HOP HOP

Helen

About three hours from Columbus is the city of Helen. Once known for its gold mines, it is the third most visited Georgia town. It is a city in the Appalachian Mountains with lots of German flair as it was designed by the artist John Kolack to resemble a town in the Alps, a mountain range in Europe.

Spend the morning hiking the beautiful Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls trails. Grab lunch at Café International as you overlook the beautiful Chattahoochee River, then get dessert at Granny’s Famous Funnel Cake Haus. During tubing season, book a ride with Cool River Tubing to “shoot the hooch” to float down the river on a raft with your whole family.

BirmingHAm

Located about two and a half hours from Columbus, Birmingham has lots to offer visiting families. Spend the day at the Birmingham Zoo and see exotic animals including a jaguar named Khan. Then head on over to the McWane Science Center. There are several fish tanks themed to be the home of animals from lakes, rivers, oceans and reefs. There is even a touch tank! Learn about dinosaurs and sea monsters that once made Alabama their home in the Paleontology area of the museum. Then head to Itsy Bitsy Magic City which includes a climbing center, toddler area, water enrichment activities and an interactive city. If you are in Birmingham on the weekend, visit Majestic Caverns which is located right outside of the city, and includes a cave tour, gemstone panning, mini golf and archery.

AuBurn

About 45 minutes from Columbus, in the heart of Auburn, is the new Town Creek Inclusive Playground, a 60,000 square foot playground. The park has equipment for all ages and features five playground areas, a zip line, rock climbing wall and even fitness equipment for adult use. Then let your children explore the grounds and learn about the environment at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. There are special programs, camps and classes offered throughout the year that kids will love.

AtlAntA

Drive just an hour and a half north of Columbus to spend the day exploring the beautiful 30 acres of Atlanta’s Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline and the garden overlook as you visit the children’s garden. Don’t miss the chance for a scavenger hunt and treat as you search for blue-green frogs with your children in the conservatory and visit the edible garden.

For a more “wild-life,” head over to the Atlanta Zoo for wildlife presentations and encounters, tree top rope adventure courses for kids and toddlers, a zoo train, animal themed carousel, playground and splash pad.

If you are looking for indoor fun, head to the Georgia Aquarium and watch the beluga whales, whale sharks and tiger sharks in beautiful, enchanting aquariums. Stay for show with bottleneck dolphins or sea lions that is sure to bring a smile to your kids’ faces.

If your family is more into museums, Fern Bank is an exciting adventure with an outdoor space that includes a canopy walk, nature playground, exhibits and 75 acres of outdoor space. Watch a show in their huge theater, learn through activities in the STEAM lab and visit the NatureQuest area full of hands-on activities, animal displays and playgrounds all focused on nature.

Then for lunch head on over to an Atlanta favorite, The Varsity, for lunch and order hot dogs and fries.

FlOrIDA

Another great option is to pack up the car and head to the closest Florida beach about 3.5 hours away for sunshine and sand adventures.

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids