Activities

Here are more ideas for a great break:

Get outside and explore

There are indeed a lot of activities around town, not all of which are pricey. A walk in the woods (or along a PATH trail or the Atlanta Beltline), fishing and going to local and state parks are easy and fun. Be sure to check websites because many, such as Bethesda Park Aquatic Center in Gwinnett County, have added hours for spring break. The center offers an indoor leisure pool, a giant waterslide, river channel, water play structures, water vortex and ceiling spray.

Challenge the kids at the miniature golf courses at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Duluth or go horseback riding at Georgia Frontiers Trail Rides. The Canton stable offers Western-style rides by appointment twice a day and three times on weekends. Georgia Frontiers can handle eight kids at a time and tailors the experience set by the rider with the “least courage, talent or sense of humor,” as its website says.

For young adrenaline junkies, head out to Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg (about 45 minutes southwest of Atlanta) and go zip-lining (note that age and weight minimums start at 8 years and 50 pounds). There also is horseback riding for those 10 and older, as well as kayaking, wall climbing, 15 miles of hiking trails with 12 suspension bridges and an aerial playground for kids 4 and older.

Head south to Serenbe, in Chattahoochee Hills, for a back-innature experience with a civilized vibe. Have the kids hike the trails, enjoy the playgrounds, climb the treehouses and pet and feed the goats, donkeys, chickens and pigs on the farm. For those who want more, there is trail riding and a farm tour (both for a fee) where children learn about organic farming.

Smart fun at museums

“Museums are obviously wonderful ways to spend times with kids,” said Karen Kelly, Children’s Museum of Atlanta director of exhibits and education. “There are a lot of fun things to do in museums. You don’t have to tell them they’re learning anything.

HENRI HOLLIS/AJC