Big Play ATL: Dunwoody's Newest Entertainment Destination
What Is Big Play ATL and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Big Play ATL is the newest family entertainment center set to open soon in Dunwoody, Georgia. Think Dave & Buster’s meets upscale hangout meets kid-friendly chaos, but cleaner, cooler, and closer to home. This massive indoor venue packs in bowling, laser tag, mini golf, VR, arcade games, and a full-on restaurant and bar. Whether you're wrangling kids, planning a date night, watching football with friends, or just looking for something to do on a rainy Saturday, Big Play ATL is about to be your new go-to spot.
And here's the kicker: you can actually walk there. In a city like Dunwoody, where walkability is almost mythical, this is a big deal.
Why Dunwoody? Why Now?
The Big Play ATL team found the perfect location in Dunwoody, and it couldn’t have worked out better. The spot is tucked into Kingsley Village, just off Mount Vernon Road, surrounded by neighborhoods like Kingsley, Dunwoody North, and Village Mill.
Before becoming Big Play ATL, the shopping center went through several lives as a Harris Teeter, Sprouts, and most recently Lidl. The transformation into a multi-attraction entertainment hub is a major upgrade for the space and a welcome change for the community.
Big Play recognized that living in Dunwoody means family life, tight-knit community vibes, and a huge demand for better entertainment options that don’t involve driving to Alpharetta or Norcross. The result is a hyperlocal entertainment complex that’s equally perfect for birthday parties, Friday night hangouts, watching football, and catching the game over cocktails.
A Walkable Wonderland in the Suburbs
Let’s be real, walkable areas in Dunwoody are few and far between. That’s what makes Big Play ATL special. It’s positioned in one of the rare pockets of the city where people can stroll over from their homes or nearby businesses. This makes it super convenient for families in neighborhoods like Kingsley and The Woodlands, who finally have a place to walk to that isn’t just a park or coffee shop.
Not to mention, the recent upgrades to the parking lot and surrounding landscape make it feel fresh and intentional. This isn’t a slapped-together warehouse experience. It’s curated, clean, and visually appealing, thanks to major investments in both the facility and the exterior.
Food and Drinks That Don’t Suck
Most family entertainment centers treat food like an afterthought. Big Play ATL flips that idea on its head. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to grown-up palates: fresh salads, legit entrées like salmon, and a full bar with craft cocktails. There’s still kid-friendly food, but parents aren’t stuck with soggy pizza and slushies.
For those relocating to Dunwoody, it's the kind of place that makes the city feel complete. You get your errands done at Kroger, drop into Big Play for dinner, let the kids run wild, enjoy some drinks at the restaurant and bar, and maybe even sneak in a VR session or a few arcade games.
Built for Birthday Parties and Big Events
Big Play ATL is primed to become Dunwoody’s birthday party HQ. With tons of space, built-in entertainment, safety, and food options for all ages, it checks every box for party-planning parents. No more awkward backyard parties or chaotic trampoline park injuries. Just show up, send out the invites, and let the Big Play team handle the rest.
And if you're looking to book something more adult-centric, there’s a private event room attached to the restaurant, perfect for alumni watch parties, milestone birthdays, or even corporate hangouts.
A Community Investment, Not Just Another Business
Big Play ATL isn’t just opening a business, they're planting roots. They were a platinum sponsor of this year’s Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade, helped upgrade a previously worn-down parking lot, and are working with Discover Dunwoody and the Chamber to stay deeply embedded in the community.
For those considering moving to Dunwoody, this kind of local investment matters. It signals that the businesses coming into town aren’t just looking to profit, they’re here to be part of the community fabric.
Opening Day and What’s Next
While Big Play ATL was originally gunning for a summer 2025 opening, final details have pushed the timeline slightly. The grand opening is now expected to land shortly after Labor Day. The delay is all part of making sure the experience lives up to the hype.
And yes, Big Play is hiring. So if your kid is looking for a job or you know someone who wants to work in an exciting, upbeat environment, keep an eye on their socials and website. Applications will be opening soon.
A Huge Win for Dunwoody Families
At the end of the day, Big Play ATL fills a giant void in Dunwoody: a place where adults and kids can enjoy themselves at the same time. No more sacrificing your Saturday to sip a Diet Coke on a metal bench while your kids bounce off foam walls. Here, parents are actually considered in the design.
This is what living in Dunwoody should feel like—local, fun, and family-first.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Book a birthday. Schedule a date night. Walk over on game day. Watch football with friends. Or just swing by to check it out once they open.
Want to be first in line? Head to whatsupdunwoody.com/bigplay to sign up for early access, VIP events, and grand opening perks.
Follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @big_play_atl for sneak peeks and giveaways.