The Dunwoody Nature Center is a natural classroom for environmental education that spans 22 acres within DeKalb County's Dunwoody Park. Admission to the Center is free, as are many of its programs and events.
Whether you want to explore the trails, gardens, creek and other areas on your own or you prefer to take a class or attend a special event, there's no shortage of fun activities for the entire family. (The kids probably won't even notice that they're learning something along the way!)
Get an insider’s look at what makes the Dunwoody Nature Center one of DeKalb County’s family gems:
What to do and see
The following are just a few of the center's many activities and special events:
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Butterfly Festival – This popular annual event features butterfly tents where you can be surrounded by hundreds of live butterflies. You'll also be able to enjoy music, games, animal encounters and more.
Children's nature classes – Two different children's classes are offered for a fee, and they help connect children and their caregivers to nature. ECOExplorers is designed for kids age 3-5, while Mommy, Me and Nature classes are for kids age 18-36 months.Wildcat Creek – Wear your water shoes and wade among crayfish, salamanders and other aquatic creatures, or relax and picnic on the banks of the creek.
Dunwoody Rocks! – Enjoy the sight of hundreds of uniquely painted rocks.Friday Night Hikes – The center stays open late on select Fridays in the fall for family hikes led by knowledgeable guides. You'll be able to hear the creek as well as the sounds of owls and other nighttime creatures.
Gardens – Several gardens are located within the center, featuring native plants that are selected and cultivated by master gardeners.Swings and hammocks – Sit and spin in a tree swing or relax in a hammock under a canopy of hardwood trees.
Treehouse – Check out a different view of the center from its treehouse, which is also the site of birthday parties, classes and camps.Wetlands and boardwalk – Explore plant and animal life on a boardwalk that winds through a wetlands ecosystem.Hiking trails – Two miles of woodland trails connect all the center's features.Playground – A shaded playground has equipment suitable for toddlers as well as older kids.
Camps – You won't have to worry about how to keep the kids busy on school breaks, since the center offers camps during spring, fall, Thanksgiving and winter breaks.Children's birthday parties – The center's parties are for members only and usually book a month in advance. Choose from a nighttime party, a scavenger hunt or one of the popular themed parties - Wonderful Worms, Discover Nature, Creek Adventure or Bugs and Butterflies.
Location
Dunwoody Nature Center is located at 5343 Roberts Drive near Dunwoody Village and Chamblee Dunwoody Road. If you've driving from Atlanta, take 400 North to Exit 6 (Northridge Road). Go straight at the stop light at the top of the ramp, which takes you onto Roberts Drive. Drive two miles, and you'll find Dunwoody Nature Center on the left.
If you'd rather take MARTA, take Route 150.
Before you go, download and print a map to help you easily find all the areas you'd like to visit.
Hours and admission
The center is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Admission is free, but to help support the venue and to receive additional benefits, memberships are available for $50 for one year (or $90 for two years). Membership entitles you to discounts on camps, classes and other programs, access to birthday party registration, early registration for summer camp, free admission to summer concerts, a sneak preview at the Butterfly Festival and more.
To find out more
Call the Dunwoody Nature Center at 770-394-3322, visit their website, sign up for a newsletter or follow the center on Facebook.
