Sept. 13 - Celebrate National Grandparents Day at a Georgia State Park

Little ones who are lovingly spoiled by their grandparents can return the favor on National Grandparents Day, September 13. Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites offers plenty of memory-making ideas sure to entertain 5-year-olds and 50-year-olds alike.

Fire up the grill, pack up the fishing poles and spend the day enjoying each other’s company. All of Georgia’s state parks offer spectacular scenery, and most have easy nature trails, mini-golf, boating, animal exhibits and more. The paved trail at Panola Mountain State Park is perfect for strollers and bikes, while the lake at General Coffee State Park is a favorite spot for watching for wildlife. Large families can turn National Grandparents Day into a big celebration by renting covered picnic shelters or enclosed group shelters.

Remember the gooey fun of making s’mores? Plan a family camping trip where grandparents can tell stories around the campfire. No tent? No problem. Many outfitters and dealerships rent camping gear or RVs, while Red Top Mountain and High Falls state parks offer yurts. If sleeping under the stars isn’t for your grandparents, most state parks also offer cottages or hotel-style lodge rooms. Recently, the five state park lodges introduced lower “lodge-ical” weekday rates starting at $69 and $79 per night. Leave the kitchen chores behind because free breakfast is included in lodge stays at Amicalola Falls, George T. Bagby, Little Ocmulgee, Red Top Mountain and Unicoi state parks.

For many families, Georgia’s historic sites are a creative way for children to learn about their heritage. Families with a Native American history can tour New Echota Cherokee Capitol and Chief Vann House historic sites in northwest Georgia. Are your ancestors from “across the pond”? Pretty Fort King George Historic Site on the coast tells the story of a British outpost during the 1720s. Does Grandpa have Appalachian roots? Dahlonega Gold Museum in the north Georgia mountains has a new film with images from the 1830s gold rush.

For help in planning a Grandparents Day celebration for your family, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or to make reservations call 1-800-864-PARK (7275).