Visit some of the area’s most beautiful gardens, where you’ll find plenty of spring color. Play in children’s areas, picnic on lawns and be sure to bring a camera.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, many attractions are incorporating new procedures, including timed ticket entry, wearing a mask and more. See websites for details.
For a Fee:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Flowers in bloom alternate throughout the year, so each visit brings new colors and smells. March includes daffodils, iris, roses, crab apple and more. Stop by the children’s garden with a bird nest shaped playground, hands-on building areas and water play. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free.
Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
Walk through trails lined with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more this spring. Kids will love visiting the model train garden to watch the train go around the tracks or playing with toy trains. 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville. 404-888-4760. $8; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free.
Atlanta History Center
The property is covered with 22 acres of gardens, woodlands and trails. Visit the Swan House Gardens with fountains and roses or the Frank A. Smith Memorial Rhododendron Garden bordered by rhododendron plants. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. $23.41; ages 4-12, $9.80; ages 3 and younger, free.
Callaway Gardens
Explore thousands of azaleas in the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Overlook Azalea Garden. The vivid red, pink, purple and white flowers are on display each spring. Also wander through the holly trail and hydrangea garden. Combine your flower-viewing trip with the butterfly center and birds of prey shows. 4500 Southern Pine Dr., Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. $24.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Enjoy wildlife programs, hiking, environmental education, horticulture and more at this Roswell nature destination. The native plant garden features over 600 Georgia plant species. There are plenty of events for children, families and adults year-round. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.
Gibbs Gardens
This world-class garden is famous for its daffodils, but a visit any time of year is memorable. In the autumn months, enjoy wildflowers, water lilies and the maples in the Japanese garden; check the garden’s website for their fall ColorFest schedule. 1987 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground. 770-893-1881. $20; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
This garden is famous for their rows and rows of daffodils, but the area also offers a large Japanese garden, a rose garden and more. Visit from March 1 to April 15 to fully appreciate over 20 million daffodils of 100 different varieties. Cherry blossom and dogwood trees bloom from mid-March through April. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free.
For Free:
Oakland Cemetery
Historically, flowers were added in honor of loved ones, and the Cemetery now includes many flowers popular during different time periods. Depending on the season, your visit may include thousands of heirloom daffodils, flowering trees or garden mums. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107.
Lake Claire Community Trust
The community-run garden relies on visitor donations and is built piece by piece over time, resulting in something new each visit. Artistic installations, ponds, paths and a variety of flower beds bring the area together, including a child-focused garden. Don’t forget to visit Big Lou the emu and feed him raw fruits, vegetables and crackers. 270 Arizona Ave. NE, Atlanta.
Cator Woolford Gardens
Hidden in a 39-acre forest full of hardwoods, this garden is an oasis in the heart of the city. Tour the lush estate full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas. Donations to the gardens support the Frazer Center for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Tours are available by appointment only. 1815 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-377-3836.
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