Outdoor Adventures

Fun Budget Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Gwinnett County

August 9, 2010 By Amy 2 Comments

Kids can be expensive, so it is so important to find free or cheap things to do with them! Gwinnett County has a plethora of great places to take kids. I have a three year old and we seem to find something every day that is fun and cheap to do. Here is a list of some of my favorite places.

Gwinnett County Parks

Cost: Free

There are so many great parks in Gwinnett County. Gary Pirkle Park is an awesome park. It is covered and has fans to help keep it cool. McDaniel Farm Park is also very neat. It is restored to depict a typical 1930′s farm in Gwinnett County. When you are there you can visit a furnished farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shed, carriage house, tenant house. They offer tours and there is a pavilion to eat lunch and paved trails.

Tour of Gwinnett Braves Stadium

Cost: Free

The Gwinnett Braves offer tours of their stadium. They will show you the dugouts, the visiting team locker room, suites, and walk you around the field. It is a lot of fun. You do have to fill out a form and fax it to them to get a tour. (Please note that this is based on availability and they may not be able to accommodate you).

One Braves Avenue
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
678-277-0300

Dacula Briar Patch

Cost: Free to visit. Cost will depend on what you purchase, but is very reasonable.

This is a neat little farm at someone’s home. There are tons of different fruits and vegetables to pick. Depending on what time of year, they have pecans, muscadines, apples, okra, tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, peppers, etc.

2503 Cammie Wages Rd
Dacula, GA 30019
770-962-4990

Mayfield Dairy Farm

Cost: Tour is Free, Bring money for ice cream

They do tours every 30 minutes at Mayfield Dairy Farm. They do not do tours on Wednesday because there is no milk production. You watch a short video and then they show you how milk is processed. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. After the tour, you can purchase some yummy ice cream. There is also a small green area for the kids to run around or you could have a picnic there.

Georgia Dance Unlimited

Cost: Depends on what class you take, but they start at $24 a month.

This is a great dance studio that holds the classes at different Gwinnett County Parks. They offer dance classes starting at age 2. Classes are very reasonably priced. They start at just $24 a month, with no registration fee and no contract. They offer mommy and me ballet, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop.

Rita’s Downtown Lawrenceville

Cost: Free kid’s cone

My daughter and I enjoy going to Rita’s in downtown Lawrenceville. They give free kids cones! After we get our cone we walk across the street and she runs around in the fenced in area by the gazebo. Not only do we get to enjoy a refreshing treat, she also gets to run some off some energy.

Jasmin Queen is the owner of Hands-On Learning – the award winner of Best School Field Trip in Gwinnett Magazine 2009. Hands-On Learning offers schools “An Interactive Educational Experience” by providing educational programs (in-school field trips) to public and private schools in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. To learn more about what fun, educational and affordable field trip they can provide, check out their website at www.HOLearning.com.

Family Fun: Ultimate Kids Day @ Turner Field

August 2, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

Baseball is no doubt one of American’s favorite past time and fun family friendly activity. In Atlanta, watching the Braves at Turner Field is almost the right of passage for every kids. However, it can be a challenge for parents to bring their kids and entertain them the whole game. But we have found that Atlanta Braves has done a great job trying to make visiting the ball game as family friendly as possible.

This weekend the Atlanta Braves is hosting the Ultimate Kids Day to celebrate summer before schools start up. In addition to $5 tickets for fans 14 and under, all pitching and hitting games in Scout’s Alley and entry into the Braves Museum will be FREE. Kids will also have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade around the field and run the bases after the game. Upper Box seats normally priced at $12, are available now for $5 at braves.com/summer or the Turner Field Ticket Office for all children 14 and under.

Kids Activities include:

Participate in a pre-game parade around the field
Visit the Braves Museum for FREE
Play the interactive games in Scouts Alley for FREE
Celebrate Homer’s birthday with all his mascot friends and be sure to have a slice of Homer’s special birthday cake from Highland Bakery
Braves alumni Charlie O’Brien, Gaylord Perry, and Sid Bream will sign autographs at 11:30 in Fan Plaza
Kids Run the Bases after the game

Atlanta Braves Ultimate Kids Day Info:

Place: Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive Southeast, Atlanta, GA
Date: August 8th (Sunday)
Time: Game at 1:35pm
Cost: $5 for children 14 and under

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Family Fun:Unbirthday Party @Bogan Park, Buford

March 5, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

Who need a birthday party to have some fun? Not kids in Gwinnett county anyway. Join the birthday party for no one with playing games, decorating cookies and partying to an Alice in Wonderland theme. Bring an unwrapped pet ‘gift’ to donate to the Gwinnett Humane Society.

