60+ Awesome & Unique Things To Do in Georgia with Kids (From a Local!)

You’ve got 18 short years. Stop wasting time! Here are the best things to do in Georgia for kids of all ages, specifically designed for planning your adventures and vacations.

What will you mark off your to-do list this year? Read on to find these hidden gems that the great state of Georgia has to offer!

THINGS TO DO IN NORTH GEORGIA

• Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park is a 5-mile walk-in, stay in a bunk, eat delicious meals with your new friends, explore the area, relax, and hike-back-out adventure. Truly a life-changing experience. This is one of our top 10 things to do in Georgia.

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Any time is the perfect time to ride the rail, but we love the Fall Foliage ride most of all. Try the rail bikes and take them on the 5-mile round trip journey opposite the direction of the train. Read More: 27+ Memorable Train Rides in GA that Kids & Adults Will Love

• Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge is known for its berry picking! Blueberries, peaches, apples, strawberries...even blackberries. Nothing is as sweet and delicious as the fruit at Mercier Orchards. We also love to eat at the restaurant (that jam!), pick up groceries for our cabin stay in Blue Ridge, and for mom and dad -- you'll want to try the hard apple cider and bring a bottle home for later!

• Howard Finster's Paradise Garden is a wonderland of upcycled art that will inspire your little artist.

• Blood Mountain Hike is a fulfilling hike along the Appalachian Trail with wonderful views all year round.  It's awesome.

• Snorkel in the Basin. The Conasauga River is the most bio-diverse river basin in the world - bring your snorkel!

• Camping near Denton Branch Falls. Denton Branch Falls is my favorite Georgia waterfall.  It's remote and fun for the entire family.  Just a short walk down the road from the falls is Sandy Bottom Campground. Again, remote and on the water, it is great for public camping.

• Amicalola River Trail. Go in the summer when the weather is warm enough to play along the rocks here. Bring a picnic and stay all day!

• Mountain Crossings. An ancient building with so much history, and it's home to the only covered part of the Appalachian Trail. The famous trail runs right through the building!  It's an awesome shop that offers snacks, hiking gear, and more. And the mountain views from the back are amazing.

• Drink from Cave Spring. Bring a jug and fill it with delicious water bubbling up from Mother Earth at Cave Spring near Rome. Explore the cave, hang out at the playground, or enjoy the seasonal pool here too!

• Springer Mountain. Even if you don't plan to hike the AT, this is a fun, short hike to the south-most point of the trailhead at Amicalola Falls State Park.

• Raven Cliff Falls. While in Helen, hike to Raven Cliff Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest with your kiddos!  It's a gorgeous, moderate hike your kids will love.

• Explore Cloudland Canyon State Park. There is so much to do in and around Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest GA!  The park, the waterfalls, hang gliding at Lookout Mountain, and Rock City is just across the border in TN.

• Carriage Ride in Helen. Don't forget a carrot for the sweet horses! This is just one of MANY ways to explore Alpine Helen, which was just designated by the State House and Senate as Georgia's Outdoor Adventure Destination.

• Watch the Whitewater Release at Tallulah Gorge. Only a few times a year can you see the dam waters released.  The waters rush through the gorge, and it's truly an amazing sight!

• Picking out a Pumpkin at Burt's Farm is a celebrated fall tradition.  Get your cameras out -- this place is beautiful and filled with HUGE pumpkins! The line for the hayride is long, but you have to do it at least once.

• Sleep in a Yurt. Camping? Cabin-ing? How about a little of both! North Georgia's got lots of great glamping yurt options for you and your crew.

THINGS TO DO IN GEORGIA ON THE COAST

• Escape to Little St Simon's Island. Georgia's only all-inclusive private island. It has pristine beaches and is heaven on earth.

• Shell Hunting on Cumberland Island. An island that doesn't allow cars or development? Yes, please! Pristine for camping and exploring.  The wandering wild horses make it extra special.

• Tybee Island. Play on the beach!  Enjoy water sports! Climb the Tybee Lighthouse!  The beach here is beautiful and not too crowded. Shark teeth can be found along the beach when tide is low, and it's not unusual to see dolphins jumping in the waves.

