Theme parks are a favorite American pastime. We are lucky to have some awesome amusement parks in Georgia. It’s time for the thrill of the roller coasters, flying in the swings, losing your stomach on the drops, and everything that goes with a great theme park.
There are several amusement parks in Georgia to choose from — some well-known, others hidden gems. We have the scoop on them all! Ready to learn more? Here are some of the best amusement parks in Georgia you and your crew are sure to love!
A GUIDE TO THE BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN GEORGIA
You don’t have to go all the way to Orlando to find a great theme park. There are a variety of amusement parks in Georgia that offer similar thrills, if not the over-the-top theming you’ll find at Disney World or Universal Studios. In many ways, Georgia’s theme parks are preferred because they are a manageable size.
In the Atlanta area is Stone Mountain Park, and Six Flags Over Georgia. In South Georgia is Wild Adventures, and in Northwest Georgia you’ll find Lake Winnie.
Then you have the water parks in Georgia – White Water in Atlanta, Summer Waves in Jekyll and Wild Adventures in Valdosta are the biggest. Here’s the low-down on what you’ll find at the amusements parks in Georgia.
Stone Mountain Park | Six Flags Over Georgia | Wild Adventures | Lake Winnie | LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta |Tips to Beat the Lines
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK (STONE MOUNTAIN)
Stone Mountain is more than just a theme park. Located in Stone Mountain, GA, near the Stone Mountain Village, the park is best known for the world’s largest exposed granite monolith with a relief carving of Confederate notables, President Jefferson Davis, and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.
CROSSROADS AT STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
The themed part of Stone Mountain Park is called Crossroads, and it’s not so much rides, as it is experiences, shows and activities. Crossroads is to Stone Mountain Park what Main Street is to Walt Disney World.
Crossroads is set up to look like an 1800’s southern town and includes plenty of activities, such as a 4-D movie theater, a mini-golf course, a duck tour, Dinotorium indoor playground, Sky Hike outdoor adventure course, Geyser Towers water playground, and the Scenic Railroad. You’ll also find craft demonstrations, stores and restaurants.
The Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf mini-golf course offers a lesson in history. The course is themed for the great locomotive chase that happened during the Civil War. Union hijackers stole The General locomotive in Big Shanty, Georgia. They were pursued by Confederates for 87 miles and eventually caught. Mini-golfers follow the chase.
The Crossroads section of the park also hosts special events such as Stone Mountain Christmas, the annual Pumpkin Festival, and the Highland Games, to name a few.
During the winter months, the lawn in front of the stone carving is transformed into Snow Mountain, with tubing, sledding, snowmen and marshmallow roasting. Check the website for Stone Mountain Park hours, they do change based on the season.
Read More: STONE MOUNTAIN PARK: 17+ AMAZING THINGS TO EXPLORE
MORE ATTRACTIONS AT STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
In addition to Crossroads, there are lots of other attractions at Stone Mountain. A community favorite is the seasonal Stone Mountain Laser Show Spectacular. A laser show is projected on the Stone Mountain carving and is accompanied by a lights and fireworks. In 2023, a new and improved show was introduced: Music Across America Drone & Light Show. Same great fun, but with even more lasers, fireworks, music, and drones.
No matter what time of year, you’ll find tourists and locals hiking the stone outcropping to the top of the mountain, or walking around the park to the Grist Mill, over the covered bridge, or around the outdoor Quarry Exhibit.
For those that do not wish to hike, there is a Swiss-built cable car called the Summit Skyride that takes people to the top (and back to the bottom) of the mountain. You’ll love the spectacular views!
Also on property is a collection of Antebellum homes that include plantation manor houses, as well as slave quarters and out buildings. If you come looking for Tara, you’ll find it at the Antebellum Plantation.
For museum types, Memorial Hall is the place for the history of the area. For sports enthusiast, there are two championship golf courses, and fishing permitted in Stone Mountain Lake.
