20 Fun Things To Do In Kennesaw, Georgia

They say names hold power—and in the case of Kennesaw, Georgia, it’s true. The name “Kennesaw” comes from the Cherokee word gahneesah, meaning “cemetery” or “burial ground,” a nod to the area's deep Indigenous roots. But the city itself was officially born in the 1880s, rising from the ashes of Big Shanty, a rough railroad town that gained fame during the Civil War for one of the most daring heists in American history: the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. Back then, Union spies stole a Confederate train right from Kennesaw’s tracks, setting off a high-speed pursuit that would later be immortalized in museums and films.

Modern Kennesaw sits about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta, with neighboring cities like Marietta (10 miles), Acworth (5 miles), and Smyrna (15 miles) forming a tightly knit metro-Atlanta tapestry. While the city’s history runs deep—its roots entangled in railroads, war, and Cherokee heritage—today’s Kennesaw blends small-town charm with family-friendly attractions, thriving parks, and a unique law requiring heads of households to own a firearm (yes, really).

Without wasting much time, here are the top things to do in Kennesaw:

1. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

📍 Location: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Before it became a battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was just a wooded hill in Georgia. But in June 1864, it turned into one of the bloodiest chapters of the Civil War — and today, it’s a place where you feel history in your bones.

If you hike to the summit (1.2 miles one-way), don’t expect silence. Expect cicadas, the crunch of gravel under boots, and views that stretch all the way to Atlanta. You’ll pass old cannons still aimed toward invisible enemies and trails lined with plaques that read more like eulogies than facts.

History aside, locals use the park like their backyard. Runners hit the trails at sunrise. Families picnic on the grassy fields. Volunteers lead tours that don’t just skim textbook battles but dig into stories of soldiers on both sides — including the Black Union troops often left out of the narrative.

2. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

📍 Location: 2829 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History isn’t just for train nerds or Civil War re-enactors. The Southern Museum feels like part Smithsonian, part underground storybook. The centerpiece? The General — a steam locomotive stolen in 1862 during a daring Union raid. (Yes, stolen. Mid-war. By soldiers posing as civilians.)

But don’t come expecting a sleepy museum. On weekends, you’ll hear the squeals of kids climbing into train cars while docents trade stories about espionage and sabotage like they just happened last week. The exhibits mix big-picture Civil War context with hyperlocal Southern grit — including artifacts from Kennesaw’s own backyard.

There’s also a quieter side. One corner houses journals, letters, and uniforms. Not behind glass, but in a way that feels... intimate. Like someone trusted you with their story.

3. Swift-Cantrell Park

📍 Location: 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

This park doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s not a secret garden or some untouched wilderness. It’s where the community actually hangs out.

On any given Saturday, you’ll find teens skating, toddlers in splash pads, yoga groups in the grass, and dads walking dogs while sipping iced coffee. The park’s 130 acres pack in two huge playgrounds, a lighted walking trail, a fitness court, a dog park, and even a remote control car track. It’s not over-designed — just smartly laid out and always buzzing with life.

The skatepark deserves its own shoutout. It’s not just a slab of concrete — it’s a legit street course that draws boarders from across Cobb County. Smooth, shaded, and surprisingly well-maintained.

What makes Swift-Cantrell special isn’t just the stuff to do. It’s the energy. This is the kind of place where strangers help each other find lost toys and neighbors stop mid-run to say hi. It feels like summer camp met suburban Georgia and decided to stay year-round.

4. Smith-Gilbert Gardens

📍 Location: 2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152

You’d drive right past it if you didn’t know. That’s part of its charm. Smith-Gilbert Gardens isn’t a flashy botanical garden with big fountains or Instagram-ready topiaries. It’s slower, quieter, and deeply rooted in local history.

The property centers around an 1880s-era home once owned by two avid collectors of rare plants and bonsai — and their fingerprints are everywhere. As you walk the trails, you’ll pass over 3,000 species of flora: Japanese maples, orchids, heritage roses, and a bonsai collection that’s easily one of the best in the Southeast.

