Outdoor Activity Center — photo 1 of 5

Outdoor Activity Center

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Rating

4.5(97)

Family of 4

Free to low cost for programs (check current fees on website)

Duration

2-4 hours (program dependent)

Best Ages

Best for ages 6-17 (structured outdoor education programs)

About

The Outdoor Activity Center in Atlanta's Oakland City neighborhood is operated by the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA), a nonprofit environmental organization. This is a different kind of destination than a typical park or playground — it's a dedicated outdoor environmental education facility that provides nature programming and hands-on learning for school-age children and community groups.

Programs focus on watershed education, wildlife observation, outdoor skills, and environmental stewardship — the kind of nature-based learning that urban kids rarely access. For families and educators looking for meaningful outdoor education experiences rather than recreational play, the OAC is a distinctive option in Atlanta's westside.

Important operational notes: the facility is closed on Saturday and Sunday, operating only Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM. Programs are typically scheduled in advance rather than offered as drop-in sessions. Check the WAWA website (wawa-online.org) for current programming, event schedules, and any registration requirements.

Programming costs vary and are often free or low-cost for participants, reflecting the nonprofit mission of bringing nature access to underserved communities.

This is not the right destination if you're looking for a recreational playground or drop-in family activity on a weekend — but for families who value environmental education and structured outdoor learning, it's a meaningful and unique Atlanta resource.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

No

Nursing / Changing

Not Available

Kid Meals

N/A

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays only — closed Saturday and Sunday

Wait Times

Programs are scheduled in advance

Nearby Food

Limited immediate dining options in the Oakland City area. Pack food for longer program days.

Why Kids Love It

The Outdoor Activity Center in Oakland City is operated by the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and provides nature education and outdoor activities in a part of Atlanta that has limited access to natural spaces. Kids get hands-on environmental learning — watershed exploration, wildlife observation, and outdoor skills — that you won't find at a typical park or playground. It's especially impactful for kids who live in urban environments and rarely have access to structured nature experiences.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • This is a WAWA nonprofit facility — visit their website for current programs and scheduling
  • Closed Saturday and Sunday — weekdays only, 9AM-5PM
  • Programming focus is environmental education and outdoor skills — best for school groups and organized visits
  • Located in the Oakland City neighborhood in southwest Atlanta
  • Not a drop-in recreation space — plan your visit around their programming schedule

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor terrain
  • Water bottle
  • Sun protection
  • Bug spray in summer

Cost Info

Partially free — some areas or times are free

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Free to low cost for programs (check current fees on website)

Tips to Save

  • The Outdoor Activity Center runs structured outdoor education programs in the Oakland City neighborhood — this is not a typical drop-in park but a nonprofit-operated outdoor learning center.
  • Programs often have low or no cost for participants.
  • Check the WAWA (West Atlanta Watershed Alliance) website for current programming schedule.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
9AM-5PM
Monday
9AM-5PM
Sunday
Closed
Tuesday
9AM-5PM
Saturday
Closed
Thursday
9AM-5PM
Wednesday
9AM-5PM

Contact

1442 Richland Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Frequently Asked Questions

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