The elite Roswell Gymnastics program offers kids the chance to learn, practice, and compete--located inside Roswell Area Park. Photo by author

Best Parks for Families in Roswell, GA

1. Roswell Area Park 

This massive park is the crown jewel of Roswell, with a football field, lacrosse field, softball and baseball fields, outdoor fitness equipment, walking/hiking/biking trails, pond, tennis courts, picnic areas, and an amazing playground with equipment organized by age groups. Roswell residents can also register (non-residents pay a higher fee) for team sports at Roswell Area Park's (RAP) swimming pool, gymnastics center, recreation center (basketball). RAP also includes the Visual Arts Center, which offers art classes and shows for kids and adults.

2. Leita Thompson Memorial Park

Located off Woodstock Road, Leita Thompson Memorial Park is a great greenspace with an off-leash dog park (divided by animal size). Families can enjoy a nice picnic area, walking trails, and a pond. There's an art room studio, which hosts community events and classes throughout the year.

The City of Roswell's Parks Department throws awesome kid-friendly events throughout the year, like slip-n-slide fun. Photo by Melanie Preis

3. East Roswell Park and Sprayground

This park/sprayground is situated on the east side of the City of Roswell. It is a must-visit, with a colorful (and cooling) splash pad, open during the warm months of summer. East Roswell Park also hosts a HUGE amount of attractions including: a massive playground; sports fields; art studio; disc golf; dog park; tennis courts; lots of trails; and much more.

4. Azalea Park

This riverfront park sits adjacent to the Chattahoochee River and features a fun playground, canoe/kayak launch, fishing, and river and creek access.

5. Garrard Landing Park

Located off of Holcomb Bridge Road, this river-adjacent park offers canoe/kayak entry and a lifejacket loaner station. Active kids will love the playgrounds, designed for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12, with multiple slides, swings, climbing structures, and shaded picnic tables at the nearby pavilion.

My children love exploring Old Mill Park and learning about the history of the area. Photo by Melanie Preis

6. Vickery Creek Old Mill Park

My kids LOVE walking the trails along Old Mill Park, starting by crossing Vickery Creek atop the covered pedestrian bridge; eventually winding through gorgeous foliage to see a waterfall and leading to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Insider tip: If you need to take formal photos of your kiddos (senior photos, bar/bat mitzvah snaps, etc), Old Mill Park makes for an excellent backdrop.

7. Sweet Apple Park

The name says it all with Sweet Apple Park! This sweet green space offers everything a child could want -- renovated playground (complete with gravity rail swing), baseball and soccer fields, one-mile walking path, bathrooms, and a concession stands.

Roswell Attractions for Kids

8. Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)

If your kids love exploring the great outdoors, especially around the Chattahoochee River, then this 127-acre nature center can't be beat. Open year round, CNC takes visitors through a day of exploring local foliage and wildlife. The on-site Discovery Center teaches kids about the surrounding watershed, as well as offering a trading post for cool items discovered in nature. The CNC hosts summer camps, birthday parties, and events throughout the year so keep an eye on their website.

9. Roswell Riverwalk

My children love spending time along this multi-purpose walkway that hugs the Chattahoochee River. Say hi to friendly passers-by as they walk, jog, accompany dogs, and maybe even fish along the path.

10. Area 51's Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe

Area 51 is a complete family entertainment destination, with a fully stocked movie theater (and fun theme nights) at Aurora Cineplex; as well as two courses of mini golf at The Fringe. During the summer, this attraction hosts fun events like outdoor movie nights, weekly deals, and more.

11. Canton Street

We cannot have an article about "things to do in Roswell" without including the always bustling Canton Street in downtown Roswell. As you continue to read below, you'll see our fave restaurants and events in this area, but I have to call out Canton Street itself for its pedestrian-friendly attitude, awesome local shops, and great people-watching.

