Winter 2025 tested Atlanta’s Southern sensibilities with arctic chills and icy roads that left the city snow-dusted and schools closed. But spring is finally here, and Atlanta is ready to bloom. There’s no better time to rediscover the vibrant parks, trails, festivals and sports opportunities that make the city a playground for all ages. From celebrating local culture to embracing outdoor adventures, here are 12 of the best ways to enjoy metro Atlanta’s great outdoors this spring.

Park It

There’s nothing like spending time at one of the metro area’s beautiful parks or outdoor venues. Don’t miss the following options:

Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s beloved Piedmont Park, located one mile northeast of the downtown area, is the perfect place to shake off winter and embrace the season. With lush open spaces, scenic paths and skyline views, it’s a hub of outdoor activity. Stroll along Lake Clara Meer, explore the Green Market on Saturdays or simply bask in the beauty of blooming dogwoods and azaleas. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, throwing a frisbee or watching the city skyline light up at dusk, Piedmont Park is where Atlanta comes to unwind and connect with nature.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Spring at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses. The gardens come alive with vivid tulips, orchids and native wildflowers, while exhibits like the Canopy Walk and outdoor sculptures make every visit unique. This season, explore the Japanese Garden for a moment of Zen, or head to the Edible Garden, where fresh herbs and vegetables inspire culinary creativity. With specialty events like Atlanta Blooms!, featuring thousands of spring flowers in full bloom, there’s no better time to visit.

The Roof at Ponce City Market

For a hipster’s perspective on the city, visit The Roof at Ponce City Market. This rooftop destination in Midtown combines fun and relaxation with stunning skyline views. Play mini-golf at Skyline Park, challenge friends to carnival-style games and indulge in delicious bites from 9 Mile Station, the elevated beer garden. Spring evenings are especially magical here, where a cool breeze and an unbeatable view make every sunset feel like a celebration.

Blaze a Trail

Getting out there this season is as easy as finding the trailhead closest to you. These open-air trails, paths and greenspaces are just waiting for you:

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a vibrant pathway connecting neighborhoods and greenspaces, making it one of the city’s most exciting urban revitalization projects. With public art installations, bustling markets and scenic views, the BeltLine offers endless opportunities for adventure. The Eastside Trail, in particular, is perfect for biking, jogging or grabbing a bite at a BeltLine-adjacent eatery. Whether you’re looking for street art, pop-up events or outdoor fitness classes, the BeltLine is where Atlanta’s creative and active communities thrive.

Silver Comet Trail

Escape the city and find tranquility on the Silver Comet Trail, a more than 60-mile path stretching from Smyrna to the Alabama border. This well-maintained paved trail winds through forests, over bridges and past scenic creeks, making it ideal for long-distance cycling, jogging or a leisurely walk. As the weather warms up, the trail becomes a peaceful retreat for those looking to explore Georgia’s natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Path 400

Path 400 is more than just a scenic trail—it’s a vital link in metro Atlanta’s growing network of urban and suburban greenspaces. Beginning in Buckhead and stretching up through Sandy Springs along Georgia 400, this multi-use trail connects neighborhoods, businesses and parks, making it a convenient and beautiful route for walkers, runners and cyclists. With plans to expand, Path 400 will eventually integrate with the Atlanta BeltLine to the south, providing even greater connectivity. Along the way, visitors can enjoy public art installations, lush landscaping, shaded paths and more.

Get Festive

Spring is festival season all across the ATL, and you are certain to find the perfect option on any given weekend in 2025. Consider the following for some family fun:

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

From April 11 through 13, Piedmont Park will transform into a celebration of art, music and culture during the 89th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The nationally renowned juried Fine Artist Market features works in every medium imaginable, from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry. The Main Stage will showcase live performances from solo artists and groups across genres, while the International Stage celebrates Atlanta’s global communities with stunning cultural displays.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Immerse yourself in a world of knights, castles and medieval wonder at the Georgia Renaissance Festival, taking place in Fairburn from April 12 to June 1. This family-friendly event features costumed performers, jousting tournaments, artisan marketplaces, games, carnival rides and more. Try your hand at medieval weaving on a loom, learn to craft potpourri and historical perfumes or hone your skills at an archery station. Indulge in hearty medieval-inspired foods like giant turkey legs and meat pies, and don’t forget to dress the part—cosplay is encouraged!

