Quite simply, moms do it all. From getting the kids out the door on time to school to making sure Dad has enough clean clothes and every healthy snack in between, there’s nothing a mom cannot do. So, the next time Mom needs an idea that’s fun for the entire family, a visit to Cartersville, Georgia, is her secret weapon. Located on the northwest edge of Metro Atlanta, Cartersville will keep your crew entertained, educated, and asking to come back – what more could you ask for?
You CAN Make it Fun AND Educational…
Your kids may complain about doing homework, but the Tellus Science Museum is so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning. Check out The Vault exhibit to dig into archaeological minerals and stones. The Discovery Garden has exhibits solely dedicated to brainteasers and puzzles – perfect for your little one that continually asks “why?!” Sure, your school-aged kids probably know Thomas Edison is synonymous with inventing the light bulb, but his contributions to science are translated to the 21st Century with the Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab exhibit where you can manipulate simple machines and even learn basic coding. And the in-house Bentley Planetarium has a state-of-the-art projector to take you literally out of this world. Talk about something for every single inquisitive mind!
To move from science to history, visit the Etowah Indian Mounds, the most intact Mississippian cultural site in the southeastern United States. Gain insight into the purposes of this once self-sustaining community of Native Americans by exploring over six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits, and a ditch. For example, one mound was the home of the priest-chief while another was used as burial grounds for nobility. The museum at the Etowah Indian Mounds displays a plethora of artifacts, from shell beads to hand-carved stone effigies weighing 125 pounds! And did we mention any child under 17 years old gets in for $4 or less?
For an immersive art experience, the Booth Western Art Museum invites you to “see America’s story” in a space that’s truly one of a kind in the Southeast. In fact, the Booth Western Art Museum was named 2020 and 2021 10 Best Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Art Museum in the Country by USA Today, in addition to other accolades like being an affiliate to the Smithsonian Institution! Specifically for children, the Sagebrush Ranch exhibit is an interactive, hands-on gallery for ages 2-12 years that’s organized like a working ranch. Continuing the nod to the American culture of cattle raising, adults will enjoy engaging in the Frank Harding Cowboy Gallery, a special showcase of cowboys and girls at work in more than 35 paintings and sculptures. Even if you decide not to formally tour the expansive offerings of the museum, the in-house café offers a great lunch spot for the family to eat on the patio and watch the trains go by!
For the budding engineer or car enthusiast, the Savoy Automobile Museum presents the cultural diversity of the automobile through the ages. Five exhibition galleries (four temporary rotating and one permanent collection) educate about construction and production, while also encouraging you to pause and enjoy the craftsmanship (and maybe conjure up some distant memories for the parents in the crowd). An outdoor pavilion is also coming soon. Your teen will be itching to get behind the wheel after this unmatched automotive experience!
…But Some Things Are Just Plain FUN!
If you cannot remember the last time you and your family just had good, old-fashioned FUN, now is the time to change that in Cartersville, Georgia! Check out Lakepoint Station, touted as “Atlanta’s favorite stop for family fun.” From mini golf to laser tag to an arcade to bowling and rollerball (a fast paced, yet scaled down version of bowling), there’s something for everyone in your crew. You’ll even find a 28-foot-high rock-climbing area for your little daredevils! For the older kids or laid-back types, disc golf, kayaking, and hiking are also available. When your tribe starts to get hungry (I mean, it’s inevitable that someone is in the mood for food essentially all the time), St. Angelo’s Pizza at Lakepoint Station is a family-owned establishment that offers perfect pies and infamous wings and opens right up to the arcade.
For the ultimate aqua adventure, check out Terminus Wake Park, where all levels of wakeboarding are welcome. Being first of its kind in Georgia, a cable system allows visitors to enjoy towed watersports withOUT a boat! There is also a Learn-to-Ride cable just for beginners. Beginning in May 2022, the Aqua Park at Terminus will be open – think a giant water playground wonderland of inflatables for the whole family to enjoy!
The next time you’re struggling to come up with a destination for the whole family, pull Cartersville, Georgia, out of your back pocket to provide just the right balance of elation and education. Click here to plan your escape today!
