5 family-friendly spring break ideas near Atlanta
Public schools are out for spring break in early April. Here are some ideas for places to go and things to do in Atlanta during spring break. One bonus: Traffic is generally lighter for the week until Thursday. When public schools close for spring break, there are many places to visit in metro Atlanta that offer a variety of family-friendly activities. For example, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is one of the nation's premier urban greenways and one of National Park Service's most biologically diverse parks. Explore the 15 riverside units of the area, which include Sandy Springs and Roswell, or explore closer to Lake Lanier and Buford Dam north of Atlanta. Hike the Anna Ruby Falls Trail near Helen, about 75 miles north of I-285 at Ga. The Millennium Gate Museum in Midtown Atlanta is dedicated to preserving Georgia history, art, culture and philanthropic heritage.
Published : a month ago by AJC Staff in Travel
When public schools close in metro Atlanta for spring break, some Atlantans go elsewhere. But if you staying in town or visiting metro Atlanta during spring break, there are many places to visit, both indoors and outdoors.
Here are some ideas to get you started. For locations that charge for admission, you should call ahead or check the website for any special restrictions during spring break.
Hike, walk, fish or raft in one of the 15 riverside units of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — one of the nation’s premier urban greenways and one of the National Park Service’s most biologically diverse parks, according to Charles Seabrook, who writes an outdoors column for the AJC. The network of related parks include choices as near as Sandy Springs and Roswell, or you can explore closer to Lake Lanier and Buford Dam north of Atlanta. Note: The Interstate North Parking Lot and Entrance are closed for repaving.
- Been there, done that? Here are more of Seabrook’s selections for where you can spend time in nature, from the Wild Georgia column.
The shortest route to this stunning double waterfall is paved, less than one mile and stroller-friendly. Hike the Anna Ruby Falls Trail near Helen, about 75 miles north of I-285 at Ga. 400. The walk follows a tumbling creek in a lush, green valley. At the end of the trail, you’ll see this double waterfall as York Creek and Curtis Creek tumble from a tall, rocky bluff.
- Chasing waterfalls at a beginner-level pace? Here are four more that are a short hike from your car.
Sand and water, mill ruins and a 210-foot suspension bridge – it doesn’t get better than that for families that like to explore. The best part is that you never have to leave the city. Officially, Lullwater Park trail access is limited to Emory students and faculty with Emory identification. Unofficially, it’s a magical city oasis adjacent to Hahn Forest Park that beckons families to explore.
- If you’ve already checked that off your list, here are 4 other family-friendly places to hike near Atlanta.
Some people visit Atlantic Station for food or shopping. There’s also a museum option. The Millennium Gate Museum, located at the arch, is dedicated to preserving Georgia history, art, culture and philanthropic heritage. There are tons of galleries that feature artifacts, documents and photographs from figures of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
- For those who prefer the indoor option: Here are 7 more museums to sample in metro Atlanta.
Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta pulls out a jumbo screen to show movies “on the square” outside the office and dining complex on select Thursdays from April to October. Weather permitting, the April 4 show is “A Bug’s Life.” Admission is free, but you’ll either pay to park or take MARTA.
- Check out more free things to do in April from accessAtlanta.com.