Gear Up for Spring Adventures in Georgia

This Spring Break, escape the floaties, crowded beaches and traffic and opt for serene natural beauty, reasonable prices and family-friendly offerings in Georgia’s State Parks. Get down and dirty while canyon climbing, tree climbing, kayaking or hiking with family and friends. With a plethora of outdoor activities and accommodations, there’s fun to be had for everyone while creating memories park goers won’t soon forget.

Below are ten ideas for a memorable Spring Break that's affordable and close to home. Check more than one off the list for a complete Spring Break experience.

• Junior Rangers – Explorers of any age will have fun learning in the outdoors as they work toward earning a Junior Ranger badge. By following guidelines in activity book or attending ranger-led camps, they will experience nature first-hand and delve into Georgia's fascinating history. The experience builds as children earn 59 park-specific badges. Download the free book at GaStateParks.org/EducationalResources.

• Geocache Through History – Love a treasure hunt? Georgia’s revamped History Trail offers new challenges, new locations and a new reward. This mystery tour offers geocachers of all levels a chance to travel back in time and earn an exclusive trackable coin. Answer questions about each historic site you visit and discover the code to unlock hidden caches. Download and print a Time Travel Ticket prior to participating. For more information visit GaStateParks.org/Geocaching.

• Camping Under the Stars – Pack a tent and sense of adventure to build cherished memories while toasting 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, hot showers and site-specific reservations. 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. 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. Choose from mini golf, nature trails, ranger programs, archery, disc golf and more. Bring the four-legged family members along when you reserve a dog-friendly cabin in advance. GaStateParks.org/Cottages

• Trek the Trails – Explore 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. Bring Fido along for a full circle adventure via the Georgia State Parks Tails on Trails Club.  Learn more at GaStateParks.org/ParkActivities, GaStateParks.org/ParkClubs and GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrailsClub.

• Go Fishing – Grab your rod and reel and head out for a day of fishing. 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. Great places to try include High Falls, Reed Bingham and Seminole state parks. 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 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. For a challenge, join the Park Paddlers Club which takes explorers to six state parks as they show off their members-only t-shirt. 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 cabin packages are available. Green fees are as low as $20. GaStateParks.org/Golfing

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About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites are affordable destinations for vacations and quick getaways. Waterfalls and lakes, salt marsh and mountains are just some of the beautiful environments of the state parks.  Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each feature natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking, camping, geocaching, birding and more.  Accommodations include campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia's public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book. More information can be found at GaStateParks.org.

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