As the new year begins, I like to think back to all of the great memories and fun activities we had and plan ahead and get that bucket list ready for next year.
Each year that passes, the old saying rings true: the days are long, but the years are short. I've gathered 24 of my favorite local (and some places that are worth the drive) to do in our community so you can enjoy each season with your family right here in Elberton, Georgia!
- Sutton Park near the Elbert Memorial Hospital is a hidden gem with a paved walking path through the scenic residential area, perfect for walking dogs, jogging, strollers, and just a walk in the park. There are also public restrooms and a small playground along the path.
- Richard B. Russell State Park offers playgrounds, hiking, camping, and lake access for fun all year long. For just $5 parking you can enjoy this beautiful park just 9 miles from downtown Elberton.
- The Elbert Theatre shows a nice selection of kid's movies and live theatre performances throughout the year. The adjoining Elberton Arts Center hosts Painting with Jennifer paint classes and holds auditions for upcoming community theatre productions for kids and adults.
- Rolly's Ice Cream is a unique style of ice cream that you have to try! Just watch as cream and chopped ingredients are frozen and rolled into a delicious treat that kids love. They also offer scoops of ice cream, snacks, and treats. Check out these other fun places to get a cold treat.
- Granite City Impact Center offers a variety of fun activities to keep kids and families active. We attend the Family Play Time and Nerf Wars but you can find the full calendar here.
- Learn a new hobby. Do you want to learn a new hobby or practice sports, music, arts and crafts, or dance? Check out the list of after-school activities you can join and try something new. The list is currently a "work in progress" and will be updated with more information this year.
- Home Sweet Home is a great place to walk around and unwind on a quiet afternoon. They offer lunch and soup to-go plus baked goods and drinks. If your kids will let you go shopping, there are 60+ vendors for you to explore. Otherwise, check out a few booths and distract the kids with a nice bowl of soup, cupcake, or a refreshing drink.
- Elberton Visitor Center and Self-Guided Tours. This year, the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce will create brand new self-guided Elberton tour pamphlets for your enjoyment. These include Granite Art Trail (limited copies available now), Elbert County Mural Guide (in progress), Downtown Elberton Walking Tour, Historic Homes, and Historical Sites of Elbert County (future). You can stop by the visitor center at the Chamber of Commerce office - 148 College Ave, Elberton, GA 30635 - during regular business hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm for more information.
- Try a new place to eat. Elberton has a lot of different food choices depending on your mood. And if you wait long enough, something new comes along. We have fast food, local favorites, food trucks, and cafes.
- Visit a musuem. The Elberton Granite Museum and Jim-Ree African American Museum showcase local history and make a great rainy day activity.
- Visit the library. Elbert County Public Library hosts a weekly Toddler Storytime each Tuesday from 10:30-11:00am. Enjoy fun stories, crafts and songs for babies and preschoolers with their parents and siblings. If you live closer to another library, you might like to check out Hart County Public Library, Madison County Library, or Royston Library for their weekly kids programming.
- Go to the fair. Elberton 12-County Fair occurs each year in late October with midway, rides, 4-H barn, community art, and shows.
- Check out the historic hotel. Take a tour of the Samuel Elbert Hotel and sit down for a nice meal at The Quarry Plates and Pours. They are open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, with a special menu selection for Sunday Lunch. Music Bingo on Tuesday nights can be a fun date night or kid-friendly outing.
- Attend Downtown Events - Main Street Elberton hosts a variety of fun festivals and events all year long. I'm looking forward to the Spring Festival, Car Show, First Friday Concert Series, Fall Festival, and Christmas Events! These events will appear on the events calendar and in your weekly email newsletter as they approach.
- Go to the zoo. Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari (Hartwell) lets you get up close with zoo animals without having to leave your vehicle. It's highly recommended to rent a safari vehicle or party bus for this adventure. Bear Hollow Zoo (Athens) has free admission and is perfect for babies and little kids. Did you know that you can get free tickets to Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta) with your library card? Just ask about the Zoo DVD program and start planning your trip.
- Take a walk or hike together. Here's our list of local parks and playgrounds to explore! Including... Big Oaks Recreation Area is a great place to go for a nice, long walk with bikes, stroller, etc. It features a very scenic walkway to the dam and back, running along Lake Hartwell. Royston Wellness Park is great for those who are willing to drive the extra distance for something new. This park has a large open field, various playground equipment, and a walking trail through the woods.
- Explore the botanical gardens. Hartwell Botanical Gardens is a great option just a short trip from Elberton. Admission is free and it's just the right size for kids and parents to explore. There is a playground at the botanical gardens, and another one just outside in the recreation center. Athens Botanical Gardens is a great thing to do in Athens. It has a lovely collection of flowers, plants, and a special Children's Garden playground that incorporates nature in special and magical ways. One of my favorite excursions.
- More Family Fun in Athens. World of Wonder is a large playground featuring tunnels, towers, swings, slides, and special areas for babies, toddlers, and big kids. You'll definitely enjoy this.
- Skating Rinks: Athens Skate Inn (Athens, GA) or Skate Away USA (Greenwood, SC) if you want to party like it's 1999, grab your skates (or rent some rollerblades) and hit the rink. These two skating rinks are still open for business and help make fond memories to the new generation of skaters.
- Trampoline Parks: RUSH Athens (Athens, GA) or Urban Air Adventure Park (Augusta, GA) offers large trampoline areas, ninja warrior obstacle course, and indoor fun that the whole family can enjoy. Check it out!
- Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Athens: Mama Sid's Pizza (2240 S Barnett Shoals Rd, Athens, GA 30605) is an independent pizza chain with a great pizza buffet. You can't beat their prices, highly recommended! and Cali 'n Tito's East Side (1245 Cedar Shoals Dr, Athens, GA 30605) has amazing decor and indoor coin-operated rides to keep kids happy while you wait.
- Explore the Children's Museum. There are two options for places for kids to explore: INK Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (Gainesville, GA) or The Children's Museum of the Upstate (Greenville, SC)
- Have fun with food theme days. You can have a lot of fun at home with just a themed meal. It can be a simple tradition such as breakfast for dinner or a recurring event like Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesday, Pizza Night, and Soup Saturdays are some of my family's favorites.
- Check out more fun with Macaroni KID Elberton. Our FREE newsletter gets delivered to your email every Thursday with upcoming events and activities for Elberton kids and parents. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. You'll find local family-friendly events as well as crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy!
Resolve to make this your best year ever! Find Your Family Fun® with Macaroni Kid Elberton and Elbert County, Georgia. We have lots of ideas for local excursions, day trips, or just in the comfort of your own home all year long!
