On the weekends and on holidays, Atlanta families are always looking for ways to spend more time outside of their Atlanta real estate. Luckily for you, the great state of Georgia has many outdoor adventures to offer. Whether you want a leisurely stroll through a garden, a water-based voyage or an aerial view of the scenery, one of these top 10 outdoor attractions is sure to appeal to you.
- Stone Mountain Park: More than 3,000 acres of natural beauty complete with a variety of fun, family activates await at Stone Mountain Park. Take a trek in the sky with SkyHike, one of the nation’s largest adventure courses; explore a gushing geyser at Geyser Tower; climb aboard a full-size 1940s locomotive for an excursion around the mountain or take the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain for views spanning up to 60 miles. If you’re looking to connect with nature, you can enjoy a hike up the mountain, 15 miles of wooded trails, fishing on a 360-acre lake, two golf courses or spend the night under the stars at Georgia’s largest campground. Stone Mountain Park is also home to the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision®. Guests are encouraged to purchase Attraction Passes in advance as daily capacity is limited.
- Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife lovers of all ages will enjoy a trip to the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, Ga. Located just two-and-a-half miles east of Stone Mountain, this outdoor attraction gets you up close and personal with tons of wildlife. In 2018, the sanctuary was bought and given a major update to accommodate the many resident animals, including bears, lemurs, bison, wallabies, servals and tortoises. Due to COVID-19, only visitors with pre-paid tickets are admitted. Tickets can be purchased here ahead of time.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: Located adjacent to Piedmont Park is the 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown. Visitors to the garden will find plenty to see and do all year long with several varieties of gardens, a canopy walk, conservation centers, seasonal exhibits and events, educational classes and much more. Hours of operation vary by season, and tickets start at $22.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages three to 12 and free for garden members or children under the age of three.
- Six Flags Over Georgia: Thrill-seekers will delight in riding Six Flags Over Georgia’s 8 heart-pounding roller coasters, including the hyper-coaster Goliath, which is ranked as one of the top roller coasters in the world. Other rides and attractions include ThunderRiver, a wild rafting adventure; Blue Hawk, a roller coaster that honors our nation’s heroes with a special Military theme throughout and several interactive children’s areas. The park, located on I-20 west of Atlanta in Austell, is open seasonally, so be sure to check the website for details.
- Six Flags White Water: Beat the heat at the Southeast’s largest water park located on Cobb Parkway in Marietta, where the whole family can make a splash! Water-based attractions include the Tornado, a giant, funnel-shaped thrill ride that plummets guests down a 132-foot tunnel; Atlanta’s only ocean, the Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool; the Little Hooch lazy river and a six-lane 100-Meter splash racing slide. In 2022, look forward to a new water slide, Python Plunge, a striking five-story slide with multiple swirling discs and adrenaline-pumping drops.
- Callaway Gardens: Located an hour southwest of Atlanta is Georgia’s 6,500 square foot resort complex in Pine Mountain, Ga. Originally conceived in 1930 as a way to promote and protect native azalea species, Callaway Gardens first opened its doors in 1952 as the Ida Carson Gardens. Today, visitors can enjoy the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, over ten miles of walking and biking trails, Robin Lake Beach, two golf courses, the treetop adventure and zip lines, the overlook azalea garden, Callaway brothers azalea bowl, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel and seasonal events. Learn more about visiting and staying at Callaway Gardens by visiting here.
- Wild Animal Safari: In Pine Mountain, Ga., you can also explore your wild side with a safari featuring more than 65 different species and more than 650 animals. Whether you choose to take on the wild from the comfort of your own car or from the complimentary bus tour, you’ll get your fill of lions, tigers and bears. Enjoy the Walkabout Adventure Zoo and come face-to-face with up to 150 different species of animals that live here. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the gate.
- Piedmont Park: Beginning as a forest, then a farm, a fairground, a suburban park and finally the urban park that is today, Piedmont Park has continuously evolved since 1822. The park now boasts many attractions to entice every age, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a Noguchi Playscape, dog parks, aquatic center and pool and many walking paths. During the months of March through November, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a Green Market, which is one of the top five farmer’s markets in Atlanta.
- Chattahoochee Outfitters Shoot the Hooch: If a water-based adventure is what you’re after, you’ll want to shoot the hooch in Roswell, Ga. at Azalea Park. Take a fun, relaxing trip down the Chattahoochee River by raft, tube, canoe or kayak seven days a week. The shuttle for the trip begins at Paces Mill which will then take you to Powers Island and you will float back to the beginning location back at Paces Mill. Book rentals early to receive a rain check in case of weather issues.
- Historic Banning Mills: Located at the Banning Mills Resort in Carrollton is the world’s largest and longest zip line canopy tour with five different tour options. Also located on the property are a ropes course, 14-story climbing wall, aerial adventure challenge park, power-free fall from a 150-foot high tower, horseback riding trails, kayaking adventures, RV camping, a bed and breakfast with a spa and several dining options. Book online to experience all the adventures available here.
No matter what season it is, Georgia offers Atlanta residents a variety of outdoor attractions right in their own backyard. So, get out there and start exploring!
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