From archery to airplanes, Henry County brings its A-game when it comes to family fun
Set your sights on spring break adventure in Henry County, only 30 minutes south of Atlanta. From archery to airplanes, this easily accessible destination is only a stone’s throw from Atlanta and offers affordable adventure for all ages, whether you’re seeking a weekend or week-long getaway.
Set the stakes high
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Panola Mountain State Park (2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge). Various hikes provide ample opportunity for communing with Mother Nature. Elevate the experience with an adventure exploring the canopy above through tree climbing. Exercise buffs will enjoy this strenuous activity which has participants using a rope and a harness to ascend into a large tree where they can climb, swing and test athletic prowess. Climbers can choose how high they would like to go and even swing to and walk on branches 30-plus feet off the ground. After a long day of outdoor fun, catch some ZZZ’s in the Trees. Soak in a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “treeboat,” viewing stars through glistening branches.
Rent bicycles from Atlanta Trek (120 Westridge Parkway, McDonough), which offers rentals for bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes. Hit the trails throughout Henry County. Panola Mountain also rents bikes. Paved PATH Foundation trails connect to the Monastary of the Holy Spirit and go all the way to the Mall at Stonecrest.
Practice archery here, too. The park offers a static range and a 3D range. BYOE (bring your own equipment) and purchase a pass to practice on your own. Or, if you’re more of a novice, learn archery basics during one of the Park’s regular classes.
For more information: GastateParks.org/panolamountain.
Zoom towards adventure
EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) (1500 Tara Place, Hampton) offers several opportunities to express your need for speed. Participate in a driving school class and ride along in a real race car or try on a fire suit and take control behind the wheel. Families with younger ones in tow will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look with an official track tour. These tours include a brief track history, a visit to Petty Garden, a tour of an EchoPark Speedway suite, a sneak peek at the garages and Victory Lane, as well as three laps in the Speedway van around the same 1.54-mile track that stars like Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch race on. Call (770) 707-7970 in advance to schedule your track tour, regardless of the size of your group.
Go wild!
For an activity that is as much fun for the adults as for the kids, don’t miss Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, home to over 1,500 animals with over 100 species represented. This free attraction features exotic animal habitats. Open noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Nature center, playground and picnic area open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Catch a thrill
From two-year-olds to expert riders, BMX lovers can practice skills at the Sandy Ridge BMX (1200 Keys Ferry Court, McDonough), open to the public seven days a week. New to the sport or want to improve? Sign up for a clinic to help improve speed and skills like pumping, jumping, passing and cornering. The Park requires an USABMX license as well as proper race gear, including a helmet, long-sleeved shirt, race pants, jeans or shorts with full shin guards. Check the website, www.SandyRidgeBMX.org, or call 678-448-6155 to confirm the course is open, as it closes for races and weather.
Pick your own adventure
Keep the memories fresh with a trip to Southern Belle Farm (1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough). Starting in April (check website for exact dates as U-Pick varies seasonally), families can pick their own perfectly fresh strawberries. On the weekends, the kids will love flying high on the jumping pillow, climbing aboard the cow train and chugging along the Hayride. Peruse the Country Market, and make selections of seasonal produce, canned goods, jams and jellies. This unique farm experience wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Mimi’s Kitchen. This bakery serves up mouth-watering treats, like homemade seasonal cobblers, strawberry and peach ice cream and fried pies.
Take your best shot
Hot Shots Paintball & Airsoft at Windy Hill Park (100 Ronnie Stewart Drive, McDonough) is the premier paintball and airsoft facility in metro Atlanta. Along with six paintball fields and a 25,000-square-foot airsoft field, it also offers a 150,000-square-foot “Fort Deadwood” Old West-scenario field. It is a great location for birthday parties, corporate events and family reunions. Call 404-797-0850 for special group rates. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment for VIP parties.
More than remote(ly) fun
RC lovers can watch radio-powered races at Henry County Remote Control Racing Track, located at Windy Hill Park (100 Ronnie Stewart Drive, McDonough). If you prefer aeronautical adventure, the Henry County RC Club runs remote-controlled airplanes at the Red Hawk Nature Preserve (143 Henry Parkway, McDonough). Participants must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to fly at Red Hawk, but all are welcome as spectators. Head to the Park from 8 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather-permitting, for the best chance to view.
If you go
Extend your stay with more ideas about how to seize the season in Henry County.
Visitors can rest easy, choosing from a variety of lodging options, including name brand hotels or sleeping under the stars at one of the beautiful campsites in the area. Whether looking for an adventure-packed trip or an easy-going escape, visitors will leave with lasting memories–and full pockets! www.VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com