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
Starting in 2011, through a joint venture and generous grant from Northside Hospital, the Sandy Springs Conservancy (SSC) joined forces with Art Sandy Springs to create a new type of playground for children of all ages. Visitors will find real art they are encouraged to play with and on. This park inspires imagination!
Enjoy six large art installations that beckon children to climb, run and explore. This is one of the main attractions along Abernathy’s 7-acre linear park.
MORGAN FALLS OVERLOOK PARK
Open from sunrise to sunset, this playground is extensive, with clean and unique equipment. The playground is on high-quality “fake” grass, which I love because it is always perfect for a picnic. Picnic tables near the playground offer gorgeous views of the river, and large “porch” swing chairs overlook the water.
The park is on 30 acres and includes picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms, a boat dock, a hiking trail, a fire pit, porch swings, and scenic views.
MORGAN FALLS PARK DOG PARK
Just down a short road from the playground park is a 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 can also bring a fishing pole (get your license ready!) It’s a great place to explore when you need a break from the slides and swings.
EAST PALISADES TRAIL
This 3.5-mile easy trail 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.
BIG TREE FOREST PRESERVE
Located off Roswell Road, Big Tree 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 Tree 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 $3 parking fee (or an Annual Pass,) but there are a few free days each year including:
- January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April: National Park Week
- August: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September: National Public Lands Day
- November: Veterans Day
ANNE FRANK IN THE WORLD EXHIBIT
This exhibit uses over 500 photographs to tell the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary while she hid with her family from the Nazis in Amsterdam. Anne grew up in Europe amidst the events that culminated in World War II and the Holocaust.
CITY SPRINGS LIVE
Enjoy the summer concert series at Heritage Sandy Springs. Scheduled on Sunday evenings throughout the summer, this season will feature five unforgettable performances with a variety of popular music. Picnic baskets, coolers and blankets are welcomed; no outside tables please. Additional food will be available for purchase from specialty food vendors and food trucks. Beer, wine, sodas and water will be available for sale. All concerts are FREE to the public. Check back for their Summer 2023 schedule.
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.
They also offer workshops, summer camps, and special events. However, these are not typically free.
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
This non-profit organization 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 and lectures (for a fee) and a community garden (but it requires a membership).
HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET
Don’t miss the farmer’s market, held every Saturday morning, 9:00 a.m. – 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.
KIDS BOWL FREE
In the Summer, sign up for the Kids Bowl Free program with Stars and Strikes of Sandy Springs.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR SANDY SPRINGS VISIT
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- DUNWOODY: 22 THINGS TO DO AT DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER
- NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS: 120+ AMAZING WAYS TO HAVE FUN
- MORE ATLANTA: 53+ THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA
GETTING TO SANDY SPRINGS
SANDY SPRINGS FAQ
What are the top attractions in Sandy Springs, GA?
The top attractions in Sandy Springs, GA, are Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Island Ford, and Big Trees Forest Preserve.
What movies were filmed in Sandy Springs, GA?
Several movies were filmed in Sandy Springs, GA, including Tag, The Three Stooges, and Christmas Everlasting.
What famous people are from Sandy Springs, GA?
Some famous people from Sandy Springs, GA, include Hines Edward Ward Jr., who played college football at the University of Georgia and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Todd English, celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality.
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