60+ UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN GEORGIA (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!

THING TO DO IN NORTH GEORGIA

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Georgia’s Gem: Blue Ridge

30 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Blue Ridge

With so much to do in Blue Ridge (hiking, waterfalls, shopping, the railway, breweries, white water rafting, the swinging bridge…just to name a few) you can’t pack it into a single afternoon.

There are tons of cabin options in this mountain town, and many of them work perfectly for extended family vacations. Tall, open windows, wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, game rooms, gas grills…heck, you might not want to go back home!

📸: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Address:

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Len Foote Hike Inn 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. Truly a life-changing experience. This is one of our top 10 things to do in Georgia! Read More: “Hike Inn” To This Epic Fall Destination Perfect For Outdoor Families

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway  - Any time is the perfect time to ride the rail, but we love the Fall Foliage ride most of all. New for 2022, try the rail bikes and take them on the 5-mile round trip journey opposite the direction of the train. Read More: 30+ Memorable Train Rides in GA that Kids & Adults Will Love

Mercier Orchards - 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! Read More: 50+ BEST ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN BLUE RIDGE GA

Howard Finster's - Paradise Garden is a wonderland of upcycled art that will inspire your little artist. Read More: 45+ Most Romantic Getaways in Georgia from a Dreamy Escape.

Blood Mountain Hike - A fulfilling hike along the Appalachian Trail with wonderful views all year round.  It's awesome. Read More: 7 Reasons Blood Mountain is our Favorite Family Hike

Snorkel in the Basin - The Conasauga River is the most bio-diverse river basin in the world - bring your snorkel! Read More: Why Snorkeling in the Conasauga River Is Amazing Fun

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. Read More: 33+ Best Waterfalls in Georgia You've Got to See

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! Read More: Amicalola River Trail: A Dreamy Swimming Hole You Can't-Miss

Mountain Crossings - An ancient building with so much history, and the only covered part of the Appalachian Trail -- it 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. Read More: Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi

Drink from Cave Spring - Bring a jug and fill it with delicious water bubbling up from Mother Earth. Explore the cave, hang out at the playground, or enjoy the seasonal pool here too! Read More: 8 Free Things To Do In Rome, Ga You’re Going To Love

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. Read More: The Beloved Springer Mountain Trail is Great For Every Age

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. Read More: Hike Gorgeous Raven Cliff Falls in Helen w/ Kiddos

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. Read More: Discover Fun and Adventure at Cloudland Canyon State Park

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. Read More: The 39+ Best Things to Do in Helen GA for Alpine Fun

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! Read More: 21 Things Every Family Should Do At Tallulah Gorge State Park

Pick a Pumpkin at Burt's Farm - 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. Read More: 15+ Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia for a Smashing-Good Time

Sleep in a Yurt - Camping? Cabin-ing? A little of both! Read More: Glamping: Georgia’s 21+ Most Unique Places to Escape

Stop By the Georgia Guidestones - If you're already in the area, this roadside attraction is a must-do! Located near Watson Mill Bridge State Park, this "American Stonehenge" is cool to see. Read More: Georgia Guidestones: 10 Weird Things You’ve Got To Know

THINGS TO DO ON GEORGIA'S COAST

Escape to Little St Simon's Island - Georgia's only all-inclusive private island, it has pristine beaches and is heaven on earth. Read More: Little St Simons Island: tips, tricks and tidbits

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. Read More: Discover the Cherished Secrets of Remote Cumberland Island, Ga.

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. Read More: 27 Relaxing & Fun Things To Do In Tybee Island On A Family Vacation

Sea Turtle Walk on Jekyll Island - Go out with an expert one evening for some turtle learning fun. There's also so much more to do! Read More: Jekyll Island GA: Protected Coastal Beauty with Resort Fun

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. Read More: Your Guide to Finding the St. Simons Island Tree Spirits

Wander Savannah's Historic District- Spanish moss dripping from the trees, beautiful homes, and of course - River Street!  Your kids will especially love the candy shop River Street Sweets. Read More: Things to do in Savannah with Kids: Your Brilliant Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation.

