Stone Mountain Park
Head to Stone Mountain Park for a refreshing day outdoors, a dip into history and a lesson in geology. The site is the largest tourist attraction in Georgia. Stone Mountain is a quartz outcropping into which is carved the biggest bas-relief sculpture in the world. The carving features leaders of the Confederacy. Stone Mountain is rich in American history, from Native Americans to the Civil War.
You can hike to the top of the mountain or on its surrounding trails, enjoy a scenic railroad ride, opt for dinner at a country diner, and go boating or golfing. Seasonal activities include ropes courses in the summer, a pumpkin festival in the fall and sledding through artificial snow in the winter. If it's too much for just one day, overnight camping is available, but make your reservations far in advance.
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 498-5690
stonemountainpark.com
Lake Lanier
When Georgia's Southern heat starts to be too much, Lake Lanier makes the perfect day trip to cool you down. Whether you just want a simple dip in the water or choose to rent a boat for the afternoon, Lake Lanier has you covered. You will find picnic tables, a golf course, camp grounds, horseback riding and a relaxing spa.
Lake Lanier
7000 Holiday Road
Lake Lanier Islands, GA 30518
(770) 945-8787
lakelanierislands.com
Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you're interested in plants and wildlife, don't pass through Atlanta without a visit to Atlanta Botanical Garden. Spend some time browsing over 30 acres of plant life. The botanical garden is made up of several smaller themed gardens, from a rose garden to areas replicating a rain forest or a desert. You can also experience the conservatory that's filled with birds, turtles and frogs.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 876-5859
atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta boasts the largest aquarium in the world. You can easily spend all day exploring each of the 60-plus exhibits. Everything from the fish to the architecture of the building will grab your attention. The creative presentations and pathways make learning fun for both children and adults. The tropical fish and jellyfish will delight you with their colors and the Beluga whales will entertain with their playful "dance moves" in the water. And watch out for sharks.
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 581-4000
georgiaaquarium.org
Zoo Atlanta
This 40-acre zoo is famous for its panda exhibit. In 2009, Zoo Atlanta had two adult pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, and two panda cubs, Mei Lan and Xi Lan. The zoo also displays 250 other animal species from around the world, from gorillas to tigers to rhinos.
Zoo Atlanta provides an educational experience where you will not only see different kinds of animals, but also learn about being respectful caregivers and stewards to all the creatures with which we share the planet.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave. SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 624-9453
zooatlanta.org
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Stop by Fernbank Museum on the Emory University campus to view ancient fossils and learn more about the dinosaurs that used to roam Earth. Take some time to sit back for a thrilling scientific presentation at the museum's IMAX theater. Fernbank works hard to make science interactive, so bring along your children for experiences they will want to share in school.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 929-6300
fernbankmuseum.org
