The City of Johns Creek is home to nine parks that encompass over 400 acres of beautiful property! Whether you’re looking for a spot to reconnect with nature, let your little ones run wild or a peaceful oasis for enjoying picnic season, we’ve got you covered with a curated guide to exploring Johns Creek’s beautiful parks. Plus, we’ve thrown in some creative ideas for you and your family to use for reimagining your outdoor adventures.
Wildlife Watching
With its premier location on 46 acres of scenic woodlands, the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve is an excellent place to take your whole family for an afternoon of fun! There’s plenty to check out, from a butterfly garden and historic village to over three miles of nature trails and exploration zones. For a fun activity, bring a journal and keep a tally of the different plants and animals that you see during your visit. You can even make it into a game and see which family member can spot the most species of birds or who can identify the most plants! It’s an easy educational activity that will enrich your experience at the nature preserve.
Staying Active
If you’re a family that loves playing sports and getting active during the summer, Cauley Creek Park is a great option! This park features a 5k rubberized trail, 2 futsal courts, 2 basketball courts, 5 pickleball courts, 3 sand volleyball courts and a cricket pitch. No matter what sport you’re into, there’s a court for the whole family! Plus, there’s a pedestrian bridge that overlooks the Chattahoochee River which makes for a great photo op! Another park that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in Ocee Park. This 37-acre spot has 2 playgrounds, 2 volleyball courts, 2 basketball courts, 7 baseball fields, 2 tennis courts and a turf t-ball field. Between both of these parks, your family has plenty of options for spending the afternoon outside.
Stroll Through Nature
Sometimes, one of the best ways to enjoy a breezy spring day is by going on a relaxing walk with your little ones! Shakerag Park sits on 66-acres and has a short 1.1-mile nature trail that takes you past one of Johns Creek’s only working farms! Along your walk, you’ll notice 200-year-old hardwoods that provide a scenic experience. A fun activity for the kiddos can be creating a nature walk cardboard vase! All you need is a piece of cardboard with a vase drawn on the bottom and little holes poked through the top. During your walk, pick up any flowers you spot and put them through the small opening. Once you’re done, you’ll have a full “vase” of beautiful wildflowers that you’ve picked. Another park that provides the perfect opportunity to do this creative activity is State Bridge Park, which has a short .25- mile nature trail.
Picnic Season
It’s officially picnic season, so pack your baskets and get ready to enjoy a new twist on family time at the park. Bell Boles Park has a large open green space that’s perfect for setting up your spread without worrying about being too close to other park visitors. There’s also a sensory playground, so you can let your kiddos get out their energy before sitting down to enjoy your delicious spread. Newtown Park is another great spot with plenty of open space and picnic pavilions if you prefer setting up your meal on tables instead of a blanket on the ground! If you plan on bringing your furry friend, take them over to the Newtown Dog Park on-site for some enrichment time! For residents in the neighborhoods around Morton Road and the State Bridge Road area, Morton Road Park is a local favorite that has a playground, rain garden and picnic shelter, perfect for walking over and enjoying a relaxing picnic in your community.
Another notable mention that will be opening on May 8 is The Boardwalk at Town Center. This park will feature a 15-foot-wide elevated trail, an amphitheater and a scenic pond. The grand opening will correlate with the start of our Summer Concert Series, which is a great reason to come check it out! Whether your family is looking for a park to spot wildlife, get active, enjoy a picnic or simply go on a relaxing walk, our selection of parks truly has something for everyone.