5 Best Parks and Playgrounds in Winder, GA!

We are lucky in Winder to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, to creeks and waterfalls and soccer fields, Winder's parks and playgrounds keep my kiddo active, are a great place to meet old friends (and make new friends!), and they're FREE!

I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit in Winder.

Locations are listed alphabetically:

City Pond Park

764 City Pond Road
Winder, GA 30680

What we love about City Pond Park: 

The creek is a favorite spot to throw rocks no matter the temperature outside. Get a workout, or try to practice your skipping when the water's high after a thunderstorm. The playground is a great place for kids to run and expend all that energy they can't seem to get rid of! Older kids will like the swings and climbing aspects of the playground. Younger ones will enjoy the slides or exploring.

Amenities at City Pond Park: 

City of Carl Public Park

1690 Carl-Bethlehem Road
Auburn, GA 30011

What we love about City of Carl Public Park: 

This little gem isn't on most maps but it'll catch your eye if you ever find yourself passing through Carl, GA, a teeny town that's only 1.1 square miles in area. The park has tons of big, shady trees over picnic tables with striped umbrellas. There's various play equipment to keep a group of kids busy! Seesaw, climber, slide, swings, and climbing bars will challenge small and big kids alike. There's also a cute pavilion with benches and a soccer field.

Amenities at City of Carl Public Park: 

James Shackelford Park

476 Brown Bridge Road
Auburn, GA 30011

What we love about James Shackelford Park: 

This little hidden park near downtown Auburn, GA is an explorer's paradise. Grab your plastic boots and find a walking stick on your walk to the creek where you can wade in the water, find rocks, and see local wildlife. Picnic tables and pavilions dot the edges of theproperty for a calming lunch or snack break. Kids will enjoy the ability to run freely in the central open field, while parents and caregivers will enjoy the ability to see across the whole area from the strategically placed picnic tables.

Amenities at James Shackelford Park:

Little Mulberry Park - Fence Road Entrance

3855 Fence Road
Auburn, GA 30011

What we love about Little Mulberry Park: 

When we moved to Georgia, this Little Mulberry Park entrance appealed to us right away because of the variety of trails, fun playground, and little pond. From the parking lot, it's a super short walk to all of these! Plus, there's a few fun geocaches to find, if that's your thing. The pond has fish and you'll sometimes spot a Great Blue Heron looking for lunch on the rocks. The playground is divided into two portions, one for younger kids 2-5, and another for older kids, 5-12. The playground has monkey bars, a sand box, climbing tunnels, swings, and a great climbing structure. There are benches on both sides of the playground for watchful caregivers.

Amenities at Little Mulberry Park: 

Sell's Mill Park

8783 Jackson Trail Road
Hoschton, GA 30558

What we love about Sell's Mill Park: 

A playground, a waterfall, and a historic mill - what more could you ask for on a warm Georgia afternoon. Go to explore the mill, then take a nature trail to see the waterfall. In the summer, cool off near the water or in the shade of the evergreen trees. The playground is a great stop with a pretty fun tunnel slide!

Amenities at Sell's Mill Park: 

Locals will also be familiar with Fort Yargo State Park in our very own Winder! We've included it at the end of our list because there is a $5 parking fee. But, if you have a Georgia State ParkPass, it's free to you! Passes are $50 and are good for one year at every state park in Georgia.

Fort Yargo State Park

210 S Broad Street
Winder, GA 30680

What we love about Fort Yargo State Park: 

There's something for everyone in the family at Fort Yargo State park. History buffs will love Fort Yargo, an 18th century trading post, adrenaline junkies can try out the mountain bike trail on bike, though we prefer to make the trip on foot. The hills are super fun for kids to run on! The lake has boat rentals in the summer and a public boat ramp. Park by the beach to build a sandcastle, play on the playground, start a disc golf game, or try your hand at putt putt (rentals are $5 at the Visitor Center). Camping fans might want to check out the newly air-conditioned yurts that sit lakeside, too!

Amenities at Fort Yargo State Park: 

We hope this list of top five playgrounds and parks within 20 minutes of Winder helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some fun places for your family to explore. Now get those kids out to play!