Family Time in Virginia Highland District

Looking for family-friendly things to do in Atlanta? Virginia Highland District makes it easy to turn an ordinary Saturday or Sunday into a full neighborhood adventure. All along North Highland Ave, families can shop for local produce, join a ballet class, tackle a colorful art project, browse books, burn off energy at the park and finish the day with ice cream or gelato.

At a Glance

• For fresh produce, pastries and live music: Virginia Highland Farmers Market
• For little dancers ready to twirl: Tutu School Virginia Highland
• For your family’s garden project: Intown Hardware
• For an easy family brunch or lunch: Murphy’s, Whiskey Bird, George’s, Pielands, Alon’s Bakery, or Doc Chey’s
• For stories and a new bedtime favorite: Virginia Highland Books
• For swings, slides and room to move: John Howell Memorial Park
• For a colorful rainy-day or big-kid activity: The Splatter Studio
• For the sweetest possible ending: Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream or Paolo’s Gelato

A Family-Friendly Sunday Itinerary

EARLY MORNING

Start Fresh at the Virginia Highland Farmers Market

Begin the morning where Intown Atlanta neighbors naturally gather: the Virginia Highland Farmers Market at Highland Woodworking. From April to November, the market is open Sundays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Pick up seasonal produce, bread, pastries, prepared foods and locally made goods while children explore the colorful stalls. The rotating calendar often adds live music, chef demonstrations and family activities such as readings, and seasonal celebrations, so it is worth checking the market social media before you go.

Local tip: Bring a tote for market finds and a small cooler bag if you plan to spend the rest of the day exploring. Friendly family dogs are welcome on leash.

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MID MORNING

Add a Little Sunday-Morning Twirl

For families with a budding dancer, Tutu School offers classes in Morningside Village for children ages six months to eight years. The program combines foundational ballet with storytelling, music, movement and plenty of imagination.

Sunday classes currently begin in the morning and continue into the early afternoon, making it possible to attend a class between the farmers market or brunch. Registration is required, but new families can schedule a free trial class before enrolling!

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NOON

Pick Up Inspiration at Intown Hardware

A hardware store may not sound like a traditional family attraction, but Intown Hardware is a surprisingly ideal stop when weekend plans include planting herbs, painting a bedroom, building a birdhouse or fixing something together at home. The locally-owned store has served the surrounding neighborhoods since 1979. If the kiddos are animal-lovers, keep an eye out for one of the shop cats, Felix and Saffron!

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EARLY AFTERNOON

Choose a Family Brunch or Easy Lunch

By late morning, there are plenty of ways to feed a hungry family without leaving the neighborhood. Choose the stop that fits your crew:

• Murphy’s for classic weekend brunch, a welcoming dining room and a bakery case that makes taking something home almost unavoidable.
• Whiskey Bird for a lively Pacific Rim-inspired brunch with playful dishes, shareable snacks and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
• George’s for a hamburger or wings in a classic restaurant serving Intown Atlanta since 1961. 
• Pielands for slices, whole pies, subs and an easy counter-service meal near the Virginia-Highland intersection. Bonus: play the arcade games while you wait!
• Alon’s Bakery & Market for sandwiches, salads, pastries and picnic-friendly food that can travel to the park.
• Doc Chey’s for affordable pan-Asian comfort food, noodle bowls and a casual setting that has long been part of neighborhood family life.

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MID AFTERNOON

Find the Next Bedtime Favorite at Virginia Highland Books

After lunch, slow the pace at Virginia Highland Books. This independent neighborhood bookstore offers children’s favorites, story-time selections, staff picks and books for every reader in the family. The shop also maintains an active events calendar, and Virginia Highland Books frequently participates in neighborhood programming—including family readings at the farmers market.

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MID AFTERNOON

Burn Off Some Energy at John Howell Memorial Park

A short walk from the Virginia–Highland intersection, John Howell Memorial Park offers a shaded neighborhood break with play structures designed for children ages two to five and five to twelve. The playground includes slides, swings, climbing features and spring riders, while the park also has two sand volleyball courts and an open grassy area.

The park is woven into the surrounding residential streets, giving visitors a glimpse of the everyday neighborhood beyond the Virginia Highland District.

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LATE AFTERNOON

Make a Colorful Memory at Splatter Studio

Families with children ages six and older can trade careful brushstrokes for creative chaos at Splatter Studio. The immersive art experience is built around throwing, dripping and splattering paint onto a canvas, with protective gear and materials provided.

Sessions should be reserved in advance, and each family leaves with artwork—and probably a good story—to take home.

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EVENING

End with Ice Cream or Gelato

No family Sunday is complete without something sweet. Near the Virginia–Highland intersection, two neighborhood favorites make the final decision pleasantly difficult:

• Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream is the choice for rich ice cream and inventive rotating flavors.
• Paolo’s Gelato delivers a classic Italian-style gelato experience with a wide variety of flavors.

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More Family-Friendly Stops Along the Way

• Highland Pet Supply for treats, toys and supplies for the furry members of the family.
• Atlanta Pro Bikes for families planning their next ride or looking for cycling gear and local advice.

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Before You Visit Virginia Highland District

Park Once

Virginia Highland is made for walking. Start in one spot and explore the neighborhood on foot. Check out our parking guide. 

See What's Happening‍

From the Farmers Market and Porchfest to Mardi Gras and Winterfest, there's almost always an event coming up soon. Check out our upcoming events before you visit.

Keep Exploring‍

Looking for more inspiration? Browse our Happy Hour, Date Night, and Dog-Friendly guides.

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Editor's Note‍

Business hours, class schedules, market dates, menus and special events may change throughout the year. Be sure to check individual business listings and the VHDA calendar before your visit.