One of Roswell’s hidden gems for families is the Chattahoochee Nature Center. It’s located only a few miles from the Canton Street, but can easily feel like hours away when you escape to the tranquility of outdoors. The center is multifaceted with attractions that are sure to please every age group and they’ve got a rotating calendar of events that keep families coming back. See why the Chattahoochee Nature Center is worth a visit and why kids love it!
Roswell is the ultimate family destination that just north of Atlanta. The bustling historic downtown area has rows of chef-owned restaurants, cute boutiques and an eclectic art scene. Locals may not want you to know about sweet 30075 life, but Roswell is a must-do hot spot for families.
Plan an entire day around the Chattahoochee Nature Center, with so many great things to do in Roswell with kids, you can quickly fill up a day trip itinerary. The Nature Center is nearby the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area, if you want to double down on outdoor fun. Then finish your day with best Canton Street eats so the family can refuel.
Chattahoochee Nature Center: Guide For Kids
Parking is free at the Nature Center and they’re open even when the weather isn’t cooperating. You’ll get so much more out of your visit if the weather is nice, so I recommend planning ahead. Wear comfortable shoes for plenty of walking and jogging strollers are great for infants. I also suggest bringing water bottles. They sell drinks in the gift shop, but it won’t be nearby if you venture towards the river trail areas.
Educational Fun At The Nature Center
The indoor area – Discovery Center – of the Chattahoochee Nature Center takes kids through the ecosystems of the Chattahoochee River. Kids can interact with hands-on learning areas to discover fun facts about the river. There is a little aquarium area to see what animals live in the river, as well as animal exhibits that showcase the furry (and slithering) friends that live around the river.
Animal experts are on hand to help answer any of the kids questions and there’s a small crawl space that toddlers love to play in. If you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit right so that you see the animals being fed!
Walking Trails At The Chattahoochee Nature Center
Kids love the views of nature that they get a glimpse of when walking the trails that run alongside the Chattahoochee River. Nature Center guests get exclusive access to paved trails (that are gated) with the price of admission.
The trails are a great way to see the beautiful native plants, take photos along the river and look for beaver habitats. Don’t miss the chance to grab a scavenger hunt, while at the Discovery Center, to take on your family walk. The kids can earn points for the Nature Exchange trading program.
Nature Exchange Trading Program: Get Kids Motivated To Learn
One of the coolest experiences for kids, at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, is the Nature Exchange program. Kids can earn points by participating in various educational opportunities (like the previously mentioned scavenger hunt) and they can bring in items from nature to earn points on what they’ve found. Additionally, kids can take home a reading log to bring back for points.
Kids can exchange their collected points for geodes, shells, skulls and even fossils. They love the opportunity to earn points and take home a little souvenir from the visit. It’s also a wonderful reason to consider being a member of the CNC, for annual admission – you’ll have plenty of reoccurring trips when they’re encouraged to earn points!
Screaming Eagle Zipline
Older kids will love to soar above the ground, near the tree line, when they ride the Screaming Eagle Zipline. It’s the only zipline in the metro Atlanta area that goes over a body of water. The zipline offers 12 challenge elements and stretches over 500 feet, as you enjoy the birds-eye view.
Guests can pick from the Aerial Adventure Course or the Zipline Canopy Tour. Children must be over the age of 8 and parents must call ahead to make a reservation because space is limited. Price is $59 in addition to your CNC admission fee.
Family Canoe Days At Chattahoochee Nature Center
Once your kids have learned about the river, why not take them ON the water? Family Canoe Days offer an introduction to canoeing (ages 5 and up) and the class is led by a CPR/First Aid Certified paddler. Kids will learn about proper safety protocols and it’s only 1 1/2 hours. Unlike the regular programs, the Family Canoe Days take kids out to the ponds for exploration, which is a great introduction to canoeing before experiencing the Chattahoochee River.
With over 127 acres of nature to enjoy, the Chattahoochee Nature Center never gets old. There’s always different events depending on the season and unique things to do. Kids will leave with a little more knowledge about the river’s ecosystems, a love for the outdoors, and an appreciation for starting their own conservation at home. Don’t miss out on this beloved Roswell family attraction.