Stay and Play in Georgia
Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden
There’s so much to do and explore in Georgia! The state offers tons of family fun with exotic animals, baseball, water play and so much more. Try some of Atlanta Parent’s ideas for a summer family road trip.
North Georgia
Athens
Let your kids bring their backpacks and pretend they are college students as you tour the University of Georgia campus, and explore the heritage of UGA’s athletics through memorabilia, displays and videos, including Hershel Walker’s Heisman Trophy, at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. The Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden includes almost three acres of interactive and immersive fun with themed gardens, edible landscapes, hands-on garden plots, an underground adventure area and more. Walk through 225 acres of woodlands and wetlands at Sandy Creek Nature Center, and visit the education center to see live reptiles, amphibians and aquariums.
Blairsville
You can see a lot of Georgia from Brasstown Bald near Blairsville, the highest point in the state. Vogel State Park’s 22-acre lake has a beach with mountain views. Make an appointment to drop by Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm to see alpacas up close.
Blue Ridge/McCaysville
Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to McCaysville, where kids can put one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee. Have lunch and ice cream; then, head back to Blue Ridge for a visit to Mercier Orchards for blueberry and blackberry picking in summer. Take in the picturesque Toccoa River Swinging Bridge or mountainside Lake Blue Ridge. Visit Expedition Bigfoot to see evidence of the creature with artifacts, exhibits, sighting maps and “Sasquatch” theater.
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
DON’T MISS! At 270 feet long, the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River. It’s an easy hike to get to the bridge — walk the Benton Mackaye Trail or Duncan Ridge Trail to make the journey to the bridge for pretty views. Also along the BMT, consider hiking to see Long Creek Falls or Fall Branch Falls. Pack a picnic for a scenic mealtime.
Cartersville
Cartersville is almost “close-in” to the northern suburbs, but still a hike for those farther south. It’s worth the drive to see the Booth Western Art Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum and Tellus Science Museum. For outdoor fun under the sun, head to Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
DON’T MISS! For fascinating history, travel to Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, which was home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000-1550. A.D. This 54-acre site protects six earthen mounds, a plaza, a village site, borrow pits and more. It is also the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. Walk along the nature trail to see an historic fish trap and how early civilizations used native trees for food and medicine.
Cleveland
This city is known as the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids at BabyLand General Hospital, where Mother Cabbage is always on display beneath the branches of the Magic Crystal Tree. Witness the “birth” of a hand-sculpted Cabbage Patch Kid, and find the perfect Kid to adopt. Unicoi State Park & Lodge has archery, ziplining and lots more adventures for kids.
Dahlonega
Pan for gold at the Consolidated Gold Mine or Crisson Gold Mine, and be sure to tour the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn the history of this Gold Rush town.
Dalton
This city is more than the “Carpet Capital of the World.” Tour the Chief Vann House Historic Site, the first brick house in the Cherokee Nation. Then, take a tour through railroad and Civil War history at Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum in Tunnel Hill. Hike around nearby historic Prater’s Mill Historic Site for a scenic outing.
Helen
In this Alpine village, visit beautiful Anna Ruby Falls, and pan for gold and gems at Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines. Visit Charlemagne’s Kingdom to see a 50-foot model railroad, and see a master glassblower at work at The Glassblowing Shop.
Lookout Mountain
Close to the Tennessee border, Lookout Mountain is home to Rock City, a true marvel of nature with ancient rock formations, gardens and a panoramic view where you can see seven states. Kids will love the whimsical Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. For family fun, head to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in nearby Rossville with rides and a water park.
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
DON’T MISS! Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park has been open since 1925 and continues to be a fun family destination! The park has thrill, family and kiddie rides, many set along the lakefront. Boat Chute, the first ride in the park, is the oldest mill chute water ride in the U.S. according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association. The five-acre SOAKYa Water Park features a Crazy River, water slides, a mat racer and an area just for smaller children. Along with the rides, enjoy shaded picnic areas, beautiful scenery, games and food. Open for the season through September, check the website for deals for the best day for a family trip.
Rome
Float down the scenic Etowah River in a tube or kayak on the most urban section of the Etowah River Trail system. Tour the beautiful Berry College grounds and visit Oak Hill, the 1880s home of founder Martha Berry. Time your visit to catch a ball game from the Rome Braves.
