Just moved to Clayton County and wondering what to do first? You have lakes, trails, concerts, museums and solid everyday services within a short drive of most neighborhoods. This guide maps out easy weekend plans, local favorites and where to plug into parks, culture, schools, transit and more. You’ll walk away with clear ideas for fun, plus practical links to help you settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Parks, trails and outdoor fun
Clayton County International Park and Spivey Splash
If you want a quick win with the kids, start at Clayton County’s flagship recreation complex in Jonesboro. The International Park features a sandy “beach,” paved paths, tennis courts and seasonal water play at Spivey Splash. It hosted Olympic beach volleyball in 1996 and still feels like a summer hub. Check the county site for the latest hours, admission and pavilion rentals before you go.
Reynolds Nature Preserve
For a quiet nature break, the 146-acre Reynolds Nature Preserve in Morrow offers looped trails, spring-fed ponds and a pollinator garden. Trails are generally open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk, which makes it easy to fit in a morning walk or after-dinner stroll. It’s a calm spot to birdwatch, take photos and introduce kids to native plants. See current trail info and guided programs on the official page at the Reynolds Nature Preserve.
Newman Wetlands Center
Run by the Clayton County Water Authority, the Newman Wetlands Center focuses on environmental education with boardwalks, wildlife viewing and a hands-on learning center. It’s a strong pick for preschoolers and school-age children, thanks to simple trails and interactive exhibits. Bring a picnic and make a morning of it. Plan your visit through the Newman Wetlands Center site for hours and programs.
Lake Spivey and nearby golf
Lake Spivey offers a waterfront lifestyle with boating and fishing. Access is privately managed and typically limited to permitted residents and applicable HOAs, so confirm neighborhood rules if the lake lifestyle is on your wish list. Nearby, you’ll find public trails and an 18-hole golf course for an easy weekend tee time. Ask your agent about which communities have direct or membership-based lake privileges.
Recreation centers and programs
Clayton County’s recreation centers are your go-to for after-school care, group fitness, swim lessons and room rentals for events. Centers include Jim Huie/Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center, Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, Lake Spivey Recreation Center, Virginia Burton Gray and South Clayton. Browse locations and sign-up details on the county’s recreation centers page.
Park upgrades to watch
The county continues to invest in park restrooms and concessions at sites like Morrow-Lake City Park, Rex Park and Rum Creek Park. These improvements make weekend outings smoother and signal ongoing support for public spaces. See project highlights in the county’s update on new facility upgrades for parks.
Culture, learning and rainy-day picks
Spivey Hall at Clayton State University
Spivey Hall in Morrow is a world-class small concert hall with a year-round calendar. From classical to jazz, you can catch an evening performance close to home or enroll kids in education programs through its acclaimed children’s choir. Explore events and tickets at Spivey Hall.
Archives and local history
The Georgia Archives and the National Archives’ Southeast Region share a campus in Morrow, hosting genealogy days, exhibits and research programs. If you enjoy history or family research, it’s an easy way to spend a few hours and learn about the region’s past. In Jonesboro, the Road to Tara Museum adds a local-history angle that pairs well with a stroll through downtown.
Where to shop and eat first
One-stop shopping
Southlake Mall in Morrow serves much of southern Clayton County with major retailers and nearby dining. It’s convenient for errands, quick returns and movie nights without driving far across the metro.
Local eats to try
- Southern Fusion Bistro in Jonesboro for a creative brunch or Southern classics.
- Annie Laura’s Kitchen in Riverdale for comfort-food staples.
- Moreau’s Famous Macaroni in Jonesboro for mac and cheese and other homestyle plates.
Tip: Weekend waits can build at popular brunch spots. Arrive early or plan a late lunch after morning park time.
Family sports and community events
Youth sports are a big part of local life, with complexes like Lovejoy Soccer offering seasonal play. Throughout the year you’ll find county-run concerts, markets and festivals across park amphitheaters and civic spaces. Check county calendars regularly for new programs, seasonal camps and holiday events.
