12 Best Things to Do in Kennesaw, GA

By VI Staff on July 3, 2020 - Updated

City of Kennesaw Government

The town of Kennesaw, Georgia is home to a wide variety of things to do both indoors and outdoors for people of all ages, both tourists and locals alike. The site of two of the Civil War’s famous battles and designated as one of the country’s Preserve America communities, Kennesaw is a beautiful area with botanical gardens, scenic parks, spectacular skyline views, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and much more. The town also provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Swift-Cantrell Park

Swift-Cantrell Park is one of the central gathering spots and a place for relaxation and recreation in the Kennesaw community. The park on Old Highway 41 spans across more than forty acres, making it the largest community park in town, and is typically open from 6:00am until 10:00pm. Swift-Cantrell Park contains many amenities and facilities for visitors to use, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, a fitness station, the lighted Kennesaw Skatepark, the Frank Boone Dog Park, splash pad, inner-loop half-mile trail, one-mile perimeter trail, open turf for recreation activities, three picnic pavilions, the Life University Wellness Station, and two playgrounds.

3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 770-422-9714

2.Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park encompasses nearly three thousand acres of land, preserving the Civil War battleground where one of the Atlanta Campaign battles took place. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place from June 19th of 19864 to July 2nd and over sixty-seven thousand soldiers were captured, wounded, or killed during the Campaign. The National Battlefield Park now includes a visitor center that provides visitors with information about the Kennesaw Mountain battle. There are also more than fifteen miles of walking trails, interpretive signs, cannon emplacements, and historic earthworks throughout the grounds of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw GA 30152, Phone: 770-427-4686

3.Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

One of the leading museums in the Atlanta metropolitan area, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History transports visitors of all ages back to the past. Boasting three rather impressive permanent collections, the museum also has a membership as part of the country’s prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations Program. Open seven days a week to the general public, there are a wide variety of exhibits at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, such as a depiction of the Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War and a replica of a locomotive assembly line during the turn-of-the-century.

2829 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 770-427-2117

4.Smith Gilbert Gardens

The Smith Gilbert Gardens are the botanical garden of the city of Kennesaw, Georgia, home to over four thousand different species of plants within a seventeen-acre, tranquil garden setting that surrounds the historic Hiram Butler House. Garden collections include one of the premiere bonsai exhibits in the southeastern United States, the state’s first public Crevice Garden, the Paladino Camellia Garden, the Rose Garden, the American Conifer Society Reference Garden, and more. The grounds also include woodland paths, the Audubon Society Certified Wildlife Habitat, a waterfall and Koi ponds, and thirty garden sculptures crafted by artists recognized at a national level.

2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152, Phone: 770-919-0248

5.Town Center at Cobb

The Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw, Georgia is a community mall with a convenient location along Barrett Parkway, just two blocks from Interstate 75. With more than one hundred and seventy stores, this shopping mall is the largest shopping destination in the northwestern Atlanta area, featuring department stores like Macy’s, Belk, and JCPenney, as well as The Food Court and many specialty shops. Other stores include Pandora, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Sephora, and more. The Town Center at Cobb is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00am until 7:00pm and Sundays from noon until 6:00pm.

400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 770-424-9486

6.Noonday Creek Trail

The Noonday Creek Trail is a multi-use trail that travels throughout Cobb County and can be accessed in the town of Kennesaw. The hard surface, six-mile trail is a continuation of the region’s Mountain-to-River Trail, with the southwest end of the Noonday Creek Trail located at the Visitors Center at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, connecting the park to the Town Center Mall. Much of this scenic hiking trail winds its way along the Noonday Creek, hence the name of the trail, running to the northeast trailhead in Marietta and connects to several parks along the way.

Marietta, GA 30066

7.Leone Hall Price Park

The Leone Hall Price Park encompases more than 200 acres in Kennesaw, Georgia, on both sides of the Allatoona Creek and Stilesboro Road. This passive park consists of meadows and natural trails, the scenic Allatoona Creek meandering its way through the grounds, and a variety of native animal and plant species. The park is a good place for hiking, bird watching, taking the dog for a walk, having a picnic, or just letting kids run around. Price Park amenities include water fountains, restroom facilities, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, an amphitheater, and a spigot for dog watering or foot washing.

4715 Stilesboro Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152, Phone: 678-414-0430

8.Zuckerman Museum of Art

The Zuckerman Museum of Art, a part of the Kennesaw State University’s School of Art and Design, highlights significant works of art form the permanent collection of the university, as well as exhibits of contemporary works in a variety of media by nationally recognized artists and local artists. The Zuckerman Museum of Art also acts as a community center for professional development and education, as well as the “enrichment of the arts.” Featuring uniquely curated exhibitions, the art museum is typically open Sunday from noon until 5:00pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00pm.

492 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 470-578-3223

9.Big Shanty Smokehouse BBQ

The Big Shanty Smokehouse BBQ in the town of Kennesaw, Georgia is well known in the area as one of the best restaurants for barbecue in the state. Just a short distance from busy Atlanta, guests are greeted by the smell of hickory smoke wafting out of the small shanty restaurant. The menu here includes dry-rubbed ribs, homemade sausage, pulled pork, and brisket. Voted as one of the top ten best barbeque restaurants in Atlanta, the Big Shanty Smokehouse also serves an array of gluten-free recipes. The banana pudding at Big Shanty Smokehouse is a must for dessert.

3393 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 770-499-7444

10.Ruth's Chris Steak House - Kennesaw, GA

Ruth's Chris Steak House has become known as "The Home of Serious Steaks” on an international level and serves an award-winning menu that includes USDA Prime Midwestern beef that is “aged to perfection” and served sizzling in the signature “Ruth’s Chris way.” In addition to the juicy and hot steaks, the menu at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Kennesaw, Georgia also includes stuffed chicken breast, lamb, and fresh seafood, as well as New Orleans-inspired appetizers like crab-stuffed mushrooms and barbecued shrimp. There are also more than 175 select vintages on the wine list and several signature desserts.

620 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 770-420-1985

11.Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Grill

Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill provides guests with a taste of both the Caribbean and Cuba without having to get on an airplane or a boat. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, salads, soups, wraps, and sandwiches, as well as traditional favorites like Masitas de Puerco and Mofongo con Camarones, and Papi’s Specialties like the Lechon Asado, Papi's Cuban and Caribbean Grill in the town of Kennesaw, Georgia is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am until 9:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am until 10:00pm, and Sundays from noon until 8:00pm.

745 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 678-797-0502

12.The Rotisserie Shop

The Rotisserie Shop in Kennesaw is a chef-driven dining establishment that uses locally sourced produce and all-natural meats. While the eatery’s menu is made up of humble and rustic options, the quality and care that goes into preparing every dish helps provide customers with a unique dining experience. The restaurant works with local food purveyors to provide a wide array of menu options, always using the best quality and freshest ingredients possible. The Rotisserie Shop is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am until 9:00pm and from 11:00am until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2615 George Busbee Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30144, Phone: 678-540-8244