If your family wants to extend any of these summer day trips into an overnight trip, check out our Atlanta Weekend Getaway Guide. This comprehensive guide includes campgrounds, family-friendly spa hotels and resorts, swimming lakes, and more.

Great Summer Day Trips from Atlanta for Kids 

1. Greenville, South Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 2.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: Waterfalls, walkable downtown, science center
Pack a picnic and head straight to Greenville's Falls Park on the Reedy—this park has waterfalls, bridges, and sculptures; plus hills for rolling, trails for biking or walking, and water for wading. Visit Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian-only suspension bridge crossing the Reedy River downtown. Roper Mountain Science Center offers its Summer Adventure program; kids can pet stingrays, see the dinosaur exhibit, and check out the living history farm. Wrap things up at Gather GVL, an open-air food court on the west end of downtown.

2. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours

Why it's good for kids: Children's museum and aquarium
After a two-hour road trip, families have time for several Chattanooga attractions. To help with the decision-making, let's focus on the downtown area. Since everything is super walkable, your family can hit the Creative Discovery Museum in the morning, grab lunch at Big River Grille, and then explore the Tennessee Aquarium in the afternoon. Finish the day by taking a riverboat sunset cruise across the Tennessee River.

RELATED: Swimming Lakes and Beaches for Atlanta Kids 

With an indoor water park, your pack can enjoy a world of fun at Great Wolf Lodge regardless of the weather. Photo by the author

3. Great Wolf Lodge — LaGrange, Georgia 

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour

Why it's good for kids: Indoor waterpark
You probably already know guests can stay overnight at Great Wolf Lodge, but did you know they also offer day passes?! Since it only takes about an hour to get to this kid paradise, a summer day trip from Atlanta is doable and affordable. Hit the indoor waterpark first, then the outdoor pool, and enjoy scheduled events like dance parties and crafts (included with day passes). Brave the ropes course, bowl, and pan for "gems" for an additional cost. The resort has various dining options. 

4. Helen, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: Tubing, waterfalls, mountain coaster, Bavarian cuteness
Drive 90 minutes north of Atlanta to this town nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, where you'll feel like you've magically arrived in the Bavarian Alps. Helen offers the charms of a quaint downtown, with shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities, and a distinct village feel. Ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster, tube the Chattahoochee River, and enjoy nearby Anna Ruby Falls. End your day at Hofbrauhaus, a German-style restaurant with amazing river views. 

RELATED: Petting Zoos and Animal Farms for Kids Near Atlanta  

5. Callaway Gardens — Pine Mountain, Georgia 

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: All-inclusive place with a beach, bicycle trails, and butterflies
Once you have paid admission, explore the gardens, including the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, Pioneer Log Cabin, Birds of Prey show, and walking/biking trails. Cool off at Robin Lake Beach, where you can rent beach umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboats. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy the TreeTop Adventure and ziplining course. Check out the gardens' events calendar to see what is happening the day you visit for your summer day trip! 

6. Margaritaville Lake Lanier Islands — Buford, Georgia 

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour

Why it's good for kids: All-inclusive outdoor waterpark
Your family will feel like you have escaped to a tropical island at Margaritaville. Enjoy water slides, beaches, restaurants, boat rentals, and cruises as a family. Eat and relax at LandShark Bar and Grill, which includes menu items for "little sharks." 

7. Vogel State Park — Blairsville, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours

Why it's good for kids: Hiking, waterfalls, mountains
Head north to Blairsville (and possibly cooler weather) to experience one of Georgia's oldest state parks, featuring picturesque waterfalls and lake swimming. Bring a picnic, hike the trails, and spend time enjoying a nature-filled, summer day. 

8. Acworth Beach at Cauble Park — Acworth, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 45 minutes

Why it's good for kids: Beach and swimming lake
It's only a short car ride for Atlanta families to experience one of our favorite swimming lakes and beaches. Acworth Beach at Cauble Park offers a roped-off area for swimming on the shores of Lake Acworth. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, families should soak it up during this summer day trip. Add picnicking and climbing the playground to your agenda, as well as eating in Acworth's quaint Main Street district.

