanta

Piedmont Park is Atlanta's Central Park! Here everyone gathers to enjoy their day off, to sit in the sun on the lawn, walk their dog on the plentiful paths, play ball with views of the city skyline, or watch their kids climb around the playgrounds. It's a happy atmosphere and very inspiring! Wonderful stone steps and walls are everywhere, a remnant of the Piedmont Exposition of 1887. Little hills and a lake add definition to the landscape. One of the loveliest views is along the shore of the lake where couples swing in swinging benches amongst lush greenery with the luminous green water below them. The trees have big, glossy leaves. On the large field where sports are organized, the view of the city skyline is fantastic.

There are two playgrounds. The most interesting is the Noguchi Playscape, designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, atop a hill and shaded by big trees. The simple lines of modern art converge with play structures. Kids can lay in the sun on a white hemisphere, or hop on one of two seesaws. They can climb up near tree branches to the top of two slides and look down, or enjoy swings under a huge triangle. They can climb inside a cylinder and slide down a twisting slide, or step up up up on large blocks. My daughter wanted to come back again, she said.
The other playground, called Mayor's Grove, is bright and popular. Orange in color, it provides plenty of opportunities to climb up ropes, inside tunnels, and over bridges. It is a boundless playground. There are stepping stones, little towers, a twisty slide, a triple slide, spinners, things to stand and bounce on, drums and chimes, and a rock climbing wall. Beside the play structure are large stones to leap from and a fire engine to pretend to drive.
Beside the playground, the public pool is behind a historic building called Greystone made of gorgeous pale granite. The pool is a dream, looking out on the lake with fancy lampposts and little fountains.
While here, visit the incredible Atlanta Botanical Garden, with its beautiful canopy walk, winding paths under giant trees, tropical conservatory, and imaginative children's garden. Kids love this place! In October it is paradise with its giant-size sculptures made of leaves and flowers. I want to return during December for the holiday lights. What a magical place!
North of the botanical garden in Piedmont Park is a huge fountain. During the holiday season, there is a carousel by Park Tavern, which is an eatery with an outdoor patio (unfortunately smoking is allowed on the patio).
Another great place to visit with kids is Stone Mountain, half an hour east of Atlanta. You can ride a gondola to the top of the amazing granite dome, climb the play areas, and watch a glass blowing demonstration.

Directions

Piedmont Park is located at 1345 NE Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta GA 30309.  There is free parking along the road on the streets that border the park. There is also a pay parking lot called SAGE parking near the botanical garden and the fee is $2 per hour.

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