5 Outdoor Family Adventures in Georgia
My family enjoys a wide range of activities in Georgia’s diverse landscapes. We’ve taken one step at a time to discover and broaden our outdoor hobbies. Budding outdoor enthusiasts, like my young sons, need places that offer lots of options to make the most of an adventurous side while not breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed. These are some of my favorite places to start adventuring outdoors in Georgia.
The great outdoors play an important role in all of our visits to the shores of Jekyll Island. My family first discovered Jekyll when my son developed an interest in sea turtles. I planned a week vacation around a visit to The Georgia Sea Turtle Center for his birthday. We have returned several times having fallen in love with the beauty of the land, relaxed beaches and focus on nature. I love that we can camp out near the beach and head out to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. To get started on our Jekyll Island adventures, we abandon the car in favor of biking the trails, go on a sea turtle walk with the experts, and get hands-on with local animals at Tidelands Nature Center.
This laid-back park is the entrance to the largest blackwater swamp in North America and boasts some of the darkest night skies in the state. One of my sons’ favorite memories is touring the Okefenokee in a park boat. There are guided tours if you’re uncomfortable going it alone. This year, our visit will include an overnight stay to admire the spectacular view of stars, explore the Trembling Earth Nature Trail and learn more about the ecosystem. I haven’t decided if we’ll be camping or staying in one of the cottages. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is my number one recommendation for families who are really enthusiastic about outdoor recreation. I have been fortunate enough to attend several programs offered by Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, including an affordable three-day workshop just for women who came from all over the country. This is where I learned firearm safety, wilderness survival, fishing and animal tracking.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is a place we visit often to enjoy the mountain landscape while expanding our outdoor skills and hobbies. Unique recreation options inspire us to adventure without over-doing it and risking our sanity. Day hiking the gulch, mountain biking and disc golf can make camping a challenge. I balance our adventure at Cloudland by staying in a yurt. It’s like camping, only easier and more comfortable. I’m taking my sons backcountry camping this year, and Cloudland Canyon is where we’ll start.
Stone Mountain Park has done an amazing job of combining great entertainment, outdoor fun and nature. I’ve explored Stone Mountain Park for decades, and there is always something new. My sons enjoy attractions that weren’t available years ago, like completing the Sky Hike course and tubing Snow Mountain. In fact, that’s where we’re heading this weekend. I hope we can sneak in a hike to the top or a stroll around the base of the mountain. It’s a fun place to get excited about adventuring outdoors in Georgia.
