A couple weekends ago we took the kids to explore Chattahoochee Nature Center. We got free admission tickets from our friends. But I think I would have paid to go there ourselves even if we didn’t have tickets. The center is located in the Roswell area not too far from GA400 at Exit 6.

We planned to start off the day early but as usual we were running late. We got there around noon and the parking lot was full so we had to park in the staff parking area. It was not a bad deal because we got to walk a short distance to test out the hiking trail to the center.

We headed to the Discovery Center and started to explore the area. Inside the center, kids got to check out various interactive centers and learn about nature. It is a wonderful educational approach. The kids were totally engaged, and learned a lot while having fun. All kinds of students, whether kindergarteners or elearners pupils, absorb most when they are learning in a dynamic and entertaining way. Once we headed downstair, we checked out the Nature Exchange center. It is such a cool concept. Kids can collect nature items ranging from bird feather, shell, twig or leaf (from anywhere but inside the center) and then bring it back to earn points. The more detail or information kids can give about certain item the more points they will receive. Then they can trade their points for the various items available at the center.

Afterward, we headed to the Watershed area which is another great interactive exhibit with multiple galleries teaching kids all about water and watershed habitats. By this time, we were so hungry… We headed to the Lakeside Pavillion to enjoy our quick snack (we forgot to pack lunch).

Next to the pavillion is the Bald Eagle Aviary and various raptor aviaries. Kids were so excited to see those creatures. We stopped by to say hi to lovely set of turtles at the Kingfisher Pond. By this time, our energy were running low. So we decided to do shortest hiking trail and headed home. We picked the Stone Cabin Trail because it was the shortest trail based on our map and also the closest to our parking spot.

The trail was perfect for family with small kids. The path was very easy to navigate and shaded throughout. The trail was very short at 0.23 miles even for the whiniest kid can conquer. It took us less than 15 minutes to walk through the trail. Kids enjoyed a quick stop to enjoy the view of the Beaver Pond. Overall, it was a great day for us, non-outdoor family to enjoy the outdoor adventures in Atlanta. We love it so much that we plan to go back there again to check out their Family Canoe Day.

Family Favorites:

• Discovery Center: The best part of the center apart from a fun interactive place full of great information for kids about nature is the AC part. For the Hotanta as we are, the heat is the main thing – I think – that makes me think twice about planning any outdoor activities with my kids. The center is great for a quick escape from the heat to regroup and get ready for the next fun adventures.

• The Hiking Trails: There are 6 hiking trails all around the Chattahoochee Nature Center with various lenght but mostly less than 0.5 mils. So it’s perfect for family with kids. We have only done one trail so we plan to go back and check out other trails in the near future.

• Family Programs: There are so many family oriented programs available through out the year at the center that I don’t think we will be able to attend every one of them. We would love to try out the Family Canoe Day and the Guided Hike.

Address: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Fee: Adult $8, Children (3-12) $5, Children (2 and under) Free

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Thanks for reading my feed. Please stop by to say hi or leave a comment! Chattahoochee Nature Center with Kids is a post from: Atlanta With Kid Travel Blog

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.

Thanks for reading my feed. Please stop by to say hi or leave a comment! 5 Family Favorite Outdoor Adventures Around Atlanta is a post from: Atlanta With Kid Travel Blog