Photo: Anzuly Navas
Photo: Eiko Luu
Photo: ALI DAL
Murphey Candler Park
★4.7(1,473 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the playgrounds and feeding ducks by the lake, while elementary-aged kids love fishing from the pier, exploring the trails, and playing on the athletic fields. The paved paths are perfect for little ones learning to ride bikes.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Murphey Candler Park is a lakeside gem in Brookhaven that offers the perfect combination of playground fun, nature exploration, and outdoor recreation for families. With scenic walking trails around the lake, multiple playgrounds, a fishing pier, and wide-open athletic fields, this 135-acre park provides endless opportunities for kids to run, play, and discover nature without leaving the metro Atlanta area.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic fishing pier perfect for introducing kids to fishing
- ✓Multiple playground areas with equipment for different age groups
- ✓Beautiful 1.8-mile paved walking trail circling the lake
- ✓Duck watching and wildlife observation opportunities
- ✓Wide-open athletic fields ideal for flying kites, playing catch, or picnicking
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends to snag shaded parking spots near your preferred playground,the park gets busy on Saturday and Sunday afternoons
- 2.Bring bread or bird seed to feed the ducks near the lake,it's a huge hit with younger children and makes for great photos
- 3.Pack a fishing rod and basic tackle; the fishing pier is easily accessible and stocked with bream and bass (Georgia fishing license required for adults)
- 4.The paved loop trail around the lake is stroller-friendly and about 1.8 miles,perfect for a family walk with scenic water views
- 5.Check the athletic field schedule before planning a picnic, as youth sports leagues use the fields and parking can fill up during game times
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday afternoons (especially Tuesday or Thursday) for smaller crowds and easier parking. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor play, while early mornings provide the calmest lake views and best wildlife spotting opportunities.
What to Know
The park is free to visit with ample free parking available. Restroom facilities are on-site, but there are no food concessions, so pack snacks and water. The paved trails and fishing pier are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Spring brings blooming flowers and active wildlife along the trails, while fall offers beautiful foliage around the lake. Summer can be hot and humid, so plan morning or evening visits. The park remains open year-round, though winter visits are quieter and excellent for peaceful nature walks.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Brookhaven area offers plenty of family options including Chick-fil-A on Peachtree Road (always a kid-pleaser) and Mediterranean Grill for healthier pita and kebab options that even picky eaters enjoy.
More Activities Near Brookhaven
Park
Briarwood Park
Free
Briarwood Park is a charming neighborhood gem perfect for low-key family outings in Brookhaven. With playground equipment designed for younger children, scenic walking trails for stroller-pushing or bike-riding, and plenty of open lawn space for impromptu soccer games or picnic blankets, this park offers a relaxed atmosphere where kids can burn energy while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Park
Ashford Park
Free
Ashford Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Brookhaven that offers the perfect blend of active play and open space for families. With its well-maintained playground equipment, tennis courts, and spacious grassy areas, it's an ideal spot for both planned activities and spontaneous outdoor fun. The community-focused atmosphere makes it a friendly place where kids can play while parents connect with other local families.
Park
Lynwood Park
★4.7Free❤️32
Lynwood Park is a charming neighborhood gem in Brookhaven that offers everything families need for a perfect outdoor afternoon. With well-maintained playground equipment, shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and sports courts, this peaceful park provides a variety of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained while parents relax in the welcoming community atmosphere.
Park
Blackburn Park
★4.5Free❤️90
Blackburn Park is a sprawling 73-acre oasis in Brookhaven that offers something for every member of the family. With multiple playgrounds, wide-open fields for running and playing, shaded walking trails, and well-maintained tennis courts, this beloved community park provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun and family bonding throughout the day.