Here are some ideas for affordable, downright cheap, and even free family fun around Georgia. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor wanting to explore the state on a budget, these budget-friendly travel ideas are sure to provide entertainment and create lasting memories for the whole family.
1. The Rock Garden, Calhoun
Stroll among the folk art creations of volunteers at the Rock Garden in Calhoun. This unique attraction features wee-sized buildings resembling castles and cathedrals set amidst acres of flowers and greenery.
2. The Booth Museum, Cartersville
Giddyup to the Booth Museum in Cartersville, where kids and adults can immerse themselves in the world of cowboys and western art.
3. Downtown Dalton
High-five a farmer and learn about how he grows his awesome food in downtown Dalton.
4. Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, Summerville
Travel inside the mind of visionary folk artist Howard Finster at Paradise Garden in Summerville.
5. Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center, Rome
Learn about the wildlife native to the Etowah, Coosa, and Oostanaula River Basin at the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center.
6. Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
Immerse yourself in the history of Georgia’s Native Americans at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Cartersville.
7. Silver Comet Trail, Rockmart
Bike, skate, ride your horse, jog with your dog, or walk the 61.5-mile Silver Comet Trail from Atlanta to the Georgia/Alabama state line. Along the way, look for the Seven Landmarks on the Silver Comet Trail.
8. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Sway on a suspension bridge above the rocky canyon and hike to the waterfalls at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Plan your trip with the Guide to Tallulah Gorge State Park.
9. Don Carter State Park, Gainesville
Laze away a summer afternoon on the beach of Lake Lanier at Don Carter State Park.
10. Centennial Olympic Park
Cool off in the Fountain of Rings on a summer day or catch a free concert in the Olympic-sized green space of Centennial Olympic Park.
11. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
See where Dr. King was born, worked, worshipped, and is buried at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
12. Historic Oakland Cemetery
Learn about Atlanta’s past at the Historic Oakland Cemetery, a monument-filled final resting place.
13. Atlanta BeltLine
Walk, run, bike, and skip Atlanta’s in-town traffic on the Atlanta BeltLine, a former rail corridor transformed into a multi-use trail.
14. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Hike or drive up the mountain that was home to General Sherman’s Union Army in June 1864 at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
15. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn
Visit the largest Hindu temple outside of India, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, and admire the stunning Indian design and workmanship.
16. Atlanta CityPass
Save 45% off admission to five of Atlanta’s best attractions with the Atlanta CityPass. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and choose three more from Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
17. Georgia Museum of Art, Athens
Release your artistic talents during monthly Family Days at the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens.
18. State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens
Get dirty and learn about plants, wildlife, and the environment at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.
19. Skate Park of Athens
Channel your inner Tony Hawk at the state-of-the-art Skate Park of Athens.
20. Otis Redding Statue at Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Gateway Park, Macon
Enjoy a walk, jog, bike ride, canoeing, or fishing along the 11-mile Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. Don’t forget to take a picture with the historic (c.1685) live oak known as The Big Oak.
21. Ocmulgee National Historical Park, Macon
Immerse yourself in Georgia’s ancient history at the Ocmulgee National Historical Park in Macon.
22. Mistletoe State Park, Appling
Camp, picnic, bike, hike, swim, or fish at Mistletoe State Park, a top bass fishing spot.
23. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Jog, walk, or bike along the wide towpaths that were once used by mules to pull canal boats at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
24. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Hike through the swamp located near downtown Augusta at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.
25. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, Atlanta
Step into an exact replica of the Oval Office and experience a day in the life of the president at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum.
26. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Plains
Get schooled on the life of our 39th President at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains.
27. Andersonville National Historic Site
Learn history firsthand at the Andersonville National Historic Site, infamous for being a Civil War military prison.
28. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center, Columbus
Trace infantry history from colonial times to the present at the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus.
29. Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins
See more than 85 historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles, cockpits, and award-winning exhibits at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. Don’t forget to experience the Virtual Reality Simulator.
