Fun Things to Do with Kids in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge, Georgia is one of the most popular family destinations in Georgia.  It is located 90 miles north of Atlanta in Fannin County on the North Carolina and Tennessee state lines and surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

More than 40 percent of the county’s land is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Whether you stay for a day, a weekend, or a month, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Fun Things to do with Kids in Blue Ridge, Georgia

 

Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Ride the train alongside the beautiful Toccoa River for a fun excursion from Blue Ridge to the quaint town of McCaysville and its twin city, Copperhill, Tennessee. 

The train departs from the 100-year-old historic Depot in downtown Blue Ridge.  In downtown, McCaysville take a family selfie at the Georgia/Tennessee Line.  Look for the Blue Line which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins.

Visit Huck’s General Store

Huck’s General Store is a fun place to visit with the kids.  When you come in the front door you see wooden barrels filled to the brim with candy.  

Kids (and adults, too) can grab a tin bucket and fill it with “old-fashioned penny candy” favorites—bubble gum, peppermints, fireballs, lemon heads, mini peppermint patties, and more. 

There are also cane-sugar sodas and water, lollipops, jellies and jams, old-fashioned toys, and interesting goodies.  (We saw bacon suckers, pickle gumballs, and other concoctions.)  You can see the train from the back patio, and hear the whistle as he leaves the station.

 

Sample local Sweets and Treats

Lots of great shops can be found in downtown Blue Ridge where you can indulge your sweet tooth.  Treat yourself and the kids to some homemade fudge at the Chocolate Express or Three Sisters Fudge (or both.)  How about a cupcake at The Sweet Shoppe.

The Sweet Shoppe won the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2014.  And don’t forget your fur baby!  You can buy the family pet a treat at Love Dogs & Cats Too!

Take a Tractor Ride at Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards is family-owned and celebrating 70 years of harvests.  But this is not one of those little orchard stands you see along the roads in Georgia.  Mercier Orchards is one of the South’s largest orchards. 

It offers tractor tours and u-pick strawberries, blueberries and apples in season.  There’s a huge shop with section of baked goods to fudge to ice cream, yummy fried pies, apple cider, apples, peaches, jams and preserves. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a country breakfast or grab a boxed lunch for your picnic.

The Mercier Orchards Farm Market Mercier measures 20,000 square feet inside.  They have pretty much anything you can of think that’s made of apples.

See a Drive-In Movie

Enjoy a drive-in movie at the Swan Drive-in, one of Georgia’s four remaining drive-in theaters, Try the BP Weenie Dog from the concessions stand.  The Swan is a cash-only establishment, so make sure you hit the ATM before you go!

Play a Round of Mini Golf

Play a round of putt-putt golf at Cohutta Cove Mini Golf at Cohutta Country Store. This is a simple, small mini golf course – but it’s great family fun! Very clean and modern.  

Also while you’re there, you can do a little gem mining.  There are lots of gems (aventurine, topaz, smokey, sodalite, quartz, rose quartz, moonstone, calcite, peridot, crystal points, amethyst, citrine, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pyrite, raspberry quartz, obsidian, fluorite and garnet. and even gold flakes.)

 

Camp, Fish, Swim, Kayak, Paddleboard, or Pontoon Lake Blue Ridge

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia’s most picturesque mountain lakes.  Not only is it beautiful but there are lots of things for families to do. 

Morganton Point is the place to take the kids to the “beach” to swim.  Bring water shoes for the pebble beach.  The beach area has a concession stand, kayak and paddle board rentals, public bathrooms and showers.  

The recreation area offers a boat ramp, 43 unit campground and picnic area with covered pavilion.  You can also rent a pontoon, a paddleboard or pedal boat at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina and spend the day on the most beautiful lake in the mountains.

 

Have a High Flying Adventure

Ziplines and canopy tours are great ways to experience the adventure of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.  Have a blast at Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge, located on 165 acres of beautiful countryside, only six miles from downtown Blue Ridge.  

Located just 1 mile from downtown Blue Ridge is Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park, an obstacle challenge course in the air featuring suspended bridges, tightropes, climbing walls, ziplines, and other fun obstacles for every age and ability.  These invigorating obstacle courses let you enjoy over 50 obstacles ranging from moderate to extreme difficulty. Some of these obstacles are 125+ feet long ziplines.

This park is the perfect place for you to go with your kiddos to burn off some steam with a side of adventure. This high ropes course offers a unique birds eye view of the beautiful landscape that is found all around you. In addition to the challenging high ropes area Blue Ridge Adventure Park also offers a zip line activity if you’d rather opt for less of a thrill.

The Blue Ridge Adventure Park requires reservations and is only open certain days, calling ahead is a must for this activity in Blue Ridge!