12. Roswell Fire Museum

Kids who love firefighters and all-things uniform will love visiting this FREE museum, containing lots of fire-related pictures and historical info about the Roswell area. The piece de resistance is the museum's 1947 Ford American LaFrance Pumper, still brought out for parades.

13. Archibald Smith Plantation, Bulloch Hall, and Barrington Hall

History buffs will love visiting Roswell's historic homes, which include Archibald Smith Plantation (1845 Georgia piedmont farmhouse), Bulloch Hall (Greek Temple Revival-style home from the 1840s), and Barrington Hall (built for one of the founders of Roswell in 1842). 

Mimms Museum shows how computers, art, and technology interconnect. Photo by Elsa Simcik

14. Mimms Museum of Technology and Art

Formerly known as the Computer Museum of America, Mimms Museum is an "inspiring space where the evolution of technology and the art it influences are brought to life through immersive exhibitions..." Current exhibits include A Tribute to Space Exploration; Supercomputing: Vanquishing the Impossible; STEAM Timeline; and more. This 35,000-square-foot space is open Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm.

15. We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym

Every child deserves the chance to let loose and have fun! This all-inclusive indoor play gym provides a safe, awesome environment for children of all abilities. We Rock The Spectrum specializes in sensory equipment and engaging play areas for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to enjoy together. Insider tip: Check out the gym's many programs, including Parents' Night Out, school break camps, dance classes, and more.

16. Sky Zone Roswell

I cannot tell you how many birthday parties my kids have been to at Sky Zone, and every time, the experience is great! This huge trampoline park includes a trapeze and swing, Boulder Balls, dodgeball, and more!

17. Discover Science Center

Teach kids about science in a cool and interesting way with the help of Discover Science Center. This amazing resource provides day camp and summer camp, as well as birthday parties (choose from themes like Unicorn Science, Marine Biology, and more) and leadership programs and workshops.

18. Roswell Ghost Tour

When October hits, Roswell ghost tours make for a spooky yet fun experience for tweens and teens. Because of Roswell's long history, naturally a few poltergeists has hung around to tell their tale for later generations. Tours run year-round, but they make the perfect addition to any Halloween plans your family may have. Ghost tours depart from Roswell Town Square, and reservations are required.

Roswell Restaurants for Kids

We've pulled some of our favorite Roswell restaurants for kids, with colorful decor, tasty kid dishes, and entertainment. But we wanted to give a shout out to parents: There are some great breweries, bars, and fine dining establishments in Roswell as well, so keep an eye out when you're wandering the area.

Kids (and adults) love the food and ambience of The Fickle Pickle, on Canton Street. Photo by Melanie Preis

19. The Fickle Pickle

This beloved Roswell restaurant is dill-licious! Located on Canton Street, this pickle-loving restaurant is so good (every kids meal comes with a choice of homemade cookie). I literally take my kids here every time our school has an early dismissal or half-day because they love it so much.

20. Amorino Gelato

Located across the street from downtown Roswell, at the new Southern Post mixed-use development, Amorino Gelato serves the most beautiful, tasty gelato creations. In addition to indulgent flavors, kids can order crepes, waffles, hot drinks, cakes, and more.

21. Roswell Junction

This food hall opened last year and makes for a fun afternoon for families. With multiple food stalls, finding the right meal for each child becomes a lot easier (especially for picky eaters). Check out the lawn to play games, like life-size Connect 4 and chess. Check social media for live entertainment schedule.

22. Lucky's Burgers and Brew

Bring your kids AND fur babies to Lucky's for fun, food, and more fun! This menu isn't fussy and very flavorful, and there's a huge backyard for kids and dogs to play, run, and dance to live music.

Summit Coffee is a great place for chill vibes and sweet pastries. Photo by Melanie Preis

23. Summit Coffee

This cool coffeehouse, overlooking picturesque Roswell Town Square, serves delicious coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, and great pastries. Lots of my mom friends come here to schmooze, while the kids draw with chalk or play in the front yard. 

