Albany is a win for grandparents, parents and kids
ALBANY, GEORGIA–OCTOBER 2026—There’s no reason to separate a family when visiting Albany, Georgia. The city conveniently located off I-75 and I-10 in southwest Georgia is home to numerous attractions perfect for multigenerational fun. Attractions such as Chehaw Park and Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium, the unique Radium Springs Gardens and more offer something for everyone in the family, from small tykes to grandparents. Best of all, Albany’s location in southern Georgia means warm summers and mild temperatures the rest of the year, making travel easy for all ages.
Chehaw Park & Zoo
There are zoos and then there is Chehaw. Named after the Chiaha or Chehaw tribe of Creek Indians who lived throughout the region, the zoo displays a wide variety of animals in natural outdoor habitats. All ages will enjoy black rhinos, alligators, bears and more, plus a variety of educational programming. Chehaw is also an expansive park and includes miles of trails, disc golf, splash park, RC track and a fishing pond. Special events for 2026 include a Boo at the Zoo on October 31, Animal Thanksgiving November 21 and Reindeer Games holiday fun on December 19.
Flint RiverQuarium
Visit Flint RiverQuarium to view the many animals on display and also to learn about the importance of water through the microcosm of Albany’s Flint River and its various ecosystems. Its mission is “to interpret the Flint River ecosystems and its connection to the waters of the world and promote learning, conservation and action.” Visitors will view a recreated 175,000-gallon, 22-foot-deep blue spring from above and below and more than 100 species of natural wildlife. The outdoor aviary features both native and migratory birds.
Riverfront Park
There is so much to explore at downtown Albany’s RiverFront Park, with its Turtle Grove Playground, the Bridge House, Horace King Overlook and the River Walk. Open dawn to dusk, the six-acre park is spread out along the Flint River and has a beautiful lawn and pavilions for family picnics and gatherings.
Radium Springs Gardens
Be astonished at Radium Springs Gardens. It’s named one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders” and is the largest natural spring in the state. Every minute, the springs pump gallons of pristine 68-degree water from an underground cave. Its history includes a favorite site among the Creek tribe, a swimming spot and a casino. Visitors can admire the turquoise waters and gardens and relax among the acreage.
Museums
Children may enjoy special programming while adults peruse the outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibitions from artists across the South and around the world at the Albany Museum of Art. Best of all, admission is free every day! Located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, adjacent to Albany State University West Campus, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Located in the newly restored 1906 Old Mt. Zion Church, the Albany Civil Rights Museum and Institute uses oral histories, photographs, documents, artifacts and educational exhibits to detail the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement in both Albany and the country.
There’s literally something for everyone at Thronateeska Heritage Center. The complex consists of the Science Museum with its interactive exhibits, the Wetherbee Planetarium and the History Museum with changing exhibits, all located on the only remaining brick street in Albany.
Albany Art Trail
Stroll through Downtown Albany to view exciting murals and public art. There’s the “Bridging the Community” mural that welcomes visitors with a vibrant message of unity or the large-scale collage-style mural next to The Cookie Shoppe created by the Albany Museum of Art’s Teen Board. Many of Albany’s most recognizable murals are the work of regional artist Christoph Johnson, whose large-scale pieces can be found throughout the city and across Georgia. One of his most photographed works, the “Small Things” mural at the Shoppes on Westover, features 16 butterflies in motion along the side of Bottoms Up! Wine & Spirits Boutique. Before leaving downtown, stop by the Albany Police Department to see its abstract eagle sculpture, symbolizing strength, vigilance and service.
Over at the Ray Charles Plaza, visitors may pause and listen as music from the legendary artist—an Albany native—plays while a life-size sculpture of Charles sits at a spinning piano. Just up the street, across from the Albany Welcome Center, stands a portrait bust of Nelson Tift, Albany’s founder.
It’s all part of the city’s Art Trail. For a complete list, click here.
Events
On the first Saturday in November (November 7, 2026), the Albany Museum of Art presents live music, professional chalk art and libations from around Georgia for the free Heart of Albany Festival. The event features professional chalk artists competing for “Best of Show” honors, local amateur artists and groups, plus artists in numerous disciplines demonstrating their skills.
Fridays on the Flint features a kid’s zone, outdoor demos and food at Veterans Park Amphitheater with a Touch-a-Truck and Unbreakable Bloodline performing November 6. Other performances on the horizon include Brad Williams on November 14, the musical “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” on November 15, the hilarious improve show “Whose Live Anyway?” on November 17 and the Blind Boys of Alabama for their Christmas celebration, December 22.
Runners will not want to miss the 5K Turkey Trot on November 21, the final event of the 5th Annual Flint River Entertainment Complex (FREC) 5K Race Series. Hosted at Veterans Park Amphitheatre in Downtown Albany, the Turkey Trot is a fun, family-friendly event that welcomes runners and walkers of all experience levels.
December arrives with sweet anticipation for the third year of the Candy Cane Crawl. Participants can delight tastebuds with peppermint goodness, from specialty coffee to confections to cocktails at local restaurants in Albany. The Candy Cane Crawl doubles as a holiday bingo game. Pick up a bingo card from the Albany Welcome Center. Try three holiday specials in a row and win a limited-edition tumbler cup that pays tribute to the Candy Cane Birthplace, Albany.
The holiday celebrations continue with Downtown Albany’s 36th Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade. This year’s Candy Cane Christmas will be December 5, 2026, in downtown Albany and includes food trucks, entertainment and, naturally, the holiday parade. Ballet Theatre South combines more than 50 local school-age dancers as well as guest artists in feature roles for “The Nutcracker” on December 4-6 at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.
Family friendly lodging
From trusted national brands to locally owned favorites, visitors can find accommodations that suit every family member. Many of Albany’s hotels are situated along Dawson Road and Pointe North Boulevard, placing guests close to the Albany Mall, dining options and major highways.
For those looking for a boutique stay with historic charm but modern amenities, the 110-room Merry Acres includes a seasonal outdoor pool during warmer months and the onsite The Pub at Merry Acres for dining. The St. Nicholas, built in 1906, offers guests luxury accommodations with an onsite restaurant and easy access to downtown attractions.
If families prefer a national brand, and an onsite pool to expend children’s energy, Albany offers properties such as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn. Additional options include Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, both known for complimentary breakfast, pools, and comfortable accommodations. Budget-friendly options include Quality Inn and Country Inn & Suites. Additional accommodations are The Park Inn by Radisson near Albany State University and La Quinta Inn & Suites with its pet-friendly policy.
Read on for more on where to stay in Albany! For more information, visit VisitAlbanyGA.com.