Things To Do in Albany Ga: Your Guide to Bountiful Family Fun

Albany, Georgia sits in the southwest section of the state and is about three hours from Atlanta, so an easy day trip.

As Georgia’s eighth largest city there are some great things to explore here. Read on for things to do in Albany GA for a memorable trip for you and the kiddos!

THINGS TO DO IN ALBANY GA

CHEHAW PARK

If you are in town for a short time, definitely spend some time at the Wild Animal Park, started by Jim Fowler of Wild Kingdom fame.  Pet a python, take the Veldt ride, feed Bogart the Bactrian (two-hump) camel who loves people.

Chehaw is a special animal sanctuary that obviously takes pleasure in learning about and growing with their animals.  If you can stay longer, then camp or cabin in the park for an even more enjoyable adventure. This doesn’t even cover the campsite, nature trails, disc golf, BMX track, bald eagle aviary, or the banks of Lake Chehaw. Whew!

Chehaw Park is also home to disc golf courses.

FLINT RIVERQUARIUM

The Flint Riverquarium was born from the devastation of the 1994 Albany flood.  It is an opportunity for children (and adults) to use all of their senses in learning about the importance of the natural resources in the area, and the uniqueness of the Flint River watershed.

An albino alligator, shark eggs, a blue hole spring, and SCUBA diving capers….my boys were in their element! We learned about Blue Holes, watched alligator feedings, peered at shark eggs, and walked with birds through the aviary. It gave our family a great appreciation for the diversity of the Flint River, on which this aquarium resides. Don’t ask the boys if it was educational, though…they only know they had a great time!

The Riverquarium also features a constantly changing fish hatchery. In the constantly changing exhibits of the hatchery, a variety of fish are raised from egg to fingerling. After growing to a considerable size, they will be transferred to other exhibits within the Flint RiverQuarium. How cool is that?

There is also a the Cypress Creek Aviary located behind the aquarium. This 35-foot-high enclosure, houses passerine and wading birds indigenous to the Flint River basin. 

RIVERFRONT PARK

Along the banks of the Flint River, and across the street from the RiverQuarium is RiverFront Park. Still in development, the park includes three miles of trails. Eventually they will connect downtown to Chehaw.

The trailhead is already completed and includes Turtle Grove Play Park, which is a great playground for the kids. The park include a Dino Dig, Tot Lot, Big Kid Area, Musical Instruments, and Climbing Area.

The Ray Charles Plaza featuring a life-sized sculpture of the singer. Visitor’s can sit on a piano key and listen to Ray play. There are also fountains for kids to run through, so bring a bathing suit or at least a towel.

KAYAKING FLINT RIVER

Albany is a great place for the outdoor lover. The Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks flow into the Flint River at Lake Chehaw, a 1,400–acre lake great for boating and fishing.

There are several kayak outfitters where you can rent a single or tandem kayaks, as well as canoes. Many provide shuttle service, and trips range in length from one hour trips up to seven hour adventures.

There is also a deck right behind the Albany Welcome Center and it’s a wonderful place to slip in your canoe or kayak.

The Flint River Water Trail is actually part of a larger water way system for those who want to explore even more.

ALBANY WELCOME CENTER

The Welcome Center is downtown on RiverFront Park at The Historic Bridge House, which is cornerstone to a historical account that touched my heart. Horace King, a former slave that bought his freedom and made a name for himself around Georgia and Alabama, constructed the building.  King built a number of bridges in the area. His construction was so well done that his reputation led to a significantly popular business.  

One of the bridges he built was adjacent to The Bridge House….there is a gateway overlook for his now-gone bridge in the back of the house.  This bridge was the gateway to the city, and King became a wealthy man buy retaining 1/3 ownership in the bridge, taking proceeds of the toll that merchants and farmers paid to bring their wares to Albany. Brilliant! I love this story of innovation, hard work, and determination! (More about Horace King in our LaGrange piece…)

Eventually, the facility would come to house the Albany Welcome Center in 2008. 

RADIUM SPRINGS GARDENS

Radium Springs is one of Georgia’s seven wonders. Radium Springs Gardens pumps 70,000 gallons per minute of clear, 68-degree water from an underground cave. The water is crystal clear so you can see fish and turtles swimming near the cave hole.  The water reflects a beautiful blue-green color, as well, making it a sight to behold!

