Full of culture, art & outdoor recreation, the city of Brookhaven is so much more than just a suburb of Atlanta. It’s an escape from the city, but only miles away. Whatever tickles your fancy, you’re sure to find it in Brookhaven. I’m taking it a step further and showing you the best FREE things to do in Brookhaven with kids. These attractions are easy on your wallet, but the kids are sure to have a good time.
Like many Georgia cities, Brookhaven’s history has helped mold the city into what we know it as today. Around the 1900’s, many wealthy Atlanta families built summer cottages in Brookhaven. At the time, that distance was too far for a daily commute.
A group of investors purchased land and eventually built the Brookhaven Country Club, which included a 9-hole golf course where it opened in 1912. Brookhaven is unique because it’s the first community in Georgia designed around a golf course.
Today, Brookhaven combines historical homes with new businesses – preserving the past while keeping up with today’s demands for a thriving community.
There are areas of Brookhaven where everything is within walking distance and then there are gorgeous outdoor areas where you feel miles away from anything. It’s a family-friendly city with seasonal events that kids love. If you’re looking for an easy way to bring the family to Brookhaven, consider MARTA to avoid traffic.
Visitors may come for the newest Brookhaven offerings, but they’ll appreciate the beauty of the past. That’s what I love most about this Atlanta suburb… and I promise that kids will love Brookhaven just as much as parents do.
Best FREE Attractions To Do In Brookhaven With Kids
Blackburn Park
Let the kids burn off some energy at the beautiful Blackburn Park. It’s a 50-acre park, managed through the city’s park and recreation department, and offers plenty of recreational fun. It’s home to unique playgrounds, tennis courts, trails and fields. Pack a lunch and use the picnic facilities or volunteer to spend time in the community garden.
During the summer, the park offers Food Truck Wednesdays. Food Truck Wednesdays take place on the 4th Wednesday of the month. It’s a great way to plan a budget-friendly casual family dinner, with plenty of great views.
Remaining 2023 Food Truck Wednesdays (5-8:30PM):
- May 24
- June 28
- July 26
- August 23
- September 27
- October 25
Brookhaven Farmers Market
Rain or shine, enjoy the Brookhaven Farmers Market from April to mid November on Saturdays. Families can shop locally sourced produce, sustainable goods and listen to live music. It’s a beautiful open-air market showcasing local farmers, artisans and musicians. Dogs are welcome and you’re sure to find something unique at the market.
Follow the Brookhaven Farmers Market Instagram account for up-to-date information on vendors. In the past, there’s been local children’s authors and even the big guy himself, Santa, to celebrate Christmas in July.
The best part? With rotating vendors each week, no two Brookhaven Farmers Market visits are ever the same!
Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival
A can’t miss, the annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival occurs every March. The festival celebrates spring and the beauty of Cherry Blossom trees. Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks and a 5k road race. It’s also a pet-friendly festival, so the whole family is welcome! The festival is located at Blackburn Park and admission is free.
Murphey Candler Park
Murphey Candler Park is a 135-acre multi-use park, making it the largest green space in Brookhaven. Park amenities include multi-use fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, a lake, and trails. Kids will love the lake area, which is home to Canadian geese, mallards, other ducks and beavers. Don’t miss the annual Duck Duck Goose 5k run, in October, which is stroller-friendly!
Ashford Park Splash Pad
The Georgia heat can be daunting during the summer months, but the Ashford Park Splash Pad offers a fun way for kids to stay cool. Grab the sunscreen and take the kids to the splash pad for an afternoon of fun. The Ashford Park Splash Pad is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 to 8:30PM.
Oglethorpe Museum of Art
I love visiting any city that homes a university because there are so many great offerings open to the public. Oglethorpe University was chartered by the state of Georgia in 1835. It’s a diverse university located in Brookhaven and adds to the city’s eclectic art scene.
The Oglethorpe Museum of Art is billed as the “only small liberal arts university museum in the Southeast that regularly shows nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions.”
Visit the Oglethorpe Museum of Art for free. This museum is better suited for older kids. It’s a great rainy day activity or cool way to escape the heat. The museum offers 3-4 exhibitions with a few that rotate every few months.
While you’re at Oglethorpe, take some time to walk around the campus to see the stunning gothic revival architecture of the buildings. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set!
Catch A College Sports Game
Another great addition from Oglethorpe University, families can catch a college sports game for free. Show some Pretrel Pride and cheer for one of the many Oglethorpe teams – ranging from women’s lacrosse to men’s golf. Be sure to check the Oglethorpe athletics schedule and look for home games, which will be located in Brookhaven.
When school is on break, the summer wooden bat league is in full swing. Cheer on the Brookhaven Bucks at Hermance Stadium on Oglethorpe University’s campus during the summer! It’s not free, but the tickets are minimal.
Visit Plaza Fiesta
Kids will giggle and play at the Plaza Fiesta. It’s a huge shopping mall that’s made to look like a Mexican street market. The bright colors and lights that adorn the shopping center are most welcoming. It’s home to Georgia’s largest indoor playground.
Meanwhile, parents can shop unique cultural finds and nosh on authentic Hispanic food. To name only a few, street tacos and arepas are some of the most popular dishes that visitors love.
Hunt Down Murals
Brookhaven is committed to public art and there’s beautiful murals around the city. Art brings people together and the city wants visitors to enjoy all of the murals. The city strives to use local artists to paint the murals and they’re very eye-catching.
Older kids will love the Instagram-worthy aesthetics of the murals. They’re fun to hunt down, so have your camera ready!
Despite Brookhaven, Georgia being so closely associated with Atlanta, you’ll really feel like you’ve left the city. Brookhaven is a melting pot of cultures which makes the city unique and special. Bring the kids and make family memories you’ll cherish.
Ready to plan your Brookhaven with kids getaway? Follow Explore Brookhaven on social media: Facebook & Instagram