Chastain Park Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 1-10
About
Chastain Park Playground is one of Atlanta's most treasured free family destinations — a well-maintained playground set within the 268-acre Chastain Park in Buckhead, surrounded by mature trees that provide genuine shade in a city known for brutal summer heat.
The playground has distinct sections for younger and older children. Toddler-appropriate equipment sits alongside taller structures with more complex climbing challenges for school-age kids, making it a workable destination for families with children across the 1-10 age range. The 4.
7 Google rating with 827 reviews reflects what Buckhead parents have known for years: this is a reliably excellent neighborhood playground.
What makes Chastain Park an especially strong destination is the surrounding park complex. The 3-mile perimeter trail is popular with adults for walking and running — you can let kids play while adults run a lap, then switch. The park also includes a horse park (kids love watching the horses from the playground), tennis courts, a golf course, and the historic Chastain Park Amphitheatre.
The playground and park are entirely free, and parking in the park lot is also free. Pack a picnic — there are generous shaded grassy areas throughout the park for spreading a blanket.
Best visiting windows: weekday mornings in spring and fall, or summer mornings before 10AM when the heat is still manageable. The park closes at 8PM.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings in spring and fall; summer mornings before 10AM
Wait Times
No waits — open access
Nearby Food
No food service at the playground. The surrounding Buckhead neighborhood has excellent restaurants within a 5-minute drive including La Fonda Latina and many others along Roswell Rd.
Why Kids Love It
Chastain Park Playground in Buckhead is one of Atlanta's most beloved free playgrounds, featuring well-maintained equipment in a gorgeous park setting with mature trees providing natural shade. The playground has distinct areas for different age groups — younger toddler equipment alongside taller climbing structures for bigger kids — so it works well for mixed-age families. The surrounding 268-acre Chastain Park park complex offers a walking/running trail, a horse park, tennis courts, and the Chastain Park Amphitheatre, making it an easy full-afternoon destination.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Completely free — one of Atlanta's best free family activities
- Combine with a walk on the 3-mile perimeter trail for adults while kids play
- Bring a picnic — the park has ample shaded grassy areas
- Summer mornings before 10AM are ideal before the heat builds; the shady tree canopy helps
- The nearby horse park is visible from the playground — kids love watching the horses
- Free parking available in the park lot
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Packed snacks or lunch
- Blanket for picnicking
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 (free; bring food/water as no on-site concessions at playground)
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- Park in the Chastain Park lot (free parking) and combine playground time with a walk on the park trail or a visit to the adjacent amphitheater.
- Pack a picnic — there are plenty of shaded spots in the park.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8AM-8PM
- Monday
- 8AM-8PM
- Sunday
- 8AM-8PM
- Tuesday
- 8AM-8PM
- Saturday
- 8AM-8PM
- Thursday
- 8AM-8PM
- Wednesday
- 8AM-8PM
