The best things to do with kids in Blue Ridge, Georgia are gem mining and mini golf at Lilly Pad Village, the Expedition: Bigfoot! museum in Cherry Log, an evening at the Swan Drive-In, zipline canopy tours, and the aerial obstacle course at Blue Ridge Adventure Park. Add a train ride, U-pick fruit, an easy waterfall, and a lazy tube down the Toccoa River, and you have a full family trip.
Top 5 family activities
1. Lilly Pad Village
This family-oriented outdoor attraction in the Aska Adventure Area offers gem mining, a 9-hole mini golf course, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and a gift and snack shop. It is an easy, low-key few hours for all ages and pairs well with tubing on the Toccoa nearby.
2. Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum
A quirky, surprisingly fun indoor museum devoted to Bigfoot folklore and reported sightings. It covers more than 4,000 square feet with life-size exhibits, artifacts, photos, sighting maps, and a small theater. It is right down the road from Amber Ridge Retreat and a great rainy-day plan.
3. Swan Drive-In Theatre
An old-school drive-in and a Blue Ridge tradition since 1955, and one of only a handful of drive-in theaters still operating in Georgia. Bring blankets, grab snacks from the concession stand, and watch a double feature under the stars. It is especially fun on summer evenings.
4. Zipline Canopy Tours
Zipline through the treetops on 165 acres of mountain forest. Tour options include one-hour and two-hour courses plus shorter kid zips, so younger riders can join in. Check age, height, and weight requirements when you book.
5. Blue Ridge Adventure Park
Blue Ridge's premier aerial adventure park, with an obstacle course built to challenge participants both mentally and physically. Great for older kids, teens, and adventurous parents.
More family-friendly ideas
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: kids love the open-air cars, and seasonal rides like the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Train and Holiday Express with Santa are family favorites. More on the railway.
- Mercier Orchards: U-pick strawberries, blueberries, and apples in season, plus the bakery and market.
- Helton Creek Falls: an easy 0.3-mile trail to two waterfalls. See our waterfalls guide.
- Toccoa River tubing: a relaxed summer float with outfitters in the Aska area. See lake, river & trails.
- Lake Blue Ridge: swimming and picnics at the lake's day-use areas.
Best picks by age
| Age | Try these |
|---|---|
| Toddlers and preschool | Scenic Railway, gem mining, U-pick at Mercier, Bigfoot museum |
| Ages 6 to 11 | Mini golf, kid zips, Helton Creek Falls, Toccoa River tubing, the drive-in |
| Tweens and teens | Aerial adventure park, full zipline tours, Long Creek Falls hike, Ocoee rafting (ages 12+) |
Blue Ridge with kids: FAQ
What is there to do with kids in Blue Ridge, GA?
Top picks include gem mining and mini golf at Lilly Pad Village, the Expedition: Bigfoot! museum in Cherry Log, movies at the Swan Drive-In, zipline canopy tours, the Blue Ridge Adventure Park, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, U-pick fruit at Mercier Orchards, and tubing on the Toccoa River.
Is Blue Ridge, GA good for toddlers and young kids?
Yes. Short, easy outings work best: the Scenic Railway, gem mining at Lilly Pad Village, the Bigfoot museum, U-pick at Mercier Orchards, and the 0.3-mile trail to Helton Creek Falls.
What can kids do in Blue Ridge when it rains?
Head indoors to Expedition: Bigfoot! in Cherry Log, ride the railway in an enclosed car, browse the Mercier Orchards market and bakery, or wander the shops in downtown Blue Ridge.
How old do kids need to be to raft the Ocoee River?
Ocoee River rafting trips are generally limited to ages 12 and up. For younger kids, tubing on the Toccoa River is a gentler way to get on the water.
Is the Swan Drive-In open year-round?
The Swan Drive-In runs seasonally, with its busiest season in the warmer months. Check its website for the current schedule before you go.
Stay with us
A cabin that works for families
Amber Ridge Retreat in Cherry Log has two bedrooms, two baths, and a queen sleeper sofa, plus a hot tub for after the kids are asleep. The Bigfoot museum and the Pink Pig barbecue are about 5 minutes away.
Check availabilitySee the cabinMore from our Blue Ridge area guide
Things to Do in Blue Ridge
The railway, downtown, orchards, and a seasonal plan.
Read the guide →Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge
Hike lengths, heights, and tips for four favorite falls.
Read the guide →Lake, River & Trails
Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa, Ocoee rafting, and hiking.
Read the guide →Wineries & Breweries
Tasting rooms, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries.
Read the guide →Where to Eat
Upscale, waterfront, and local favorites.
Read the guide →← Back to the Blue Ridge, GA area guide
Written by Jesse and Amber, hosts of Amber Ridge Retreat. Last updated September 2026.
