Family Activities

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: The 3 1/2 hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River in vintage climate controlled or open air railcars. The relaxing ride starts at the historic depot, built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge, then stops for a layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN where visitors have an hour and a half, plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream or explore.
241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
800-934-1898
www.brscenic.com
Kangaroo Conservation Center: Come visit Australia right here in north Georgia. This 87-acre wildlife sanctuary exhibits over 200 kangaroos. You'll also get to experience a variety of Aussie animals. Enjoy your guided trip through the outback. Tours are given from early Spring thru late Fall. Advance reservations are highly recommended as a limited number of visitors are admitted for each tour.
222 Bailey-Waters Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-6100
www.kangaroocenter.com
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve: Questions are encouraged as you walk through the exhibits at this non-profit corporation and fully licensed rescue, exotic animal and wildlife preserve. Sitting on over 20 acres of rolling farmland. Over 100 animals, with many different species. It's a magical place that beckons you to sit and stay a while. Picnic tables are available for you to enjoy lunch or a snack.
469 Old Dahlonega Highway, Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-9411
www.chestateewildlifepreserve.org
Burt's Pumpkin Farm: The arrival of fall means a trip to Burt's Farm. They grow thousands of pumpkins so your selection is unlimited. You can choose from a 1 lb. pumpkin up to 150 lbs. After you pick a pumpkin, enjoy a hay ride on a two-mile trip that takes you through the mountains, ending up at a hilltop with a view of the farm and Amicalola Falls. Stop by the country store to pick up all your supplies for carving your pumpkin, jams, jellies, pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll. Be sure to pick up some popcorn that is grown on the farm. The farm is open on the weekends starting in September and daily in October.
4801 Highway 52, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-3701
www.burtsfarm.com
Consolidated Gold Mines: Experience what it was like to be a miner in the 1800's. You will be guided on a tour that takes you sixty feet below the earth. You will see the actual equipment that was used and walk through the massive tunnel network. After the tour each person is invited to try gold panning and gem grubbing. Open year round.
185 Consolidated Gold Mine Road, Dahlonega, GA
706-864-8473
www.consolidatedgoldmine.com