• Sea Turtle Walk on Jekyll Island. Go out with an expert one evening for some turtle learning fun on Jekyll Island.

• Seek Out JP Morgan's Ghost. Jekyll Island Club Hotel was a playground to the rich and famous, and a few of them decided to stick around.

• Find Tree Spirits on St. Simons Island. When you explore St. Simons Island, you can uncover the beautifully carved tree spirits or find painted rocks.

• Wander Savannah's Historic District. Spanish moss dripping from the trees, beautiful homes, and of course - River Street!  Your kids will especially love Leopold's Ice Cream and the River Street Sweets candy shop.

MIDDLE AND SOUTH GEORGIA ADVENTURES

• Boating on the Okefenokee. The Okefenokee Swamp is one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. See the alligators, take a boat tour, rent a kayak, hike, and enjoy stargazing at this certified "black sky park."

• Chehaw Park and Zoo in Albany is such a special park in southwest Georgia, especially the African Veldt Ride. And don't miss feeding the two-hump camel.

• Head to The Masters. Visiting The Masters is amazing and an absolute must-do for golf enthusiasts. Can't make it to the tourney? Don't worry...the city of Augusta is worth a visit all on its own.

• Paddle on the George L Smith Blackwater. George L. Smith State Park is a gorgeous park to paddle the blackwater. Boats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent, and it's amazing. Camping and cabin rentals are available too.

• Fly with Young Eagles. Your kiddos can learn to fly an airplane...for free!

• A Boat Tour of the Augusta Canal. Don't tell the kids they'll be learning some history...they'll never know because it's too much fun.

• Whitewater Rafting in Columbus. Columbus is home to the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world!

• Visit the Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens. Stand with these beauties and let them fly around you. We love visiting the Butterfly Center during the day before exploring their amazing Christmas Lights each winter.

• Experience a Bit of Luxury. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is the BEST family resort in the state. Let the kids be pampered, if only for a weekend.

• Ride the SAM Shortline Train. Love trains and history?  A ride on the Peach State's historic SAM Shortline Train is worth it!  Some excursions make a stop in Plains, GA -- home of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.

THINGS TO DO IN METRO ATLANTA

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History. No doubt about it, we think Fernbank is Atlanta's best museum for families. From free parking to the indoor playground called NatureQuest, and from high-quality rotating exhibits to Fernbank After Dark events for adults -- this place has it all. With the opening of WildWoods and Fernbank Forest there is just no other place like it.

• Doll Heads Trail. We learned about this spooky trail from Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests. The boys loved this "freaky" art trail.

• Trail of Tears. Did you know the Capital of the Cherokee Nation was here in Georgia? The politics of the Trail of Tears occurred just north of the city, and you can tour what is left of the town.

• The Georgia Aquarium. Our state is incredibly fortunate to have the Georgia Aquarium. With 10 million gallons of water, it's the second-largest aquarium in the world. Check out the "Behind the Seas" tour that will let you check out the massive manta rays and whale sharks from above! Read More: Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta beloved Attraction That Lives up to the Hype

• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site is a wonderful way to explore the Civil Rights movement with the kids.  Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached, is across the street.

• The Varsity is the world's largest drive-in...grease and all. What'll ya have? May we suggest the frosty orange?

• Skyline Park at Ponce City Market. Enjoy an afternoon at Skyline Park with snacks, arcade games, a huge slide, mini golf, and amazing views!

• Piedmont Park. Hike, play on the playground, have a picnic, fly a kite, swim in the pool, enjoy the Dogwood Festival, walk your dog, visit the farmer's market and SO. MUCH. MORE.  You'll never run out of things to do at this popular park.

• Atlanta Botanical Gardens during the Holiday Season. There is never really a bad time to visit the gardens, especially with so much to do year-round. For us, there is just something extra special about the time when it's completely decked out in lights for the holiday season.

