Outdoor Activity Center
Rating
Family of 4
Free to low cost for programs (check current fees on website)
Duration
2-4 hours (program dependent)
Best Ages
Best for ages 6-17 (structured outdoor education programs)
About
The Outdoor Activity Center in Atlanta's Oakland City neighborhood is operated by the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA), a nonprofit environmental organization. This is a different kind of destination than a typical park or playground — it's a dedicated outdoor environmental education facility that provides nature programming and hands-on learning for school-age children and community groups.
Programs focus on watershed education, wildlife observation, outdoor skills, and environmental stewardship — the kind of nature-based learning that urban kids rarely access. For families and educators looking for meaningful outdoor education experiences rather than recreational play, the OAC is a distinctive option in Atlanta's westside.
Important operational notes: the facility is closed on Saturday and Sunday, operating only Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM. Programs are typically scheduled in advance rather than offered as drop-in sessions. Check the WAWA website (wawa-online.org) for current programming, event schedules, and any registration requirements.
Programming costs vary and are often free or low-cost for participants, reflecting the nonprofit mission of bringing nature access to underserved communities.
This is not the right destination if you're looking for a recreational playground or drop-in family activity on a weekend — but for families who value environmental education and structured outdoor learning, it's a meaningful and unique Atlanta resource.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays only — closed Saturday and Sunday
Wait Times
Programs are scheduled in advance
Nearby Food
Limited immediate dining options in the Oakland City area. Pack food for longer program days.
Why Kids Love It
The Outdoor Activity Center in Oakland City is operated by the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and provides nature education and outdoor activities in a part of Atlanta that has limited access to natural spaces. Kids get hands-on environmental learning — watershed exploration, wildlife observation, and outdoor skills — that you won't find at a typical park or playground. It's especially impactful for kids who live in urban environments and rarely have access to structured nature experiences.
Pro Tips from Parents
- This is a WAWA nonprofit facility — visit their website for current programs and scheduling
- Closed Saturday and Sunday — weekdays only, 9AM-5PM
- Programming focus is environmental education and outdoor skills — best for school groups and organized visits
- Located in the Oakland City neighborhood in southwest Atlanta
- Not a drop-in recreation space — plan your visit around their programming schedule
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor terrain
- Water bottle
- Sun protection
- Bug spray in summer
Cost Info
Partially free — some areas or times are free
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free to low cost for programs (check current fees on website)
Tips to Save
- The Outdoor Activity Center runs structured outdoor education programs in the Oakland City neighborhood — this is not a typical drop-in park but a nonprofit-operated outdoor learning center.
- Programs often have low or no cost for participants.
- Check the WAWA (West Atlanta Watershed Alliance) website for current programming schedule.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9AM-5PM
- Monday
- 9AM-5PM
- Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 9AM-5PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 9AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 9AM-5PM