Georgia with kids By MiniTime
Apple picking is only some of the best fall activities to do with kids in North Georgia. (Flickr: wongaboo)
As leaves start to fall, families are ready to get outside and enjoy all that fall has to offer. While we love our long summer days filled with sunshine, there’s just something special about an autumn day. People love to don their favorite sweaters, put on some comfortable boots and head outside.
In North Georgia, there’s more than enough for families to do as they explore this region north of Atlanta. From apple picking to corn mazes to college football, North Georgia overflows with fall activities for families. And, because it’s located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area contains many locales with colorful foliage.
Don’t try to do it all at one time, though; fall entertainment will be here all season long. Therefore, take your time to enjoy each and every one of these fun things to do in North Georgia.
(MORE: 10 Best Fall Drives in the US)
Go Apple Picking
Everyone loves fresh apples right from the orchard, and no place is better for this than Ellijay. Deemed the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay contains a number of apple houses offering fresh apples, produce, apple cider and more. For simple apple picking and shopping in the market, head to R & A Orchards or Red Apple Barn. If you want an entire crop of fall activities for families, check out Hillcrest Orchards or B.J. Reece Orchards. At these apple houses, families can take a hayride, see a petting zoo or even fly on a zip line.
Pick a Pumpkin
In Dawsonville, families go in droves to Burt’s Farm to find their annual Halloween and cooking pumpkins. Admission is free, and families are welcome to take their annual fall pictures amid the hundreds of pumpkins. The farm also offers hayrides for an additional fee. In addition to pumpkins, visitors can shop for a variety of fall décor, pumpkin pies, peanut brittle and more.
Wander Through a Corn Maze
Also in Dawsonville, Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze offers a full slate of fun things to do in North Georgia. Located on 12 acres, there are 4 miles of trails through two corn mazes. For those who dare, there’s a Haunted Maze each evening. Plus, you can take a hayride, fire a corn cannon or explore the pumpkin patch. Look for the many photo props placed around the grounds to create some family mementos of your visit.
Have Fun at a Fall Festival
The list of fall activities for families wouldn’t be complete without at least one fall festival. Thankfully, North Georgia does not disappoint, with many festivals held in October. Check out the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay or Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega. Jasper welcomes visitors to its annual Georgia Marble Festival, and, for something unique, Dawsonville holds the Mountain Moonshine Festival. Of course, fall isn’t complete without Oktoberfest, which takes place in Helen during September and October. All contain many fun things to do in North Georgia, like arts and crafts, car shows, and live music.
Cheer on Your Favorite Team
One of the fun things to do in North Georgia is catching a college football game. Head to Athens to cheer on the University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Or make your way to downtown Atlanta to see the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets or Georgia State Panthers. A relative newcomer to college football, the Kennesaw State University Owls offer a lively atmosphere in Kennesaw. Go early to tailgate, and make it a day-long event.
(MORE: Fall for Families: Top Harvest Festivals Out West)
See Some Leaves
Everyone loves the vibrant colors of autumn leaves on and falling from the trees. So it’s not surprising that leaf-watching is one of the more popular fall activities for families. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to see colorful fall foliage throughout North Georgia. Drive in and around such cities as Dillard, Hiwassee and Blairsville, and you’ll find gorgeous mountain vistas. Take a walk about these small mountain towns, and you’ll more than likely find more fun fall activities for families.
Karon Warren contributed this to MiniTime.
