Is there a splash pad at Piedmont Park?

Yes, the splash pad near the Visitor Center operates seasonally (typically late May through September) and is completely free. It features various water jets and is perfect for toddlers through elementary-age kids.

Is Piedmont Park safe for families?

Piedmont Park is generally very safe during daylight hours, especially in the well-trafficked areas near the playgrounds, lake, and Green Market. The Piedmont Park Conservancy maintains the grounds, and Atlanta Police patrol regularly. As with any urban park, stay in populated areas and leave before dark.

Where should we park at Piedmont Park?

There is limited metered parking along Park Drive and free street parking on surrounding residential streets (with time limits). The parking deck at The Meridian (across from the park's south entrance) is an option on weekends. Arriving before 10 AM on weekends gives you the best chance at nearby spots.

Can we grill or have a picnic at Piedmont Park?

Picnicking is welcome and encouraged — the Great Lawn is a popular spot. However, grilling is only allowed in designated areas with park-provided grills, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.

Piedmont Park

Name: Piedmont Park
Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306, US
Telephone: (404) 875-7275
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(21,000)

Price

Free

Duration

2-4 hours

Best Ages

All ages

About

Piedmont Park is the crown jewel of Atlanta's park system and one of the best free family activities in the city. Spanning 200 acres in the heart of Midtown, this beautifully maintained urban park offers something for every age group, every season, and every energy level.

For families with young children, the playgrounds are the main draw. The park features several play areas with age-appropriate equipment, rubber safety surfacing, and shaded seating for parents. The seasonal splash pad near the Visitor Center is a summer essential — it's free, it's clean, and kids can play as long as they want.

The Noguchi Playscape, inspired by the work of artist Isamu Noguchi, offers a more artistic and nature-based play experience.

The paved Active Oval loop and paths around Lake Clara Meer are perfect for family bike rides, scooter adventures, or stroller walks. The lake itself is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching — turtles, geese, and ducks are regular residents, and kids love spotting them. Fishing is allowed with a Georgia license.

The Saturday Green Market (running roughly March through December) is one of Atlanta's best family traditions. Local farmers, bakers, and artisans set up stands at the park entrance, and the atmosphere is festive with live music, food trucks, and community energy. It's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning before letting kids loose on the playground.

Piedmont Park also hosts several major annual events that are family-friendly, including the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in spring, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. The park connects to the Atlanta BeltLine trail system, making it possible to walk or bike to Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and other neighborhoods for a full day of exploration.

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

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekend mornings for the Green Market; late afternoons for cooler temps in summer

Wait Times

No wait — open access park

Nearby Food

Park Tavern (on-site restaurant with patio), Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall (adjacent to park), 10th & Piedmont restaurants (5-min walk), Antico Pizza, multiple Midtown eateries along Piedmont Avenue.

Why Kids Love It

Piedmont Park is Atlanta's backyard, and kids treat it like their personal adventure kingdom. The Playground at Piedmont Park is one of the best in the city, with modern climbing structures, swings, and slides designed for different age groups. In summer, the splash pad is a lifesaver — kids can run through the water jets for hours while parents relax on nearby benches.

The open green spaces are perfect for frisbee, soccer, kite-flying, or just rolling down hills. The paved paths around Lake Clara Meer are ideal for bike rides, scooters, or leisurely stroller walks, and feeding the ducks at the lake is a timeless kid favorite.

On Saturdays, the Green Market at Piedmont Park transforms the park entrance into a lively farmers market where kids can sample local treats, watch street performers, and explore vendors. The energy is infectious, and many Atlanta families make it a weekly ritual.

Pro Tips from Parents

The playground near Park Drive has the best equipment for toddlers; the one near 12th Street is better for bigger kids.
The Saturday Green Market (March-December, 9 AM - 1 PM) is a don't-miss family experience with live music and food vendors.
Parking is scarce on weekends — arrive before 10 AM or use street parking on side streets east of the park.
Bring a blanket for picnicking on the Great Lawn with the Midtown skyline as your backdrop.
The Noguchi Playscape at the south end is an artistic, nature-inspired play area perfect for creative kids.

What to Bring

picnic blanket
sunscreen
frisbee or ball
bikes or scooters
swimsuit for splash pad (summer)
duck food (peas or corn — no bread)

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$0-$25.

Park entry is free.

Budget $0-$15 for Green Market snacks on Saturdays, $5-$10 for ice cream or drinks from nearby vendors.

Tips to Save

Everything is free — the playground, splash pad (seasonal), trails, and green space.
The Saturday Green Market is great for browsing but bring a budget if you plan to buy.
Street parking is free on Sundays.