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival

Taking place on May 2, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant explosion of color, music and energy. This annual event celebrates Caribbean culture with a parade featuring elaborate feathered costumes and infectious soca, reggae and calypso beats. The festival village offers authentic Caribbean cuisine, craft vendors and live performances by top Caribbean artists. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, this festival is an unforgettable outdoor experience that brings the spirit of the islands to Atlanta.

Play Ball!

Whether you want to get out there and play or watch the pros do what they do best, Atlanta’s spring sports offerings always hit it out of the park. Check out these options:

The Atlanta Braves at Truist Park

Baseball is back, and Truist Park is the place to be. Cheer on the Atlanta Braves, winners of the World Series title in 2021, as they return to the diamond this spring with a jam-packed schedule of day and night games at the spectacular Cobb County-based stadium. Beyond the game itself, enjoy the lively atmosphere of The Battery Atlanta, where dining, shopping and live entertainment surrounding the ballpark create a festive game-day experience.

Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Soccer fans, rejoice! Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to Atlanta United FC, where the electric atmosphere and state-of-the-art stadium make every match unforgettable. The retractable roof (which brings the outdoors in), massive 360-degree halo board, and world-class amenities enhance the experience. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a first-time attendee, an Atlanta United match is a must-experience sporting event in the city.

 Atlanta Sport and Social Club

The Atlanta Sport and Social Club, in partnership with JAM Sports, offers one of the best ways to stay active, meet new people and enjoy Atlanta’s beautiful spring weather. Designed for adults of all skill levels, the club provides a wide range of recreational sports leagues, including basketball, soccer, flag football, beach and indoor volleyball, kickball, pickleball, softball and Ultimate frisbee. Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or a casual way to socialize, there’s a league for you. Many games take place at parks and greenspaces across the city, followed by post-game meetups at local bars.

Spring to Mind

Don’t miss these outdoor opportunities across metro Atlanta’s welcoming cities.

The many cities and towns that comprise the entirety of metro Atlanta each feature their own outdoor venues and events that are perfect for a spring outing. Gather your family and friends and get ready to enjoy some beautiful seasonal weather and entertainment across these urban and suburban locales.

Fayetteville

The newly developed City Center Park is the heartbeat of Fayetteville, located just 40 minutes south of Atlanta. The park features a splash pad full of kids playing all day long in the spring and summertime, right next to the new Line Creek Brewing and an array of restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking the park. The Main Street Fayetteville program hosts events throughout spring and summer, including the Ville Summer Concert Series, 3rd Saturday Soiree markets on the historic Courthouse Square and dinner and movie nights planned throughout the season. With City Center Park, Fayetteville has created a major downtown attraction and gathering area for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, which soon will include a new downtown arts district, public art installations and a new outdoor plaza. And in addition to downtown Fayetteville and Main Street, Fayetteville’s Trilith neighborhood has beautiful outdoor restaurants and greenspaces with outdoor movie nights and events for the community.

Peachtree Corners

Nothing brings a community together like a beloved annual event, and Peachtree Corners makes sure that spring (and summer) is chock full of options for residents and visitors alike. Start with Bark in the Park on March 15; this “tail-wagging extravaganza” features carnival-style games; a mini agility course for pups; vendors showcasing the latest treats, toys and accessories for furry friends and much more on the Town Green. Then, throughout the season, the Peachtree Corners Concert Series allows everyone to enjoy toe-tapping tunes under the stars, with tribute bands, cover bands and local acts filling the air with magnificent music during a host of highly anticipated free events.

Smyrna

Few cities in metro Atlanta are home to so many remarkable parks—but Smyrna is. In fact, nearly two dozen parks can be found across the Jonquil City, which is known for the thousands of jonquils that bloom in gardens and along the streets of Smyrna each spring. You can enjoy the views of the delightful flowers as you travel from park to park, from the aptly named Jonquil Park to GB Williams Park, Highland Park, Burger Park, North Cooper Lake Park and Rose Garden Park, among many others. Each venue boasts its own amenities, including gazebos, pavilions, playgrounds, walking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, greenspace and more. You’re certain to find the perfect spring spot for you and your family.

Suwanee

One of the newest additions to the metro area is Suwanee’s spectacular Town Center on Main & DeLay Nature Park. Town Center on Main is a 13-acre urban park that expands upon the popular Town Center Park, providing even more opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature. The development was designed to offer a mix of recreation, relaxation and entertainment options. Meeting up with Town Center on Main is DeLay Nature Park, 15 acres of wooded nature along Brushy Creek that features the half-mile Brushy Creek Greenway. Together, these venues have been planned since 2002 and are coming to fruition in spring of 2025 for residents and visitors.