24. Souper Jenny

I will shout from the rooftops about my love for Atlanta's own Souper Jenny. This soup/salad/sandwich eatery (with multiple locations across the city) serves the tastiest creations, that parents AND kids love! The menu changes daily so check the website/social media to see what's brewing. Insider tip: You can sample any soup or salad before ordering!

25. American Pasta Factory

Expand your child's palette beyond buttered noodles without overwhelming them by heading to American Pasta Factory. Families can build their own pasta or pizza creation at this Italian spot. Insider tip: On Tuesdays, get a free kids meal for every adult dish ordered.

26. Lviv Croissants

Enjoy savory and sweet croissants at this Roswell restaurant with European flair. My kids recommend the Nutella, Strawberry, Banana Sandwich or the Peanut Butter and Jelly one.  

Events in Roswell for Families

27. Alive in Roswell

Every third Thursday in April-October, visitors hit downtown Roswell (along Canton Street) for food, music, and kids' activities

28. Butterfly Festival at CNC

Butterflies hold magical power over kiddos, so bring them to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for two days of magic. Families can enter a butterfly encounter, enjoy live entertainment (including magicians, stilt walkers, musicians, etc), and buy native plants to attract butterflies in their own backyards.

Walk Canton Street during Halloween time to look at the creative scarecrows that various local groups designed. Photo by Melanie Preis

29. Boo Y'all Scarecrows

October is a fun time to walk along Canton Street and check out all the scarecrows decorated by local clubs, civic groups, and Roswell organizations. Last year had an epic Taylor Swift one that gave more cutesy than boo-sy.

30. Riverside Sounds

Riverside Park hosts this monthly live music series, usually running spring through the summer. 

31. Roswell Arts Festival

Roswell Arts Festival takes place outside Roswell City Hall and features artists from across the region, as well as a kids section, live entertainment, food, and other cool vendors.

32. Roswell Moves!

The car-free fun rolls through Roswell on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Roswell Moves! celebrates human-powered transportation, with a family bike parade, live music, and activities/demos promoting healthy lifestyles.

33. Youth Day Celebration

Usually occurring in October, the Youth Day Celebration is a party celebrating...youth! The event kicks off with a parade through downtown Roswell, where kids can catch candy, as well as more activities

34. Roswell Music Festival

On April 18, 2026, families can attend this one-day, ticketed event with six live bands performing in historic downtown Roswell

35. Harvest on the Hooch

Chattahoochee Nature Center welcomes guests of all ages to its outdoor food and craft beer festival, usually happening in early fall.

Bring your folding chairs, snacks, and dancing shoes when attending a Music on the Hill free concert. Photo by Melanie Preis

36. Music on the Hill

This live music series is a must for any Roswell resident or visitor! I've brought my girls here for many years and it's always a good time, regardless of who is performing or the type of music. My kids even loved dancing to '80s yacht rock tunes.

37. Enchanted Woodland Trail at CNC

This is a great winter activity for kids to still play outdoors. Look for fairies, gnomes, and other magical creatures as they build their whimsical winter homes at CNC. Insider tip: Wear warm clothes and a coat, as well as walking shoes as the trail winds through steep terrain.

Places to Stay in Roswell, GA

38. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta - Roswell

Located within a few miles of downtown Roswell, this DoubleTree offers a complimentary shuttle to take guests with five miles of the hotel, which includes Vickery Creek Falls, North Point Mall, and more.

39. Home2 Suites by Hilton Roswell

This all-suite hotel is less than two miles away from North Point Mall, downtown Roswell and more. Enjoy the free hot breakfast and indoor pool.

40. Springhill Suites by Marriott Atlanta/Alpharetta/Roswell

This all-suite hotel is only a few minutes away from a Main Event entertainment center. Springhill Suites features free hot breakfast, indoor pool, and modern amenities.

41. Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell

This renovated hotel has 102 modern room, as well as a flexible ballroom space and free hot breakfast buffet.