Unbirthday Party Information:

Place: Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford, GA
Date: March 6th (Saturday)
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $8 per person. Must pre-register call 770-614-2060
Age: 5-12

Family Fun – Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Around Atlanta

January 26, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

The winter time in Atlanta is typically not as bad as our Northern states. But this year it seems the mother nature loves the cold. There is no better time to enjoy the outdoor ice skating than now. The temperature has inched up a bit.

We have 2 options here in metro Atlanta area to enjoy the ice skating rink.

1. Ice Skating Rink @ Centennial Olympic Park

This long standing Atlanta tradition is in its 13th year. It’s one of family holiday favorite and it’s still open until Jan 31st. So if you haven’t had a chance to take your kids there yet, there is still time.

Ice Skating Information:

Place: The Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Avenue West , Atlanta, GA
Date: Everyday until January 31st
Time: Hours varies. See calendar for detail.
Cost: Admission – $7 per person, 90 Mins Skate rental – $2 (CASH Only)

2. Olde Town Conyers Ice Skating @ Conyers

Ice Skating Conyers

The Have an Ice Day production returns to Olde Town Conyers for a family fun outdoor ice skating at Conyers.

Ice Skating Information:

Place: Conyers Olde Town Pavillion, 949 North Main Street Conyers, GA
Date: Wed-Sun until February 21st
Time: Hours varies. See calendar for detail.
Cost: Admission – $7 per person, Skate rental – $2

Note: Check schedule for FREE Skating day. Also visit Conyers Welcome Center for $1 off coupon.

5 Family Fun in Snow and Ski Near Atlanta

December 30, 2009 By Amy Leave a Comment

GatlingburgSnowtubing

For more update list check out our Top 10 Places to Snow & Ski in Atlanta: The Guide to Where to Snow Tubing, Skiing and Snowboarding near Atlanta.

This year has been extremely cold winter for my tropical blood. I feel like I have been cheated because you will think that with this kind of temperature we will get a chance for a white Christmas or playing snow angel in our backyard.

But don’t give up that hope yet. There are great ways you can have fun in snow around Atlanta area (some with a bit of a drive and some within a short distance).

Check out Top 5 Places to See Snow Near Atlanta

1. Snow Mountain – The most accessible and affordable option for the Metro Atlanta families. The Snow Mountain is part of the Stone Mountain Park. I have yet to visit but my friends told me that it’s a great option especially for family with small kids.

Place: Stone Mountain Park, U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Cost: From $25 for non-member.
Website: Snow Mountain Park

2. Scaly Mountain – This is the snow tubing only resort. It seems perfect for a family with no experience or who just want to enjoy snow without the expectation of skiing. With just over 2.5 hours drive from Atlanta, it’s a great option for a weekend getaway or even a day trip.

Place: Scaly Mountain, 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
Cost: $22 for 2 hours session.
Website: Scaly Mountain

3. Sapphire Valley – With about 2 and a half hour drive, not much further than Scaly mountain we will be able to experience real skiing. This is a bigger resort with skiing and snow boarding. Plus the ticket price is not bad for a weekend that comes to under $30.

Place: Sapphire Valley Ski Area 4350 Hwy 64 West, Sapphire, NC 287
Cost: Check site for detail
Website: Sapphire Valley

4. Ober Gatlinburg – This will be more of a long weekend trip than a one day trip. Situated in Gatlinburg area allows us to explore not just skiing but other attractions in the area. The downside comes with price tag. Since being in the tourist area, the ticket is more expensive than most and the drive is longer at about 3 hours and 45 mins.

Place: Ober Gatlinburg, 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Cost: From $20 for Snow Tubing and $30 for Ski. Check website for more detail
Website: Ober Gatlinburg

5. Cataloochee – This Ski area includes snow tubing world and skiing. With almost 4 hours drive, this is the farthest. Also check the height limitation before heading out.

Place: Cataloochee Ski Area, 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Cost: Check website for detail
Website: Cataloochee

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Holiday Fun – 5 Best Christmas & Holiday Lights Display in Atlanta

December 15, 2009 By Amy 4 Comments

Do you have your Christmas light up?

No?

Well, don’t worry.. If you want to bring your family into the Holiday Spirits without climbing up the ladder yourself, check out these 5 Best Christmas and Holiday Lights Display Around Atlanta.

