A Postpartum Therapist’s List of Outdoor Activities in East Atlanta
The days are longer, which means we can enjoy more sunlight, but it can also leave moms wanting to find more activities for themselves and their little ones. As a postpartum therapist who works with new moms, I often get asked about free activities moms can engage in with their kids. For moms of newborns, getting out of the house may feel like it’s mostly for your well-being (yay, good for you!). But, being outdoors provides baby with a lot of mental stimulation and can be a great way for you and baby to connect.
Decatur Toy Park
First Christian Church, 133 Nelson Ferry Road, Decatur 30030
The park has swings, picnic tables, a small pavilion, and so many ride-on and push toys. The center is a large grassy area surrounded by a sidewalk that serves as a track for trikes, bikes, toy cars, and toddlers pushing walking toys. The park is completely fenced.
Candler Park
1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
This park has a large field to run around in, walking paths, and a newly updated playground with the longest hill slide in Atlanta. Some of the playground’s unique features are a sandpit with two excavator toys children can use for digging, and two hills covered in artificial turf that children love for climbing and “sledding” with cardboard as a sled. Bring your own, or if you forget you’ll likely find some left for anyone to use. There is also a large rock wall around the hill slides that older kids can climb with supervision, but if you are concerned about your child climbing it there are also stairs leading up to the slides.
Lake Claire Community Land Trust
270 Arizona Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Lake Claire Land Trust has a playground, community garden, and nature trails to explore. It is somewhat hidden in a residential area with street parking only, so be mindful not to block anyone’s driveway. The website’s “About Us” section has a map and a self-guided tour printout. Some paths may be hard to access with a stroller but are great for exploring with kids. The playground has a pavilion, a swing, a jungle gym, and sand with assorted trucks and sand toys. There is an overlook with a view of Atlanta’s skyline. The community offers many free events throughout the year.
Lake Avondale
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
This small lake tucked away in Avondale Estates is the perfect size for a quick nature break, whether you are pushing a stroller, wearing your baby, or exploring with your kid(s). The lake is home to lots of wildlife, and it’s fun to observe the geese, ducks, and even swans. (Note that feeding is not allowed). There are benches and bench swings along the way.
If you have a kid who still wants to play and you have time for a longer visit, Willis Park (57 Dartmouth Ave, Avondale Estates, GA 30002) is nearby. It has some shade trees, open greenspace, and sidewalks to stroll on while kids can enjoy swings and slides. One standout feature is an old-fashioned merry-go-round that is delightful for kids who never seem to get dizzy. Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms at the park.
Stone Mountain Park
While this is just outside of the perimeter, it deserves a mention for the diverse range of amenities and activities available. There is an entry fee for parking and fees for some activities. If you are up for a longer walk, you can park outside of the park to walk in and enjoy the nature trails or hike up the mountain for free. To access the playground area at Stone Mountain you will need to drive in, and parking is available right next to the playground. It’s completely fenced and has a small toddler area, some benches and pavilions, a larger playground for older kids to climb and slide, and restrooms.
For moms of babies, you can choose your activity level- if you want to push baby in a stroller the road around the mountain is one-way, with half of the road reserved for walkers and bikers. It’s also a good option for kids who want to bike or ride scooters. If you want to wear baby and feeling up for a hike, there are several wooded paths that feel like you are miles away from a city, or you can hike up the mountain.
A favorite trail of mine is one by the covered bridge. Once you cross the bridge to a small island in the middle of the lake, a trail takes you by the edge of the water for about a 1-mile hike. There are some opportunities for kids to climb on fallen trees or rocks, or play in small sandy areas along the water’s edge. You might spot some geese or ducks, kayakers, or stand-up paddle boards on the lake.
What to Do When it’s Hard to Leave the House
Getting little ones loaded into the car with all their gear can be a daunting task. On days where it can feel like too much, maybe a short walk around your block wearing baby or pushing a stroller is a good alternative. If that still feels unmanageable, a blanket thrown in the yard or on the porch can give you a change of scenery and the benefit of sunshine. If you find you are leaving the house less than you’d like, or are noticing it’s difficult to enjoy yourself, therapy can help you figure out what’s getting in your way and find what makes you feel like your best self.
Start Working With a Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GA
At Informed Therapy Group, we have therapists who are experienced in supporting moms with developing routines and getting the most enjoyment out of this time of their lives. If you’re a new mom or a mom with a new baby and life feels chaotic, our team would love to connect with you to learn how we can best support you. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Visit our Contact page, call (404) 444-8974, or email info@informedtherapy.com for a free 15-minute consultation!
- Meet with a caring Atlanta therapist
- Start finding new activities for you and your little ones!
Other Services Offered with Informed Therapy Group
Our compassionate therapists at Informed Therapy Group take a multifaceted approach to mental health. In addition to postpartum therapy, neurodivergent therapy in Atlanta, GA, we offer anxiety therapy, depression therapy, grief and loss counseling, and therapy for stress management. We also specialize in couples counseling, and pregnancy counseling. Explore our About Us page, visit our blog, or read our FAQs to learn more about how we can help you. When you’re ready to reach out, we encourage you to call (404) 444-8974 or email us at admin@informedtherapy.com.