What makes this garden different is how personal it feels. It’s less curated, more discovered. You’ll find sculptures tucked (not saying it!)…hidden in the greenery, butterflies weaving through flowering bushes, and volunteers who talk about plants like they’re old friends.

Don’t rush it. Bring water, wear walking shoes, and leave your phone in your bag for at least a few minutes. This place is made for noticing small things.

5. Zuckerman Museum of Art

📍 Location: 492 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw, GA 30144 (KSU Campus)

It’s tucked inside the Kennesaw State University campus (I know you hate that word — let’s just say it’s easy to miss), but Zuckerman punches way above its weight.

This isn’t a big, cold, white-walled kind of gallery. It’s bold. Curated with bite. You’ll walk in expecting student art and maybe some local landscapes — and walk out thinking about colonialism, memory, racial identity, or the chaos of the internet. In short, it’s not what you think a suburban art museum will be.

Exhibits rotate often, and they’re not afraid to be weird. One recent show paired vintage Southern photography with digital glitch art. Another recreated a childhood living room filled with sound loops and family photos. It’s immersive, thought-provoking, and, yes, completely free.

Even better? Staff are approachable. You can ask questions without feeling dumb. And since it’s part of KSU, you’ll often run into student docents eager to talk.

6. Lake Acworth

📍 Location: 4425 Beach St, Acworth, GA 30101

Lake Acworth is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. You think it’s just another manmade lake. Then you arrive and see kids dragging kayaks into the water, couples reading under shade trees, and fishermen posted up like it’s a full-time job.

The best part? It feels like a local secret. Less crowded than Lake Allatoona, but just as beautiful — especially in the golden hour before sunset.

There’s a small, sandy beach (yes, actual sand), a fishing dock, and paddleboard rentals nearby. You’ll find families grilling, friends tossing frisbees, and solo walkers circling the quiet trails. It’s not polished, and that’s the point. It feels real.

Plan a late afternoon trip, pack snacks, and stay through sunset. You’ll get those peach-and-purple Georgia skies that make you feel like you’re in a country song.

Parking is free for residents but $10 otherwise — worth it. And don’t skip Proctor Landing Park nearby if you want more space to spread out.

7. Big Shanty Festival

📍 Location: Downtown Kennesaw, Main Street area

You don’t need to be from Kennesaw to feel like a local at the Big Shanty Festival. For one weekend every April, the entire downtown transforms into a Southern block party — equal parts craft fair, parade, fried food marathon, and history lesson.

The name "Big Shanty" comes from Kennesaw's Civil War-era nickname, and yes, there are reenactors marching in full regalia. But this isn’t just for history buffs. You’ll see over 200 vendors lined along Main Street selling everything from hand-poured candles to deep-fried Oreos. The parade? It’s got dancers, floats, and high school marching bands blasting Bruno Mars like it’s a Super Bowl halftime show.

There’s a kids’ zone, live music, and enough festival food to derail any diet — funnel cakes, corndogs, smoked turkey legs. The kind of stuff you eat standing up while talking to someone you just met five minutes ago.

8. Kennesaw Skatepark

📍 Location: 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW (at Swift-Cantrell Park)

This isn’t some sad concrete slab next to a playground. The Kennesaw Skatepark is a legit street-style course that rivals setups you’d see in bigger cities — and it’s completely free.

Opened in partnership with Rob Dyrdek’s Street League Skateboarding Foundation, this 40,000-square-foot park has it all: banks, ledges, rails, gaps, and bowls that challenge every level. On any given day, you’ll see a mix of beginners wobbling on longboards and seasoned skaters landing tricks like it’s their day job. No judgment, just community.

The energy here is real. Parents bring lawn chairs. Teens blast music from Bluetooth speakers. Occasionally, someone wipes out hard — and five people check on them without hesitation. That’s the vibe: part training ground, part family.

9. Wildman's Civil War Surplus

📍 Location: 2879 S Main St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Walking into Wildman’s is like walking into a controversial chapter of a history book — except no one’s censoring the content. This isn’t your average antique store. It’s a cluttered, overwhelming, deeply opinionated time capsule of the South.

