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What makes Georgia a great family-friendly destination?
- Georgia, located along the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of the South, offers a variety of family-friendly activities focused on nature and history.
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Where can visitors go hiking in Georgia?
- Nature lovers can explore Fort Yargo State Park and the Elachee Nature Science Center, both great for hiking and outdoor adventures.
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What attractions are available for animal lovers?
- Animal lovers can visit the Atlanta Zoo to see a variety of wildlife.
- The Georgia Aquarium offers an up-close experience with marine life.
- For a more hands-on adventure, families can go on a trail ride with the Gold City Corral and Carriage Company.
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Where can families learn about Georgia’s history?
- History buffs can explore the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
- The Apex Museum provides insight into African American history in Georgia.
- The Ships of the Sea Museum showcases maritime history and artifacts.
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1. Bear Hollow Zoo
Home to a variety of birds and mammals that couldn't survive out in the wild on their own, Bear Hollow Zoo is a wonderful place to visit if you want to learn about Georgia's diverse wildlife. Visitors will have the chance to spot animals like river otters, owls, and black bears, all of which are housed in enclosures that mimic their natural environments, and there is also a 1.25-mile nature trail for anyone who wants to stretch their legs. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, and a special exhibit hall is open as well on Saturday afternoons.
293 Gran Ellen Dr, Athens, GA 30606, Phone: 706-613-3580
2. Birdsong Nature Center
Occupying 565 peaceful acres of land, the Birdsong Nature Center is another great place to enjoy Georgia's natural beauty and learn about its native wildlife. Twelve miles of walking trails wind their way through the park's meadows and forests, but if you want to ensure you spot some of the birds that have made the center their home, don’t forget to spend some time peering through the Bird Window as well. Other highlights of the property include the “Listening Place” pavilion overlooking the swamp and the Butterfly Garden, which is particularly spectacular between April and November.
2106 N Meridian Rd, Thomasville, GA 31792, Phone: 229-377-4408
3. Cool River Tubing
Summer is perhaps the best time to explore Georgia, but if the weather gets a bit too warm for your liking, Cool River Tubing is a fun way to beat the heat. Based out of the charming Bavarian-style town of Helen, the company offers family-friendly tube rides down the Chattahoochee River, with an optional stop at the Alpine Crest Resort to enjoy the waterslides. Guests can choose between a short and long tube ride, and full day passes are available for anyone who would like to do the float more than once. Kid-sized tubes are available for riders 12 and younger.
590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545, Phone: 706-878-2665
4. Dauset Trails Nature Center
Established to promote environmental education and provide a welcoming place for outdoor recreation, the Dauset Trails Nature Center is a 1400-acre park with plenty of attractions for the whole family. There are 20 miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore, with options for people of all fitness levels, and there is also a tree identification trail for anyone who wants to learn about Georgia's plant life. Visitors can also interact with farm animals in the 19th century-style farm exhibit, spot rehabilitated wild animals along the Animal Trail and see live reptiles on display in the Wonder Room.
360 Mt Vernon Church Rd, Jackson, GA 30233, Phone: 770-775-6798
5. Elachee Nature Science Center
Located on the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, the Elachee Nature Science Center is another excellent place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about Georgia's flora and fauna. The Visitor's Center boasts an excellent collection of exhibits, including a natural history exhibit, a live animal exhibit full of amphibians and reptiles, and an outdoor aviary. There are also 12 miles of trails to explore, with options ranging from a paved half-mile nature trail to a more challenging 4.5-mile hike that leads out to a beautiful lake. When you're ready for a break, relax in the peaceful picnic area or in one of the many pavilions.
2125 Elachee Dr, Gainesville, GA 30504, Phone: 770-535-1976
6. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Set on a beautiful 75-acre property, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a unique museum that prides itself on its immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences. The outdoor area features educational sculptures and an elevated walkway that leads guests into the treetops, but most of the biggest attractions here are found inside the museum itself. Marvel at one of the largest dinosaurs to ever live, visit the massive saltwater aquarium, or catch a 3D movie in the IMAX theater. The multi-level NatureQuest clubhouse is worth a visit as well, featuring live animal exhibits and hundreds of hands-on activities for kids to enjoy.
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307, Phone: 404-929-6300
7. Fernbank Science Center
Operated by the DeKalb County School District, the Fernbank Science Center is an educational facility designed for kids from kindergarten to Grade 12. The 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall displays attractions like the genuine Apollo 6 Command Module and a collection of live animals, and the outdoor gardens provide opportunities to learn about edible plants, perennial flowers, and pollinators. The 500-seat planetarium regularly plays fascinating programs that take viewers on an incredible journey through space, but if you'd like to look at the sky in real-time, there is also an observatory, which is typically open to the public on Thursday and Friday nights.
156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, Phone: 678-874-7102
8. Flint RiverQuarium
Sitting on the banks of the Flint River, the Flint RiverQuarium is a unique aquarium that educates visitors about Georgia's saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. The Flint River Gallery features exhibits that trace the journey of the Flint River as it travels down to the ocean, and the massive 175,000-gallon Blue Hole Spring displays a wonderful assortment of the plants and fish found in the river. Aside from fish, the Cypress Pond Aviary is home to a collection of birds that are native to the area, and visitors can stop by Spring Run Creek to see alligators in their natural habitat.
117 Pine Ave, Albany, GA 31701, Phone: 229-639-2650
9. Forsyth Park
Encompassing more than 30 acres in Savannah's historic district, Forsyth Park is a popular outdoor destination with visitors and locals alike. The park's best-known feature is the large fountain in its north end, which dates back to 1858 and resembles famous fountains in Peru and Paris, but there are plenty of other things to do as well. Popular amenities include two children's playgrounds, basketball courts, and volleyball courts, but there is also a cafe for people who would rather simply relax. A farmer's market is held here every Saturday, and free movies in the park are sometimes offered on summer evenings.
2 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-351-3841
10. Fort Yargo State Park
Tucked in between Atlanta and Athens, Fort Yargo State Park was named for the historic log fort that the settlers built here in 1792. The fort is open to the public on selected dates, but these days, people mainly come here to park's beautiful 1800 acres of forest. Hikers and bikers can explore the 18 acres of trails, and visitors of all ages are welcome to use the park's excellent disc golf course. If you want to cool off, there's also a 260-acre lake with boat ramps, several picnic tables and pavilions, and a sandy beach.
210 S Broad St, Winder, GA 30680, Phone: 770-867-3489
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