Nickelodeon Parents' Pick for Best Local Blog in AtlantaWhat: Dunwoody Nature Center
Where: 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody, Ga. 30338 770-394-3322
When: Sun up to sundown seven days a week
Cost: Free
Dunwoody Nature Center is an oasis in the suburbs. We visited recently to film 11 Alive Friday Freebies and I wish we had more time to explore. The Center features woodland, creekside and wetlands hiking, as well as a shaded playground and playhouse. There is an activity building which is the center for camps and classes. My boys were intrigued by the playhouse, but were totally drawn to the creek. We all took our shoes off and waded, cooling off from the oppressive Georgia heat. My oldest even caught a tiny fish that flopped out of his hand and back to freedom.
The center offers plenty of structured programming, but it’s also a great place for do-it-yourself discovery. In addition to take and return cards along the paths explaining plant and wildlife you may see, the center also offers I-Spy backpacks for a $10 fee. The backpacks include a parent guidebook with sample questions and activities for all ages from pre-school through high school. You’ll also find field guides, drawing materials, story books and games.
While you are there, be sure to find the bottle cap sculptures. Throughout the center you’ll find a butterfly, frog, turtle and more all made from bottle and other plastic caps. What a fun and creative way to recycle.