The late owner, Dent Myers — who ran the shop in full Confederate attire for decades — was as much a part of the experience as the store itself. He passed away in 2021, but the shop still carries his legacy, for better or worse. It’s packed wall-to-wall with Civil War relics, militaria, Southern flags, old signage, books, and political memorabilia. Some of it’s fascinating. Some of it’s deeply uncomfortable. All of it makes you think.

This isn’t a museum, and it’s not trying to be neutral. You walk in knowing that. If you’re a Civil War history buff, it’s a place to dig for rare finds. If you’re just curious, be prepared for an experience that sparks conversation — or arguments.

10. Town Center at Cobb

📍 Location: 400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Town Center at Cobb isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel — it’s sticking with what works. This is your classic suburban mall, and that’s exactly the appeal. It’s got air conditioning, plenty of parking, and just enough chaos to make it feel alive.

You’ll find the usual big names — Macy’s, H&M, Sephora, Dick’s — but also a rotating mix of smaller shops and kiosks selling everything from custom phone cases to Korean skincare. It’s not trendy, but it’s reliable. Teenagers still treat it like a hangout. Parents use it to kill time between errands. And during the holidays? It turns into full-blown sensory overload — in the best way.

The food court is standard mall fare (think Sbarro, Panda Express), but there are a few decent sit-down options nearby like Big Pie in the Sky and Twisted Kitchen. Bonus: There’s a soft play area for little kids and seasonal events like photos with Santa and pop-up craft markets.

11. Lazy Guy Distillery

📍 Location: 2950 Moon Station Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Step into Lazy Guy Distillery and you’ll smell it before you see it — oak barrels, aged rye, and that warm, slightly sweet scent that only comes from small-batch whiskey done right.

Set inside a 19th-century cottage just off downtown Kennesaw, this distillery feels more like a back-porch hangout than a commercial operation. The team here is passionate, not performative — they’ll talk your ear off about mash bills and aging processes if you’re into it, but they’re just as happy pouring you a sample and letting the spirits do the talking.

Their flagship bourbon has a smooth, caramel-forward flavor that holds its own, but don’t sleep on the seasonal infusions and rye options. Tasting flights are generous, tours are casual, and there’s usually a food truck or live music on the weekends to round things out.

It’s 21+ only, obviously, but this isn’t a rowdy scene. It’s date-night material. It’s “we’ve got a sitter for two hours” energy. And yes, they sell bottles on-site — perfect if you’re looking for a gift that doesn’t come from a souvenir shop.

12. Mountasia Family Fun Center

📍 Location: 175 Barrett Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066

If you’re craving screen-free chaos and sugary snacks, Mountasia delivers. It’s not slick or shiny — and that’s the point. This place is pure, unfiltered nostalgia: bumper boats, go-karts, arcade games, and a mini golf course that hasn’t changed since the ‘90s (and still somehow holds up).

This is the kind of spot where kids sprint from one attraction to the next while parents trail behind with half-eaten cotton candy and a growing collection of prize tickets. The go-karts are surprisingly fast. The arcade leans retro, with Skee-Ball and pinball machines sharing space with newer racers and shooters. And the mini golf? It’s goofy, uneven, and somehow perfect for both kids and date night.

It’s best on weekday evenings or early weekends — peak hours can feel like a sugar-fueled stampede. Buy one of the combo wristbands if you’re planning to stay a while, and bring cash or cards for the arcade reloads.

13. Noonday Creek Trail

📍 Location: Trailhead at Town Center Mall or Bells Ferry Rd

Noonday Creek Trail doesn’t try to impress you. It’s clean, well-maintained, and refreshingly straightforward. Just you, the path, and a little peace in the middle of suburbia.

Stretching over 8 miles, this multi-use trail connects downtown Kennesaw to the Town Center area and beyond. Cyclists love it. Joggers love it. Parents pushing strollers love it. It’s paved, shaded in sections, and wide enough to avoid the awkward sidestep shuffle with oncoming walkers.

One minute you’re weaving through trees, the next you’re riding past the back lots of big-box stores — which sounds jarring, but somehow it all flows. You’ll see deer sometimes. Always squirrels. And probably someone in a Falcons jersey power-walking like it’s a competitive sport.

