3 fun things to do on a family vacation in Georgia
The Peach State: A hearty dose of southern family fun
OH, the places you’ll go when you visit Georgia. The Peach State is known for its stunning mountains, beautiful coastline, southern culture, excellent food, and fascinating history. Visitors of all ages will find something to love during a vacation here.
Spend your trip going for hikes through the Appalachian mountains, discovering family-friendly museums in the state’s capital, or learning about the history of Georgia through the interactive attractions offered around the state. Georgia is known for its mild year-round climate, so it’s always a good time for a visit! But if you’re coming for the peaches, be sure to come during the summer months.
Whether you want to delve into the history, the nature, or the fun family attractions, we guarantee there won’t be a dull moment during your family vacation in Georgia. Keep on reading to learn more about our best tips to make your Georgia trip one you’ll remember forever.
A day spent in nature at the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
If you want to spend the day outdoors enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings in Georgia, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the enormous and spectacular Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This forest spreads across 26 counties, and is home to numerous waterfalls, trails, viewpoints, mountain peaks, and rivers. Conveniently located just 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, it makes an easy day trip if you’re staying in the capital city. It’s the perfect place for a family day spent outdoors, and there is plenty to do for families with children of all ages.
See the spectacular cascades at Amicalola Falls State Park, which is withing the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and is just a short walk from the famed Appalachian Trail. Here you can find the largest waterfall in the state of Georgia. Amicalola Falls is the Cherokee name for “Tumbling Waters” and it stretches a whopping 729 feet in height! Go for a swim below the falls or have a yummy picnic lunch as you watch the stunning cascades flow and tumble in the background.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is known as a waterfall-filled place, with plenty of other waterfalls you can visit as well. These include the picturesque cascades of Anna Ruby Falls, Tallulah Falls, and Toccoa Falls.
Aside from chasing waterfalls, you can find a plethora of other activities to enjoy in the park. Rent kayaks to float down the scenic Chattahoochee River. Go fly-fishing with a guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the forest along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway, which is particularly beautiful during the fall months when the leaves are changing colors.
Hiking is one of the most popular, family-friendly activities in the forest, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails to choose from. Opt for hiking trails which lead to wildflower fields, cascading waterfalls, river views, and summit peaks. For an easy, kid-friendly hike, opt for the Brasstown Bald Trail, which is 1.1 miles round-trip. It’s got a stellar view at the top, and if you don’t want to walk, there’s a shuttle which goes to the peak, so you can enjoy the view either way. For another kid-friendly hike, head down the Helton Creek Falls Trail, which is just 0.6 miles round-trip. This trail leads through the forest and eventually reaches the falls. There’s a little pool at the end of the falls, so be sure to bring your bathing suit along for a refreshing swim on a hot day! Kids will love the Toccoa Swinging Bridge Hike, which is an easy 0.8 mile round-trip. Here you can discover the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River, with many scenic viewpoints and stops along the way.
If you’re a nature lover, a visit to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is by far one of the best things to do in Georgia with kids. You won’t want to miss out on a fun day spent in nature here!
Learn about Georgia’s fascinating history
As one of the 13 original colonies, Georgia is home to a fascinating and rich history. Learn about the state’s journey, from the settlement days, through the Civil War, and beyond. See old buildings and historic landmarks scattered throughout the state. Delving into the rich history here is one of the best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you’ll be in Atlanta, don’t miss out on a visit to the top-rated National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Here, you can learn all about the history of the civil rights movement in the USA, as well as the movement of human rights throughout the world. Browse the interactive exhibits, watch videos, and explore numerous stories of human rights throughout history. It’s a great option for families with older children or teenagers, as they will be able to read and follow along on this important subject.
Additionally, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site while you’re in Atlanta. This enormous site spans over 35 acres and includes numerous sites related to the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. This historic site is free to enter, and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits. Browse the museum, where you can learn all about the life and endeavors of the legendary human rights activist, and then explore the various outdoor plaques and monuments.
Head over to the Atlanta History Center to browse over 33-acres of exhibits, gardens, and historic houses. There are interactive activities for kids to explore here, as well as numerous exhibitions and collections for visitors of all ages to browse. The center was founded in the 1920s with the intention to preserve the history of Atlanta. It’s the place to go if you want to learn all about the state’s history. It’s one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Georgia if you want your kids to learn about the history of the state.
Sharing the fun is caring at Malibu Norcross
Will you be traveling to Georgia with kids? Want to give your kids an unforgettable, fun-filled day they’ll never forget? If you answered yes, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the wildly entertaining Malibu Norcross. It’s the top-rated family fun center in the Atlanta area, filled with games, rides, and attractions that are sure to put a smile on your kid’s face. Surprise your kids by bringing them to one of the most fun places to go in Georgia.
At Malibu Norcross, you’ll have a variety of entertainment and attractions to choose from. Make a splash on the 3-level water play area, race around on go-karts, putt around on the two 18-hole miniature golf courses, practice your aim in the batting cages, or discover the 70+ video games in the state-of-the-art game room. The opportunities for fun and laughs are endless.
If you’ll be visiting during the summer months, bring your bathing suits along for the adventure so that you can make a splash at Buccaneer Cove, the park’s super-sized water play area. Kids and adults can discover a variety of water activities here. Shoot down slippery slides, splash down wet tunnels, get sprayed, and stand under the enormous splash bucket. Bump and soak each other as you cruise around on the Bumper Boats. There are over 1,000 feet of water slides to discover here, as well as a whole world of aquatic-themed fun to get lost in. If you want to spend your day here relaxing and working on your tan, you can sit back in a sun lounger or rent a private cabana for the day.
Challenge your family members to a race around the go-kart track. The adrenaline-pumping activity is perfect for families with kids, offering a safe and exciting place to drive around. Race around hairpin turns and speed down straightaways. There’s not a better place in Atlanta to satisfy your inner speed freak!
Are you ready for some family putt putt adventures? Play miniature golf at the park’s two themed 18-hole courses. It’s the perfect activity for families with kids of all ages. Practice your aim and root each other on as you make a hole in one!
Additionally, while you’re at Malibu Norcross, you can practice your aim at the Batting Cages and have a wild time in the Game Room. The Game Room offers a variety of arcade and video games, from nostalgic classics, to the most recent video game releases. Win points as you play to collect prizes from the redemption center!
The fun never ends at Malibu Norcross, and there’s not a better way to put a smile on your kid’s faces during your Georgia vacation. Spend a day creating fun memories, and sharing positive moments alongside your family. Let your kids be kids while you satisfy your own inner child with the games, fun, and adventures that await you at Malibu Norcross.
