This Spring Break, break away from the “wild life” of crowded attractions and destinations and migrate toward the wildlife at a Georgia State Parks. From learning to become a Junior Ranger and hiking through canyons, to geocaching and golfing, Georgia State Parks offer family-friendly activities and affordable accommodations for any type of traveler.
Learn Outdoor Skills: Become a Junior Ranger
Children ages 6–12 will have fun learning in the outdoors as they work toward becoming a Junior Ranger. By following the guidelines in the Junior Ranger Activity Book they will experience nature first-hand, explore Georgia's fascinating history and enjoy outdoor recreational activities. The experience builds as children work their way through three badge levels. Activities include identifying poisonous plants and tree species, observing wildlife, investigating the park’s history by visiting museums and historic sites, and participating in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, camping and more. Children can take part in one of the Junior Ranger Spring Break Camps hosted at Georgia State Parks in March and April.
Complete the Challenge: Canyon Climbers Club
With just four state parks and hiking trails to conquer in the Canyon Climbers Club, completing the challenge can be done during Spring Break. Scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge and master the staircase in Cloudland Canyon to accomplish the feats of the Canyon Climbers Club. The membership is $10, and after hiking all four parks, successful members receive a t-shirt and self-accomplishment.
Find a Treasure: Geocaching
Treasure-hunt fans can spend Spring Break on a quest that takes them from Georgia’s mountains to marshes with geocaching. Using a hand-held GPS, players find hidden boxes (caches) along trails and inside museums. Inside are trinkets for players to trade, as well as log books. Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have offered the game since 2010, with more than 35,000 “finds” by players. At the historic sites, players answer questions about Georgia history to get the lockbox code.
Tee Off in Nature: Golf at State Parks
Eight Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer affordable rates and relaxed environments that welcome families and first-time golfers. Youth ages 18 and under pay as little as $7 for 18 holes, and lessons are available. A Junior Golf Tour is offered during spring and summer for young players ages 7 to 18. Each golf course is known for natural greens, tree-lined fairways and unique challenges.
Spend the Night Under the Stars: Camping & Glamping
While pitching a tent at one of the Georgia State Parks is a popular activity, the parks still harbor secret camping and glamping spots known only to those willing to travel off the beaten path. Choose from 2,700 campsites for tent camping, or six state parks that offer yurts -- canvas and wood huts that provide heaters and furniture inside. As night falls, listen to the ribbits and croaks of frogs, a sure sign that spring is here. All campsites and yurts offer fire pits to build a campfire, and park visitor centers often sell all the makings of s’mores. Newbie campers can spend two nights in the First Time Camper’s Program, where rangers will assist with setting up tents and prepping the family for a night of camping.
Or Spend the Night Behind Closed Doors: Rent a Cabin
If you’d rather sleep in the comfort of a bed with a private bathroom, 30 of Georgia’s State Parks offer one-, two- or three-bedroom cabins. Save money by using fully-equipped kitchens to make meals for the family. During the day, rent aquacycles or kayaks and paddle park lakes and rivers. As night falls, participate in a moonlight hike, twilight paddle, or stargaze, and make a short trek back to the cabin for bedtime.
