Spring Break Ideas: Ten Ways to Get Families Outdoors

Spring Break Ideas:
Ten Ways to Get Families Outdoors

ATLANTA, March 7, 2018 – With Spring Break just around the corner, Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites offer many ways for families to enjoy the outdoors on a budget. From sleeping under the stars to paddling under a full moon, Georgia’s State Parks have vacations for all ages. Below are ten ideas for a memorable Spring Break that’s affordable and close to home.

Camping Under the Stars – Pack the tent and build cherished memories while toasting gooey s’mores. Camping encourages the entire family to enjoy the simple pleasures of swapping stories while looking up at the stars. All campgrounds have water and electric hookups, plus hot showers. Many offer sewage hookups for RVs and site-specific reservations. www.GaStateParks.org/Camping

Glamping Yurts – For a unique and affordable getaway, book a “glamour camping” yurt. These funky wood and canvas structures are a blend between a tent and cabin, with furniture inside and fire rings outside. Guests can even walk to nearby hot showers. Yurts are available at Cloudland Canyon, Red Top Mountain, High Falls, Fort Yargo, Sweetwater Creek and Tugaloo state parks. www.GaStateParks.org/UniqueAccommodations

Cozy Cabins – For an affordable and cozy staycation, book a cabin or cottage surrounded by beautiful scenery. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, state park cabins come with fully equipped kitchens, screened porches and a wide range of activities right outside the door. Bring your four-legged family members along when you reserve a dog-friendly cabin in advance. www.GaStateParks.org/Cottages

Parks After Dark – Throughout 2018, Georgia’s State Parks are spotlighting the sights and sounds of evening. Join park rangers for after-dark programs such as full-moon kayaking, astronomy outings, sunset hikes, frog frolics, candlelit tours and more. Find a calendar of evening events on www.GaStateParks.org/ParksAfterDark, with even more daytime programs posted on each park’s webpage.

Junior Rangers — Children ages 6 to 12 will have fun learning in the outdoors as they work toward earning a Junior Ranger badge. By following guidelines in the activity book or attending ranger-led camps, they will experience nature first-hand and explore Georgia’s fascinating history. The experience builds as children work their way through three badge levels. Download the free book at www.GaStateParks.org/EducationalResources.

Hit the Trail – Hit the trails with your children to discover the wonders of nature through their eyes. Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of hiking and biking paths, from easy paved loops to challenging backcountry trails. Families will experience Georgia’s diverse landscape as well, with canyons and waterfalls, salt marshes and streams. Energetic explorers can join the Canyon Climbers Club or Muddy Spokes Club to earn a members-only t-shirt. Learn more at www.GaStateParks.org/ParkActivities and www.GaStateParks.org/ParkClubs.

Go Fishing – Grab your rod and reel and head out for a day of fishing at parks like High Falls or Moccasin Creek. There is no fee for casting a line, but a license is required for ages 16 and older. For families who would like to take their adventure up a notch, many state parks rent boats by the hour. www.GaStateParks.org/ParkFishing

• Travel Back in Time – Mix entertainment with education when you step back in time at Georgia’s state historic sites. Children can explore colonial times at Fort Morris and Fort King George, or Civil War bunkers at Fort McAllister. To learn about Native American history, visit Kolomoki Mounds, New Echota, Chief Vann House and Etowah Indian Mounds. Even more historic sites are listed on www.GaStateParks.org/History.

• Go Paddling – Explore Georgia’s waterways through a variety of paddling adventures. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and aquacycles may be rented seasonally, or visitors may bring their own boats. Many parks offer guided tours, including Stephen C. Foster’s tour of the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp and George L. Smith’s tour of a beautiful mill pond. For a challenge, join the Park Paddlers Club which takes explorers to six state parks as they earn a members-only t-shirt. www.GaStateParks.org/Paddling

• Tee Off – Tee off at one of Georgia’s eight state park golf courses offering a family-friendly atmosphere surrounded by sparkling lakes and scenic forests. Lessons, putting greens, pro shops and a Junior Golf Tour are available. www.GaStateParks.org/Golfing



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