Help! Vacations that aren't the beach?!

[albatros43]

Ok guys, so what do you all with younger kids do besides the beach for a summer vacation? This needs to be something within 8 hours at most of a drive from the Atlanta area with things to do younger kids would like. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Trip will be prior to the end of summer.

Most likely we won't stay a week, so something with 3 or 4 days worth of "things to see" would work.

A current idea is Chattanooga. What we'll do there I have no idea, but that's an idea my wife has.

 

[Bucket99]

We had a great time in Helen, GA. last month, went to Anna Ruby falls, tubing, Brasstown Bald. 3 days there and of course wished we had more time!

 

[CliffB]

Chattanooga has the Aquarium and a giant "Kids Zone" nearby. Within a short distance from there you have Lookout Mountain and Anna Ruby Falls.

 

[Tactical Chili]

Gatlinburg - if you can stomach the unwashed, huddled masses. Its a relatively cheap vacation and there is tons of stuff to do for kiddos. The Ripleys Aquarium is actually pretty nice. Hiking trails. Funhouses. Go carts. Dukes of Hazzard museum. Pancake houses everywhere. Weird shops. The kids love it. Rent a cabin up in the mountains and when the nonsense gets too much in town you can retreat.

 

[albatros43]

Gatlinburg - if you can stomach the unwashed, huddled masses. Its a relatively cheap vacation and there is tons of stuff to do for kiddos. The Ripleys Aquarium is actually pretty nice. Hiking trails. Funhouses. Go carts. Dukes of Hazzard museum. Pancake houses everywhere. Weird shops. The kids love it. Rent a cabin up in the mountains and when the nonsense gets too much in town you can retreat.

Kids have done that with the grandparents but not a bad idea

 

[outlaw1961]

Wilderness Lodge in Pigeon Forge - large indoor and outdoor pool. Close to Gatlinburg also

 

[harrycalahan]

Tugaloo state park if you want to introduce the kids to redneck campers in their element.

 

[albatros43]

I told my wife let's throw the tent in the car and just drive. She said no.

 

[CliffB]

Pigeon Forge, Helen, and Panama City. Three of the worst tourist trap gimmicky places in the South East.

 

[albatros43]

Tugaloo state park if you want to introduce the kids to redneck campers in their element.

Lake retreat at your place?