Check out these fun ideas for the whole family to enjoy while visiting Georgia in the cool-season.
Lake Lanier’s peak tourism season is May through September but if you are planning a family trip to visit during the fall and winter seasons there are plenty of memorable activities your kids will be talking about for years to come! So if you want to plan a vacation that will be sure to keep screen-time to a minimum, keep reading for our top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities When Visiting Lake Lanier… the Fall/Winter edition! (You can check out our Spring/Summer recommendations HERE.)
Georgia's "cool-season" lasts about 3 months, from December through February, with average temperatures dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. Botanical Gardens Gainesville
These gardens are open year-round, however the most enjoyable time is in the off-season when it is less crowded and temperatures are more comfortable. As you stroll through beautifully landscaped walking paths you will discover fun sculptures, water features and a great playground.
2. Lanier Islands: Snow Island
A southeastern snow park is full of fun for the whole family! Snowtubing, ice skating, snowball fight area, carnival rides, and roasting smores over the firepit and Margaritaville restaurant make this a great winter day trip.
3. Consolidated Gold and Gem Mine
Explore an underground gold mine that was started during the Georgia Gold Rush. Tour guides take you 200 feet down and 100 years back in time and are truly fascinating! After the tour you can pan for gold and mine for gems that you get to take home.
4. Elachee Nature Center
An environmental education center located in Gainesville, Georgia on 1,440 acres of nature preserve with animals and hiking trails. Hike the Bridge Loop Trail for a 4.7 mile loop that can be taken a leisurely pace and explore the 5 bridges over streams throughout the forest including a 140 ft suspension bridge.
5. Ink Children’s Museum
This interactive neighborhood exhibits a pottery studio, toy library, and other hands-on stations to let your child’s imagination run wild. This children's museum is great for children 2-12 years old.
6. Flip-N-Fun
An indoor gymnastics play yard is a great way for kids, ages 18 months to 11 years old, jump and tumble their energy out. Open play is everyday but on Wednesdays they have “1 pay 2 play”!
7. North Hall Tech Center
Activities ranging from story time to Harry Potter Potions STEAM projects and more.
8. Get Air Trampoline Park
What kid doesn’t love wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and ninja courses!? Toddler time is Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-noon.
9. Northeast Georgia History Museum
Make learning about history memorable for your kids as they explore 10,000 years of history, a white path cabin and working blacksmith shop along with other special exhibits.
10. Downtown Gainesville
The historic square has many retail shops and restaurants but it also has some fun attractions, like the scarecrows in the fall or the Jolly Trolly Tour of Lights in December. Take a stroll around Veterans Park and finding the to-scale replica of the solar system (the Sun is located in the center square and you can walk around town to find all of the planets.)
11. Hiking
There are so many great hiking spots around the Lake Lanier and North Georgia area but two of our favorites are Lanier Point Park or take a scenic drive to Amicalola Falls State Park.
12. Helicopter Tours
BlueRidge Helicopters offers tours over Lake Lanier and other local spots departing from Gainesville Airport.
13. Fishing Charter Excursions
Fishing is a year-round sport. There are many local fishing charters that will take you to the best spots to catch BIG Striper fish and will provide all of the equipment. Check out Fishing Booker for a great selection of captains to choose from on Lake Lanier (it’s like Airbnb for fishing.)
14. Cavendar Creek Vineyard
Kids can pet the donkeys and run on the playground while the adults have a wine taste on the back patio.
15. Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca Cola are great if you want to venture into the city of Atlanta for a day!
We hope this list gave you some great ideas of kid-friendly activities to enjoy for your visit to Lake Lanier! If you are still planning your trip and looking for a place to stay please check out our vacation home rental, Lakeview Landing Lanier, and we hope to host you and your family soon!