by Susan Smalls

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

Georgia is home to the largest free-standing chunk of granite. This mountain draws more than 4 million annual visitors, but the vast size of the mountain is not the only thing that catches their attention. This 825 foot mountain is Georgia's most popular attraction because it also includes over 3200 acres packed with family fun that is sure to tire out the kids. Just outside the Atlanta area, South Mountain Park has attractions for kids of all ages, as well as various annual events, and the world's largest laser and fireworks extravaganza. Below are some of the attractions geared more toward kids.

1) Sky High: This adventure course is the nation's largest at a quarter of a mile. It includes jumping from wooden slat to wooden slat, climbing vertical nets, and walking on suspended wooden bridges, among many other adventurous activities. There is a beginner, intermediate, and more advanced trail that range in height from twelve feet to nearly forty

2) Crossroads: A southern town that is built based on the 1870s. Here, children and parents can watch glass being blown, candy being made, and blacksmiths at work. There is also shopping to find that perfect souvenir, a restaurant with delicious, unique food, and live shows. Crossroads also has miniature golf, a scenic railroad, and a barn filled with slides, trampolines, and over fifty interactive games.

3) Summit Skyride: This skyride takes you 825 feet high to the top of the mountain in a Swiss cable car. On the way, the cable car passes the famous stone carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas J. Stonewall. From the top, there are beautiful views of the Atlanta skyline, the Appalachian Mountains, and many other sites within Atlanta.

4) Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard: The plantation allows you to step back in the late 18th and 19th century with original building and period furniture and decorations for Georgia lifestyles. The farmyard gives children the chance to pet animals and watch them complete an obstacle course while learning about their importance to Georgia life in the same time period.

5) Camp Highland Outpost: Similar to Sky High, this adventure course features a low ropes course, rock walls, and zip lines. It is ideal for children not quite ready to complete Sky High but still looking for a challenging adventure.

6) Ride the Ducks: This unique ride in 1940s Army DUKWs begins on land, then splashes in Stone Mountain Lake before ending on land again. The tour also includes facts, stories, and music.

As if this isn't enough to entertain you and your family, there are also fifteen miles of hiking trails, picnic sites, and canoeing and fishing on the 363 acre lake. The park itself is open year round, but some of the attractions vary their hours by season, so I suggest checking it out online at www.stonemountainpark.com to verify hours. Some attractions do have age restrictions, but the majority of those listed above can be enjoyed by children of any age with adult supervision.

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