Some might not be as cheap as we want but sometimes it’s part of the fun for the whole family.

1. Lights of Life @ Life University

Holiday Lights Atlanta_Lifeoflight

This annual tradition started since 1989 by Life University has become one of Atlanta residents favorite. Plus the affordable cost for a mere $5 per car make it a great family outing during this Holiday season. Plan to spend extra time for the petting zoo, train ride, pony ride or Photo with Santa during the weekend.

The Lights of Life Info:

Place: On the campus of Life University (Barclay Circle – off Hwy 41 just north of Dobins AFB, Marietta)
Date: Every night through December 31st
Time:6 Sun-Thu 6:00pm – 10:00 pm, Fri-Sat 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Cost: $5 per car, $10 per van, $20 per bus

2. Holiday in Lights @ Centennial Olympic Park

Holiday Lights Atlanta_Centennial

Don’t miss out on downtown favorite Holiday Lights display at Centennial Olympic Park. The Holiday in Lights is going strong for its 13th annual tradition. Stroll down the park and enjoy the winter wonderland in the downtown area. Then you might also want to check out the Outdoor Ice Skating rink.

The Holiday in Lights Info:

Place: The Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta, GA
Date: Everyday from November 14, 2009 – January 3rd, 2010
Time: 7:00AM – 11:00PM
Cost: FREE

3. Christmas @ Stone Mountain Park

Holiday Lights Atlanta_StoneMountain

The top attraction in Atlanta and the go-to place whenever you have a cousin comes to visit has one of the biggest Christmas fun for the whole family.

It’s not as economical as other options but you can get a bargain by buying a family value pass for the Christmas event. With $15 more than the regular tickets price for family of 4 and you will get dinner and hot cocoa for the whole family.

There are many fun things to do so plan to be there the whole day and stay a while to check out the special Christ Lasershow.

The Stone Mountain Christmas Info:

Place: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain, GA
Date: Everyday through December 30th
Time: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Cost: $26 – Adults, $21 – Kids, $109 for Family of 4 Value

4. Magical Night of Lights @ Lake Lanier

Holiday Lights Atlanta_Lanier

The World’s Largest Animated Holiday and Christmas Lighting show in the Northern suburb of Atlanta is one of the go-to place. Ironically, it’s in my backyard but I have yet to experience it. Maybe this year will be the year.

You can enjoy 7 miles of Holiday Lights and Christmas fun in the comfort of your own car. And after all the amazing light show, the Holiday Village is waiting for you to explore. So a tip for family, head there early so you will have enough time to enjoy the Holiday Village at the end of your tour.

The Magical Nights of Lights Info:

Place: Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road Lake Lanier Islands, GA
Date: Everyday through December 30th
Time: 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Cost: Starting from $33 per car. Price varied

5. Fantasy in Lights @ Callaway Garden

Holiday Lights Atlanta_Callaway

The last but not at all the least amazing Christmas Lights show in the Atlanta area. Callway Garden – Fantasy in Lights is not just a Holiday Lights show. It’s the Holiday Lights and Sound show. One of the nice option here is a ride of Jolly Trolley to experience the custom-designed scenes throught out the park. This way a driver won’t miss out on the fun and can truly relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.

The Fantasy in Lights Info:

Place: Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA
Date: Everyday through December 30th
Time: Open at 6:00PM-8:00PM
Cost: Starting from $16 per Adult and $8 per Child. Price varied on different dates

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10 Fun Corn Mazes For Kids Around Atlanta

September 16, 2009 By Amy 3 Comments

maze09-300
Fall is clearly here in my definition. The weather is much cooler. Plus seeing all the announcement of the opening of corn maze has done that to me.

I LOVE Fall.

It’s my favorite season of the year. There are just so many things to do in Fall. And one of our favorite things to do that we haven’t done much in the past is going to the corn maze. Luckily, we live in the metro Atlanta that there are plenty of choices for us. Just so I don’t have to search around to find where to take my kids for corn maze around Atlanta, I compile the list of fun corn mazes in the Atlanta metro area. Check out the map at the bottom to find corn maze near your area.

So here are 10 Fun Family-Friendly Corn Mazes Around Metro Atlanta:

1. Southern Belle Farm: A 200-acre working farm in McDonough, Georgia – in the Atlanta metro area. Their specialties are homegrown family fun, fresh produce and wholesome memories! Bring your family and spend the day exploring what ‘Farm Fresh’ really means.