Hike the Appalachian Trail, Benton Makaye Trail, and More

The Appalachian Trail, better known and longer of the trails, begins a 2,000+ mile journey to Maine through many of the states on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The Benton MacKaye Trail, more remote than the Appalachian, begins a 286-mile trek along the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, rejoining the AT in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. 

Other great family hikes include the Aska Trails or visit the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River.

Join the World’s Largest Treasure Hunt – Geocaching

Want to go on a unique adventure in Georgia’s Blue Ridge? Geocaching is a fun and exciting way to discover some of the most amazing places in the area. Geocaching is a kind of high tech outdoor treasure hunt, where you use a GPS unit to track down.  Once you find it, you can participate in the fun and goodies that are hidden within.  Take something, leave something, sign the logbook are the basic rules of the game.

Winter, summer, spring and fall, Blue Ridge, GA is simply beautiful.  Winter is cool and quiet with occasional snow. Spring is best for trout fishing, wildflowers, blooming dogwoods and native azaleas. Summer brings a profusion of mountain laurel and rhododendron blossoms, along with warmer water for tubing & rafting.  

Are there any interesting parks or playgrounds in Blue Ridge, Georgia?

There are several interesting parks and playgrounds in Blue Ridge, Georgia that are perfect for families looking for unique and memorable experiences. The Blue Ridge City Park is a popular destination, featuring a large playground, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and tennis and basketball courts. The park also has a scenic walking trail that winds along the Toccoa River.

Another great option is the Adventure Park at Blue Ridge, which offers zipline tours and treetop obstacle courses for all ages. This park is a great way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while enjoying an exhilarating adventure.

For families with younger children, the Fannin County Recreation Center Playground is a must-visit destination. This playground features safe and fun equipment designed for children under the age of 12, including a large climbing structure, swings, and slides.

Are there any family-friendly hikes in Blue Ridge, Georgia?

Blue Ridge, Georgia has a variety of family-friendly hikes that are perfect for all ages and skill levels. One of the most popular hikes is the Fall Branch Falls Trail, which is a 0.5-mile hike that leads to a stunning 30-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for families with young children.

Another great hike is the Stanley Gap Trail, which is a 4.6-mile hike that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is moderately difficult, but still manageable for most families. Along the way, you’ll pass by several streams and waterfalls, which make for great photo opportunities.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail is a great option. At just over 3 miles, this trail circles around the picturesque Lake Blue Ridge and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively easy and is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

No matter which hike you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. And, of course, don’t forget your camera to capture all of the beautiful scenery along the way. 

Are there any petting zoos or farms nearby Blue Ridge, Georgia?

Yes, there are several petting zoos and farms in the Blue Ridge, Georgia area. One popular option is the Build an Ark Animal Rescue, which is both a sanctuary for rescued animals and a petting zoo that welcomes visitors. Another great choice is the Mercier Orchards, which has a petting zoo and farm tours available. The Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides also has a petting zoo and offers horseback riding tours for families. Finally, the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center that offers educational tours and the chance to see animals up close.

Are there any amusement parks or water parks in Blue Ridge, Georgia?

There are some amusement parks and water parks in Blue Ridge, Georgia that you can visit with your family and friends. One of the popular amusement parks is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which offers a scenic train ride through the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. There’s also the Blue Ridge Adventure Park, where you can enjoy zip-lining, rope courses, and other outdoor activities.

As for water parks, you can check out the Waterfalls at Amicalola Falls State Park. There are also some local swim spots like Morganton Point Recreation Area and Lake Blue Ridge. Plus, if you’re looking for some adventure on the water, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from one of the local outfitters.

What kind of fun activities are available for kids in Blue Ridge, Georgia?

Blue Ridge, Georgia is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. There are plenty of activities available for kids that will keep them entertained and engaged throughout their stay. Here are some of the top things that your kids can enjoy in Blue Ridge:

1. Adventure Sports: If your kids love adventure, Blue Ridge has plenty of options for them. They can go zip lining, horse riding, or hiking on the many trails around the town.

2. Water Activities: Blue Ridge has some of the best water activities that your kids will love, such as kayaking or tubing down the Toccoa River.

3. Wildlife Spotting: Take your kids on a wildlife spotting tour in the Chattahoochee National Forest, where they can see various animals like black bears, deer, and bald eagles.

4. Arts and Crafts: Blue Ridge has a thriving arts and crafts scene, and your kids can take part in workshops to learn new skills like pottery or painting.

5. Train Rides: A ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a must-do activity for families with kids. The 26-mile train ride offers stunning views of the countryside and is a great way to spend a day out.

Blue Ridge is the perfect place to celebrate the harvest and the glorious color of fall, or to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.