Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s playground – for all ages. It is the city’s largest park and boasts bike paths, walking trails, play equipment, recreation fields, a dog run area, a butterfly haven and even a honeybee exhibit within its 200+ acres. The park is bordered by Piedmont Aevnue, 10^th Street and Monroe Drive. Here are the top things to do within Piedmont Park.

Piedmont Park Dog Park

Got a pup in need of exercise? Don’t miss one of Atlanta’s best dog play areas at Piedmont Park. Three acres of off-leash space is just where your buddy wants to be. The park spends $100 weekly to keep the entire park stocked with free doggie bags, so you won’t have to worry about stepping in … well, you know. There are separate enclosures for large and small dogs, new trails and landscaping, benches and restrooms for owners, shaded areas, dog water spigots and weekend concessions – think popsicles for your pup!

Aquatic Center

The original bathhouse in Piedmont Park was built in 1911, but has since been updated to a 9,000-square-foot, LEED-certified aquatic space called Greystone. Swimmers have access to four lap lanes, a beach-style entry with a current channel for floating, locker rooms and showers, concessions and more. Nearby, kids can get wet at the Legacy Fountain Splash Pad, with more than 70 jets reading up 30 feet in the air, fun LED lighting, restrooms and tables and chairs.

Green Market

Stock up on produce and farm goods at the Saturday Green Market between March and November. The market offers goods from local farmers, bakers and artists, as well as prepared food and drink for breakfast and lunch. It’s rated one of the top five farmers’ markets in the city, so don’t miss it. The market is located at 12^th Street and Piedmont. It runs from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Active Oval

You’ll find all manner of recreational sports leagues within Piedmont Park, using the Active Oval (a former race track), the running track, two soccer fields, two softball fields or two sand volleyball courts. You can also make a reservation to use the bocce ball courts, located in the Piedmont Park Greenway area.

Piedmont Park Playgrounds

There are several playgrounds for kids and families to choose from within the park. Here are some favorites:

Mayor’s Grove Playground: Shady Mayor’s Grove is surrounded by trees that have been dedicated to Atlanta’s former mayors. This Boundless ™ playground offers sensory-rich features that allow children and their caregivers of all abilities to interact with each other. The swings and bouncers here have back support and the pathways and surfaces are universally accessible.

Noguchi Playscape: Near the 12^th Street Gate, the Noguchi Playscape is full of incredible art pieces and sculptures that inspire imaginative play. Isama Nouchi was a world-renowned sculpture and artists and together with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the High Museum, he created Playscapes. Kids may explore shapes, colors and textures as they get their wiggles out. There’s actually a history of play at Piedmont Park – back in 1895, the park housed a Phoenix Wheel (an early version of the Ferris Wheel), Shoot the Chutes (a water slide for boats!) and the Thompson’s Scenic Railway (a precursor to the roller coaster).

Picnicking and Dining

Within Piedmont Park’s vast acreage, you’ll find a wide variety of snack and light meal choices. Play and explore to your heart’s content, then stop by the MOKIPOPS cart at the bocce ball courts or Active Oval, Sean’s Heart of the Park outdoor restaurant at the Aquatic Center or Willy’s Mexicana Grill restaurant or Howlin’ Willy’s at the Community Center at the 12^th Street Gate. There are several food carts and additional concession stands available throughout the park, weather permitting.

Care to have your own picnic. There are 22 grills scattered throughout the park available for your personal use.

Lake Clara Meer

Though swimming is not permitted in Lake Clara Meer, you can cast a line for large mouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The lake was renovated by the Piedmont Park Conservancy back in 2002, improving the water quality and adding three new fishing piers and a dock.

Festivals and Events

Time your visit with one of the many festivals and annual events that take place at Piedmont Park. These include the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Screen on the Green.

Sightseeing Tip: Atlanta Botanical Garden

While you’re at Piedmont Park, make time to visit the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden. There are countless reasons your family will love it, including weekly shows and classes like Orchid Daze and tai chi, the Fuqua Orchid Center, the Children’s Garden, swimming in the Sunflower Fountain, the Soggy Bog, a honeybee exhibit, the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a fun Edible Garden, Garden Lights, and during the holidays, Holiday Nights.

How Do I Get to Piedmont Park?

Piedmont Park is accessible from several entry points. Set your GPS to 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30306.

If you’re walking or biking, enter from the 12^th or 14^th Street Gates off Piedmont Avenue or the Charles Allen Gate off 10^th Street. Or, ride or walk along the Atlanta Beltline, which access the park at the north end near the Piedmont Commons, and the south end at the intersection of 10^th Street and Monroe Drive.

Take the Marta (subway) to the Midtown or Arts Center station. From the Midtown Station, walk along 10^th Street toward Peachtree Street. Continue on 10^th Street until Piedmont Avenue. Turn left and walk two blocks to the 12^th and 14^th Street Gates. From the Arts Center Station, walk south on West Peachtree Street for one block. Go left on 14^th Street for three blocks to the 14^th Street Gate.

Parking is available in a garage at the center of the park. Find it off Monroe Drive on Worchester Drive or enter off Piedmont Avenue at the Atlanta Botanical Garden entrance.