Address: 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough, Georgia 30252
Open Date: September 19th
Time: Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 1:00-6:00pm
Fee: Adult & Kids over 10 – $13, Children (Ages 3-9) – $11, Children (Ages 2 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-898-0999
Website: www.southernbellefarm.com

2. Corn Dawgs: Check out the Wild West Adventure 2009 at Corn Dawgs Corn Maze and enjoy over 15 attractions that will be fun for the whole family.

Address: Hwy 81, Walnut Grove, GA
Open Date: September 18th
Time: Fri 10:00am-10:00pm (morning has limited attractions), Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 1:00-7:00pm
Fee: Adult & Kids over 13 – $12, Children (Ages 4-12) – $10, Children (Ages 3 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-786-9000
Website: www.corndawgs.net

3. Cagle’s Corn MAiZE: Come for the day! Enjoy a farm tour, the MAiZE, play on the jumpee pillow, enjoy some finger-lickin’ good farm food and gather ’round a bonfire with friends! Check website for more detail and coupon.

Address: 355 Stringer Rd., Canton, GA 30115
Open Date: September 4th
Time: Fri 5:00pm-11:00pm, Sat 10:00am-11:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm
Fee: Everyone – $10, Children (Ages 2 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-345-5591
Website: www.caglescornmaize.com

4. Uncle Shuck’s: Enjoy 12 acre field of corn with 4 miles of trails that twisting and turning or even coming to a deadend. Make sure to check website for coupon and more details on other fall fun activities.

Address: 4525 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open Date: September 4th
Time: Fri 4:00pm-10:00pm, Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm
Fee: Everyone – $9, Children (Ages 3 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-772-6223
Website: www.uncleshucks.com

5. Buck’s Corn Maze: This 12 acre maze is planted in a 20 acre field next to Cochran Creek with a beautiful view of the Appalachian Mountains. It is more than just a maze!!! It’s GREAT family fun for all ages. Come get “LOST” in the maze. As much fun as the maze is in the daytime, it is double the fun at night. Bring your Flashlight and test your skills in the dark.

Address: 1923 New Hope Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open Date: September 5th
Time: Fri 5:00pm-9:00pm, Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm
Fee: Adult & Kids over 13 – $8, Children (Ages 4-12) – $7, Children (4 and under) – FREE
Contact: 706-344-8834
Website: www.buckscornmaze.com

6. Washington Farm: Check out their new maze design this year highlights Georgia Farming! This year in the maze you’ll work your way through Georgia grown with pumpkins and strawberries design for 45 min. to 1 hr. You may enter the maze by sliding down their 24 ft. slide or you may walk in through the corn! As you wind your way through, make sure you stop at the bridge for a quick photo!

Address: 5691 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Open Date: September 25th
Time: Fri 3:00pm-11:00pm, Sat 9:00am-11:00pm
Fee: Everyone over 5 – $8, Children (4 and under) – FREE
Contact: 706-769-0627
Website: www.washingtonfarms.net

7. Connell Farms: Get lost in this 7 acre corn maze during the day or at night with your flashlights. Make sure to print out coupon before head out there for more discount.

Address: Hollonville, GA
Open Date: September 19th
Time: Fri 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat 2:00pm-10:00pm
Fee: Adult & Kids over 12 – $7, Children (Ages 4-11) – $3.50, Children (Ages 3 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-229-4096
Website: www.connellfarms.com

8. Carlton Farm: The corn maze field consist of 5 acres with over 2 miles of trail. Inside the maze you will find 12 checkpoints that can lead you through the maze. Inside the maze you will also encounter a bridge that allows you a bird’s eye view of the 5 acre corn maze.

Address: 1276 Cartersville Hwy, Rockmart, Ga 30153
Open Date: September 26th
Time: Fri 6:00pm-10:00pm, Sat 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-9:00pm
Fee: Everyone – $7
Contact: 770-546-5179
Website: www.carltonfarm.com

9. Jaemor Farm Market: Go experience their farm through “Georgia Grown Adventure” Corn Maze. Navigate the maze while learning fun facts about Georgia’s Agriculture and its impact on Georgia; this place we call home. There are excellent picnic areas for groups or you can visit our on site farmer’s market for some great treats. You can also catch a hayride and tour our farm, pick your own pumpkin, or try your hand at the Apple Slingshot.