Read More: Stone Mountain Laser Show: All The Fun Details On The New Light Show In 2023
DON’T MISS THE DINOSAUR EXPLORE
Extinct from Earth for millions of years, 20 species of prehistoric dinosaurs have made their way to Stone Mountain Park.
Dinosaur Explore is a prehistoric creature collection that features more than 20 life-size dinosaurs with special effects allowing them to move and roar just like their ancient ancestors. Among the dinosaurs, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a brachiosaurus over 20 feet tall and 33 feet long, a three-horned triceratops, a ferocious allosaurus, and a winged pteranodon!
Note: This is outdoors, and does close during inclement weather.
LODGING AT STONE MOUNTAIN
Stone Mountain Park has three different lodging options for every type of traveler.
The AAA four diamond Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort is perfect for groups or families. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as large chess and checker boards, and lots of seating to relax in the evening.
The Inn at Stone Mountain Park will make you feel like you’re staying in a Southern plantation house. Guests can walk to the Crossroads attractions from here.
In addition, Stone Mountain has camping sites, RV sites, and yurts are also available at the Stone Mountain Campground.
Book It: Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort | The Inn at Stone Mountain Park
SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA (ATLANTA)
Six Flags Over Georgia is probably the most well-known theme park in the state. Six Flags is a traditional amusement park with thrill park rides, family rides, and kids rides, along with plenty of entertainment options, like shows, street performers, and characters.
Also at Six Flags Over Georgia, you’ll find the Hurricane Harbor water park. After you’re done with the thrill rides, you can take on even more thrills at the water park.
Six Flags Over Georgia has lots of special events throughout the year, including the popular Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
Read More: SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA: BEAT THE LINES, DISCOUNTS AND MORE TIPS | TIPS TO ENJOY HURRICANE HARBOR WATER PARK AT SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA
BEAT THE LINES AT SIX FLAGS GEORGIA
Six Flags is a manageable park size and allows guests to leave and come back on the same day. Parking is conveniently located outside the gates. To get your bearings and be ready to go when the gates open, go online for Six Flags Over Georgia hours and download the park map before you arrive. This way you can plan out your day beforehand.
While you are online, purchase your Six Flags Over Georgia tickets at a discount over walk-up admission. If you specify the date you want to go, you’ll save even more.
Are you looking for more water rides? Six Flags White Water is located about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic, and offers dozens of water slides for kids of all ages and a giant wave pool.
Read More: 25+ BEST WATER PARKS IN GEORGIA FOR SPLISH-SPLASH FUN
NEW IN 2023
A first-of-its-kind single-rail family racing roller coaster will debut at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2023.
The all-new KID FLASH™ Cosmic Coaster is a P’Sghetti Bowl twin-tracked roller coaster featuring innovative single-rail track and an inclusive train design that provides comfortable seating for both adults and children. Like a twisted bowl of spaghetti, the twin tracks cross over and under each other a dozen times during the ride cycle. The two sides can operate simultaneously for racing action or with a single side.
KID FLASH Cosmic Coaster will span a cumulative 1,124 ft. With a 36” minimum height requirement, the new coaster expands ride offerings for families and young thrill seekers.
Joining the villains and heroes in Gotham City™, KID FLASH Cosmic Coaster will showcase a colorful LED lighting display, immersing riders in their very own comic book story.
HOTELS NEAR SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA
Looking for lodging near Six Flags Over Georgia? We suggest the Comfort Inn & Suites Villa Rica or Days Inn by Wyndham Villa Rica. Both are pretty close to the action!
Six Flags Over Georgia is located about 15 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, so your hotel options are truly endless. Just remember, Six Flags is along I-20, which is a busy highway into and out of Atlanta. If you are traveling during rush hour, you might get stuck in traffic if you’re not staying close by.
