1. Piedmont Park's Noguchi playscape.
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
This park is perfect for the hands-on learner in need of a lesson in colors and shapes. The equipment also serves as a piece of modern art decorating the space near Piedmont Park's 12th Street entrance. The 'scape was finished in 1976 and became the only playground in the world designed by critically acclaimed artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904 - 1988) that was completed in his lifetime, according to the park's website. It's doubtful your kids have had this much fun with modern art before. Little ones can climb on colorful blocks or on triangular structures. They can also opt to climb to the top of a tall cylinder and slide their way down a twisty slide to the bottom. Little daredevils can get some air on the high-hung swings.
» Noguchi Playscape reopened at Piedmont Park in 2009
2.
Jason Getz/AJC
The Peachtree-DeKalb Airport Park.
2000 Airport Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
If you have a little one who wants to either be a pilot or an airplane when they grow up (no judgement), this will be a mesmerizing play experience. This airplane-themed park sits right next to a runway. Kids can actually face the runway and watch planes take off as they take off in their own swings. Is your kid too mesmerized by the planes to physically move his legs enough to swing? Don't worry — there's also an observation deck just for watching.
3.
Johnny Crawford/AJC
Historic Fourth Ward Park.
680 Dallas St, Atlanta, GA 30308
This park is great for making friends. Sit all the kids into the big bowl-shaped swings and watch as the giggles begin. Then get ready for some serious climbing — on rock walls, jungle gyms and a ropes course connected to a small trampoline. Are your kids up for the challenge?
4.
Provided courtesy of Georgia World Congress Center
Centennial Olympic Park's All Children's Park.
265 Park Avenue Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313
The All Children's Park isn't a playground for disabled and special needs children — it's a playground that includes them, according to an article on the playground's website. In fact, the playground is meant to be fun for all children. It includes equipment designed for children with special needs such as the Sway Fun Swing, a wheelchair friendly swing and the Cloud-Burst slide that helps children into a seated position. But it also includes toys any kids can use together like bongo drums, talk tubes and a multi-sensory roller slide. Alyssa Barnes, daughter of former Gov. Roy Barnes, came up with the idea for a playground accessible to special needs children while she was in college. She hoped the park would help all kids feel included in play time.
5.
Provided courtesy of Mason Mill Park Facebook page
Mason Mill Park.
1340 McConnell Dr, Decatur, GA 3003-3539
If you have little adventurers on you hands, you need to set aside a day for them to explore Mason Mill Park. The main attraction? Playground equipment shaped like a pirate ship. With just a little imagination, kids can sail off on the seven seas. If they get a little sick of sea exploration, there's also a three-level treehouse to climb into and slide out of. We challenge any kid to get bored at this dynamic play spot.