Toccoa
A top attraction in Toccoa is 186-feet, free-falling Toccoa Falls, located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. Also, visit the Currahee Military Museum to learn about the men who trained at Camp Toccoa.
Central Georgia
Augusta
Go canoeing or kayaking at Savannah Rapids Park, which is set along the Augusta Canal and Reed Creek waterfall. Take a stroll on the Augusta Riverwalk featuring a children’s playground and various gardens. Visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area for a boat or bike tour, nature and a history lesson. Fans of comedy team Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy will want to visit the Harlem Museum and Welcome Center in nearby Harlem.
Columbus
See the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center with artifacts from 240 years of American military history. The interactive Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a hit with kids. Columbus State University’s Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is open to the public for exhibits and displays, along with alligators, fish, snakes and more. Enjoy a walk through the Columbus Botanical Garden for herbs, pollinators, an 1898 farmhouse and more, and save time for a short stroll along the 15-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk. For an eclectic spot, visit The Lunch Box Museum with more than 5,000 items.
Macon
A stroll through the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park (nps.gov/ocmu) is a great lesson in history as a prehistoric American Indian site. Kids will like the Museum of Arts and Sciences (masmacon.org) with lots of hands-on activities and the Tubman African American Museum (tubmanmuseum.com), which celebrates African American art, history and culture. Fans of the Allman Brothers will want to stop by The Big House Museum (thebighousemuseum.com). Watch America’s favorite pastime with a Macon Bacon baseball game (maconbaconbaseball.com). Take a drive south of Macon to visit the 11,000-acre Lane Southern Orchards.
Lane Southern Orchards
DON’T MISS! Visit Lane Southern Orchards for just-picked, fresh Georgia peaches, pecans, preserves and homemade treats. The kids will love the farm-themed playground, and if you get hungry, taste a delicious, home-cooked meal or fresh peach ice cream at The PeachTree Café. On the days staff pack peaches, visitors can watch the sorting and packing process from an elevated catwalk.
Pine Mountain
Summer is one of the best times at Callaway Gardens, as Robin Lake Beach and Aqua Island are open. Stop by the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center to see more than 1,000 butterflies flutter freely. Nearby, Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site provides a portrait of the former president and his time in Warm Springs for polio treatments.
Statesboro
The Center for Wildlife Education and The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University show kids eagles, raptors, reptiles and amphibians up close. Also at Georgia Southern, view one of the largest curated tick collections in the world. Cool off on a hot day at Splash in the Boro! Family Waterpark with its lazy river, wave pool, slides and more.
Warner Robins
A hands-on, interactive experience, the Museum of Aviation has a fascinating collection of aircraft for flying through history — and it’s free. Have a blast at Rigby’s Water World, which features the water playground Paradise Island with 10 water slides, water sprays and an enormous pineapple bucket that drops gallons of water. Also, plan to visit the Go Fish Education Center in nearby Perry where kids can learn about trout fishing, view alligators and turtles, and catch and release fish.
South Georgia
Albany
Experience the ecosystems of the Flint River at the Flint RiverQuarium with interactive exhibits, aquatic animals, shows and animal feedings. See more animals at Chehaw Park & Zoo for tarantulas, snakes, emus and more, and through October, the pond is stocked for fishing. Visit Thronateeska Heritage Center for educational exhibits. Go for a friendly competition at All American Fun Park with mini golf, laser tag, bowling, go karts and more. One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia,” Radium Springs is a cool 68-degrees year-round for clear, blue waters and pretty flowers.
Andersonville
Almost 13,000 Union soldiers died at the Camp Sumter military prison here during the Civil War, and the Andersonville National Historic Site pays tribute to them and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. Built in 1892, view the Victorian masterpiece Windsor Hotel in nearby Americus.
Cordele, Plains and Archery
Visit the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad train during select days in June to hop on a train ride behind Thomas the Tank. The Presidential Flyer gives you time to tour former President Jimmy Carter’s hometown and visit his Boyhood Farm. Nestled in the middle of Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club offers nature trails, geocaching, boat rentals, golf, disc golf and more, along with the Military Museum paying tribute to veterans. Travel to Cordele on June 22 for the Watermelon Days Festival.
