Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Sandy Springs, GA

  • Published 2023/01/09

Sandy Springs is a city located in the northern portion of Fulton County in Georgia.

It is also an inner ring suburb in Atlanta.

The population in this city reached 108,080 as per the 2020 census.

With that, Sandy Springs was hailed as the 7th largest city in the state.

Its total land area comprises 37.66 square miles of land and 0.86 square miles of water.

The Native Americans were the earliest recorded settlers in the area.

They arrived in 400CE and connected three trails for better access to the surrounding freshwater springs.

Over the decades, Sandy Springs has transformed into a beautiful city that exudes a relaxing atmosphere and inviting culture.

It is also a business hub dotted with the corporate headquarters of large companies.

Aside from that, the city is also filled with exciting attractions and activities which will make your stay here worthwhile.

You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy this city with these free things to do in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Spend the Day at Morgan Falls Overlook Park

Morgan Falls Overlook Park is a 30-acre riverside park on Morgan Falls Road.

It opened in 2010 and is the first new park in the city since its incorporation.

It is the perfect place if you’re planning to spend the day out with family and friends.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park features expansive playgrounds with swings, slides, monkey bars, and other equipment.

You will also enjoy its walking trails surrounded by beautiful sceneries and lush trees.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park also has picnic pavilions where you can rest and have a bite while appreciating the view of the surroundings.

A boat dock, hiking trail, and fire pit are also available.

Bring Your Family to Abernathy Greenway Park North

Abernathy Greenway Park North is a 6.6-acre park on Northeast Abernathy Road.

It opened in 2014 and has since been home to a playground, picnic tables, and a pavilion.

You can bring food here, but keep in mind that pavilions are on a first-come-first-served basis only.

What makes this park unique is it features playable art pieces which your children will enjoy.

Among those are the interactive climbable sculpture, functional swings, laser-cut granite boulder, and kiln-dried glass.

While your kids are having the time of their lives, you can take a walk at Abernathy Greenway Park North’s relaxing vicinity and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Appreciate Nature at Big Trees Forest Preserve

Big Trees Forest Preserve is a 30-acre natural oasis on Northeast Roswell Road.

This is where you can find a variety of plant, tree, and wildlife species.

John Ripley Forbes, recognized as the nation’s foremost advocate of the development and organization of natural science centers and wildlife sanctuaries for young people, founded it.

Big Trees Forest Preserve is also recognized as an old-growth forest where old and gigantic trees are preserved.

This attraction is perfect for families and groups of friends seeking an adventure within the city.

Big Trees Forest Preserve features a Backcountry Trail System which consists of three trails that are less than one mile in distance each.

These can be explored on foot only.

Relax at Lost Corner Preserve

Lost Corner Preserve is nestled on Northwest Brandon Mill Road.

It measures 24 acres and is home to wonderful woodlands and nature trails.

This property can be traced back to the mid-1800s and was once a farm with only two owners.

You’ll love this preserve, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast.

Lost Corner Preserve also boasts a community garden, renovated cottage, and apiary.

Your whole family can enjoy this place with ADA-accessible trails and picnic tables where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal.

Learn History at Heritage Sandy Springs Museum

Heritage Sandy Springs Museum is a non-profit organization that preserves the rich history of the city.

It is located within the four-acre Heritage Green park site on Sandy Springs Circle.

Since 1985, this museum has been an active advocate of educational and heritage programs for the locals and visitors.

Heritage Sandy Springs Museum features a wide display of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and other important objects that relate to the history of Sandy Springs.

You may also explore the land where this museum is located as it also offers a relaxing oasis of green spaces situated in the heart of the city.

The land where Heritage Sandy Springs Museum sits also serves as a community gathering place where events like weddings and birthdays are held.

Play Sports at Hammond Park

Hammond Park is a 13.708-acre park nestled on Glenridge Drive.

It is famous for being home to the Hammond Park Gymnastics Center.

Hammond Park also features playgrounds and a community building.

But what sets it apart from other parks is its two lighted tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts where you can play sports with friends and family.

Two picnic pavilions are also available here at Hammond Park, but these are on a first-come-first-served basis.

Well-maintained restrooms and walking paths are also available.

De-stress at Ridgeview Park

Ridgeview Park is a community park situated on South Trimble Rd.

Measuring 20.72 acres, this park is the best escape where you can de-stress and have a peaceful time amid nature.

Ridgeview Park has nature trails perfect for walking, running, and biking.

It also boasts a workout station.

You can also bring your little ones here and let them play at the park’s playground.

Shaded picnic tables are also available.

Just like most of the parks in the city, Ridgeview Park also offers pavilions on a first-come-first-served basis.

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. – National Park Service

The home at Martin Luther King, Jr. - National Park Service

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Martin Luther King, Jr. – National Park Service is on Northeast Auburn Avenue in Atlanta.

It can be reached via a 21-minute drive from Sandy Springs.

This attraction measures 35 acres and is divided into several sites that commemorate the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Memorial site at Martin Luther King, Jr. - National Park Service

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Make sure to visit Martin Luther King, Jr. – National Park Service’s three main sites.