MIDDLE AND SOUTH GEORGIA ADVENTURES

Boating on the Okefenokee - The Okefenokee Swamp is one of Georgia's seven natural wonders! See the alligators among the black, swamp water.  Stargazing is also popular here -- it's a certified "black sky park." Read More: Kayaking in Georgia: 23+ Unbeatable Spots for Paddlers to Launch

Chehaw Park and Zoo  - Such a special park in southwest Georgia, especially the African Veldt Ride. And don't miss feeding the two-hump camel. Read More: Albany, Georgia: The Ultimate Guide To Family Fun

Head to The Masters - Parents win the ticket lottery? Augusta is so much more than just golf courses. Read More: 33 Things You Probably Don't Know About The Masters

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. Read More: Paddle George L Smith State Parks’ Amazing Black Water

Fly with Young Eagles - Your kiddos can learn to fly an airplane...for free! Read More: Young Eagles: Kids Fly Free & Learn to be a Pilot

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. Read More: The Best Things to do in Augusta, Ga: A Weekend Itinerary

Whitewater Rafting in Columbus - The longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world! Read More: WhiteWater Express: Wet and Wild Adventure in Columbus, Ga

Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens - Stand with these beauties and let them fly around you. Read More: 16 Best Georgia Golf Resorts Offering More than Golf

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. Read More: Reynolds Lake Oconee: The BEST family resort in Georgia

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. Read More: 7 Reasons We Recommend A Ride On The SAM Shortline Train

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 Martini’s & IMAX events for adults -- this place has it all. Now, with the opening of WildWoods and Fernbank Forest there is just no other place like it. Read More: Why Fernbank Museum is the Best Museum in Atlanta for Kids

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. Read More: New Echota and the Trail of Tears in Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium - We are 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 - A wonderful way to explore the Civil Rights movement with the kids.  And Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached, is across the street. Read More: 50+ FREE Things To Do in Atlanta [That Don’t Suck]

The Varsity - The world's largest drive-in...grease and all. Don't skip 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! Read More: 17 Useful Tips To Enjoy Skyline Park at Ponce City Market (video)

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. Read More: 17 FREE Ways You’ll Love To Have A Fun At Piedmont 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. Read More: Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights: Brilliant Holiday Fun

L5P Halloween Parade - 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. Read More: Little Five Points Halloween Parade

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!). Read More: Santa at Phipps Plaza - Buckhead, Atlanta, GA

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. Read More: Arabia Mountain: Exploring With Kids

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. Be sure to download the Family Guide before heading out. Read More: 7 Compelling Exhibits at The Center for Civil and Human Rights

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 - The Booth 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. Read More: Booth Museum: A Legendary Western Museum in the South

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! Can't wait to take him! Read More: 5 Ways to Take In an Incredible Canoe Trip at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Westin's Glass Elevator - A fabulous way to see 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! Read More: World of Coke: Pause & Refresh At Atlanta’s Amazing Museum

Catch a Flick at the Drive-In - Pop some corn, pack a cooler, and head to the drive-in, old school style. Read More: DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER ATLANTA: 5 OUTDOOR SCREENS PERFECT FOR MOVIE-WATCHING FUN

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

Play in the Centennial Park Fountain - Check the calendar for brown bag concerts. Listen to great music while you play in the water.

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 show, a Skyride to the summit, a scenic railroad, hiking trails, and so much more. Read More: The Secret Side of Stone Mountain Park

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

Milkshake at Flip Burger - Lunch or an afternoon treat stop here, and your kids will love you forever. They will adore the Krispy Kreme Donut milkshake, or try the Nutella and Toasted Marshmallow one. You can't go wrong!

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... Read More: Atlanta Beltline: Outdoor Adventure Your Family Will Treasure! [Video]

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, you could fill an entire year exploring! Read More: Atlanta Parks: Best Playgrounds & Play Spaces for Kids in the Metro

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 - Kids can climb on the equipment, touch it, run through it, and learn through all their senses.

Zip Line at Banning Mills - They are 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. Read More: Historic Banning Mills: Your Guide To The Best Zip Lining & More

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA:

• ROMANTIC GETAWAYS: 50+ Most Romantic Getaways in Georgia for a Dreamy Escape
• PARKS WITH WATERFALLS: 9+ Georgia State Parks With Waterfalls Begging You To Visit
• 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
• SWIMMING HOLES: 18 Dreamy Swimming Holes in North Georgia [Waterfalls!]
• CONASAUGA RIVER SNORKELING: Your Essential Guide To Amazing Fun

• About
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Lesli Peterson, Owner

Lesli Peterson, owner of 365 Atlanta Traveler, has lived in multiple countries and 30+ states across the US – from coast to coast. It was the constant moving (since birth) that stirred her love of travel.

She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale. If she’s not exploring in the RV, she’s either hiking the trails or checking out the whiskey scene at their current location.

Lesli lives and travels with her two kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- and her soul mate, husband and business partner, Dan. They call Colorado home, at least for the moment.

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