30. Jesup Drive-In
Watch the latest releases under the stars at one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, the Jesup Drive-In.
31. Splash in the Boro Family Water Park & Aquatic Center, Statesboro
Dive in and have a blast at the family water park and aquatic center, Splash in the Boro, in Statesboro.
32. Kolomoki Mounds State Park, Blakely
Explore the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the Southeastern U.S. at Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely.
33. Chehaw Park, Albany
Roam among rhinos, cheetahs, and lemurs at Chehaw Park, a zoo designed by Wild Kingdom’s Jim Fowler.
34. Ray Charles Plaza, Albany
Sing along to Ray Charles’ hits as you admire his life-sized statue at the Ray Charles Plaza in Albany.
35. The Big Oak and Big Oak Cam, Thomasville
Strike a pose by the historic (c.1685) live oak known as The Big Oak and capture the moment on the Big Oak Cam.
36. Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta
Experience the entertainment trifecta at Wild Adventures Theme Park, an amusement park, animal park, and water park all-in-one.
37. Vidalia Onion Museum
Discover the story behind the Vidalia Sweet Onion and meet Yumion, the colorful mascot, at the Vidalia Onion Museum.
38. Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross
Glide through the lily-laden waterways of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge at the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross.
39. Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum
Climb the 178 stairs of Georgia’s oldest (c.1732) and most intact lighthouse, the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
40. Douglas County Film Trail
Take a self-guided tour of locations you’ve seen in your favorite film and TV shows, including The Hunger Games, The Walking Dead, The Haves and Have Nots, and Stranger Things.
41. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, National Historic Landmark, Savannah
Learn about the fascinating, artistic, and forward-thinking founder of the Girl Scouts at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah.
42. Forsyth Park, Savannah
Spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the iconic Forsyth Park in Savannah, with its beautiful white fountain.
43. Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah
Wander beneath the massive moss-draped live oaks in the 200-year-old Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.
44. Old Fort Jackson, Savannah
Defend the city from the state’s oldest standing brick fortification (c. 1808) at Old Fort Jackson in Savannah.
45. Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, St. Marys
Learn about the timeline and people of Cumberland Island, including Native Americans, African Americans, the Staffords, and the Carnegie family at the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.
46. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island
Marvel at the mystery and tenacity of these ancient creatures at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island.
47. Altamaha Coastal Tours, Darien
Access the magic of the Georgia shore in a sea kayak or canoe with Altamaha Coastal Tours.
48. Geechee Kunda Cultural Arts Center & Museum, Riceboro
Immerse yourself in Geechee culture at the living museum, Geechee Kunda Cultural Arts Center & Museum, in Riceboro.
49. Walking Tours Savannah
Venture into the haunted past of Savannah on a walking tour and discover the mysteries of this fascinating city.
50. Geocaching in Georgia State Parks
Hunt for hidden treasure using your brain, tech-savvy skills, and a GPS or smartphone at various Georgia State Parks.
FAQs
Q: Are these budget-friendly travel ideas suitable for families with young children?
A: Absolutely! These budget-friendly travel ideas are perfect for families with young children. There are plenty of attractions and activities that cater to all ages, ensuring a fun-filled adventure for everyone.
Q: Can I visit these attractions year-round, or are they seasonal?
A: Most of these attractions can be visited year-round, but it’s always a good idea to check their operating hours and any seasonal closures before planning your trip.
Q: Are there any additional costs associated with visiting these attractions?
A: While many of these attractions are budget-friendly or free, some may have additional costs such as parking fees, equipment rentals, or optional guided tours. It’s advisable to check the official websites or contact the attractions directly for specific information.
Conclusion
Exploring Georgia on a budget has never been easier with these 50 budget-friendly travel ideas for families. From fascinating museums and historic sites to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank. So pack your bags, grab the family, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the great state of Georgia!
Remember to visit News Explorer Today for more informative and engaging content.