Blue Ridge, Georgia is one of the best destinations in the Southeast for a family mountain getaway. From scenic train rides and gem mining to quirky roadside attractions and outdoor adventures, there are endless things to do in Blue Ridge, GA with kids.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape, spring break trip, or summer vacation in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge offers activities for every age. Families can spend the day exploring downtown Blue Ridge, riding the historic railway, hiking nearby waterfalls, or relaxing together at a cozy cabin in the mountains.
Why Families Love Visiting Blue Ridge
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge is a charming small town that punches well above its weight when it comes to family fun. The town itself is walkable and friendly, with candy shops, ice cream parlors, toy stores, and family-friendly restaurants lining the streets of downtown. Beyond the town square, the surrounding mountains and rivers open up a world of outdoor adventure.
Best of all, Blue Ridge is compact enough that you can pack multiple activities into a single day without hours of driving. Spend the morning on a scenic train ride, grab lunch downtown, and head to a waterfall hike in the afternoon - all before returning to your cozy cabin in the evening.
Best Family Attractions in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
One of the most beloved family experiences in the area, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a round-trip excursion through the stunning North Georgia mountains. Step aboard and feel like you've traveled back in time as the train winds through forests, over trestles, and along the Toccoa River.
For something extra unique, choose the electric rail bike option - a custom-built, four-person bike that lets your family pedal along the rails at your own pace, getting up-close views of the natural scenery. Kids of all ages love it, and it’s one of those bucket-list experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
- Best for: All ages
- Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoor
- Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during fall foliage season - it sells out fast!
Expedition Bigfoot (The Sasquatch Museum)
A popular oddity and one-of-a-kind stop, Expedition Bigfoot is a self-guided museum dedicated to the legend of Sasquatch. Guests can see life-size sculptures, examine footprint casts, hear witness sound clips, and dig into eyewitness accounts from across the country. It’s educational, quirky, and genuinely fascinating - kids go absolutely wild for it.
- Best for: Ages 5 and up
- Indoors/Outdoors: Indoor
- Tip: Great option for a rainy day in Blue Ridge!
Tank Town USA
For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Tank Town USA - one of the most unique attractions in all of Georgia. Here, your family can actually drive real military tanks, crush cars, and operate heavy machinery. It’s loud, it’s wild, and it’s an adrenaline rush unlike anything else in the state.
- Best for: Older kids, teens, and adults
- Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoor
- Tip: Reservations required - book ahead online.
Aska Mining Company - Gem Mining
Take your kids mining for precious and semi-precious gems at the Aska Mining Company. Families receive a bucket of mining rough and sift through the flume to uncover real gemstones - rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more. It's a hands-on experience that connects kids to the area’s rich mining history and lets them take home a piece of Blue Ridge as a souvenir.
- Best for: Ages 4 and up
- Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoor
- Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy!
Mercier Orchards
No family trip to Blue Ridge is complete without a stop at Mercier Orchards, one of Georgia's most beloved family destinations. Depending on the season, you can pick your own apples, peaches, and blueberries straight from the trees. The on-site bakery is legendary - don't leave without trying the fried apple pies - and the farm store is packed with jams, ciders, fresh produce, and local goods.
- Best for: All ages
- Seasonal highlights: Apple picking in fall, strawberries in spring, peaches in summer
- Tip: Arrive early on weekends - it gets busy, especially during fall festival season.
Outdoor Adventures Kids will Love
Blue Ridge sits at the gateway to some of the most spectacular outdoor scenery in the Southeast. With rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a beautiful lake all within easy reach, outdoor adventure is right around the corner.
Waterfall Hikes - Fall Branch Falls & More
Fall Branch Falls is one of the best easy waterfall hikes in the area, making it a great choice for families with younger children. The relatively flat trail winds through a beautiful forest to a stunning cascading waterfall - a perfect spot for photos and a picnic. Other nearby waterfalls like Amicalola Falls and Long Creek Falls are also worth exploring with older hikers in the family.
Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge is a beautiful 3,000-acre reservoir tucked into the North Georgia mountains, perfect for a laid-back family day outdoors. Rent kayaks or paddleboards, swim at the beach area, or simply relax on the shore and take in the mountain views. The calm, clear water is ideal for families with young kids.
Tubing on the Toccoa River
Floating down the Toccoa River on a tube is a quintessential Blue Ridge summer experience. The gentle current makes it perfect for families, and you'll drift past lush mountain scenery as you go. Several local outfitters offer tube rentals and shuttle service to make the whole trip easy and stress-free.
Rainy Day Things To Do in Blue Ridge With Kids
Don’t let a rainy day derail your family vacation - Blue Ridge has plenty of indoor-friendly options to keep everyone entertained.
- Expedition Bigfoot: The Sasquatch Museum is fully indoors and keeps kids engaged for hours.
- Downtown Blue Ridge: Browse candy shops, toy stores, art galleries, and cozy restaurants.
- Mini Golf & Arcades: Several family entertainment options in and around town offer mini golf, arcade games, and bowling - perfect for younger children.
- Your cabin game room: Many of our cabins with game rooms make a rainy day feel like a party.
Plan Your Family Vacation in Blue Ridge, Georgia
From scenic train rides and gem mining to mountain adventures and quirky roadside attractions, Blue Ridge is filled with unforgettable experiences for families of all ages. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a full week, you'll leave with memories that last a lifetime. Browse our family-friendly Blue Ridge cabin rentals and start planning your North Georgia mountain getaway today. To book directly or ask questions, call 706-258-3737.
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