Watermelon Days Festival
DON’T MISS! Did you know the “Watermelon Capital of the World” is in Georgia? More than 200 million pounds of melons are grown and shipped from the Cordele community each year! The Watermelon Days Festival celebrates the county’s favorite fruit on June 22. At the festival, enjoy more than 30 activities to honor the farmers, growers, brokers and buyers involved in the watermelon industry in the area.
Tifton
Kids can travel back in time to learn about farming and the state’s agricultural and cultural roots at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Climb aboard the only steam-powered train in regular operation in Georgia, and see demonstrations of farm and village life in the 1800s, including blacksmithing.
Valdosta
Wild Adventures Theme Park has lots of kid-friendly and daredevil-pleasing rides, plus tons of animals and the Splash Island Waterpark open through September. See wetlands, pine forests and game animals on a walk through the 2,623-acre Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area.
Waycross
Visit the Okefenokee Swamp for a special experience, and part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Adventures has guided boat tours and kayak or canoe rentals. Reserve cottages or campsites at Stephen C. Foster State Park.
Okefenokee Swamp Park
DON’T MISS! For an unforgettable way to view Georgia’s unique ecosystem, visit Okefenokee Swamp Park. Take a ride on the Okefenokee Railroad, go on a tour boat into the swamp, see live wildlife shows, and view a pioneer island homestead. If you like to camp, there are overnight shelters you can use (permit required) and you can travel the swamp by canoe or kayak to access the camping areas.
Coastal Georgia
Brunswick
Take a fishing excursion with a charter, or watch the shrimp boats come in with their catch and sample some at a local restaurant. Plan your visit to take in a show at the Historic Ritz Theatre. At The Pinball Palace, play pinball, classic arcade games, air hockey and more.
Cumberland Island
Ride the ferry to Cumberland Island and explore 18 miles of undeveloped beaches; pack a lunch as there are no concessions on the island. Go to the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, and if your kids like submarines, the St. Marys Submarine Museum, with displays including a working periscope, models of torpedoes, a deep-sea diving suit and submarine uniforms.
Jekyll Island
Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is actually a hospital for sick and injured turtles; check out exhibits about sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation, and your family can even adopt one and track its progress. Fish from the pier, bike the trail system, go on a boat tour, take a horse-drawn carriage in the Historic District, play a game of mini golf and get wet at the Summer Waves Water Park. Explore Driftwood Beach for a family photo op.
Sapelo Island
This 16,000-acre coastal island features cultural history, wildlife and complex beach and dune systems, as well as a restored 1820 lighthouse. After a 30-minute ferry ride, go on guided tours highlighting the African American community, Reynolds Mansion, Nanny Goat Beach, University of Georgia Marine Institute and the lighthouse. The historic Reynolds Mansion features marble sculptures, a decorated Circus Room, a bowling lane and more.
Savannah
This coastal city has stately homes and beautiful gardens. Visit Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski for cannon firings and weapons demonstrations. Other historical and educational spots include Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Pinpoint Heritage Museum and Harper Fowlkes House. The outdoors Savannah Children’s Museum features an exploration maze, a reading nook, a sensory garden and a nature kitchen. Cruise along the coast, learn about the city’s pirating history, or hunt for ghosts. While tickets can be hard to find, consider taking in a Savannah Bananas baseball game. Forsyth Park has two playgrounds — one for smaller kids, one for bigger kids — and a splash pad.
St. Simons Island
Climb to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse, and stop by Christ Church Frederica, one of Georgia’s oldest parishes, dating back to 1736. Watch for dolphins from the Pier, and play in Neptune Park with its Fun Zone pool. Go for a family bike ride around the island looking for tree spirits — kids love to find faces carved into the beautiful oak trees all over the island.
Tybee Island
Take an ecology tour with a marine biologist to examine tide pools, comb the beach and pull a net from the ocean to see cool marine life, and see how many dolphins you can spot at play with a dolphin tour. At the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, go on a self-guided tour for animal exhibits, interactive stations, fossils and a pirate ship playground. Ascend the Tybee Island Light Station for breathtaking views.
Sapelo Lighthouse
DON’T MISS! When you think of lighthouses, you might think of the Northeast, but Georgia is home to three beautiful lighthouses. Climb to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse to see as far as Jekyll Island, Brunswick and the south end of St. Simons, catch the sunset at Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, or take in the sites from the restored Sapelo Lighthouse.
Amanda Miller Allen and Elsa Simcik contributed to this article.
