North Point: A Great Mall for Kids (and Parents) in the Atlanta Area

North Point Mall is actually in Alpharetta--which is about half an hour or so from downtown, depending on traffic. (Then again, everything in Atlanta depends on traffic.) Anyway, if you find yourself in the neighborhood and looking for a fun place to take the kids on a day that's too rainy, too hot, too cold, etc., then you may want to check out North Point Mall. North Point is a great shopping destination for those of the family variety.

For starters, North Point is where you will find the American Girl Boutique and Bistro. To locate the store within the mall, simply follow the cute little girls carrying their American Girl dolls--you'll easily spot them throughout North Point. Believe me when I say that the American Girl store requires a blog entry all its own. Actually, I don't even think one post could cover it.

Another kid favorite at North Point is Build-A-Bear Workshop, where you can stuff your own furry friend and dress and accessorize him (or her) to your heart's desire. You'll also get a personalized birth certificate and a fun box in which to carry your new creature home.

Of course, no visit to North Point is complete for any child without a ride on the beautiful carousel, which is located in the food court on the upper level. The food court itself offers a great variety of restaurants as well as a good amount of seating, including child tables and chairs. I've actually seen birthday parties taking place in the food court (as well as at American Girl and Build-A-Bear)!

At the other end of the mall, you'll find a very fun play area for toddlers--not to mention a Pottery Barn Kids store. What little girl doesn't like to stop in at PBK and play with the kitchens, doll houses, and other fun things? Other children's stores worth a look include Janie & Jack, Gymboree, Baby Gap, The Children's Place, and The Disney Store. Now, if North Point would get a Hanna Andersson shop, then it would be even better!

For Mom, there is an H&M store--but this one only carries clothing for adults. (For children's fashions, you'll have to visit the Atlantic Station H&M store inside the perimeter (ITP). FYI, "the perimeter" is 285, which circles the city. I lived here for a good while before I finally figured that out. When I heard people talking about "the perimeter," I just went along like I knew what they were talking about. But I digress ...)

This is getting pretty lengthy, but I will close by letting you know that North Point also has some of the largest and most stroller friendly elevators I've ever seen. It's amazing how many people can fit inside those things!