Things to do with kids in North Georgia
Situated just an easy hour and a half drive north of Atlanta, the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains feel like a totally different world. The hustle and bustle of city life slowly fade away and give way to winding roads and picturesque mountain views.
Though the Blue Ridge Mountains are certainly a romantic destination for a couple’s getaway, the area is also very family-friendly and great for kids! The small mountain towns offer plenty of room to spread out and plenty of spacious cabins that can accommodate the whole family.
There’s family fun for everyone in the North Georgia Mountains—check out a few of our favorite activities that are great for guests of any age!
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
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This historic attraction is a ‘must do’ in Blue Ridge that kids will love. Vintage railroad cars from all over the US—each with a plaque on the history of the car—takes visitors through the scenic train ride through the Appalachian foothills on a relaxing one-hour trip. The route runs from Blue Ridge, along the beautiful Toccoa River, to Copperhill, Tennessee—where a traveler can simultaneously have one foot in Tennessee and the other in Georgia. There is a two-hour layover for shopping or lunch and then the scenic return to the historic depot in Blue Ridge. Kids love the open trains, but there are also enclosed and temperature-controlled Premier Coaches for those preferring a bit of luxury.
Learn more at https://brscenic.com/.
AppalachianTrail Rides
Just minutes from Blue Ridge in Mineral Bluff are the family-owned Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables. They offer one or two-hour and private or group trail rides, as well as a trail ride and barbecue dinner package. The terrain is varied and scenic winding past streams, and pastures. Visitors love the gorgeous property and the calm and friendly horses. Rides are suitable for the expert or the novice rider, though children must be six and older. If you’ve got little ones, don’t fret; there are also pony rides for little buckaroos 5 and under.
Learn more at http://appalachiantrailrides.com/.
Family Hike on the Appalachian Trail
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Novice hikers can experience a taste of the Appalachian Trail on a beautiful one-mile hike along the Noontootla Creek to the truly impressive Long Creek Falls. Receive a trail map at the Fannin County Welcome Center and take a self-guided hike to the falls. This is one of many self-guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail, but a great introduction for families and children.
Visit https://appalachiantrail.org/ for more information.
Corn Maze in Dawsonville
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An annual tradition for many, the corn maze in Dawsonville is the perfect activity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. This interactive attraction features a 13-acre corn maze, which is completely new and different every year! In addition, the farm offers a kid-friendly jumping pad and kiddy maze, a towering goat walk where kids can get an up close and personal with other kids (aka baby goats), an impressive pumpkin patch, and hayrides—among other seasonal additions. The fall is a particularly popular season with the addition of the annual Haunted Trail and Halloween decor—a favorite for families that enjoy a spook!
Learn more at https://www.uncleshucks.com/.
Summer Fun On The Water
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Though many might associate the mountains with snow and hiking trails (which are both true!), the mountains are actually a fantastic place for water fun during the summer months. The mountains are lush with rivers and lakes that provide ideal spots for a myriad of activities.
Lakes are a better fit for young children, with calm water and limited room to wander off. Try kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or fishing on a lake for a relaxing day of fun on the water.
For a more adventurous crowd, a trip to a mountain river might be in order. Activities like fly fishing, kayaking, cool river tubing, and even whitewater rafting are popular on area rivers.
Visit our guide on kayaking in North Georgia to get started.
Trout Fishing
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A fishing rod, some bait, and a little bit (ok, sometimes a lot…) of patience are all you need for a successful mountain fishing trip. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer plenty of pristine rivers and lakes that are chock full of fresh fish, many of which are safe and quite tasty to eat. Mountain trout is by far the most popular target and they are abundant in many areas of the mountains. Check out the Toccoa River, Horseshoe Bend Park, and Cooper’s Creek as a starting point.
For more information, check out our quick guide to North Georgia fishing.
Family Bowling Night
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Why not add in a little friendly competition to the family vacation? Whether you are seeking reprieve from the chilly winter temperatures or you get stuck with a rare rainy mountain afternoon, the Fannin Lanes Bowling Alley is just what the doctor ordered. This full-service bowling alley features twelve individual lanes in addition to arcade games and an on-site restaurant with snacks and beverages. What could be more fun than a family game night?
Learn more at http://bowlfanninlanes.com/.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
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Photo Credit: Matt Malone via Flickr CC2.0
Did you know? There are more than 100 waterfalls in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, which provide ample opportunity for you to enjoy the great outdoors and snag a few pretty sweet selfies. Popular destinations include Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, and Amicalola Falls—to name just a few. Some falls are buried deep in the mountain forest and are best suited for adventure-savvy families, while others are easily accessible via a short and easy hike.
Check out this guide to North Georgia waterfalls for more information.
Visit Huck’s, General Store
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If mountain souvenirs are what you’re seeking, Huck’s General Store delivers that and so much more. Located in the heart of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this expansive general store is an annual tradition for many—and it’s not hard to figure out why. Huck’s carries everything from mountain apparel, books, and nostalgic candy housed in large barrels to hand-made local items, board games and puzzles, tons of toys for kids, and even ice cream to help you cool off on a warm summer day. The friendly, knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find the perfect gift for your Blue Ridge adventure!
Visit http://www.hucksgeneralstore.com/ for more information.
Mercier Orchards
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The more, the merrier at Mercier Orchards! This festive local attraction has been in the mountains for over 75 years and is a great outdoor activity for groups and families. Stock up on tasty souvenirs or supplies to make your own tasty treat at the “U-Pick” area, where you pick as many apples as you can carry. If you prefer to let others do the work, check out the on-site cafe or the orchard winery, which serves several varieties of hard apple cider.
Learn more at https://www.mercier-orchards.com/.
Lilly Pad Village
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Despite what the name suggests, Lilly Pad Village is neither a water park nor a frog conservatory. Rather, it’s a true hidden gem… for gem mining! Located in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, Lilly Pad Village is packed with family fun and adventure. The tranquil and serene facilities offer gem panning, lake fishing, and mini-golf, in addition to nature trails and a picnic area. Try your hand at catching locally sourced catfish and bass or pan for a unique souvenir like quartz or amethyst. Lilly Pad Village is a totally unique destination for kids and unlike anything else in the Blue Ridge!
Visit https://www.lillypadvillage.com/ for more info.
Morganton Point Recreation Area
Nestled deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest along the scenic shores of Lake Blue Ridge lies the Morganton Point Recreation Area, an expansive outdoor playground. The lake offers placid waters for secluded swimming and activities like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, boating, fishing, and more. Visitors can also enjoy the free picnic tables, community grills and fire pits, hiking trails, and public restrooms. Morganton Point also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Visit the Morganton Point Recreation website for more information.
Ocoee Whitewater Center
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Conveniently located just 30-minutes north in Copperhill, Tennessee, Ocoee Whitewater Center was originally constructed in 1996 to host the Olympic canoe and kayak slalom competitions. Since then, the facilities have evolved into some of the best whitewater rafting in the world and expanded to include hiking, biking, calm water play areas, picnicking, educational programs, and more. The whitewater center is open seasonally from April through October.
Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/ for more information.
Hike the Swinging Bridge
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Outdoor enthusiasts will definitely want to add the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge to their Blue Ridge bucket list. Or, if you prefer, there is a gravel road that will bring you pretty close to the bridge, though a short walk is still required.
A bit secluded, the famous bridge is accessible to hikers via the Benton MacKaye Trail or for river paddlers via the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. The bridge itself is 270-feet long and is the longest bridge of its type east of the Mississippi River. A trip to the bridge is a great way to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and is particularly enjoyable in the fall when the foliage is at its finest.
Zipline Canopy Tour
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Are you looking for a fun way to appease the adventure seekers in your family? If so, ziplining is calling your name! Soar through the mountain canopy and feel the cool mountain air as you glide along the zipline track. Experiences vary by location and activities; some companies offer pure ziplining while others offer more of an immersive obstacle course experience. And don’t worry if you’ve never ziplined before—this exciting activity is great for beginners!
If you’re not sure where to get started, check out this handy guide to ziplining in North Georgia.
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There are so many fun things to do in North Georgia with kids—it’s not hard to see why the Blue Ridge mountains are a top destination for families! The mountains are calling your name, what are you waiting for?