Especially during the months of summer vacation and even on weekends throughout the year, it can be a challenge to find kid-friendly things to do. However, there’s a tremendous benefit to interrupting the screen time of little ones to have real-world experiences that are fun, educational, and interactive. Here are some of the best activities to do in Georgia if you’re looking for cheap entertainment for kids!
Bear Hollow Zoo - Athens
What Is It? Although many kids love visiting animals and learning about how they live, zoos tend to cost a pretty penny. One exception is the Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, which offers free admission for both kids and adults.
Why Do It? A variety of Georgia wildlife animals live here that are physically or emotionally challenged and are unable to fend for themselves in the wild.
Good to Know: Animals include black bears, a bald eagle, wild turkeys, an American alligator, and many others. You can also hike with your kids on the 1.25 Birchmore Trail in Memorial Park and bring your leashed dog along too.
Go River Tubing - Helen
What Is It? On a hot day in Georgia, there’s no better way to cool off with kids than river-tubing.
Why Do It? The Chattahoochee River flows through the heart of Bavarian-themed Helen, and the rapids are gentle enough to classify this stretch of natural waters as a fantastic lazy river. Toward the end of your journey, there’s a thrilling dip or two—just sit snug in your tube and enjoy the mountainous surroundings.
Good to Know: The big local guide company here is Cool River Tubing, which runs Chattahoochee River trips from Helen.
Explore the Museum of Aviation - Warner Robins
What Is It? Another great free place to visit in Georgia with kids is the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.
Why Do It? Located at 1942 Heritage Boulevard at Robins Air Force Base, you and your kids can take a self-guided tour. Along the way, you can see various types of aircraft on display and honor veterans for their service in the Air Force.
Good to Know: Make sure to check out the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in the museum’s Century of Flight Hangar.
Exercise and See Public Art at Atlanta Beltline - Atlanta
What Is It? The Beltline is one of the best parts of Atlanta because it provides residents and visitors with a safe and scenic place to get active in the outdoors.
Why Do It? A top attraction in Atlanta, it encompasses 22 miles of pedestrian-friendly rail transit and 33 miles of multi-use trails, also giving you and your kids access to over a thousand acres of parks. Take your pick of the Eastside Trail, Northside Trail, Southwest Connector Spur Trail, or the West End Trail depending on where you’re coming from and how much exercise your kids can handle.
Good to Know: Whether you’re on foot, bikes, or even rollerblades, this is an ideal way to experience the outdoors in an urban environment…for free!
Get Revved Up at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame - Dawsonville
What Is It? If your kids love cars, consider making a trip to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville.
Why Do It? They’ll learn about the history and heritage of the sport and get to pick up a keepsake souvenir to take back home.
Good to Know: You can experience the history from the beginning of stock car racing and its moonshining roots, right up to the 2020 Nascar Cup Champion, Chase Elliott.
All Aboard at the Georgia State Railroad Museum - Savannah
What Is It? Lots of kids are also into trains, and there’s an awesome railroad museum in Savannah to visit if you’re taking a family vacation in the area.
Why Do It? This is a National Historic Landmark at the old Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities, and it offers much more than just a museum.
Good to Know: Train rides are offered throughout the week, and a schedule of ride times can be found on the museum’s website.
Story Time at Little Shop of Stories - Decatur
What Is It? Storytime is a nightly ritual for many little ones, but there’s also a wonderful place in Decatur that celebrates early literacy in a fun and engaging way.
Why Do It? The Little Shop of Stories is an independent children’s bookstore that has regularly scheduled kids’ story hours. Check the shop’s website for event updates and to join a free storytime with your kids, host a birthday party here, or join a summer reading program.
Good to Know: You can also shop for books to take home with you and enjoy some family time later.
Listen to Bluegrass Music at the Woodbine Opry - Woodbine
What Is It? Georgia is a wonderful place to introduce your kids to different types of music and traditions.
Why Do It? The Woodbine Opry has lots of live music performances, including bluegrass and old country on weekend nights. The open mike jam session here features some of the best musicians in the Deep South.
Good to Know: The venue is located at the corner of Second Street and Camden Avenue in Woodbine. These are very low-key shows that are family-friendly and affordable.