There are several entry points, but the stretch near Big Shanty Road has decent parking and a smoother ride. And if you want a post-trail reward, there’s no shortage of nearby eats — Twisted Kitchen, Big Pie in the Sky, or just a coffee from Rev.

14. Museum of History and Holocaust Education

📍 Location: 3333 Busbee Dr NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 (KSU Campus)

This museum is located on the Kennesaw State University campus, but don’t assume it’s just for students. The Museum of History and Holocaust Education is one of the most sobering, well-curated small museums in Georgia — and it’s free to visit.

What makes it stand out is the way it weaves personal stories into global history. You’ll see World War II military artifacts and letters, yes, but also intimate testimonials from Holocaust survivors, southern GIs, and Japanese-American internees — voices often left out of classroom textbooks.

The exhibits rotate regularly. One month might focus on the propaganda of war; the next could highlight the experience of women on the home front. Everything is carefully presented: honest but not overwhelming, educational without being dry.

15. Fountain Gate Counseling Center's Labyrinth

📍 Location: 2450 Kennesaw Due West Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

You don’t usually expect to find a walking labyrinth behind a counseling center, but that’s part of the surprise. This isn’t a park feature or public art installation. It’s a quiet space designed for reflection — tucked behind Fountain Gate Counseling Center and open to the public when sessions aren’t in progress.

Don’t picture a stone maze. It’s a flat, painted spiral path surrounded by trees and benches. The kind of place where people walk slowly, often silently, sometimes barefoot. It’s used for meditation, prayer, or just catching your breath when life feels loud.

There’s no fee. No staff. No pressure. Just a simple sign at the entrance and a reminder to be respectful. You’re welcome to walk the path for five minutes or stay an hour.

16. Kennesaw State University Campus

📍 Location: 1000 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

KSU isn’t just for students pulling all-nighters and hunting for parking. The campus itself is worth exploring, especially if you're into art, architecture, or just need a solid coffee and a walk that doesn’t involve a trail map.

Start with the Zuckerman Museum of Art, then wander across the Social Sciences building lawn — it’s where students play pickup frisbee or sprawl out with laptops on sunny days. You’ll find sculptures scattered across campus, wide sidewalks that double as walking paths, and quiet pockets like the Legacy Gazebo where you can sit and breathe without distraction.

There’s energy here, but it’s not chaotic. It’s the hum of movement, the clack of skateboards, someone practicing guitar on the grass. Most people are too wrapped up in campus life to notice visitors, which makes it easy to blend in and explore without feeling out of place.

17. Adams Park

📍 Location: 2753 Watts Dr NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Adams Park is one of those places that seems simple on the surface — ballfields, tennis courts, a playground — but it’s packed with little details that make it more than just another city park.

There’s a duck pond with benches where locals bring breadcrumbs and kids name the geese. The walking trail loops just enough to give you a breather without feeling like a hike. There’s a rec center that hosts everything from yoga classes to pickleball tournaments. And it’s all tucked into a quiet residential corner, making it feel more neighborhood hangout than tourist attraction.

It’s also the home base for a lot of Kennesaw’s youth sports leagues, so don’t be surprised to roll up on a Saturday morning and see half the town cheering from folding chairs with coolers and Gatorade bottles in tow.

If Swift-Cantrell is the city’s playground, Adams is its backyard — less crowded, more low-key, and a solid option for a walk, a quiet lunch, or letting the kids run wild without getting overstimulated.

18. Kennesaw Farmer’s Market

📍 Location: Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Kennesaw’s Farmer’s Market isn’t massive, but it’s got heart — and that’s what makes it work. Held downtown (typically in Depot Park on Wednesdays), this is where you’ll find old-school Georgia produce, homemade jams, fresh-cut flowers, and locals actually talking to each other instead of just scrolling on their phones.

