ALWAYS FREE: There is no charge when you visit Dunwoody Nature Center for the trails, playground, or picnic areas.
Dunwoody Nature Center is a 22-acre nature preserve that includes two miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, gardens, a wetlands boardwalk, picnic areas, and a creek. It is ALWAYS FREE to visit.
The center also hosts activities and special events, many of which are free and family-friendly (others have a small fee). This is an excellent place to retreat to, to get away from the city.
You can visit the nature center for FREE anytime during open hours. Scroll down for a list of special events.
Dunwoody Nature Center is located at 5343 Roberts Dr., in Dunwoody.
- Park hours are 7 a.m. to sundown, Monday through Sunday
- Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
This page will list most upcoming events at Dunwoody Nature Center, so bookmark it and check back often.
Note that some free events require pre-registration and spots will fill up quickly.
Visit the Nature Center’s Facebook page
Dunwoody Nature Center events
FREE First Saturdays program
First Saturdays is a series of free, family-friendly events that take place on the first Saturday of the month. Each event revolves around a theme and most require pre-registration, because spots fill up quickly.
You can find each month’s First Saturdays program on the Nature Center’s events calendar and click through for info on the program and a registration link.
On Saturday, July 1, 2023, the First Saturday program is called Beautiful Birds. Meet in the Eco-Classroom at 11 a.m. — you do NOT need to register in advance for this one.
More info
Friday Night Hikes
Bring a flashlight and your sense of adventure. While the nature center usually closes at sundown, these events allow you to connect with nature after hours — you may hear the nighttime call of owls and other nocturnal creatures, as well as the flow of the creek.
The hikes are lead by Nature Center staff, are conducted on a rolling basis, and last about 20 minutes. You’ll follow the trails around the wetland and forest.
Friday Night Hikes are just $5 per person for the general public, and FREE to members.
All the events listed below are open for registration now — you don’t have to wait to sign up.
You’re invited to gather around a campfire before and after the hike to enjoy a beverage. Please note that strollers are not recommended, and dogs are not allowed.
Register for these Friday Night Hikes in 2022:
- May 13th from 8 to 9 p.m.
- Sept. 23rd from 8 to 9 p.m.
- Oct. 14th from 8 to 9 p.m.
- Oct. 28th from 8 to 9 p.m.
- Nov. 18th from 8 to 9 p.m.
You can also find Friday Night Hikes on the Nature Center’s events calendar and click through for info on the program and a registration link.
Soulstice Yoga
This year, Dunwoody Nature Center is celebrating the change of the seasons on each solstice and equinox. While the program has been free in the past, there is a $12 fee this year.
Drop in to practice yoga under the trees.
Lower meadow, bring your own mat.
More information at the nature center’s website.
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Buy tickets here
Past Events — we will update when these reoccur
Earth Day Sunset Yoga
Thursday, April 22, 2021
7 to 8 p.m.
Reconnect with nature under a canopy of trees. The class is $10 and registration is required.
Get more info and register
FREE! Thanksgiving Stuffing Stroll
FREE and open to the public
November 22nd to 28th
Thanksgiving Week during open hours
Burn off some calories ahead of your Thanksgiving feast, or walk off that pumpkin pie with this self-paced 1.5 mile stroll through the woods. Without photo opp stops, the walk takes about 30 to 35 minutes.
During the stroll, Kids can participate in the Thanksgiving Stamp-ede. When you arrive, grab a Stamp Book from the box in front of the main building. Then just follow the map to find the turkey and do a visual sweep of the area to find a “hidden” box. Get a stamp from inside to put in the book (and leave the box where you found it for others to enjoy!)
You can print the Stuffing Stroll map ahead of time, or pull it up on your phone. The camera icon on the map lets you find some great spots for fall photos.
FREE: Tai Chi in the Woods
This FREE event will be an introduction to the art of Tai Chi, for adults of all ages and abilities. Registration is required as space is extremely limited. Click thru the links for more info and the registration form. All classes will take place outdoors. Dress for the weather. Masks encouraged.
Register now for one of these dates (2021):
* Friday, Oct. 22nd — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Friday, Oct. 29th — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Saturday, Nov. 20th — 2 to 3 p.m.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Yoga
Sunday, Nov. 28th
4 to 6 p.m.
$12 general admission
$10 members
Buy tickets in advance
The class will take place in the meadow, near the historic fireplace. It is one hour in length, followed by a social hour around the fireplace with hot tea and cocoa. Dress for the weather and bring your own mat.
More info
Shop the Dunwoody Nature Art Market
Give the gift of art this holiday season! The offerings in this online market place blow us away. The Dunwoody Nature Art Market features over 250 pieces of art painted by local artists in this Etsy shop, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit DNC.
The shop is open through December 31, 2021.
When you make a purchase, you can either pick up your artwork locally at Dunwoody Nature Center, or have the item shipped to you for FREE.
FREE Georgia Audubon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022
Saturday, March 26, 2022
8 to 10 a.m.
FREE and open to the public, but please register in advance. Beginners welcome. Bring your own binoculars, or arrange to borrow a pair by contacting the Nature Center in advance.
Click through the DATE links above for details and registration info on that day’s bird walk.
Lovebirds Valentine’s Bird Walk
Sunday, Feb. 13th, 2022
9 to 11 a.m.
$10 per person (members FREE)
Did you know some birds mate for life? Find out more about the ways in which our feathered friends show affection and devotion. Register now, as spots are limited! This event is family-friendly, but could also be a great cheap date with your favorite nature lover.
More info
More free events:
