A lot goes into planning a family trip that appeals to multiple generations. For those who don’t want to spend a long time traveling, but want the fun to start as soon as possible, consider sticking close to home.
There are a few resorts no more than an hour from Atlanta that provide all-inclusive, family fun every generation can appreciate.
“It’s important to find a destination that’s affordable and can accommodate all the family, offering something for everyone,” Missy Burgess, marketing and public relations director at Lanier Islands told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
If the lakefront is what you’re looking for in a nearby destination, Lanier Islands might be right for your family. There aren’t many beaches you can go to in Georgia, so having one that’s just under an hour from Atlanta is convenient.
“It’s a different world, close to home,” Burgess said.
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According to Burgess, families love that once they get over the bridge and park the car they rarely have to drive again. Resort carts and trolleys can take you anywhere you need to go, whether it’s to the water park, golf course, or Game Changer, a massive gaming complex. There are also plenty of water-based activities and hiking trails.
“We have something for everybody and options the whole family can do together,” Burgess said.
If it’s a quieter retreat that’s calling your name, Serenbe, a wellness community, is only about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta.
Credit: Courtesy of Serenbe
Credit: Courtesy of Serenbe
“Serenbe gives families the ability to allow kids to spend quality time in nature,” Garnie Nygren COO and Co-managing director at Serenbe told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
There is something for everyone in this compact community which features a 25-acre organic farm in addition to shops, restaurants, and an inn. There’s a seasonal, weekly farmers market, a wellness spa, and the Art Farm, which features plays and performances. Year-round cultural events allow you to experience something different each time you visit.
“Serenbe offers a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in nature and wellness. Set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of trails that connect homes and restaurants with arts and businesses, there is truly nothing like it,” Nygren said.
Also under half an hour away is Stone Mountain Park.
“Stone Mountain Park has always been a place where everyone in the family can have a great experience,” Jehan Williams senior manager of communications and digital marketing at Stone Mountain Park told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Combining seasonal festivals and events with history, natural beauty, and fun activities for the whole family, it’s good to have a lakeside resort and campgrounds on the property so you can stay overnight.
According to Williams, the Pumpkin Festival and Stone Mountain Christmas are the favorite events, while the most popular attractions are the Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad and the SkyHike.
When it’s time for an all-inclusive trip, close to home, with plenty of indoor activities, there’s Great Wolf Lodge. The 100,000-square-foot waterpark is only part of what makes this destination so popular.
“It’s like a cruise ship on land,” Jason Bays, general manager for Great Wolf Lodge La Grange told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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With bowling, an arcade, a ropes course, MagiQuest live-action game, and more, there’s always something happening during your stay in addition to the water slides within the indoor waterpark.
“Our mission is to bring joy to families. Everything is designed to create a carefree escape for families to reconnect and spend quality time,” Bays said.
Whether you take advantage of all these close-by, family-friendly options, or travel further, it’s not about the journey, but about being together.
“Family travel is important because you get to spend quality time together and make memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime,” Williams said.
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