Address: 5340 Cornelia Hwy. Alto, GA 30510
Open Date: September 5th
Time: Fri 10:00am-11:00pm, Sat 10:00am-11:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-6:00pm
Fee: Adult & Kids over 8 – $8, Children (Ages 4-7) – $7, Children (Ages 3 and under) – FREE
Contact: 770-869-3999
Website: www.jamsjellies.com

10. Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze: The seven acre corn field has 2 ½ miles of fun paths plus agricultural facts to direct you through the maze. Also enjoy other attractions that are part of the fee like farm animals, corn cannon, giant mountain slide, inflatable cow jumper and treasure mountain. Don’t forget to check out their website to get coupon for discount.

Address: 797 Macedonia Church Rd. Oxford, Ga. 30054
Open Date: September 11th
Time: Fri 6:00pm-10:00pm, Sat 12:00pm-10:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-5:00pm
Fee: Everyone – $8
Contact: 770-855-1530
Website: www.colcobscornmaze.com

Check out map for each corn maze to find the one near you:

View 10 Fun Corn Maze Around Atlanta in a larger map

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Day Trip: Buford Dam Park Beach near Atlanta

July 22, 2009 By Amy 2 Comments

Last weekend I took Miss J and Mr. Z to a little beach escape in our neck of the wood.

It’s not the Caribbean or exotic beaches by any mean but we can’t beat the distance and the cost.

This is a little beach on Lake Lanier. It’s part of Buford Dam Park which is merely 5 minutes ride from our house. FIVE minutes!! And I haven’t been here for the past 3 years that we have lived here! Well, if it wasn’t for my new goal to get out and do more outdoor adventures with my kids, I probably wouldn’t get there yet.

We packed our beach bag and headed out. I had no idea where this park is but I knew it’s somewhere in the Buford Dam area. We found the entrance and the kids couldn’t be happier.

Why We Love it:

- The beach area is pretty good size with plenty of sand for kids to get lost in their own imagination building sand castle

- The beach is very calm since it’s in the lake and boats or jet skis are not allowed in the area

- There are plenty of shade areas for families to have their own cookout. You can bring your own grill to the park and have a great BBQ by the beach

- There is a restroom nearby so it’s easy for parents to take care of their kids need

- The fee is merely $4 per car. What a great deal for a fun day at the beach for the whole family

Park Info:

Address: 1200 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
Fee: $4 per vehicle or $1 per pedestrian
Operating Hour: 8 am – 10 pm

5 Family Favorite Outdoor Adventures Around Atlanta

June 26, 2009 By Amy 1 Comment

Summer in Atlanta is notorious for the heat. But don’t let the heat keeps you hunker down inside your house. There are great outdoor around Atlanta that you can enjoy with your kids. These are our 5 favorite for a quick day trip to get out of town and enjoy mother nature.

1) Amicalola Fall : Less than an hour north of Atlanta, this waterfall is our family favorite. It has a hiking trail to go up to the top of the Falls. But you can also drive up and park and do a relatively short trail at West Ridge Falls trail. Best of all, this trail is paved with recycle tire that family with stroller can enjoy the same view as well.

2) Tallulah Gorge State Park : Boasted the most spectacular canyon in the Eastern US, this park has various trails with varied degree of difficulty. A novice like us probably aims for NORTH/SOUTH Rim Trail or the SHORTHLINE Trail. If hiking is your hobby and you would like more challenge then you can obtain the permit to hike down the Gorge.

3) Sawnee Mountain Preserve : Another perfect park that less than an hour from Atlanta and literally in my neck of the wood. And yet, we haven’t been there. So this year I made a mental note that I will have to visit this well-praised preserve to check out the hiking trail. If hiking is not your thing, there are other activities like Rock Climbing or simply just sightseeing the view from the mountain.

4) Unicoi State Park: This state park is in Helen which is about 2 hours north of Atlanta. It’s a great park with camp ground, cabins, lake and waterfal. If you still have energy after all the activities from the park, you can try out the River tubing in Helen in Summer. The river is meadering around town so you can get to sightseeing from a different perspective.

5) Water Adventures on Chattahoochee River : I have driven by Up The River Outfitters countless times and I have yet to stop by and do it. Up The River provides water adventures ranging from tubing, whitewater rafting and kayaking along the Chattahoochee River. Again, another fun outdoor adventure in my neck of the wood that I can’t pass on. This might have to be mommy and daddy adventure at the Q family because Mr. Z is a tad too young. But giving a couple more years we can have a fun family adventure together.