• The L5P Halloween Parade is one of the top 10 Halloween events in the United States. You'll see a diverse and eclectic gathering, and the kids will love it.

• Phipps Santa. He's a little more expensive than other mall Santas, but we were so pleased with the photos and the experience. Every family should do this at least once. (Just make sure to make a reservation way in advance!)

• Yellow Daisies at Arabia Mountain. The yellow daisies only grow within a 60-mile radius of this area and only in the fall. A short climb to the mountain top here is a wonderful way to see them.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights. I took my oldest at 6 years old...wish I'd waited a few more years, but we'll be back. It's a wonderful demonstration of the importance of loving everyone, no matter what.

• High Tea at The Ginger Room. The Ginger Room is an elegant spot in downtown Alpharetta where High Tea is a must. Opened in 2021 in Alpharetta’s oldest home (built in 1856), The Ginger Room is run by husband-and-wife Dr. Karl Walbrook and Angela Avery, who know that hosting a memorable afternoon tea is in the details.  In addition to their delicious teas and treats, you'll also find locally-roasted coffee and yummy ginger juice.

• Booth Western Art Museum has several hands-on programs for kids, but our favorite is the Sagebrush Ranch indoor playground. Play on a stagecoach, horse, and even a chuck wagon.

• Chattahoochee Nature Center Guided Canoe Trip. I've only done this with my hubs, but the oldest will be able to do it this year, too. One of the best-guided tours!

• Take a ride on SkyView Atlanta. This Ferris wheel is an amazing way to take in spectacular views of the city.

• Drink in the World of Coca-Cola. The World of Coke is one of the most popular attractions in Georgia.  Make sure to stop by the tasting room and try the Beverly!

• Catch a Flick at the Drive-In. Pop some corn, pack a cooler, and head to the drive-in, old school style. The Starlight is right in Atlanta.

• Shoot the Hooch. The Chattahoochee is guaranteed to cool your jets. There are several places in the Metro that do this, but our favorite still remains a tubing trip in Helen!

• Play in the Centennial Park Fountain. Kids love playing in this fun and FREE splash pad, right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

• Visit Stone Mountain Park. For fun in the outdoors, adventure, and excitement - this park has it all. Known for the massive carving on its rock face (of Confederate soldiers from the Civil War), this park offers a famous summer laser and light show, a Skyride to the summit, a scenic railroad, hiking trails, and so much more.

• Mary Macs Tea Room. Great food, great history. Don't skip out without grabbing a pack of cinnamon rolls.

• Grab an Insane Milkshake at Sugar Factory. When they say "insane" they mean INSANE! These aren't just milkshakes...they're gigantic works of art filled with sugary sweet goodness. Most of the shakes come with huge slices of cake or cupcake towers on top!

• Explore the Atlanta Beltline - A precious gem in our city, possible because of grassroots efforts. Rent a bike, see the art, play at the playground...

• Climb a Tree with Tree Climbers International. A harness and a hardhat make this an exciting adventure.

• Play at a Unique Playground. There are so many awesome playgrounds and parks in Atlanta, you could fill an entire year exploring!

• Find a Special Trail to Call Your Own. We especially love the Pine Mountain Trail in Cartersville and the Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain in Cumming. Find a trail that is special to you, and hike it every season as they grow older.

• Southeastern Railway Museum. This train museum in Duluth is one of our favorites. Kids can climb on the equipment, touch it, run through it, and learn through all their senses.

• Zip Line at Banning Mills. Banning Mills is breaking new world records on a regular basis! Fun for the whole family, even options for younger kiddos - go for the day or stay for the weekend.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• ROMANTIC GETAWAYS: 50+ Most Romantic Getaways in Georgia for a Dreamy Escape
• WEEKEND GETAWAYS: Awesome Drivable Weekend Getaways in Ga.
• GEORGIA LAKES: Your Ultimate Navigation Tool to 35 Amazing Lakes in Georgia
• SMALL TOWNS: 13 Stunning Small Towns in Georgia (And What to do There)
• CAMPING: 49 of the Best Campgrounds in North Georgia