These are the home of Martin Luther King, Jr., a church where he preached, and a memorial site where he is buried.

This major Atlanta attraction draws over half a million visitors each year.

Ebenezer church at Martin Luther King, Jr. - National Park Service

EWY Media / Shutterstock.com

Stroll at Piedmont Park

Jogging at Piedmont Park

ciapix / Shutterstock.com

Piedmont Park is an urban park on Northeast Monroe Drive in Atlanta.

It is just 21 minutes away from Sandy Springs.

Piedmont Park is famous for being the central focal point of the city’s Midtown community.

The waters of Piedmont Park

Sion Hannuna / Shutterstock.com

It also hosts the Atlanta Pride Festival, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and more.

Some of the best activities you can try are running, biking, gardening classes, guided history tours, and trivia nights.

Piedmont Park is also a favorite wedding venue for couples due to its elegant and inviting atmosphere.

Paved trail at Piedmont Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Attend a Concert at Centennial Olympic Park

Night scene at Centennial Olympic Park

f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre public park on West Northwest Park Avenue in Atlanta.

It is just 22 minutes away from Sandy Springs.

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority owns and operates it.

Centennial Olympic Park is also a part of the infrastructure improvement for the Summer Olympics in 1996.

A concert at Centennial Olympic Park

Michael A Walker Jr / Shutterstock.com

This park serves as a venue for various events such as the Wednesday WindDown, the annual Independence Day concert, and fireworks displays.

Other fun things you can check out here are its iconic Fountain of Rings, commemorative bricks, and The Spectacular.

Centennial Olympic Park also has gardens, expansive lawns, and walking trails you can explore alone or with loved ones.

People at Centennial Olympic Park

photo.ua / Shutterstock.com

Spend Some Time at Oakland Cemetery

Daytime view of Oakland Cemetery

Vadim Fedotov / Shutterstock.com

Oakland Cemetery is located on Southeast Oakland Avenue in Atlanta.

It is only 24 minutes away from Sandy Springs.

Oakland Cemetery is one of the biggest cemetery green spaces in the city.

Founded in 1850, this 48-acre land is also where you can find a large number of oak and Mongolian trees.

Headstones at Oakland Cemetery

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place of Atlanta’s most notable locals.

This cemetery is also full of intricate sculptures and gardens.

Aside from being a resting place, this area also hosts various events such as scavenger hunts, Camellia sales, and even weddings.

Trail at Oakland Cemetery

Vadim Fedotov / Shutterstock.com

Admire the Ebenezer Baptist Church

Exterior of the Ebenezer Baptist Church

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Ebenezer Baptist Church is located on Northeast Jackson Street in Atlanta, which is just 22 minutes away from Sandy Springs.

It was founded in 1886 and exudes a Gothic Revival architectural style.

You’ll easily recognize Ebenezer Baptist Church through its brick-colored walls and simple yet elegant design.

Entrance to the Ebenezer Baptist Church

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

This church’s name is from the Books of Samuel.

Pastor John A. Parker. along with eight other people, founded it.

Interior of the Ebenezer Baptist Church

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

Explore Buckhead

Skyline at Buckhead

f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Buckhead is an upscale commercial and residential district in Atlanta.

You can reach this area via a 20-minute drive from Sandy Springs.

If you want to relish the upscale vibes of uptown Atlanta, this is the best place for you.

Signage of Buckhead

Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock.com

Buckhead is dotted with classy neighborhoods and multi-million dollar mansions.

You’ll enjoy this district just by strolling, but you can also visit its galleries, restaurants, and clubs.

You can also window shop at Buckhead’s high-end malls or just enjoy the overall atmosphere of the place by walking while chatting with friends.

Visit the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Exterior of the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is on Southwest M.L.K. Jr. Dr., Atlanta.

Its construction was completed in 1873, and it is the oldest church in the city.

You’ll be amazed by the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s beautiful design, which was inspired by Gothic Revival architecture.

The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a one-story brick building with a cruciform and modified rectangular layout.

Interior of the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

It measures 145 by 86 feet.

Cement mortar was also used to restore this church with a roof made of Virginia Slate.

The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is distinct due to its 2.5-story rectory with a jerkinhead roof attached to its main building.

Altar in the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Side Trip at Grant Park

Welcome sign of Grant Park

Brooke Novak from Atlanta, Georgia (midtown/westside), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grant Park is located on Southeast Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta.

It measures 131.3 acres and can be reached via a 27-minute drive from Sandy Springs.

Grant Park was a gift to Atlanta in 1882.

Now, it is a family-friendly destination that also features the Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum.

Sunny day at Grant Park

Misaochan2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Among the best things you can try here are running, sightseeing, and picture-taking.

You’ll also be amazed at the rich flora in Grant Park.

Public pools, tennis and basketball courts, and playgrounds are also available.

Final Thoughts

Sandy Springs is one of the most exciting places to live in Atlanta.

It features a great selection of free attractions that you can explore.

From nature parks, mind-blowing museums, and captivating structures, this city is worth the visit.

Use this guide of free things to do in Sandy Springs, Georgia on your next trip to have a fun-filled and memorable experience!

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