Three ways to do a day in Buckhead, no suitcases required.
By Jennifer Colosimo
The prep work that goes into a destination vacation surely brings excited anticipation, but it can get a little stressful when the calendar barely offers enough time to do laundry. Luckily, a change of perspective reveals that Buckhead has plenty to do without any packing requirements. Even better, you can plan an entire day of fun without ever opening a suitcase. Start with your favorite kind of breakfast (it’s the most important meal of the day) and then choose your own staycation adventure that’s perfect for the entire family.
What’s For Breakfast?
We want something hearty and traditional…
Buttermilk Kitchen: Start here for breakfast beyond your imagination. From local chef Suzanne Vizethann, get the Biscuit Basket to share (served with all the yummy jams, jellies and spreads) and enjoy menu items like the Chicken + Waffle, ridiculously delicious Cinnamon Rolls, Pimento Omelet or Spiced Maple Chicken + Grits (pro tip: upgrade to Pimento Grits in this protein-packed bowl). They’ve got brightly flavored sodas the whole family can enjoy, and if you’re there after 9am, parents can enjoy an array of mimosas and other breakfast bevvies. 4225 Roswell Rd. NE, buttermilkkitchen.com
Serve us up something unique and eclectic…
Brunch starts at 10:30am at The Treehouse Restaurant and Pub, where a menu of several items specifically for kids, big kids and toddlers is matched by its treetop vibe. With the summer greenery inspiring a chilled-out, nature-filled day, order anything from the colorful and light Strawberry Quinoa Salad to the heavenly French Toast Waffles and fan-favorite Huevos Rancheros (crispy tortillas covered in black beans, eggs, house-made ranchero sauce and all the zesty, traditional toppings). 7 Kings Cir. NE, treehouseatlanta.com
Skip the eggs, give us something sweet!
Treat your family to something sweet at The Salty Donut! This artisanal donut shop offers unique, handcrafted donut flavors and warm vanilla steamer drinks for the little one—a guaranteed hit for families. Try the Strawberry Shortcake, Brown Sugar & Salt or the Maple Cinnamon Twist, but it wouldn’t be vacation if the kiddos missed out on their handmade version of a Strawberry Pop Tart. 5 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, saltydonut.com
What to Get Into First?
If you have younger kids…
Families that love to compete will obsess over an afternoon at Boomerang. This indoor active entertainment center for babies to young teens includes a robo-themed mega play structure, digital ball wall, dedicated toddler play area and interactive dance floor. For true pint-sized competitors, don’t miss the junior ninja warrior course. Who will have the best moves in your crew? 560 Amsterdam Ave., Ste. A, boomerangplaynparty.com
If you have older kids…
Head over to Activate Buckhead, an active gaming facility for ages 10 and up where you can collect points and earn prizes with a team. Our favorite was interactive rock climbing, featuring more than 400 proximity sensors, 240 color-changing holds, a real-life laser radar and more. You’ve never arcaded like this before. 4540 Roswell Rd., Ste. A, playactivate.com/buckhead
If you’re a family of all ages…
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta lets you wander through MINILAND marveling at tiny city landmarks, or take your turn on exciting rides like The Great LEGO Race VR Experience, where you dodge flying objects and soar through the sky in the most exhilarating LEGO race. Tiny builders can enjoy DUPLO Village, while big kids and adults race LEGO cars in the Build & Test Zone. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Ste. G-1, legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta
What to Do Next?
Do you want to beat the heat inside?
The Sloomoo Institute offers hands-on, gooey and sticky fun for kids of all ages (adults, too). From creating custom slime to dipping your whole arm into giant buckets of goo, trying a hand at the obstacle course, slinging slime against the wall and more, it’s a tactile experience for all of the senses (and ages). In fact, they’ve tested thousands of slime recipes to deliver the perfect one. Tackle the entire museum in under two hours, but spend as much time as you want getting your hands dirty. 3637 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. D, sloomooinstitute.com/pages/sloomoo-atlanta
Do you want to get outside?
When you can’t get enough of the outdoors, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers a children’s haven with a vegetable garden and playground, along with educational programs at the conservatory (e.g. frog feedings—who could say no to that?). Exhibit-wise, Alice’s Wonderland runs through Sep. 14 and the Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics is still a sight to see, day or night (and runs through winter). They’re open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 9pm. Weekend admission starts at $29 for kids and $37 for adults. Under 3 are free! 1345 Piedmont Ave., atlantabg.org
Do you want a little of both?
The Atlanta History Center is 33 walkable acres of gardens and historical houses that offers year-round educational programs for kids of all ages. The Goizueta Children’s Experience is perfect for hands-on experiences for the littlest ones. Or, peruse gorgeous exhibits that the whole family will enjoy like More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron, the restored Cyclorama, everything to know about Bobby Jones, Native American history in Atlanta and even a walk through Olympics memorabilia, just to name a few. Added perk: Souper Jenny is on site for a quick and edible pick me up! Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm and tickets start around $25. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, atlantahistorycenter.com
How To End the Day…
We love it outside, where can we picnic?
Picnic at Chastain Memorial Park to round out this staycation. Throw out the blankets for a picnic in the park or opt to grill out—there are designated areas to roast your own hot dogs, burgers, etc. You can burn off energy from the day walking the trail or hanging on the playground. chastainpark.org/park-amenities
We’re ready for air conditioning, but keep it casual.
You might know MICHELIN-starred restaurant THE CHASTAIN for its charming yet refined atmosphere, set alongside a tree-covered outdoor patio. But, did you know they have a menu full of food tailored just for kids? Their thoughtfully crafted Little Ones menu features familiar favorites like macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets, with a dash of sophistication in their crudité and garlic bread grilled cheese. 4320 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, thechastainatl.com
We want to kick it up a notch—but what’s kid appropriate?
Bring the whole family to North Italia for a dining experience that delights all ages. Blending sophistication with approachability, they offer kid-friendly favorites like cheese pizza, spaghetti and meatballs and even desserts like gelato and Italian-style donut holes. Parents will appreciate the fresh, handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Families can also take full advantage of the airy covered patio, perfect for soaking up the warm weather. 3393 Peachtree Rd., NE, northitalia.com
