Throughout the 211 acres of Piedmont Park, there are bocce courts, the Active Oval area with its running track, fields for softball and soccer, and two sand volleyball courts. There are also basketball courts, multiple playgrounds for the kiddos, tons of perfect picnic spots (with grills available on-site), a dog park for the pups — you name it, Piedmont Park’s got it.

Cocktails in the Garden runs from May through late September and offers visitors an unforgettable nighttime nature experience. (It’s ticketed for non-members.) The series is often curated around temporary art installations and exhibits, so you can take in a specialty cocktail while checking out the latest in the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s attractions — and, of course, strolling the garden to marvel at the current blooms and catch a scenic skyline-sunset combo.

The “People’s Playground” is converted into a bustling public market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with more than 60 vendors making healthy, local food available to all. Stock up on fruits and veggies from organic farms, buy artisanal breads and baked goods, or grab some ready-to-eat deliciousness — coffee, pasta, pizza, pastries and King of Pops treats are just a few of the tempting options. Grant Park also offers stellar special events, such as the Summer Shade Festival.

The city’s biggest linear park is also its largest outdoor museum. Permanent and temporary installations dot the more than 200 acres of Freedom Park along the paved bike and pedestrian trail. Don’t miss the iconic Homage to King, either; the flawlessly crafted steel profile of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the southwest corner of Boulevard and Moreland is a bona fide Atlanta art landmark.

Endorsed and funded in part by legendary pro Tony Hawk, the sizable public skate park at the Historic Fourth Ward Park is a hands-down highlight. Watching athletes show off at this concrete wheeled-sport haven is a new pastime for Atlantans; skaters and BMX bikers test their skills in one large bowl, another medium one and a street course that’s dominated by challenging ramps and rails. Hawk is a repeat visitor, too: He recently dropped in unannounced to pop an ollie alongside locals.

Celebrating the legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta where it is surrounded by top museums, attractions and hotels. Featuring the iconic Fountain of Rings, where kids love to splash and play in the Summer, Centennial Olympic Park hosts many large events, concerts and festivals.

Candler Park is a neighborhood favorite offering lovely greenspace and wetlands, a shady playground, tennis and basketball courts, large playing fields, a pool and a very laid-back, nine-hole golf-course. The park also hosts many popular music and neighborhood festivals including Fall Fest at Candler Park. Candler Park was established in 1922 when the land was donated by former Atlanta mayor and Coca-Cola magnate, Asa Candler.

Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Buckhead, Chastain Park is an oasis in the city. Tennis courts, playing fields, an amazing playground, horse stables & riding lessons, hiking trails and golf course are a few of the amenities available. The centerpiece is the concert amphitheater, which hosts outdoor concerts in an intimate setting where you can bring your own picnic.