Surrounding the spring are the ruins of a once vibrant gardens and resort.  Visitors are welcome to walk the perimeter of the spring, along the courtyard and sidewalks.  

Unfortunately, the public is not allowed to swim in the constant 68-degree water.  When we visited we met a couple who was there at the same time, reminiscing over times-passed.  They told us about a time when swimming was still allowed. People would come from all around to play and picnic on the grounds.  They pointed out speakers in the trees that pumped music for the younger crowd. There was even a slide from the ruins into the spring!

On October 22, 2020 a memorial was unveilied at Radium Springs Gardens at a dedication ceremony honoring the victims of a tornado that took the lives of five people in Albany on January 22, 2017.

The science museum included several hands-on exhibits for kids, situated in stations around the museum.  There was a station for current events, like the 20th memorial of the flood of Albany, for archeology, paleontology, space exploration, sounds and colors, and more.

THRONATEESKA HERITAGE CENTER

Thronateeska Heritage Center inspires wonder and stimulates exploration of science and South Georgia’s history by providing a dynamic learning experience through an interactive science center and museum. Thronateeska is a name for the area around present-day Albany and the Flint River in Southwest Georgia. 

Outside to the back of the building we found the old Union Station Depot with several train cars and a coal steam engine. We were able watch the model railway, which is housed within one of the train cars. It is an HO-scale model with multiple trains that wind through towns and forests.

The Wetherbee Planetarium, 40-foot full dome planetarium, is also housed here. There is a small fee for watching a planetarium show or live presentation, but the minimal cost is worth every penny.

Today, Thronateeska’s campus, known as Heritage Plaza, includes the History Museum, Science Museum and Wetherbee Planetarium all located on the only remaining brick street in Albany. 

RAY CHARLES PLAZA

While the plaza may not be “historic,” Ray Charles certainly is!

Did you know he was born in Albany? Be sure to head to the plaza to see one of only two Ray Charles sculptures in the world, snap a selfie with the legend, and listen to his music pour from the speakers!

CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE

In 1961, crowds gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders inspire listeners to challenge the systematic oppression of African Americans. Old Mount Zion, built in 1906, is the most important artifact in the new Albany Civil Rights Institute’s collections.

This 12,315 square foot museum brings together community members, movement veterans, historians and visitors to discover, record and celebrate the rich history of the southwest Georgia civil rights struggle.

ALBANY MUSUEM OF ART

The Albany Museum of Art brings the art of the South to the world and the art of the world to the South.

The museum originated in the 1960s, and since has undergone renovations and even new locations as its collection has grown.

The museum of nationally accredited and has multiple galleries and hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase nationally and internationally recognized artists, with one space dedicated as a regional artist sales gallery. 

PRETORIA FIELDS

Farming dramatically changed in the19th and 20th centuries and this causes farmers to be creative. So, a collective was created in Albany, Georgia.

This collective was formed by local farmers and craftspeople. They focus on sustainable agriculture, which is to say that they are focused on meeting society’s food and textile needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The collective sends their time working hand-in-hand with farmers throughout the Southeast to come up with unique ways to make farming relevant and secure for the future. This is done this through relationships that tie others together from farm-to-table foods, grain-to-glass beers, and seed-to-science hemp products.

Each farm is organically certified, and hey grow everything harvested that way.

WHERE TO STAY IN ALBANY GA

MERRY ACRES INN

We gladly called Merry Acres Inn our home for the time we visited Albany. Our experience included resting in a spacious suite with hardwood floors, swimming for hours in a mineral-water pool, and dining outdoors on a true southern porch (complete with ceiling fans and sweet tea.)

Merry Acres Inn dripped with hospitality and charm, and the staff was always eager to please. With a location convenient to almost all of Albany’s “can’t-miss” attractions, Merry Acres in *the* place to stay for a spectacular vacation.

I heard someone refer to Merry Acres as “Retro Done Right!” and I could not agree more. The Inn sits on land originally purchased for a hotel and subdivision in 1935. It’s gone through a series of changes, most recently in 2011, with new ownership that took the already prestigious Inn to new heights.

There are an outrageous number of amenities at Merry Acres Inn, almost too many to number here. By far, the pool was a favorite for our family.  The front desk told me that the pool is a mineral water pool (how appropriate, with the blue holes of the Flint River.)

