Dana Shemesh

Winter in the Atlanta area might be more conducive to nesting on the couch than braving the gray and colder weather. Yet when the weather permits, why not get the family off the couch, bundle up in a layer or two, pack a picnic lunch, and get in a good hike? 

Choosing a new destination each week can give your family something to look forward to while providing a great intrduction to Atlanta's outdoors. Some of these destinations offer access to playgrounds. And once the kids are all tuckered out from a long hike, parents might even be able to indulge in an uninterrupted Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime TV binge, sans kids. 

As the cool, crisp weather moves in, kids move out to the parks and playgrounds. Whether there are lots of cool playground attractions, like water canons, climbing nets, rope pulls, and splash pads, or tried-and-true classics, like slides, swings, and monkey bars, playgrounds are reliable sources of safe, outdoor fun. Atlanta offers access to so much lush, green space, and Atlanta playgrounds make use of these idyllic spots by attracting the most energetic park enthusiasts: kids.   

With the vast expanse of metro Atlanta and its many neighborhoods, it's almost impossible to note every wonderful playground. And as more parks and playgrounds continue to open (we're looking at you Westside Park), our playground options continue to grow. We've compiled just a few of our favorite Atlanta playgrounds sure to bring a smile to any child's face. 

Looking for something else to do outside? Check out Atlanta pumpkin patches, u-pick apple orchards, mini golf spots, and more helpful articles on Mommy Poppins now!

Imagine stepping into the thick of the African plains, bearing witness to a lion pride seeking shelter during a thunderstorm, or looking deep into the eyes of a water buffalo taking a dip in a Saharan waterbed.  These are some of the experiences you can expect at WILD: A Safari Experience at Illuminarium, a new entertainment concept making its Atlanta debut.