Atlanta, GA

Centennial Park
DESCRIPTION: In a rags to riches tale, this 21-acre public space evolved from an eye-sore parking lot to become the beautiful premier meeting place of the 1996 Olympics; today this historic park features Fountain of Rings, the world's largest fountain with Olympic rings and 25 water jets

DAYS & HOURS: daily 7a-11p; water shows daily at 12:30p, 3:30p, 6:30p, 9p

ADDRESS: International Blvd at Techwood Drive

PHONE: 404-222-7275

Grant Park
DESCRIPTION: One of the city’s best loved large parks and home to Zoo Atlanta and the ever-popular with families Cyclorama; hosts the annual Freaknik; limited parking but MARTA runs plenty of buses here

ADDRESS: between Cherokee Ave, Atlanta Ave, Boulevard and Saint Street

Piedmont Park
DESCRIPTION: Piedmont Park is the oldest and largest park in the Atlanta metro region; more than 2 million people visit the park annually; Booker T. Washington delivered his famous "Cast down your buckets where you are" remarks at the park on 18 September 1895

DAYS & HOURS: Daily 6a-11p; Tue-Sun 9a-6p

ADDRESS: 1345 Piedmont Ave at The Prado

PHONE: 404-876-5859

WEBSITE: http://www.piedmontpark.org

Atlanta Botanical Garden
DESCRIPTION: This award-winning garden is growing leaps and bounds; in 2003, Exhibit Hall opened, Parterre Garden won a urban landscape award and Concerts in the Garden began; you can spend a relaxing day here, but check out the Cocoa plants and butterfly garden; Open Tue-Sun, April-October 9a-7p and November-March 9a-5p

DAYS & HOURS: extended hours until 9p every Thursday, May-October

ADMISSION: $2 off every Tuesday

ADDRESS: 1345 Piedmont Ave, NE

PHONE: 404-876-5859

WEBSITE: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Chastain Park
DESCRIPTION: With hundreds of acres, this is a great family park for picnics, does double duty for many soulful concerts in the warm months; a favorite for all Atlantans from sunrise to sunset

ADDRESS: northernmost Buckhead

Stone Mountain, GA

Stone Mountain Park
DESCRIPTION: 3,200 acre park featuring sky-lift to top of Stone Mountain, paddlewheel riverboat, golf courses, steam-driven locomotive, antebellum plantation, wildlife petting zoo, miniature golf, laser show plus many other activities

DAYS & HOURS: Daily 10a-7p, hours vary by attraction

ADDRESS: Highway 78

PHONE: 770-498-5690

WEBSITE: http://www.stonemountainpark.com

Jonesboro, GA

Clayton County International Park
DESCRIPTION: 200 acre park featuring beautiful hardwood trees, swimming, golf, paddleboats, fishing, beach volleyball and picnic facilities; scenic walking and bike trails

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-8p

ADDRESS: 2300 Highway 138 SE

PHONE: 770-473-5425

Roswell, GA

Chattahoochee Nature Center
DESCRIPTION: Features forest trails, wetland boardwalk, live animal exhibits, native plant gardens and educational exhibits

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9a-5p, Sun 12p-5p

ADDRESS: 9135 Willeo Road

PHONE: 770-992-2055