Last Updated on July 26, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Tucked along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, just north of Atlanta, Roswell, Georgia is a metro hotspot for families. It’s fun, adventurous, and a bit of Southern charm wrapped into one city. Whether you’re a local parent or planning a weekend getaway, Roswell offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and kid-approved activities that make it easy to spend quality time together.
From splashing in riverside parks and exploring scenic trails to stepping back in time at historic homes, there’s something here for every age and interest. As a local, who was raised in Roswell and now visits with my own kids, I’ve got a few insider tips to help you plan your next memorable outing.
Explore the Outdoors: Nature Adventures for All Ages
Roswell is a haven for nature lovers because of the city’s proximity to the Chattahoochee River. A favorite outing for families is the Chattahoochee Nature Center, where the outdoors takes centerstage. It’s a mix of indoor and outdoor fun. Indoors, kids can explore hands-on exhibits to learn about the river’s ecosystems, animals and water cycles. Outdoors, the Nature Center offers walking trails that showcase art, aviaries, a butterfly house (during the summer months) and a beaver sanctuary.
Another scenic outdoor spot, in Roswell, is Vickery Creek Falls. It’s a a beautiful and historic waterfall the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. It’s a man‑made waterfall that once powered the 19th‑century Roswell Mill. Now, it’s a popular destination for hikers, runners, families and photographers.
For sightseeing and exercise, walk the Vickery Creek Trail loop, which 4.7 miles round-trip. Along the way you’ll see covered bridges, the ruins of the 1850s Roswell Mill, the historic machine shop. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Dive into Roswell’s Rich History—With a Kid-Friendly Twist
Roswell has three historic house museums that are open to the public for self-guided tours. Roswell’s Southern Trilogy of Historic House Museums are perfect for families interested in history. While the holiday season is the most popular time to tour the homes because they’re decorated, the houses are open year-round.
These three antebellum homes offer beautiful grounds to explore and they’re rich in history. The museums offer free admission and parking:
- Barrington Hall: A Greek Revival mansion with original furnishings and elegant gardens. Kids often enjoy the stories of the King family and outdoor space to roam.
- Bulloch Hall: Built in 1839, this is the childhood home of President Roosevelt’s mother. The house contains period artifacts and historic stories tied to presidential history that can spark kids’ interest. During the holiday season, Bulloch Hall is home to the Roswell Christkindlmarket, which is a traditional German Christmas market with shopping booths and eateries.
- Archibald Smith Plantation: Built in 1845, the plantation museum includes the main house, slave quarters, cookhouse, and barn. It’s ideal for learning about daily life in the 1800s. When the home is decorated for Christmas, they utilize the outdoor kitchen to make gingerbread cookies for visitors.
Cool Off With Roswell’s Spraygrounds
There are two great Roswell spraygrounds where kids can splash and cool off during warm days. Riverside Sprayground, just minutes from downtown, offers beautiful river views and is open daily except Tuesdays. Meanwhile, East Roswell Sprayground is nestled near park trails a bit farther from downtown. Both charge a $2 admission fee for ages 1 and up and provide wonderful picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Rainy Day Roswell Fun: Indoor Attractions and Activities
A rainy (or sweltering) day in Roswell doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Head indoors to Mimms Museum, where technology comes to life through engaging exhibits on computing history, supercomputers, and even Apollo 11. It’s a perfect multi-generational experience—packed with nostalgic gadgets that parents and grandparents will recognize, and plenty of wow-factor for kids seeing them for the first time.
The Roswell Cultural Arts Center is the city’s premier venue for live performance and community arts programming. As home to the professional Georgia Ensemble Theatre, it presents a wide range of productions—musicals, drama, dance, and family-friendly works—all year long.
Smaller in size, the Roswell Cultural Arts Center makes it easy to introduce kids to the theater. No need to worry if you’ve got a youngster who likes to wiggle because they’ll still be welcomed in the theater.
Family-Friendly Eats in Roswell
From tamales to grab-and-go biscuits, the Roswell Farmers Market offers a delicious variety of locally made foods. Enjoy a bite, soak in the sounds of live music, and experience the welcoming community spirit Roswell is known for. Held every Saturday from 8 AM to noon, April through October, the market features goods sourced within 100 miles (except for coffee and seafood). Local restaurants, artisans, and musicians come together each week to create a vibrant, hometown atmosphere full of great finds.
Another fun dining spot is Lucky’s Burger & Brew. Named after the owner’s golden retriever, Lucky, it’s a dog-themed restaurant. Grab a burger and beer, and bring the whole family, including the dog! Order menu items like the “Georgia Dawg Pounder” and “Poodle Chaser” while the kids play on the outdoor green space.
The large dog‑friendly patio has lawn games, like Cornhole, and live music on the weekends. Adults appreciate the wide-ranging tap list of craft brews with seasonal specials and rotating offerings. During the summer months, look for a Summer Sippin’ craft cocktail.
Seasonal Events & Festivals to Plan Around
Roswell is home to an exciting calendar of family-friendly festivals that celebrate art, culture, nature, and community. From spring parades to monthly block parties, here are some of the most popular events families won’t want to miss throughout the year:
- Roswell Roots Festival (February): Celebrates African American history and culture with vibrant programming for all ages. Expect crafts, performances, storytelling, food, and more.
- Alive in Roswell (April – October): A popular monthly block party on the third Thursday of each month that features live music, food, and good community energy. It’s very family-friendly.
- Riverside Sounds Concert Series (May – October): Free outdoor concerts hosted along the river spanning spring to fall. Great for kids, music lovers, and evening family outings.
- Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony (May): Georgia’s largest Memorial Day commemoration, featuring a formal ceremony at the Faces of War Memorial. It’s a respectful and educational experience for families.
- Flying Colors Butterfly Festival (June): Hosted by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, this festival teaches kids about pollinators, with a Migration Game, crafts, and live presentations of butterflies and nature.
- Roswell Youth Day Parade & Festival (October): An annual celebration honoring the youth of Roswell with a parade, children’s activities, performances, food vendors, and family fun.
Practical Tips from a Local Roswell Parent
Most of these Roswell kid-friendly attractions are only a few miles apart and driving around the city is easy on the weekends. Canton Street is the most popular road and runs through downtown Roswell. Most of the city’s parking is free, except for some paid exceptions on Canton Street.
Roswell is very stroller-friendly and dog-friendly. Spring and fall months are the most desirable times to visit, but winters are mild. Pack plenty of hydration and wear comfortable shoes to ensure your summer visit is pleasant. It’s easy to break up a hot day with indoor and outdoor fun, just front load your itinerary with outdoor activities in the morning.