Things to do in Atlanta in spring: gardens and parks
Spring in Atlanta: the Botanical Garden without chasing blooms, open-ended time in Piedmont Park, and puppetry arts.
Spring in Atlanta is a good excuse to spend time in gardens and parks without making every day a hunt for peak flowers. Start with the Botanical Garden, leave room for an unhurried Piedmont Park visit, and add puppetry for a different kind of afternoon. These four outings let you adjust how much time you spend outdoors.
1. Explore Atlanta Botanical Garden without chasing blooms
Make the garden the main outdoor stop of a spring day. The Flower Walk and Perennial Garden give you different places to look closely, while the Fuqua Orchid Center adds another collection to your route. Choose what is actually on view instead of planning the trip around a single promised bloom.
Good to know
- Check the garden’s current bloom updates and area closures before buying tickets; spring displays and special events can change.
- Normally open Tuesday–Sunday; check current admission and hours on atlantabg.org.
- Bring a card, as cash is not accepted.
2. Leave time for Piedmont Park
Keep this spring outing open-ended: a walk, a picnic and somewhere to sit can be enough. If you still want to move, the park connects with the Beltline at 10th Street and Monroe Drive. There is no need to turn your garden day into a long-distance walk as well.
Good to know
- The park opens daily from 6 am to 11 pm; use the daylight hours for your walk.
- Bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but leave glass containers behind.
- Use the park’s walking directions from Midtown or Arts Center MARTA station if you are arriving without a car.
3. Walk a section of the Eastside Trail
For another outdoor spring outing, follow part of the Beltline’s old rail corridor. Murals, neighborhood connections and access to Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market give the walk a focus beyond simply covering distance. Pick one destination and keep the return route manageable.
Good to know
- Use the official map to choose a section rather than committing to the whole Piedmont Park-to-Reynoldstown route.
- This is a shared, multi-use trail; leave room for other walkers and cyclists.
- Check the market you choose separately for food-vendor hours.
4. Give the Center for Puppetry Arts equal billing
Keep an indoor stop in your spring plans, not just as an afterthought if you decide against a walk. The Jim Henson and Global galleries offer a close look at puppets as objects, characters and storytelling tools. If a performance appeals, let its showtime set the pace of the day.
Good to know
- Museum-only tickets and all-inclusive Family Series tickets cover different experiences; read the inclusions before booking.
- Normally open Tuesday–Sunday, with last museum admission at 4:30 pm; check holiday closures.
- Check each show’s age guidance and book your preferred performance ahead.
- There is limited free parking behind the building, with the entrance off 18th Street.
Quick tips
- Choose your garden date from current visitor information, not a past year’s spring display dates.
- Book any puppet performance first, then fit your outdoor time around it.
- Want company? Check upcoming events in Atlanta on Socroo below and find someone to go with.
Upcoming events
- The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show (18 and Over) The Eastern-GA, 777 Memorial Dr SE Building C