Kangaroo Conservation Center
At the Kangaroo Conservation Center, you can see the largest concentration of kangaroos outside their native Australia. Unlike a typical zoo setting where the animals are caged, the kangaroos at the Conservation Center are allowed to roam freely. There are exhibits on-site featuring native Australian birds and lizards, as well as numerous nature trails around the property. A KangaRanger Tram provides a 30-minute guided tour around the park. Children must be 5 years of age or older for admittance.
Kangaroo Conservation Center
222 Bailey-Waters Road
Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-6100
kangaroocenter.com
Stars and Strikes
Stars and Strikes is a family fun center that provides arcade games and bowling. All of the lanes can be outfitted with bumpers to accommodate small bowlers. Laser tag and bumper cars are also available at the center. Pizza and drinks can be purchased at the snack bar.
Stars and Strikes
133 Merchant Square
Cumming, GA 30040
678-965-5707
cumming.starsandstrikes.com
Uncle Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Uncle Shucks Corn Maze features 12 acres of corn fields with over four miles of maze that take you along a series of twists, turns and dead-ends. Due to a number of checkpoints throughout the maze, visitors can exit at any point. A haunted maze is available on select days during the month of October. A hay ride takes visitors along the Etowah River. During pumpkin season, children can choose a pumpkin from the extensive pumpkin patch.
Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze
4525 Highway 53 E.
Dawsonville, GA 30534
888-674-8257
uncleshucks.com
Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park offers short hiking trails, perfect for kids, as well as swimming. Wildlife can sometimes be spotted at the park, in addition to a variety of birds. Interpretative programs led by park rangers and featuring local wildlife are available. Picnic tables are located in the park.
Amicalola Falls State Park
240 Amicalola State Park Road
Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-4703
gastateparks.org
Tailwater Tubing
Tailwater Tubing rents tubes, canoes and rafts for a relaxing float down the Chattahoochee River. All customers are required to wear life vests, which may be rented on-site and are available in children's sizes. The rental site is located on the southern end of Lake Sidney Lanier. Visitors carry their chosen water craft a short distance to launch near the Buford Dam. All rental fees for child-accessible watercraft are per day.
Tailwater Tubing
1860 Buford Hwy.
Cumming, GA 30041
770-887-6972
Article Written By Gail Logan
Gail Logan is a magazine editor and freelance writer based in Atlanta, AL. She received her B.A. in Journalism from Patrick Henry College. For the past four years, she has written home design, travel and food features for national magazines, including "Coastal Living," "Texas Home and Living," "Log Home Design," and "Country's Best Log Homes." When not writing, she mentors inner-city children.
