If your family loves the great outdoors, these destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the coastal beauty of the Golden Isles, hiking through the historic trails of Tennessee, or paddling along the rivers of South Carolina, these vacation spots are packed with family-friendly fun in nature!
Golden Isles, GA
With miles of coastline, you could plan your entire trip to the Golden Isles around the region’s beach experiences. On St. Simons Island, head to East Beach and choose your perfect spot — Gould’s Inlet for birdwatching or fishing, the U.S. Coastguard Station for classic beach fun, or Massengale Park for a shaded picnic area and playground.
On Jekyll Island, stroll the boardwalk to Glory Beach, where dunes and freshwater pools create a serene setting for shelling, swimming, and sandcastles. Then, visit Driftwood Beach, where tree sculptures make for memorable photos. You can also access private beaches with a day trip to Little St. Simons Island or as a guest at Sea Island‘s luxury resorts.
In the Golden Isles, you can see endangered loggerhead sea turtles during nesting and hatching season, June through October. Join a turtle patrol to search for new nests and hatchlings, or visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island to meet rescued turtles and learn about conservation efforts. Guests of Little St. Simons Island and Sea Island can also take part in daily interactive programs!
Hop on a bike tour with Brunswick Old Town Tours to explore historic neighborhoods, admire Victorian-era homes, and discover beautiful street art. On St. Simons Island, pedal beneath sprawling live oaks as you enjoy the breeze.
Another fun family activity is hunting for St. Simons Island’s Tree Spirits — hand-carved faces hidden in trees across the island. Said to embody the spirits of sailors and wildlife, these carvings offer a fun scavenger hunt. Stop by the St. Simons Island Welcome Center for a map!
Round out your visit with a trolley tour to learn the history of the islands. In St. Simons, depart from Pier Village with a local guide. On Jekyll Island, the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum offers tram tours through the 240-acre historic district. Gain exclusive entry into two historic cottages once owned by members of the Millionaire’s Club!
Claiborne County, TN
Located in northeast Tennessee, Claiborne County is home to four beautiful cities — New Tazewell, Tazewell, Harrogate, and Cumberland Gap — all packed with ample opportunities to explore the natural landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which is home to 14,000 acres featuring 85 miles of hiking trails, plus caves, lakes, rivers, and plenty of wildlife sightings. As the gateway to the West, the park once carried 300,000 people across the Appalachians to settle in America.
For adventure on the water, explore Powell River, a Class 1 paddling river. As one of the largest free-flowing rivers in Tennessee and one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the U.S., the waterway supports more Federally Endangered species of fish and freshwater mussels than any other river in the states.
For more water-related fun, Norris Lake provides an ideal setting for recreation. With over 800 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room to enjoy fishing, boating, water sports, and camping.
Plan your visit around the White Lightning Trail Festival, Cumberland Gap Folkfest, or the Powell River Kayak and Canoe Regatta. In the summer, the White Lightning Trail Festival features family-friendly activities that celebrate East Tennessee and Appalachian culture. Enjoy art, crafts, food, specialty vendor booths, and local live music, as well as a car show — all right in Cumberland Gap. In August, Folkfest celebrates the arts, crafts, and rich culture of Appalachia.
Kayak and canoe enthusiasts can plan around the Canoe Regatta, taking place on April 26, 2025! This is a 12-mile race on the scenic Powell River beginning at the Well Being Retreat Center and ending at Riverside Rentals. Visitors can watch the competitive kayak and canoe races or take part in the “recreational” category.
Be sure to visit Tazewell Speedway, the world’s fastest 1/3-mile dirt track. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the speedway features a thrilling lineup of special events and weekly racing action.
Golfers will love Woodlake Golf and Lodge, which features fun for the whole family. Nestled against Norris Lake, this par 72 championship golf course also features a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness center, and boating and guided fishing tours.
To cap off an adventure-filled year, A Claiborne County Christmas Festival & Lighted Tractor Parade is dedicated to the county’s agricultural heritage. The festival grows bigger every year and offers children’s activities, vendors, food, horse and buggy rides, live music, trees and wreaths for sale, a silent auction, and of course, Santa!
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green is perhaps best known for being the home of Mammoth Cave National Park — the world’s largest known cave system, where visitors witness thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of wildlife. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region is more than a cave system — it’s also a destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and camping on over 52,000 acres.
Journey to Lost River Cave in Bowling Green for a thrilling, family-friendly adventure. This underground boat tour offers a fascinating history that both kids and adults will enjoy — from its days as a Native American hunting ground to a Civil War hideout and a 1930s nightclub. This experience begins with a scenic stroll before boarding the boat to glide through the cave’s hidden depths.
When you’re ready to take a break from exploring, catch a Bowling Green Hot Rods game! This Minor League Baseball team delivers kid-friendly promotions and interactive experiences at Bowling Green Ballpark. With themed nights and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to enjoy America’s pastime while making lasting memories.
For a day full of entertainment, visit Beech Bend Amusement Park, located on 379 acres of rolling hills. Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon offer a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. Enjoy everything from a lazy river to a thunderous wooden coaster. While there, catch a race at the Dragstrip. Once you’re ready to slow down, watch an entertaining show or play a round of mini golf at Gold Rush Golf.
Don’t leave town without a stop at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, which serves up house-made ice cream, grilled sandwiches, and epic mac and cheese. In the summer, you can tour the farm’s Jersey cows or settle in with a blanket or chairs for an outdoor “Moo-vie” projected on the side of the barn!
Old 96 District, SC
South Carolina’s Old 96 District is home to Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick counties, all of which offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Kick off your trip with a visit to Hickory Knob State Park Resort in McCormick, SC. As the only state resort park in South Carolina, guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, archery, axe throwing, skeet shooting, hiking, and camping. Hickory Knob State Park Resort is nestled along the 71,000-acre Strom Thurmond Reservoir, featuring plenty of waterfront activities as well.
If you’re looking for even more lakeside camping, check out Calhoun Falls State Park. The park spans 318 acres alongside Lake Russell and offers scenic views, nature trails, tennis courts, swimming, and fishing.
For a bit of magic, head to Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm® in Fountain Inn, SC — the only unicorn farm in the world! Home to over 19 unique equines, including unicorns, pegasus, and unidonks, the farm blends storytelling, education, and hands-on fun for all ages. Guests can meet rescue ponies and retired show horses turned “Real Life Unicorns®,” explore self-guided exhibits filled with incredible stories, and enjoy interactive experiences that bring fantasy to life.
Treat your family to something sweet by heading to “The Peach Capital of the World” in Johnston, SC, also home to Titan Farms, the largest peach farm east of the Mississippi. And visit Sara’s Fresh Market for homemade peach soft-serve ice cream in Trenton, SC. While at the market, pick up a variety of other delicious goodies like peach butter, peachy BBQ sauce, and peach salsa.
In the evening, unwind at the 25 Drive-In Theatre in Greenwood, SC, which has been providing entertainment for over 77 years. It is open every Friday and Saturday and features two screens, along with a menu of burgers and barbecue sandwiches.
Georgetown, KY
An outdoor vacation in Kentucky wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a horse farm! At the Kentucky Horse Park, you can meet dozens of horse breeds, explore the history of the magnificent animals at the International Museum of the Horse, and enjoy hands-on activities like grooming, feeding, and riding.
For a true outdoor adventure, head to Whispering Woods Riding Stables, where you can saddle up and ride through 250 acres of Kentucky’s scenic backcountry.
Bi-Water Farm and Evans Orchard & Cider Mill are two must-visit destinations for seasonal fun, delicious treats, and hands-on farm activities. Bi-Water Farm is home to Kentucky’s largest fall festival, offering hayrides, a corn maze, zip lines, a petting zoo, and plenty of pumpkin patch fun. Meanwhile, Evans Orchard offers an amusement park-style farm experience with jumbo jumpers, a ropes course, big wheel races, and delicious fried apple pies.
One of the area’s most adventurous activities is Georgetown/Scott County’s geocaching trails — a countywide experience for all ages. Use your GPS devices to uncover hidden caches, each with a unique piece of local history, from iconic landmarks to scenic nature spots. Choose from three geocaching trails, each with its own passport to guide you on your adventure.
The Skullbuster Trails at Lytles Fork Recreation Area offer cyclists and hikers 11.7 miles of backcountry trails near Sadieville and Stamping Ground. With technical single-track paths, rugged limestone terrain, steep climbs, and fast descents, these trails provide a thrilling challenge for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Elkhorn Creek is the perfect spot for canoeing, kayaking, floating, and fishing. Recognized as one of Kentucky’s best smallmouth bass streams, the creek also provides exceptional fishing for largemouth bass, rock bass, and bluegill.
Panama City, FL
For the ultimate family-friendly waterfront vacation, explore Panama City. Kick off the adventure with a delicious meal from Papa Joe’s Bayside. Then, rent a pontoon boat or jet skis, book a fishing charter with Panama City Inshore, or hop aboard the Grande Mere for a coastline cruise. After spending time on the water, enjoy the outdoor courtyard, which boasts live music, food trucks, and pickleball courts.
If you reel in a big catch on a fishing charter, make the experience even more memorable with a “hook and cook.” Local restaurants like Captain’s Table, Alice’s on Bayview, and Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood will prepare your freshly caught fish — just call ahead to arrange it!
Next up, stroll through Historic St. Andrews. Once a bustling fishing village, the historic district offers scenic streets, a marina, waterfront dining, unique boutiques, and vibrant local culture. Explore the Panama City Oyster Trail, shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, and soak in the stunning views of St. Andrews Bay.
Explore the bay with a paddleboarding or kayaking adventure. Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Bayside Rentals, book a guided tour with Katie’s Paddleboarding Adventures, or try a glow-in-the-dark kayak tour with All Inclusive Adventures, where LED-lit clear-bottom kayaks reveal marine life beneath you. For a unique twist, Sunjammers Watersports offers guided kayak fishing excursions.
Bayou Joe’s Marina and Grill sits on top of the water and offers picturesque sunset views. Little ones will love the chance to feed the fish out back!
Don’t miss the colorful Panama City Mural Trail, which features towering murals adorning local businesses — they cleverly hide micro-murals waiting to be found! The self-guided tour showcases local talent and nationally acclaimed artists. Each masterpiece tells a unique story, reflecting the city’s culture and history.
Thoroughbred Country, SC
East of Augusta, GA, and west of Columbia is South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country. This sprawling region encompasses Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell counties. We suggest you begin your adventure in the centrally located Aiken or North Augusta and venture out from there!
For more outdoor fun, explore Thoroughbred Country’s parks. Battle of River’s Bridge State Historic Site spans 390 acres with a Civil War battlefield, an award-winning interpretive trail, and memorial grounds.
Barnwell State Park offers some of the area’s best fishing across three small lakes. Other amenities include swimming, birding, and nature trails.
Paddlers will love Aiken State Park, where the South Fork of Edisto River flows, shaded by lush tree canopies. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for exploring the 1.7-mile route.
Explore the scenic North Augusta Greeneway, a 12-mile bike and walking trail that runs along the Savannah River, perfect for a stroll or bike ride. Then, head to Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with over 70 miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding.
For some friendly competition, play disc golf at one of the area’s top courses, including Riverview Park in North Augusta and Boyd Pond Park in Aiken.
For boating enthusiasts, Lake Edgar Brown in Barnwell offers a 100-acre lake perfect for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. A fishing pier, walking trail, and boat ramp make it an ideal spot for family recreation.
Hopelands Gardens in Aiken is another must-visit outdoor gem. This 14-acre park, once the Iselin family estate, features a scenic wetlands area, an arboretum trail, a labyrinth, and a performing arts stage. Visitors can enjoy weekly events like Story Time in the Gardens and a summer concert series.
Happy adventuring!
This article is sponsored by Golden Isles CVB, Claiborne Economic Partnership, Bowling Green Area CVB, Old 96 District Tourism, Georgetown/Scott Co. Tourism, Destination Panama City, and Thoroughbred Country South Carolina.