Book It: Comfort Inn & Suites Villa Rica | Days Inn by Wyndham Villa Rica
WILD ADVENTURES THEME PARK (VALDOSTA)
For thrills in south Georgia, check out Wild Adventures Theme Park. Valdosta is the home to this park that is similar to Six Flags with its thrilling roller coasters, kid-friendly area and the Wild Adventures Water Park, Splash Island. However, it’s a bit smaller than Six Flags, which makes it super easy to navigate.
In addition to the Wild Adventures Theme Park, there is an animal park too. One of the most popular Wild Adventure rides is the Boomerang, a roller coaster that twists and inverts riders not just once, but twice, forward and backwards. My son loved it, I was good for two times through and then had to wait at the fence.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2023 AT WILD ADVENTURES
Wild Adventures opened their 2023 season with the all-new Oasis Outpost, a nearly three-acre addition to the park.
Among Oasis Outpost’s many attractions is the Trail Trackers adventure ride, where kids can get behind the wheel and drive into a leopard and sulcata tortoise habitat to observe their behaviors. The new Misty Springs Soak Station offers a refreshing play area with towering misting posts and splash pads, and the area also features two Stay and Play Zones for children to explore while parents relax.
Oasis Outpost is also the home of a brand new Wild Adventures restaurant, Paradise Pizza. The new location will serve personal-sized pizzas, salads and boba lemonades.
HOTELS NEAR WILD ADVENTURES
Valdosta is home to lots of different hotels for every budget, thanks to its location on I-75, right near the Florida border.
The Hampton Inn & Suites in Valdosta is a great choice that’s not too far from Wild Adventures. It offers a daily hot breakfast and an outdoor pool. We think the Comfort Inn and Suites is a good budget-friendly option.
Book It: Hampton Inn & Suites Valdosta | Comfort Inn and Suites
LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH (ROSSVILLE)
An afternoon spent at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park is a trip down memory lane. This is small-town American theme park is affectionately called Lake Winnie. Chattanooga, TN is the closest city, but Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park is actually in Georgia.
Read More: LAKE WINNIE AMUSEMENT PARK OFFERS NOSTALGIC THRILLS AND FUN
RIDES AT LAKE WINNIE
There are plenty of thrills at Lake Winnie Amusement Park, like the Cannonball roller coaster, as well as calmer rides, like the Carousel.
My son and I enjoyed the vintage attractions like the Fly-O-Plane, and I reminisced with him about attractions I remember from my youth, like the Genie.
There is a lot of history at Lake Winnie too. The Boat Chute was the first ride in the park, and one of the most popular rides even today. It was designed and constructed by the founder, Carl Dixon, and built in the winter of 1926. It’s the oldest mill chute water ride in the United States.
When things get hot, there is the Lake Winnie Water Park called SoakYa. In addition to the slides and lazy river, my son really enjoyed the Challenge Course.
There is so much to do at Lake Winnie Amusement Park and the water park. There’s even miniature golf!
Read More: 22 THINGS TO DO IN CHATTANOOGA FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
HOTELS NEAL LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH AMUSEMENT PARK
There are three hotels near Lake Winnie that offer discount park pricing. Two are in Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Country Inn & Suites.
We’ve stayed at the Chattanoogan in Chattanooga, which would be very convenient as well (but to my knowledge does not offer Lake Winnie coupons).
The Hampton Inn Chattanooga East Ridge would be an amazing choice, and is only 11 minutes from the park.
Book It: Hampton Inn Chattanooga East Ridge
LEGO DISCOVERY CENTER ATLANTA (PHIPPS PLAZA)
LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta isn’t so much an amusement park as an attraction, but it does have some theme park-esque rides, so I’m including it here. Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta has the Kingdom Quest ride, a ride very similar to Buzz Lightyear at Walt Disney World.
There is also a 4-D theatre, LEGO Miniland, Pirates Adventure Island play area, and my children’s favorite, the Spaceship Build and Scan area.