9. Athens, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: Children's park, hiking, all things UGA
Many parents here have strong ties to Athens, remembering their University of Georgia (UGA) days before they settled down in Atlanta. UGA alumni and non-alumni alike will have a ball taking a summer day trip to Athens. Take kiddos to the Alice H. Richards Children's Garden, located at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia (FREE!), hike the many wooded trails, and enjoy skate parks, trampoline parks, and bowling alleys. Cool off with a treat from Ben and Jerry's. And it's never too early to take a college tour...go Dawgs! 

10. Stone Mountain Park - Stone Mountain, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 30 minutes

Why it's good for kids: All-inclusive area to enjoy the outdoors
Stone Mountain Park packs a punch, entertaining kids for an entire day of fun! Families start their summer day trip by either hiking Stone Mountain or riding the Summit SkyRide to the peak. Afterward, visit one of the many attractions, including Geyer Towers (a wet-and-wild playground), train ride, mini golf, 4D movie, and more. Besides everyday attractions, Stone Mountain Park has awesome summer events, so check the calendar.

RELATED: Stone Mountain With Kids: 20 Best Things to in Stone Mountain, GA

11. Cartersville, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour

Why it's good for kids: Museums to extend summer learning
Located about one hour northwest of Atlanta, Cartersville is a small town with big city energy. Cartersville hosts Tellus Science Museum—120,000 square feet of all things science (including a planetarium, fossil dig/gem panning, and more). Ask about the Tellus Summer Passport Program that runs in June and July. Rootin', tootin' cowboys should visit the Booth Western Art Museum and mini motorheads will love Savoy Automobile Museum.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is one of Macon's historic sites.

12. Macon, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: Museums about Native American history, science, and sports

Learn about early Native Americans in Georgia at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historial Park -- step foot in the Earth Lodge where council meetings were held, walk the trails, and see ancient artifacts in the museum. Head to the Museum of Arts and Sciences with a planetarium, mini-zoo, and loads of interactive exhibits. Sports fans can check out the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, with over 3,000 items honoring over 400 inductees!

Take an African safari without ever leaving the state in Madison, Georgia! Photo courtesy of the Georgia Safari Conservation Park

13. Madison, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour

Why it's good for kids: Animal adventures

If an African safari isn’t in your budget, head to Georgia Safari Conservation Park for the next best thing. This 530-acre park opened in June 2024 and offers a 90-minute guided safari. Longer tour options include a safari encounter, VIP tour, and a sunset safari. Stop by Farmview Market for a farm-to-table breakfast or lunch, including a tasty kids’ menu; the market also sells jams, honey, wellness items, and gifts all made by Georgia businesses. Take a scenic drive/bike ride on the Madison-Morgan Meander. 

Enjoy the gorgeous Blue Ridge views during a fun horseback ride!

14. Blue Ridge, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours

Why it's good for kids: Train rides, ziplines, white water rafting, horseback riding

Kids love taking the train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in this charming (and walkable!) mountain town filled with shops and restaurants. Take a dip in Lake Blue Ridge at Morganton Point Recreation Area. If time allows, go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee with Rolling Thunder River Company, book a Blue Ridge Zipline and Canopy Tour, or take a horseback ride at Appalachian Trail Rides, all within 30 minutes of downtown.

15. Warner Robins, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour 40 minutes

Why it's good for kids: Aviation museum and waterpark fun

The second largest U.S. Air Force Museum is located in Warner Robins and offers FREE admission! The Museum of Aviation boasts an impressive collection of fighters, bombers, cargo, and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Afterward, cool off at Rigby’s Water World, filled with adventurous water slides like Riptide Racer, Pelican Plunge, Wipe Out, and more. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and souvenirs (and gasoline) at Buc-ee’s just off I-75 in nearby Fort Valley.

Unless noted, photos by Rebecca Leffler