Getting around and everyday services
Transit and airport access
Clayton County voted to join MARTA in 2014, and bus service resumed in 2015. The county and MARTA have planned additional bus operations and corridor projects to improve service over time. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is typically a 20 to 40 minute drive from many Clayton neighborhoods, depending on traffic. For background on recent transit developments, see this report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and check current MARTA schedules before you commute.
Schools and enrollment basics
Clayton County Public Schools serves a large student population with neighborhood schools, magnet options and charter programs. If schools are part of your home search, start with official information on attendance areas and application windows through the district’s school choice and charter page. Research shows parents often pay a premium to live within zones of higher measured performance, which is a good reason to verify boundaries and programs while you shop. See a summary of this effect in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s “Better Schools Matter” paper from its research archive at the St. Louis Fed.
Libraries and learning
The Clayton County Library System operates branches in Jonesboro, Morrow, Riverdale, Forest Park, Lovejoy and other areas. You’ll find children’s story times, test-prep resources and adult classes that make settling in easier. Browse statewide listings to locate branches and hours through Georgia Libraries.
Healthcare access
Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale is the county’s primary full-service hospital with emergency, women’s care and specialty clinics. It is a helpful reference point when you evaluate drive times from potential homes. See location details through MapQuest’s Southern Regional listing.
Why amenities matter for long-term value
Proximity to well-kept parks and trails is linked with better physical and mental health outcomes. That convenience also supports daily routines like walking, biking or quick kid-friendly outings that boost your quality of life. See practical guidance on the value of park access through the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation resources at the CDC.
Access to transit can influence property values too. Studies have found that being closer to certain transit options is often associated with higher home prices, depending on local conditions and distance to stops. While every neighborhood is different, it’s smart to include transit and commute times in your home-selection checklist.
Finally, schools matter for many buyers. Evidence shows that parents often pay more to live in areas linked to higher-performing schools. Use official district resources to confirm boundaries and programs so your home choice aligns with your goals.
A simple weekend sampler
- Morning: Walk the loop trails at Reynolds Nature Preserve and pack a light picnic.
- Lunch: Try a local favorite in Jonesboro or Riverdale.
- Afternoon: Cool off at Spivey Splash or bike the paved paths at the International Park.
- Evening: Catch a concert at Spivey Hall or plan a short history outing in downtown Jonesboro.
Make Clayton County feel like home
Whether you prefer lake time, forested trails, live music or easy shopping, Clayton County gives you options close to where you live. Start with one or two places from this list and build your own weekly routine. If you want help matching neighborhoods to the amenities and school options that fit your life, reach out to Latrice Mitchell for local guidance and a clear path to the right home.
FAQs
Is Lake Spivey open to the public for boating and fishing?
- Lake Spivey is privately managed, and access is typically limited to permitted residents or HOAs; confirm specific neighborhood rules and permits before you plan lake activities.
Which parks in Clayton County are best for an easy family outing?
- For gentle trails, start with Reynolds Nature Preserve. For accessible boardwalks and wildlife viewing, visit the Newman Wetlands Center. For summer water play, check the county site for Spivey Splash hours.
How close is the airport and what commute options exist from Clayton County?
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is commonly a 20 to 40 minute drive depending on your location and traffic. MARTA bus service operates in the county, with ongoing project planning; see the AJC’s transit coverage and confirm current schedules directly with MARTA.
Where can I find official school zone and magnet information for Clayton County?
- Use the district’s school choice and charter page for enrollment rules, programs and boundary details, then confirm availability for your specific address.
Are there current investments planned for local parks and facilities?
- Yes. The county has announced SPLOST-funded upgrades to restrooms and concessions at several parks; see the update on new facility upgrades for parks.
What hospital serves most of Clayton County?
- Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale is the primary full-service hospital for the area, offering emergency care and specialty services.
