11+ Free Things To Do in Sandy Springs Ga for an Unforgettable Time

Sandy Springs offers a world of fun adventure for the family. It sits along the Chattahoochee River, so visitors can enjoy this neighborhood’s outdoor-centric adventures. There are so many things to do in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Sandy Springs region offers free museums, concerts, family programs, and more. Big Tree Forest Preserve, Island Ford, and Sandy Springs Playable Art Park are just three of our favorites. What about you?

FREE THINGS TO DO IN SANDY SPRINGS GA

SANDY SPRINGS PLAYABLE ART PARK

The Sandy Springs Playable Art Park is one of the most unique parks in the Atlanta area. Visitors to this park will find real art that they are encouraged to play with and on. It truly inspires imagination.

My kids absolutely loved this park when they were little — the swings and the spider climbing structure were especially big hits. You can find out all about the playable art structures HERE.

The playable art park is part of Abernathy Greenway Linear Park. The The 6.6-acre linear park feature the playground of course, but also a pavilion, picnic tables, and restrooms. 

Read More: Parks in Atlanta: Best Playgrounds & Play Spaces for Kids in the Metro

MORGAN FALLS OVERLOOK PARK

We love Morgan Falls Overlook Park — and you will too! This riverside park features high-quality “fake” grass, which means it’s always perfect for a picnic. Picnic tables near the playground offer gorgeous views of the river, and we love the large swing chairs here.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park sits on 30 acres and includes picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms, a boat dock, a hiking trail, a fire pit, porch swings, and scenic views. High Country Outfitters operates a seasonal waterside paddle shack, offering stand up paddleboard, kayak and canoe rentals.

MORGAN FALLS PARK DOG PARK

Just down a short road from the playground park is the Morgan Falls Park Dog Park. There actually two dog parks here, one for smaller dogs and one for larger pups.

Take your leashed pup for a walk along the river and a view of the dam. You’ll also find a boat ramp and fishing pier nearby.

EAST PALISADES TRAIL

The East Palisades Trail is an easy 3.5-mile trail that runs along the Chattahoochee River with gorgeous views of the river rock formations and a bamboo forest.

Atlanta Trails calls this one of the Best Spring Hikes and a Top 10 Favorite Hike. High praise, indeed!

JOHN RIPLEY FORBES BIG TREES FOREST PRESERVE

Located off Roswell Road, Big Trees Forest Preserve is one of MY favorite places in Atlanta, and one of the first places I started hiking with by kiddos. We love the wooded trails and accessible places to splash in the water.

Big Trees is a recognized old-growth forest, and through conservation efforts, they preserve a threatened environment. If you do nothing else on this list, visit here!

CYCLING

The City of Sandy Springs is an ideal place for cycling enthusiasts.  The city focuses on expanding the on-street cycling network and promoting safety through education and enforcement efforts. 

Here is a map of the Chattahoochee/Johnson Ferry Park Loop.

For the latest local events, check out the hyper-local site Aha Connection! This free resource will keep you up-t0-date on everything you need to know in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody and Brookhaven.

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Part of the linear Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is in Sandy Springs, including our favorite entrance, Island Ford. Most visits require a $5 parking fee (or an Annual Pass), but there are a few free days each year including:

• January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• April: First Day of National Park Week
• June: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September: National Public Lands Day
• November: Veterans Day

CITY SPRINGS

City Springs in Sandy Springs offers lots of amazing events throughout the year, and some of their very best are FREE to you!

Check out their Lantern Parade, their July 4th Celebration, their Juneteenth Celebration, or their Movies by Moonlight events. These special events are all FREE of charge. You can find their full event calendar HERE.

HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS MUSEUM AND PARK PROGRAMMING

Heritage Sandy Springs also offers various educational programs that inspire young minds. They provide opportunities for learners of all ages to learn about the fine arts and improve their skills. Some of the programs are free, although donations are welcome.

CITY SPRINGS ART WALK

The City Springs Art Walk is a gallery without walls! Take a stroll around City Green and discover the sculptures on display.

LOST CORNER PRESERVE

Friends of Lost Corner is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship to this 24-acre City of Sandy Springs park amenity through funding, community engagement, programming, volunteers, and support for park preservation. 

There are trails to explore for free, plus workshops, events, and lectures (for a fee), and a community garden (but it requires a membership).

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

The Sandy Springs Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning at City Springs from 8:30am-Noon, rain or shine, from April-November. Over 50 vendors offer an abundance of fresh, local, and organic produce, pasture-raised meat and pork products, fresh farm eggs and dairy products, and a wide variety of specialty and prepared foods.

SANDY SPRINGS FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR SANDY SPRINGS VISIT

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• FREE ATL: 50+ Free Things To Do in Atlanta (That Don’t Suck)
• DUNWOODY: 21+ Amazing Things To Do at the Dunwoody Nature Center
• NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS: 120+ Amazing Ways to Have Fun in the North Georgia Mountains
• ATLANTA: 53+ Things To Do in Atlanta You Should Not Miss (From Locals in the Know)

WHERE TO STAY IN SANDY SPRINGS