City life has it’s benefits, but sometimes you just want to escape and enjoy some fresh air without the crowds. We scoured the city and surrounding areas to round up some hidden treasures that might not be on your regular rotation. Read on for five playgrounds that offer a peaceful place to play amongst Atlanta’s urban jungle.

Haw Creek Park
This playground is the perfect place to play in the woods. The shaded structures (built in 2012) resemble forrest elements, and the giant logs and life-size bears ignite imaginations. If your little cubs are still hungry for more adventure, the 85 acres and three miles of hiking trails offer plenty of other opportunities to explore.

Haw Creek Park, 2205 Echols Rd., Cumming

Tanyard Creek Park
This peaceful park offers a history lesson as well. The park entrance to this Civil War landmark looks like a collection of historical markers; however, there is much more than meets the eye here. A paved Beltway trail winds through the woods while you enjoy scenery of the winding creek, sprawling green spaces, bridges and trees before reaching an inviting playground nestled in the middle of the park. The playground itself comes complete with two different areas for younger and older tots, a huge spider web climbing structure, as well as slides, monkey bars, swings and a rock wall. Make note that there are no restrooms so go before you go or be prepared to pop a squat!

Tanyard Creek Park, Collier Rd at Walthall Dr.

Mason Mill Park
This pleasant park hits offers the perfect playground trifecta of clean bathrooms, ample parking, and awesome equipment. It is split into two separate areas—one for smaller kids and one for older children. The larger playground has a three-story tall climber and a pirate ship-themed area.  The big tube slides can be a bit fast for smaller children so keep a watchful eye. The nearby nature trails offer plenty of opportunities for exploration as well.

Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur

Brownwood Park
Just a few blocks south of EAV, this urban oasis offers plenty of parking spaces and feels safe not sketchy. You won’t know you are only a block off Moreland Avenue as you enjoy the clean playground and cute, community garden.

Brownwood Park, Emerson Ave at Brownwood Ave. SE

Jones Bridge Park
Perhaps the only thing parents love more than a quiet playground with clean bathrooms and plenty of parking, is a shaded, quiet playground with clean bathrooms and plenty of parking! Tots will love the “elevator” on the big kid playset and don’t forget to bring bread to walk down to the river and feed the ducks. There is a pavilion for picnics if you wish to stay and enjoy a bite alonng the banks of the ‘Hooch.

Jones Bridge Park, 4901 E Jones Bridge Rd., Norcross

Did we miss a spot? Share your secret spot to play with us in the comments section below! Or if you are looking for more places to play, click here for our list of the best playgrounds in Atlanta.

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of via Addy C. Alejandro O. Kathleen M. Yelp, Haw Creek Park via Facebook and Forsyth County

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