5 essential places to beat the cold in Georgia

As you wrap that extra blanket around yourself and dream of summer, don't feel forced to stay locked up in your house all winter long.

While it might be a little too chilly for you to enjoy a nature hike or visit to the zoo, you'll find plenty of places around Georgia to beat the cold this season.

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These indoor locations offer a wide variety of fun, excitement and entertainment for the whole family. So, button up that coat and get ready to have a blast at these locations around the state:

Note: Be sure to check for adjusted holiday hours.

In this photo, Atlantan William "Mack" Secord (upper right) meets in 2013 with several of the Americans he flew to freedom during the rescue mission in the Congo. They are (from the left, seated): Marilyn Wendler, Bob McAllister, Jean Larson and Al Larson; (standing): Ruth (McAllister) Reynard and Larry Southard. They stand in front of the C-130 that Secord piloted during that 1964 operation. The aircraft is now parked at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins

1942 Heritage Blvd., Robins Air Force Base, 478-926-6870, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, admission is free, www.museumofaviation.org.

The second-largest museum in the U.S. Air Force, the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins boasts award-winning exhibits and 85 historic aircraft, cockpits, missiles and more throughout its 51-acre complex. Be sure to see the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame and the 20 aircraft displayed on the field.

Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland

300 N.O.K. Drive, Cleveland, 706-865-2171, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, admission is free, www.babylandgeneral.com.

Cabbage Patch Kids fans shouldn't pass up a chance to visit Babyland General Hospital in the North Georgia Mountains. Experience a world filled with imagination, whimsy and a lot of bald heads as you tour the hospital, watch the birth of hand-sculpted dolls, enjoy detailed displays and exhibits and find a special Cabbage Patch Kid to bring home.

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Lakepoint Station in Cartersville

Lakepoint Station in Cartersville

77 Old Allatoona Road, Cartersville, 678-719-0921, 2 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 - 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, prices vary, www.lakepointstation.com.

Break out of the winter blues with a visit to one of the most entertaining hot spots in the South - Lakepoint Station in Cartersville. This all-in-one family fun location offers rock climbing, indoor and outdoor mini-golf, laser adventures (complete with a maze of mirrors and a large laser tag room), over 50 arcade-style games, gem mining and more.

Former major league pitcher Bob Hendley of Macon looks at his display in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Hendley while playing for the Chicago Cubs pitched a one-hitter against the Dodgers on Sept. 9, 1965 and lost to Sandy Koufax, who pitched a perfect game. (Jason Vorhees/For the AJC)

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon

301 Cherry St., Macon, 478-752-1585, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students and military, $3.50 for children 16 and under, www.georgiasportshalloffame.com.

Sports fans will enjoy spending a day touring the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, located right in the heart of Macon. This 43,000-square-foot sports museum, which honors over 400 inductees, features exciting, high-energy exhibits that include preparatory, college-level, amateur and professional sports. You'll also enjoy perusing the research library and picking out a special souvenir from the gift shop.

Tellus Science Museum astronomer David Dundee gives a tour of the observatory to Jerod Linares, 12, and Ashleigh Brown, 10, of Heirway Christian Academy.

Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville

100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, 770-606-5700, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, $11.95 for students and children ages 3 through 17, free for military, half price for dependents of active-duty military, www.tellusmuseum.org.