Travel Guide: Great Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Georgia

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Is your family planning a visit to the state of Georgia? Are you looking for an easy day trip or weekend getaway? Georgia offers everything from Bavarian towns to beaches where you will feel like you are alone on the planet (and everything in-between). We’ve gathered all our Georgia adventures in one convenient spot, to help you decide which destination is right for your family. 

guide to travel georgia

Georgia is split into three regions with distinct characteristics. The North Georgia Mountain Region offers hiking, camping, state parks, and mountain towns like Helen, Georgia. The Piedmont Region is home to Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs, perfect for a weekend trip because of the number of exciting things to do! Lastly, the Coastal Plains Region offers beautiful beaches and rivers to explore, including areas such as Augusta, Savannah, and Jekyll Island. We have gathered reviews of many of these places below!

This article includes travel destinations in:
Northern Georgia Mountains Region
Piedmont Region of Georgia
Coastal Plains Region of Georgia

Northern Georgia Mountains

Traveling to the North Georgia Mountains? The mountainous region of Northern Georgia offers some stellar hiking, river tubing, camping, waterfalls, and more! Here are some fabulous mountain towns to visit complete with suggestions on things to do, where to eat, and even places to stay.

Blairsville, GA

If you are interested in exploring true Georgia culture, then Blairsville is the place to visit. With farms to explore and resorts to relax at, there is something for everyone. Check out our Guide to Blairsville, GA which includes:

  • Shady Rest Rental Home
  • The Ridges Resort
  • Paradise Hills Winery, Resort & Spa
  • Trackrock Stables
  • Trackrock Petroglyphs
  • Lasso The Moon Alpaca Farm
  • Meeks Park
  • Grandaddy Mimm’s Moonshine Distillery
  • Places to eat in Blairsville

Helen, GA

This Bavarian-style town has everything from river tubing, authentic German food, and Oktoberfest celebrations to amazing state parks and historical places to visit. Our Guide to Helen, GA  includes information on:

Tallulah Gorge State Park

If you are seeking an adventure in Georgia that will spark awe, then Tallulah Gorge State Park is a bucket list destination. Only a 90-minute drive from Greenville, this state park offers 20 miles of hiking, spectacular waterfalls, and more! Check out our review of Tallulah Gorge State Park to find all the details on making this a perfect day trip.

Hurricane Falls at Tallulah Gorge

The Piedmont Region of Georgia

Downtown Atlanta 
Atlanta has so much to offer, that it would take more than a day to see everything. Downtown Atlanta is fairly compact, so some of the places are only a short drive or are within walking distance of one another, and totally worth it! The experiences Atlanta offers are epic and memory-making! Use the links below to view our reviews of popular things to do in the Downtown Atlanta area:

13+ Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids

Georgia Aquarium

Decatur, GA

Decatur is located in the heart of Atlanta. Nestled away amongst the sky towering buildings and bustle of the big city, your find flourishing trees, a thriving art scene, and even a nature preserve! Discover all the things to do in Decatur, GA in our guide, including:

  • Your Dekalb Farmers Market
  • Secret Doors Decatur
  • Decatur Toy Park
  • Waffle House Museum
  • My Parents Basement
  • Fernbank Forest and Rec Center
  • Clyde Shepard Nature Preserve
  • Lullwater Park
  • Woodlands Garden Of Decatur
  • Mason Mill Park
  • Decatur Square
  • Places to eat in Decatur

Dunwoody, GA

Not only does this Northern suburb of Atlanta have an amazing zoo (with adorable Pandas!), Dunwoody, GA is full of things to do! View our Guide to Dunwoody, GA to find more information on attractions like:

  • The Perimeter Center Marriott 
  • Zoo Atlanta
  • Brook Run Park 
  • Dunwoody Park & Nature Center
  • Painting With A Twist – Dunwoody
  • Places to eat in Dunwoody
  • Seasonal Events

Alpharetta, GA

A popular suburb of Atlanta, GA, Alpharetta has a lot to offer! Check out our Guide to Alpharetta, GA which includes reviews of the following:

  • Embassy Suites By Hilton Atlanta Alpharetta
  • Big Creek Greenway
  • Painting With A Twist – Alpharetta
  • Odyssey Escape Game
  • Publix Cooking School
  • Places to eat in Alpharetta
  • Seasonal Events

Cartersville-Bartow, GA

This gem of an area has two Smithsonian-affiliated museums, both of which you need to visit during your trip! There is also a charming downtown, a super fun entertainment complex, a wake board and aqua park, a historic Indian Mound site, and beautiful state parks. Check out our full review of Cartersville-Bartow, GA and be sure to visit these sites:

  • Red Top Mountain Park
  • Terminus Wake Park
  • LakePoint Station
  • Tellus Science Museum
  • Booth Museum of Western Art
  • Downtown Cartersville
  • Petit Farms
  • First Coca-Cola outdoor wall painted sign

Newnan-Coweta, GA

Step back in time in Newnan’s old town square, peruse local small businesses, shop for clothes and unique handmade goods, visit Senoia, where “The Walking Dead” and many other films were shot, check out the cute Senoia Farmers Market, and hike at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Read our full review of Newnan-Coweta, GA to start planning your family’s trip and be sure to see these places:

  • Newnan’s town square
  • Chattahoochee Bend State Park
  • Senoia Farmers Market
  • Downtown Senoia
  • C.J Smith Park (it has a big skate park + playground)

Athens, GA

Technically a satellite to Atlanta, Athens is absolutely worth the drive! Hometown to the University of Georgia, this family-friendly city-county has an expansive botanical garden, delicious food, and a native wildlife zoo! Check out our review of Athens, Georgia, including:

  • State Botanical Garden of Georgia
  • Georgia Museum of Art
  • Bear Hollow Zoo & Memorial Park
  • World of Wonder Playground
  • Sandy Creek Park
  • The Rook and Pawn
  • Mama’s Boy
  • Vampire Penguin
Exploring the Georgia Botanical Gardens

Cobb County

Cobb County is home to one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, Six Flags Over Georgia! If you are headed to Six Flags Over Georgia, check out our review, which includes information on:

  • Parking
  • Food 
  • Rides

On Location: The Netflix Show Stranger Things

Coastal Region of Georgia

The Coastal Plains of Georgia are a site to see. The natural wildlife, river systems, sandy beaches with unique features, and rich history of the coast offer something for everyone.

Savannah River Area

The Savannah River Area is located in the northern part of the Coastal Plains bordering South Carolina, so it is rather inland from the coast. However, this area is rich in culture and history so it is definitely worth the 2-hour drive. Check out our Guide to Central Savannah River Area, which includes:

  • Things to do in Augusta
  • Things to do in Aiken
Kids exploring North Augusta

Jekyll Island

If you are looking for an otherworldly experience on the coast, then Jekyll Island is the place. Check out our review of Jekyll Island, which is loaded with things to do and helpful advice on where to stay and places to eat, including:

  • Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island
  • Camping on Jekyll Island
  • Georgia Sea Turtle Center
  • Beaches
  • Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum
  • Where to eat on Jekyll Island

Where in Georgia should we cover next for our readers? Let Us know in the comments.

parks with swings
About the Author
How does Kidding Around® bring readers high-quality and up-to-date content month after month and season after season? We have a dedicated team of writers and editors who regularly update our fabulous content to keep it current and relevant for our readers. This team combs lists of events, heads out into the community to experience new Upstate offerings, and communicates with local businesses. Many of our updated articles and event lists, like this one, reflect the contributions and hard work of multiple Kidding Around® team members.

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