guides

Best Parks and Playgrounds In and Around Elbert County Georgia

🏞️ Swings, slides, and see-saws... It's time to run and play!

By Amy PerezVelasco, Publisher of Macaroni Kid Elberton, GA January 1, 2023

It seems like parents of younger kids are always asking me, "What are the best playground for kids in Elberton?" That's because we all know one of the easiest ways to get your child's energy out and have some relaxation time in the car is to take a trip to the park. There are all of my favorites that we have visited and tested out. I hope it helps you locate your next trip destination and enjoy a new adventure with your kids this week.


Parks and Playgrounds in Elbert County


Small gated playground in a beautiful setting near downtown Elberton. Located on the Granite City Trail, bring the stroller or kids bikes and enjoy the paved walking path on a 20-acre tract along Falling Creek. Features picnic areas, bridge along the creek, public restrooms, and nice views in a sprawling park in a residential atmosphere. Perfect for walking pets, jogging, stroller, and having a picnic with kids. Parking is located on Brookwood Circle or Forest Hills Drive.

Cute park with plenty of parking and gated children's playground surrounded by tall trees. Includes large and small slides, balance beam, ride on toys, and monkey bars. No swings. The park is also home to Elbert County Parks and Recreation Department which offers organized youth sports such as tennis, baseball, football, cheerleading, basketball, and soccer. They also have fitness and martial arts classes. Located on Calhoun Falls Highway across from BodyPlex Gym and Jucee Juice and Smoothies.

What a nice, big playground! Features an open area with various play areas for little kids or big kids. There is a mix of old and new playground equipment including slides, see-saw, swings, climbing, and balancing areas. Located just outside of Bowman on Hwy 17.

There are several playgrounds at Richard B. Russell State Park near the lake or campgrounds. One of them is surrounded by the lake, has small playground for toddlers and a climbing wall for older kids. Lake Russell also includes walking trails, beach access, covered pavilions, showers and restrooms. Stop by the front office for maps and more information on their recreational activities and trails. Parking is $5 per day, or $50 for an annual pass (pay at guest services or bring $5 cash for a self-service parking permit).

Two small playgrounds at a lakeside atmosphere with beautiful scenery and views. This park offers campsites, yurt rentals, playgrounds, and archery course for your family. They also host fun family events throughout the year which I will share on the events calendar as I learn about it. Parking is $3 per day, or $30 for an annual pass (pay at guest services or bring cash for a self-service parking permit). 


Parks Outside of Elberton, But Worth the Drive


These are some of my favorite parks just a short drive from Elberton.

A nice shady garden and walking path for kids of all ages. This garden is perfect for preschoolers and toddlers because it is not too long, and there are plenty of park benches to sit and relax along the way. There is a small wooden playground and various plants and flowers to enjoy. To access the garden, go to the Hart County Parks and Recreation area, and parking is on your right side.

A great place to take kids to play. This park is fenced and has two options for younger or older kids, public restrooms, paved sidewalks for walking pets or riding bikes, and access to the botanical gardens for a complete afternoon. To access the park, go to the Hart County Parks and Recreation area, and turn left towards the playground for parking.

This park has amazing views of the lake, a small playground, large covered pavilion, restrooms, and a paved walking path for strollers, biking, skating, jogging, and more. The 2.75 mile (round trip) path leads to the Hartwell Dam and back.

Another great park that is not too far away. This park has a large wide open field, paved walking path through the forest, plus some exercise equipment scattered along the trail. My kids enjoy this park because it has a wide variety of playground equipment to climb, slide, and swing.

This park has two ways to enter from Comer or Carlton for easy access from the east or west. The highlight of this park is the river and bridge which allows for swimming and splashing in the water! There are also nature trails and a playground surrounded by beautiful scenery. $5 parking fee required.

This children's garden is one-of-a-kind experience in Athens, GA. The playground is broken up into three parts: a nature-inspired play area, open concept garden, and wooded wonderland. There are water features, climbing ropes, caves, tunnels, spinning toys, and a raised sand pit. If you get the chance to visit this treasured park for children, you will not be disappointed. Parking and admission is FREE. Located at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. Note: the park is closed during national holidays, please call the office or have a back up plan before planning your trip.

Huge playground for kids of all ages. There's something for everyone here and parents love the atmosphere.

Highly recommended park with waterfalls, curved suspension bridge, and gardens in a downtown environment.

This park is located near the downtown regional airport in Greenville, South Carolina. If your child loves aircraft or machines, then this is the place to go! Private planes and aircraft take off and land throughout the day, right next to the park. There is also an adjoining cafe making lunch plans easy. If you prefer to pack a picnic, there is a large covered shelter and picnic tables for you to enjoy. There is a child-sized runway down the center of the park (Bikes and scooters are highly encouraged and recommended), and paved path around the perimeter with educational signs about the history of aviation. The park is big enough for kids to enjoy, but small enough that you can keep an eye on your kids the whole time. Note: this park is not at the entrance to the airport, but located next to the Military History Center of the Carolinas, so check your map navigation to avoid a misdirection. 


Taking the kids to the playground is one of those weekly routines that we all look forward to. Although we have a swing set in the backyard, there's something special about anticipating the trip, packing a picnic lunch, getting in the car, listening to some fun music, and letting loose at the playground. The kids can run around and play as much as they want, and there's the bonus chance of getting to meet other parents or moms at the park.

Lucky for us, we have a nice variety of parks and playgrounds nearby for all ages. Running, jumping, swinging, sliding and hanging on the monkey bars brings joy to a child and it's also good for their emotional and physical development. Here is your local guide to playgrounds and parks in and around Elbert County, Georgia!

Thanks for looking and hope you have fun out there!