I’m usually not a pool person (even though the boys love it.)  HOWEVER, I didn’t want to leave the pool. The water made me feel lighter (similar to salt water,) but it was refreshing. Albany’s weather set the pool at the perfect temperature. 

Restrooms were clean and easy to access.  Also, before 5:00 p.m. each day, the Pub staff make rounds on the pool deck, offering drinks from the bar in disposable cups. For the kids, the Inn provided a series of pool toys, too. Thank you, since Mom forgot.

We enjoyed drinks on the large patio of the Manor House Pub, sitting under large ceiling fans and taking in the ambiance.  

After a while, my oldest tired of the adult chitchat and sat on the front stoop playing Minecraft, thanks to the Wifi.  My young son became restless, and I thought we’d have to call it a night, when the waitress came out with a HUGE tub of toys.  “Keep them for the weekend,” she said. “We have plenty if any other kids show up.” Huge Win!

We could have ordered from the Manor House Pub menu, but we were looking for something a little more filling than pub food….not a problem. Out came the server with the menus from Harvest Moon, The Catch Seafood Room & Oyster Bar, and Henry Campbell’s Steakhouse.

We were able to order from the other restaurants and have it delivered right to our haven on the porch! So basically, we could order from four super restaurants without leaving our home base – without leaving the pool, without loading up the kids, without having to make our way back with full bellies, without leaving our perfect spot on the porch. THIS WAS A HUGE BENEFIT in my opinion. HUGE.

Our hotel partner Hotels.com often has discounts at the Merry Acres so check them out before booking your visit.

HILTON GARDEN INN

Hilton Garden Inn, which is right across the street from RiverFront Park (and Turtle Grove Play Park) and within walking distance of the RiverQuarium and Thronateeska Heritage Center. The hotel has a full restaurant and bar and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s the perfect location to base a visit to Albany.

WHERE TO EAT IN ALBANY GA

Harvest Moon – I wish that I could tell you about eating at Harvest Moon.  I mean really, 50 craft and imported beers, and live music, too.  It sounds incredible. However, my story is a little different. My family ate a Harvest Moon dinner in “take-out” fashion. Our food was delicious! Seriously delicious!

I hope to eat AT Harvest Moon one day…to try the huge beer selection while I kick back to some live tunes.  In the meantime, I cherish the special time we had at Manor House Pub…watching the kids play together while we lounged on a huge southern porch taking in the breeze.

Merry Acres Inn and Stewbo’s Restaurants are a winning package for this family!

Blackbeard’s – With appetites as diverse as those in our family, it takes a special place. Thank goodness for Blackbeard’s….a menu varied on selection, and united on great taste. Blackbeard’s has a huge selection of great food for the multiple cravings in your family. The selections are delicious, the servings are huge, and the atmosphere is conducive to a comfortable, relaxing meal…even with a pair of young kiddos.

Jimmie’s Hotdogs – This iconic dog joint has been in operation at the same location (across from the bus station) since 1925. It’s off the beaten path a bit, but well worth it. The prices will make your wallet smile too!

Pearly’s Famous Country Kitchen – This is where to go for a fast, delicious breakfast with the locals! Pearlys’ is casual, easy with the kids, and super friendly. The food is affordable, delicious, and fast from the back.  50 years of service and a restaurant full of locals won’t steer you wrong. Breakfast is served all day! Grab breakfast or lunch (or breakfast FOR lunch.) It’s an awesome family-owned and family-friendly Albany treasure.

The Cookie Shoppe – This place is hoppin’, the pimento cheese is perfect, and the fresh-from-the-oven cookies will make a sweet-tooth out of anyone. If you want a homemade sandwich or salad in a relaxed atmosphere, where you don’t have to sweat about the kids eating with you….and you love made-from-scratch cookies and desserts….then The Cookie Shoppe is the obvious option in Albany.  The prices are right, the food is great, and the family-friendly factor is high!

Mark’s Melon Patch – The first thing we noticed as we pulled in was the gentleman in front of the stand with a machete-like knife, happily slicing open huge watermelons for visitors to try! My young boys enjoyed watching him work (from a safe distance,) and then sampling his wares once he was done. Yum! So many things to try here – do not miss it!

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA:

• 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