Read More: 12+ WAYS LEGOLAND ATLANTA IS AWESOME FOR KIDS
WHERE TO STAY NEAR LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
Since this is in the heart of Atlanta, there are any number of hotels. If you want to stay close, be sure to stay in the Buckhead/Phipps Plaza area of the city.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza is nearby and offers an indoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and free shuttle service to Phipps Plaza.
Book It: AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza
HOW TO BEAT THE LINES AT AMUSEMENT PARKS IN GEORGIA
The only problem with visiting an amusement park in Georgia during the summer heat is the long lines. Here are some tried and true tips that will help you stay out of long wait lines and spend more time enjoying your day. These tips work for pretty much any theme park you visit.
- Arrive Early. This is probably the most important tip of all. Most people run late, so although they may try to get to the park when it opens, few people do. Find out where the parking lot is in relation to the park and factor in time to walk, or get a tram from your parking spot to the front of the park. Remember, you want to be ready to walk into the park at opening, which means your tickets are purchased, bathroom breaks are finished and sunscreen is on.
- Be there 30 minutes before opening. Several larger theme parks, like Six Flags Over Georgia, will open the main gates 30 minutes prior to the scheduled opening of the park and allow guests to move into the main area. At Six Flags, this can mean the Cyclone and Georgia Scorcher rides are open early, making it a great time ride again and again.
- Head to the Back of the Park. Most people meander to the right when they tour an amusement park. Those in the know may head straight to the most popular attractions at the park that tend to form long lines later. Those with the inside scoop head to the back of the park and work their way to the front.
- Go Mid-Week or Shoulder Season. Mid-week is the least crowded time to visit most theme parks. If you must come on the weekend, Sunday is a better day than Saturday. Shoulder Season, April, May, Sept. and Oct. aren’t as crowded either.
Stay until closing if you can, lines will thin out after dinner. You may also want to call before you go to determine if they have any large groups coming on the day of your visit. We had a great time at Lake Winnie mid-week, but an operator told us the day before (Tuesday) should have been a quiet day, but was crazy with several large groups.
- Visit Water Rides in the Morning. Water rides and water parks have long lines in the afternoon once folks get hot and are looking to cool off. Folks generally wait until the afternoon to get wet, so outsmart them by visiting these attractions in the morning instead.
- Map Out Your Day. The best way to avoid lines is to map out the day prior to your visit. Get a show schedule before heading out and determine what shows you want to see and when. Inside venues are great for mid-day when it’s hot and you need a break.
- Eat at Off-Times. To avoid long lines at the concessions, and to enjoy the shorter lunch time ride lines, plan to eat a bit early or late. Either eat no later than 11:30 or after 2 pm. You’ll skip the food lines and enjoy slightly shorter ride lines during peak dining hours. If you want to save a little money, bring a picnic. Many parks allow you to exit the park (make sure to get a hand stamp for re-entry), have a healthy lunch and return.
AMUSEMENT PARKS IN GEORGIA FAQ
Which amusement parks in Georgia have roller coasters?
There are several amusement parks in Georgia that have roller coasters. Six Flags Over Georgia, Wild Adventures Theme Park, and Lake Winnie Amusement Park all have roller coasters at their locations u002du002d both kid-friendly and thrill rides.
What city is home to Six Flags Over Georgia?
Six Flags Over Georgia is located just off I-20, just minutes west of Atlanta. Its physical address is in the city of Austell.
How big is Six Flags Over Georgia?
Six Flags Over Georgia is 290 acres and features rides, entertainment, a water park, restaurants, characters, special events, and more.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- TRAIN RIDES: 28 Memorable Train Rides In Georgia That Kids and Adults Will Love
- SKYLINE PARK: 17 Useful Tips To Enjoy Skyline Park at Ponce City Market (Video)
- TRAMPOLINE PARK ATLANTA: 11+ Spots That Will Have You Jumping For Joy
- ZOO ATLANTA: 9 Questions (+ Answers) That Everyone Asks About The Amazing Zoo Atlanta
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