Hanging at Halcyon: An Insider’s Visit to Halcyon Alpharetta | Mommy Poppins

The whole family is in for a treat at Halcyon Alpharetta! The 135-acre, live-work-play development boasts many free events, children’s activities, shopping, dining, a hotel, and entertainment experiences. Halcyon exudes a casual, laid-back vibe (even dogs are welcome), making it perfect for a day of fun. 

Located on the southern edge of Forsyth County, Halcyon is easily accessed from GA 400. If you prefer to walk or bike, you can reach Halcyon along the Big Creek Greenway. Read on for the best things to do while visiting this walkable outdoor shopping area. 

The Village Green at Halcyon

Just like a small town, the Village Green is the heart of Halcyon Alpharetta and offers plenty of outdoor space for kid-friendly activities and events. Kids play in the giant sandbox, complete with buckets, bulldozers, and more sand toys. A fenced area next door is solely for kicking soccer balls.

While the kids play, sit in a chair and read or people-watch. Families throw footballs on the green, play cards at the tables, and get in on giant Connect Four. At night, the green remains active with outdoor string lights and parents can drink alcoholic beverages purchased on site due to Halcyon’s open container policy. 

Halcyon hosts awesome family-friendly events throughout the year. 

Family Events at Halcyon

There are always special events happening at Halcyon! From May through October, Groovin’ on the Green features free, live concerts on the weekends. On select Saturdays, sign up for a goat yoga session where anyone 10 and older can participate. Preschoolers can attend Halycon Kids Club when it resumes for crafts, music, and other fun activities. 

Popular annual events include Halcyon Heroes Day, Hoppin’ into Halcyon, Doodle Dog Day, Oktoberfest, Halloween at Halcyon, and the beloved Christmas event, Halcyon Family Magic. The upcoming Chanukah Celebration includes the menorah lighting, gelt, latkes, games, music, and more.

Halcyon Activities for Kids

• Let your little ballerinas twirl the day away at Tutu School. Locally owned by a mother of two, Tutu School offers ballet classes for ages 18 months to 8 years old. You can also enroll kids in Tutu Camp during the summer or holidays. 
• CMX CineBistro offers large comfy reclining seats along with a full menu of food items. Check the website as the theater usually offers discounts on Tuesday evenings. Please note that all kids ages 3-21 must be accompanied by an adult for movies before 8pm. After that time, the facility becomes adult-only. 
• Golfers can improve their swing at X Golf Alpharetta. The new facility allows guests to play (virtually) on famous courses around the world, compete in tournaments, and get a video analysis of techniques. 
• CornholeATL welcomes interested adults to sign up for the South Forsyth League, which plays at Halcyon and includes seven weeks of play. If you’d rather try bocce ball, register for the South Forsyth League at Halcyon through ATL Bocce. 

Halcyon Restaurants Great for Families

All this fun can work up an appetite! Head to Market Hall, Halcyon’s food hall with indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of choices for even the pickiest eaters. Many kids flock to The Original Hot Dog Factory, where they can build a beef hot dog any way they want. More adventurous eaters may want to try Gu’s Dumplings, CT Al Pastor, or Pita Mediterranean Street Food. Moms may prefer a cup of Joe at Fuel Coffee. 

Stand-alone restaurants include Never Enough Thyme, Hob Nob, Eclipse de Luna, and many more. Watch sports on the big screen at Butcher & Brew or Cherry Street Brewpub, both offering a bevy of craft beers and outdoor seating. There’s also Ocean & Acre, Iron Age Steakhouse, and Cattle Shed Wine and Steak Bar for a more elevated dining experience. Save room for dessert! Make a stop at Kilwin’s for fudge and ice cream or try PopBar for gelato on a stick.

Several restaurants offer “kids-eat-free nights” throughout the week: Butcher & Brew — kids can eat free with any $20 purchase Monday-Thursday, 4-6pm; Cherry Street Brewpub–kids eat free with any $12 adult purchase every Tuesday, 5-9pm; Hobnob–the Big Table Perks program allows children to receive a free kids’ meal per paying adult, Sunday- Thursday, 5-7pm.

Shop Until Your Drop at Halcyon

Instead of big box retailers, enjoy intimate boutiques where small business owners will welcome you. Head to Piggy Jo’s, a whimsical children’s store selling boutique children’s clothing, toys, and books. At Eco Denizen, kids make bracelets on select Saturdays, while moms shop for eco-friendly candles, jewelry, and other gifts. 

Teens love shopping at Halcyon, too! Book a manicure at Lush Nail Bar, indulge in a facial at Clean Your Dirty Face, take home bath bombs at Buff City Soap, or shop the latest trends at Lizard Thicket (complete with a great UGA game day clothing section).

Moms can restock their closets at Willow Jane and Society Boutique; dads can peruse the wine selection at Rise & Wine, get a hot shave at Unique Cuts Barber Shop, and ogle the grills at BBQ Guys Design Center. Shop for home furnishings at RW Design Exchange and even test drive a car at Mercedes-Benz Experience by RBM Atlanta.

Don’t forget your furry friends! Halcyon is dog friendly– take Fido to Unexpected Pooch for nutritious treats, food, and accessories, and visit Dogtopia for day boarding or a spa session including a bath and a nail trim.

Halcyon Birthday Parties

Host your child’s birthday party at Halcyon. Order a custom cake at It’s a Sweet Life Bakery. Choose from birthday party packages at CMX CineBistro, Tutu School, X Golf Alpharetta, and Buff City Soap just to name a few. You can also book a family birthday celebration at one of the many restaurants. 

Visit the Fairy Village at Big Creek Greenway. Photo by the author

Big Creek Greenway at Halcyon

A major draw to Halcyon is access to the Big Creek Greenway. The 11-mile pedestrian and biking path runs north to Cumming. Eventually the trail will connect to the Alpharetta portion of the greenway, running 26 miles in length. At the trailhead, just across Ronald Reagan Boulevard, find parking, water fountains, and restroom facilities.

Stop at the Fairy Village at Big Creek Greenway —near the trail’s start, cross over the wooden bridge to the other side of the creek. Take the first path to the left and look for tiny gnomes and fairies on tree stumps, branches, and leaves. You can even have your children add to the collection as this magical spot was created for community engagement during the pandemic! 

Halcyon Alpharetta: Tips to Know Before You Go

• Use free parking at Halcyon’s covered deck or pay for valet service.  
• Restrooms are located in the Market Hall.
• Leashed dogs are welcome if accompanied by someone age 18 or older.
• Village Green boasts several shade canopies to avoid the bright sun.
• Check Halcyon’s website for news of upcoming events and weekly deals.
• Bring a bike or scooter to try out the Big Creek Greenway. 

Unless noted, photos courtesy of Halcyon/Tom Tucker