Family Vacation: 5 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Madison, GA
Planning a vacation that keeps the whole family entertained can be a challenge. Luckily, just an hour away from Atlanta, the small town of Madison offers plenty of options for a family friendly vacation that your loved ones are sure to remember. From spotting giraffes on a safari to splashing in a lake, horseback riding through scenic trails and handpicking fresh fruit- endless adventures await both kids and parents alike.
Animal Adventures
For a wild adventure like no other, visit The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, where the magic of Africa comes to life in the heart of Georgia. Opening its gates in June 2024, this safari adventure provides families with a unique and immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional zoo visit. Buckle up for a close-up encounter with amazing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos, zebra and more on their guided safari tour. For an overnight adventure, sleep in a luxury safari tent in the forest canopy or take in the unparalleled views of the majestic giraffes from the Giraffe Suite.
However, if you’re looking for a tamer adventure, look no further than Southern Cross Guest Ranch. This charming ranch invites kids 8 years old and above to explore wooded trails on horseback. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, their expert wranglers will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience with guided and unguided horseback ride options. In addition to their rides, this ranch also offers a fishing pond, mountain bike trails and serves as a bed and breakfast dishing up delicious European-style comfort food, creating a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your family.
Fun in the Sun
With Hard Labor Creek State Park and Lake Oconee, there is no shortage of outdoor fun to discover around Madison. As the second largest state park in Georgia, Hard Labor Creek State Park has something for everyone, with two expansive lakes providing the perfect playground for swimming, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Families can either bring their own gear or opt to rent kayaks on-site during the summer months, ensuring a hassle-free experience for parents.
For a unique and educational experience, don’t miss the ranger-led nighttime tours at Hard Labor Creek. From Twilight Kayak Tours to Stargazing and Guided Night Hikes, these special events allow kids to explore the park after dark, search for nocturnal wildlife and marvel at the wonders of the night sky. Additionally, the park features an observatory open to the public once a month from March through October, where knowledgeable astronomers are available to answer questions and engage young minds.
Beyond the water, the park also has over 20 miles of beautiful trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. For those seeking fun on the fairway, the park has an 18-hole golf course, which has been lauded as the “4th sweetest deal in the USA” by Golf Digest’s Frugal Golfer. This course is perfect for parents, but there is also a miniature golf course that the kids are sure to enjoy too.
For those wanting even more water adventures, venture beyond the park and explore the vast waters of Lake Oconee, mere minutes away from Madison. Nearby marinas provide easy access to boat ramps and fuel docks, catering to boat owners seeking a prime spot for fishing. If you’re without a boat, several rental companies on Lake Oconee offer boats, jet skis and all the equipment you need for a day on the water. For the ultimate experience, consider joining a local fishing guide to navigate the waters and reel in the best catches the lake has to offer. Prefer the comfort, convenience and cost savings of dock fishing? Apalachee Mart offers day passes to fish bass, catfish, brim and more from their two private docks on the Apalachee River.
Farm-Filled Fun
Bike, or drive, along the Madison-Morgan Meander’s farm route to discover family farms, fruit picking orchards and scenic byways.
Stop along this route and tour the Rock House Farm & Creamery where kids can coo at the cute cows, witness the dairy production process in action and even try samples of fresh cheese curds and milk.
Craving something sweet? Continue along the Madison-Morgan Meander to two local orchards. Sweet Berry Farm offers a “pick your own” experience from mid-May until early September with fruits such as pears, peaches, nectarines and blackberries. CJ Orchards also invites you to handpick your own blueberries and offers a selection of pecans, tomatoes and peaches prepicked and ready for purchase. Check out both orchards’ websites to stay updated on their seasonal offerings and to book a fun family tour.
Want to get off the beaten path to experience a different kind of animal encounter? Visit Crafdal Farm, home to over 25 alpacas and an adorable variety of rescue animals including horses, donkeys, goats and ducks. Reservations are required, so schedule a private tour in advance to ensure a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Discover Downtown Madison
Downtown Madison is also home to many kid-friendly experiences like the new Clover Craft Studio, which encourages kids ages 2-12 to unleash their creativity through hands-on art workshops.
Town Park, which sits at the center of downtown Madison,hosts several special family events in spring and summer including the popular Firefly Kids’ Night and weekly Summer Nights concert series. If you just can’t get enough live music, Rutledge also offers its own Summer Concert Series every Friday night through the summer months.
Beyond serving as a museum, gallery and performing arts center in Madison, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center offers a variety of family friendly events throughout the year, including an annual Storytelling Festival and holiday favorites such as photos with Santa, Easter Egg hunts and more. See a full list of events happening in Madison and Morgan County here.
Picky Eaters' Picks
When travelling, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can find a place that caters to your picky eater. Don’t worry, we have you covered.
At Amici Madison, the kids can enjoy a slice of cheesy pizza while you savor a local craft beer brewed right in the restaurant. With Amici’s fun atmosphere, featuring both outdoor and indoor games as well as live entertainment on select nights, your kids will leave full and happy. Another downtown favorite, Chophouse Grille, serves up juicy, seasoned to perfection steaks and burgers sure to satisfy any picky eater.
For dessert, head down the street to Scoops for some handmade ice cream, chocolate and dipped apples. With hundreds of candy varieties lining the walls, stepping into this ice cream shop will feel like stepping into Wonka’s factory. A little further out, but worth the trip, is The Caboose in Rutledge. Watch your kid’s imagination run wild as you dine in the last caboose to travel the Rutledge rails, enjoying their homemade ice cream and famous root beer floats.
Plan your Family Stay Today
After a fun day of exploring, let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep in a safari tent, relax in a cozy cabin at Hard Labor Creek State Park, or unsaddle and unwind at the Southern Cross Guest Ranch. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be just minutes away from your next exciting adventure!
Plan a trip now and see why Madison is your new go-to family vacation spot.