The vibe is small-town casual. Think wooden crates of heirloom tomatoes, hand-lettered signs, and vendors who remember your name by your second visit. One guy sells the kind of sourdough that ruins grocery store bread forever. Another brings a cooler full of pasture-raised eggs with stories about every hen. And if you’re lucky, there’s live music from someone strumming acoustic covers under a pop-up tent.

Get there early — not because it gets packed, but because the good stuff sells out fast. It’s the kind of place where people show up with tote bags, grab a cold brew from a nearby café, and linger longer than they planned.

19. Sparkles Family Fun Center

📍 Location: 1000 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Sparkles is what happens when you give a time machine a DJ and a cotton candy machine. The vibe is straight out of your childhood — dim lights, laser beams slicing through fog, and the thump of early 2000s pop hits echoing off polished floors. If you haven’t roller-skated in years, your muscle memory might kick in. Or not. Either way, you’ll laugh your way through it.

This place is chaotic in the best way. Skaters of all ages loop around the rink — some smooth, some wobbly, some clinging to the wall with heroic determination. There’s a snack bar selling nachos, pizza, and enough sugar to fuel a third-grade classroom. The arcade is old-school, too — claw machines, racing games, Skee-Ball, ticket dispensers that somehow still jam occasionally.

They host themed nights, birthday parties, and adult skate sessions with actual throwback playlists (we’re talking OutKast, not TikTok mashups). And for families? It's gold — enough space to tire the kids out, enough nostalgia to keep the parents grinning.

20. The School Box

📍 Location: 1610 Ridenour Blvd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Technically, it’s a teacher supply store. But if you're the kind of person who gets lost in the pen aisle or nerds out over laminated charts, The School Box is basically Disneyland.

It caters mostly to educators — classroom décor, phonics kits, reward stickers by the roll. But it also pulls in parents, homeschoolers, and type-A planners with a soft spot for organized shelves. The arts and crafts section is better than most big-box stores. The learning games are screen-free gold. And yes, there’s an entire wall of bulletin board borders for the teachers out there still keeping it analog.

Even if you're not buying, it's fun to browse. It has that smell of brand-new crayons and laminated flashcards. You might go in for a birthday gift or a puzzle and end up with a tote full of workbooks and a wooden calendar set you didn’t know you needed.

Conclusion

Kennesaw may be steeped in history, but it’s anything but stuck in the past. From its Civil War legacy to its vibrant parks, museums, and lively community events, the city offers a surprising mix of old and new. It’s the kind of place where you can hike a battlefield in the morning, grab Southern comfort food for lunch, and catch live music by evening—all without leaving city limits. And with Atlanta just a short drive away, Kennesaw makes a perfect home base for deeper exploration of Georgia’s rich culture and natural beauty.

So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to this charming city—Kennesaw is ready to welcome you with open arms and a multitude of experiences that will make you want to return time and again.

Planning to visit? Karta has some amazing deals on Kennesaw vacation rentals for you.

FAQ

1. What are the must-see historical attractions in Kennesaw?

Kennesaw is known for its rich Civil War history. Key attractions include Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where you can hike the historic battlefield, and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, home to the famous locomotive "The General."

2. What family-friendly activities are available in Kennesaw?

Families can enjoy a variety of activities, such as roller-skating and laser tag at Sparkles Family Fun Center, mini-golf and go-karts at Mountasia Family Fun Center, and outdoor fun at Swift-Cantrell Park, which has playgrounds, walking trails, and a splash pad for kids.

3. Is Kennesaw good for outdoor enthusiasts?

Yes! Outdoor lovers will enjoy hiking at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, biking the Noonday Creek Trail, and fishing or boating at Lake Acworth.

4. When is the best time to visit Kennesaw?

The best time to visit Kennesaw is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, making outdoor activities like hiking and festivals more enjoyable.

5. How far is Kennesaw from Atlanta?

Kennesaw is approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway from the city.

6. Are there educational attractions for kids in Kennesaw?

Yes! The Museum of History and Holocaust Education offers interactive exhibits, and The School Box provides hands-on educational tools, making learning fun for children.

7. What shopping options are available in Kennesaw?

Town Center at Cobb is a major shopping destination, featuring over 170 stores and dining options, perfect for a day of retail therapy.

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