If you think fall is the best time to explore all that Georgia has to offer, you might be right. From mountains to ocean to city, this great Southern state truly has it all, including a few unforgettable field trip destinations perfect for the whole family. Whether you've always wanted to pan for gold, look at real mummies or experience a 19th century village, these top day trip picks will educate, entertain and amaze you all season long.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of weekday life with one of these amazing adventures near you:
Tellus Science Museum. $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, $11.95 for students and children ages 3-17, free for active military and museum members. 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville. 770-606-5700. www.tellusmuseum.org.
At Tellus, you'll enjoy exploring a true science museum with massive exhibits, hands-on activities and diverse galleries. Located in Cartersville, Tellus features the Weinman Mineral Gallery with its stunning array of gems and minerals, giant reconstructed dinosaurs in the Tellus Fossil Gallery, gem panning, fossil digging and much more.
B.J. Reece Orchards. Prices starting at $5 per person, free for children ages 2 and under. 9131 Highway 52 E, Ellijay. 706-276-3048. www.reeceorchards.com.
As a family-owned and operated U-pick orchard, B.J. Reece Orchards really knows how to put together a full day of fun. Some of the activities B.J. Reece offers include picking your own peck of apples, taking a wagon ride, visiting the petting farm, learning how to milk a cow, riding ponies and zip lining.
Credit: Courtesy of Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine
Credit: Courtesy of Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine
Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine. Prices vary. 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road, Dahlonega. 706-864-8473. www.consolidatedgoldmine.com.
Located in Dahlonega, the site of the country's second gold rush, the historic Consolidated Gold Mine still has plenty of gold for the picking. Along with gold panning, visitors can also experience gem panning and an Underground Adventure that includes an educational mine tour.
Credit: Courtesy of Historic Westville
Credit: Courtesy of Historic Westville
Historic Westville. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, military, students and groups, $5 for children K-12, free for children under 5, free for members. 3557 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus. 706-940-0057. www.westville.org.
Step back in time at Historic Westville, a living history museum south of the metro that features interactive, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, immersive exhibits and more. Guests will see authentic 19th century homes, buildings and shops and get a chance to interact and talk to live interpreters dressed in period attire.
Michael C. Carlos Museum. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students and children ages 6-17, free for members, Emory students and staff and children ages 5 and under. 571 South Kilgo Circle NE, Atlanta. 404-727-4282. www.carlos.emory.edu.
Known as one of the premier museums in the region, the Carlos Museum showcases world-class collections from all over the world, including stunningly preserved mummies, priceless works on paper, and one-of-a-kind artwork and artifacts from Egypt, the Near East, Nubia, the Americas, Africa, Greece and Asia.
Chattahoochee Nature Center. $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children ages 3-12, free for children ages 2 and under. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
If you grew up around Atlanta, you might remember exploring the Chattahoochee Nature Center as a kid, and this 127-acre nature park is better than ever. Spend the day surrounded by nature along forest, wetland and river trails, see dynamic exhibits and visit the Nature Exchange where you can collect and study nature at a deeper level.
Atlanta History Center. $21.50 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, $9 for children ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and under. 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. www.atlantahistorycenter.com.
Learn about the diverse history of Atlanta with an interactive experience touring the Atlanta History Center's 33-acre campus. You'll see historic houses and gardens, take part in hands-on activities, see award-winning exhibitions and gain a better understanding of the region.
Trying to simplify your family's life? Get back to basics with these local farm tours.
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