Previously, I’ve written about summer day trips and day dates. I have been working on a list of places to take my kids in the coming season, and thought I would share my findings here. Many people are homeschooling or virtual schooling this fall and may have more flexibility than ever before to visit interesting places during the week.
Maybe you’ve had to cancel some trips and are looking for day trip options for family fun. I hope you will find this information helpful in guiding you to new experiences this fall. Please be aware of special guidelines and changes to hours of operation by visiting the websites provided or contacting these businesses directly.
Desoto Caverns – Easily accessible via Hwy 280, this family attraction in Childersburg, AL is offering some discounts in August that might appeal to you. “Fun Day Monday” promotion allows visitors who arrive between 10 am – 11:30 am to save $15 on all-inclusive wristbands, which gives you a caverns tour and access to all of their attractions including a maze, gemstone panning, mini golf, splash pad, and more. This is available on August 3rd, 10th, and 17th only. They are also having Homeschool Days every Friday in August. This is an even better discount and allows participants to chose between the $17 ticket for a cave tour, maze game, and gemstone panning, or the $30 all-inclusive wristband. Kids three and under receive free admission. If you can’t go in August, keep an eye on their Facebook page for more promotions that may become available.
Atlanta CityPASS – In the past, the CityPASS had to be used within 9 days of activation (your first visit to one of the 5 sites). Currently, that has been extended to 30 days for passes that are activated by February 28, 2021. This makes it an excellent option for families in our area to visit these premier attractions on a few day trips. The pass costs $77 for adults and $63 for ages 3-12 (ages 2 and under are free at all Atlanta CityPASS attractions). If you have a Sam’s Club membership, you can save an additional $7 per adult and $4 per child ticket by buying through their website. At this writing, the CNN Studio Tour and National Center for Civil and Human Rights have not reopened, but you will still have access to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and your choice of Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Chick Fil A College Football Hall of Fame.
Cheaha State Park – Visit the highest peak in the state of Alabama, which is located less than two hours north of the Auburn/Opelika area. For an affordable entry fee ($5/adult, $2/child) you can take in the beautiful sights across the park and enjoy lake swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, and geocaching. I imagine it’s really beautiful when the leaves change in the fall.
Providence Canyon State Park – If you head an hour southeast from Auburn/Opelika, you’ll find the “Little Grand Canyon” in Lumpkin, GA. If you plan to hike down to the canyon floor, prepare for your feet to get wet and muddy. There are several hiking trails to choose from, and you can also take in amazing views from the picnic pavilions without hiking. The entry cost is $5 per vehicle.
McWane Science Center – Most moms are probably already familiar with this kid-focused science museum, but I have never been. I think my kids would love the Itty Bitty Magic City area, as well as the dinosaurs. I’m considering getting the Family Membership since there are 6 of us. Not only would it pay for itself in two visits, but it would also give us free parking at McWane, and free admission to other science museums through the ASTC Travel Passport Program. When we’re able to take longer distance trips, there are lot of museums on that list that I want to visit on a day trip.
Callaway Gardens – I recently took my four littles to Callaway to play at Robin Lake Beach. They had an “Everyone Pays Kid Price” promotion, and kids five and under are free, so we had a very enjoyable 5-hour visit for a total of $20. Well worth it! I’m interested in taking them back to see the Hot Air Balloon Festival over Labor Day weekend. Last Christmas we enjoyed the Fantasy In Lights trolley ride together as a family. It’s an easy drive from Auburn/Opelika and there is so much to explore that you simply can’t do it all in one day trip.
What are other places you enjoy exploring with your family? I’d love to read your suggestions in the comments!
