Best outdoor activities in metro Atlanta this spring: Hikes, festivals and more

From hikes to butterfly viewings and farmers market explorations, there’s a slew of things to do outdoors in and around Atlanta this spring. Load up the family and head into the sunshine for a range of memorable experiences!

Gibbs Gardens tulips

Tall, colorful tulips will adorn Gibbs Gardens during the month of April. It’s worth the drive north from Atlanta to see the results of the more than 40,000 bulbs that go into the ground each December and give way to 40 different tulips each spring.

Location: Gibbs Gardens; Website: gibbsgardens.com; Date: March to early May; Admission: Free-$25

Callaway Gardens Celebrate Spring Festival

Hike, bike or fish as you enjoy these 2,500 acres in early spring! Live performances throughout the gardens also await, alongside kite displays and family-friendly games.

Location: Callaway Resort & Gardens; Website: callawaygardens.com; Dates: Now-April 27; Times: Hours vary - check website; Admission: $19.99-$29.99

Atlanta Botanical Garden Party

This gathering truly is a garden party! Enjoy craft cocktails and seasonal activities alongside delicious food for purchase. Optionally, add on a picnic box for two for $45 when you purchase your tickets.

Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden; Website: atlantabg.org; Date: March 22; Time: 5-9 p.m.; Admission: $60-$100

Tree to Meet You

A guided hike in Red Top Mountain State Park on Sweet Gum Trail means a learning experience about Georgia’s endangered species and trees. This event is weather-dependent. Check website for other dates in March.

Location: Red Top Mountain State Park; Website: explore.gastateparks.org; Date: March 26; Time: 10-11:30 a.m.; Admission: $5 (Parking - $5)

Wellness Wednesdays at Atlantic Green

Find your spot on Atlantic Green for yoga sessions with Camrei, and feel your stress melt away! Remember to bring your own mat.

Location: Atlantic Station; Website: atlanticstation.com; Date: April 2; Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

‘Freaky Friday’ - Movies on the Square

Midtown’s living room — The Plaza at Colony Square — is the perfect place to catch an outdoor movie! April’s offering is “Freaky Friday.” See website for additional dates through October.

Location: Colony Square; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: April 3; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Admission: Free

Spring Plant Sale at Oakland Cemetery

Stop by Magnolia Square at Oakland Cemetery and find a selection of unique plants that will include shrubs, trees, edibles and perennials. The 90-minute shopping slot reservations are $15 and will be credited back when you purchase plants.

Location: Oakland Cemetery; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Date: April 5; Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Admission: Free

Spring Break at Stone Mountain Park

Park attractions await when you spend your spring break at Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy the Scenic Railroad, Dinosaur Explore and the 4-D Theater. Dino Fest will also be taking place on weekends through March 20.

Location: Stone Mountain Park; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: April 5-13; Times: Hours vary - check website; Admission: $36.99-$39.99

Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K

Run to support forest protection and tree planting in state parks! From April 19 to 27, runners across the country can embark on a 5K in the location of their choosing. Entrants get a commemorative Bob Ross-inspired t-shirt and medal.

Location: Locations vary; Website: friendsofgastateparks.org; Date: April 19-27; Time: Times vary; Admission: $36

Birds of Prey

Specialists from Blue Ridge Raptors will display eight majestic species to the public. Bring the family out for an up-close view of these birds of prey!

Location: Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge; Website: explore.gastateparks.org; Date: May 3; Time: 1-2 p.m.; Admission: Free (Parking - $5)

Sprouts Nature-based Play

This ongoing program offers a hands-on lesson, hands-on sensory play, sing-alongs, games and crafts — all centered around themes ranging from animals to plants to insects. May’s theme is water.

Location: Elachee Nature Science Center; Website: secure.elachee.org; Date: May 8; Time: 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.; Admission: $10 (Members - free)

Taste of Alpharetta

Downtown Alpharetta will play host to a smorgasbord of culinary charms. Cooking demos, dining tents, culinary collabs: This tour of the food world is not to be missed as more than 60 of the area’s best restaurants offer a taste of their menus.

Location: Downtown Alpharetta; Website: awesomealpharetta.com; Date: May 8; Time: 5-10 p.m.; Admission: Free (Restaurants charge $2-$8 for food samples)

Movies in the Park

Catch “The Little Mermaid” for the May Movies in the Park program in Grayson. Bring out your lawn chairs and blankets; the fun begins at sunset with free popcorn!

Location: Grayson Green; Website: cityofgrayson.org; Date: May 16; Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

Zoo Atlanta Endangered Species Day

This annual event, designed to raise awareness surrounding the planet’s vulnerable wildlife populations, will put participants hands-on with skulls, feathers and other artifacts in a learning setting. Experience other activities as you learn about protecting wildlife.

Location: Zoo Atlanta; Website: zooatlanta.org; Date: May 17; Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Admission: $17.45-$30.70

Tin Cup Cruise-in

Peruse chrome and gleaming paint for the evening in Cumming! This classic car show promises to be a fun family event.

Location: Cumming City Center; Website: facebook.com; Date: June 5; Time: 6-8 p.m.; Admission: Free

Butterfly Encounter

As spring wanes, see some of nature’s most spectacular works of art at the Chattahoochee Nature Center Butterfly Encounter. Witness hundreds of native species, and purchase host plants and nectar to start your own butterfly garden.

Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Date: June 9-Aug. 31; Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

Tubing in Helen

Rain or shine (barring storms or high water level), you can experience the cool relief of the Chattahoochee as it flows through Helen. This is a little bit of a drive north of the city, but it’s the perfect family day trip!

Location: Downtown Helen; Website: coolrivertubing.com; Date: Monday-Friday May-September; Time: Times vary - check website; Admission: $14-$18

Avondale Estates Farmers Market

Hot sauces, homemade drink mixes, bath and body products: Source it all at the Avondale Estates Farmers Market. Stroll this open-air market, which is open rain or shine, and have fun perusing all the goods!

Location: Avondale Town Green; Website: avondaleestatesfarmersmarket.org; Dates: Year-round Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Admission: Free

The Atlanta Farmers Market

This 150-acre market began in the 1970s and offers a plethora of fresh food and garden plantings, along with restaurants offering cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. Stock up on food to take home and indulge in Southern comfort food or barbecue!

Location: Atlanta State Farmers Market; Website: atlanta-state-farmers-market.com; Date: Year-round; Time: Monday-Wednesday - 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday-Saturday - 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Admission: Free