Summertime is right around the corner and many people are planning to take vacations during the next few months. If you’re a parent of school-aged children, you are probably also seeking out ways to keep the kids entertained during the hot summer days.
In Georgia, we’re fortunate to have plenty of fantastic, family-friendly vacation options that are all within driving distance. Whether you’re interested in taking a day trip or a long weekend, there is something for everyone.
Here are five fun and educational destinations the entire family will enjoy:
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Who doesn’t love a train ride? The three-hour round trip from Blue Ridge to McCaysville on the Georgia/Tennessee line is the perfect day trip for kids of all ages. The full journey is 26 miles and the train reaches a top speed of ten miles per hour following the course of the Toccoa River along the way. There is even an open air car for the best views of the beautiful scenery, and the conductors keep you entertained and informed along the way with in-car speakers.
Click here to learn more.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
This popular attraction in Atlanta features the history of the famed civil rights leader, including his boyhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The King Center displays information and artifacts from and about Dr. King’s life.
Click here to learn more.
Georgia Aquarium
With over 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater exhibits, Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere and features over 10 thousand aquatic animals from about 500 species. Georgia Aquarium offers several special exhibits including Ocean Voyager, Georgia Explorer, River Scout, Cold Water Quest, Dolphin Tales, and Tropical Diver, along with special events like Military Salute on Memorial Day and Sleep Under the Sea.
Click here to learn more.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia is a large amusement park with something for every adventurous spirit, from thrilling roller coasters to family and kids rides and the Hurricane Harbor waterpark (a great way to beat the summer heat, right?). The park sponsors many special events and offers various visit packages. One cool feature is the Flash Pass that allows you to hold your place in line at popular rides so you can enjoy other attractions and get an alert when it’s your turn to ride!
Click here to learn more.
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain is a fascinating geologic formation – a large dome of rock (the largest granite outcropping in the world) with an elevation of 1686 above sea level and over 800 feet above its surrounding area. It is also a place of cultural and historic interest. The mountain summit is reachable by a walking trail and aerial tram. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of downtown Atlanta to the west and, on clear days, Kennesaw Mountain and the Appalachian Mountains.
On the north face of the mountain is the largest bas-relief carving in the world, depicting three figures of the Confederacy – Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, on their trusty steeds. Around Stone Mountain you’ll find Confederate Hall, offering educational presentations about the geology and history of the Stone Mountain and The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, which is a museum depicting plantation life in pre-Civil War Georgia.
Click here to learn more.
Of course, there are many other attractions in the area that are great for day trips or vacations. Where are your favorite places to travel in the North Georgia area?