sandwiches, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs and hamburgers; all served with a side and drink for $5. Our boys got to choose a trinket-type toy and were surprised with crispy rice treat bars for dessert. We had so much fun that we’ve decided to go back this fall. What parents liked the most: Complimentary shuttle bus; well-maintained resort that allowed us to truly escape; everythingyou-can-imagine-for-breakfast buffet. What kids liked the most: Splashing in the pools, ninja and pirate toy surprises from the restaurants, sitting by the lobby fireplace. Know before you go: Pack a towel or change of clothes if you plan to experience Geyser Towers; kids 32-40 inches must be accompanied by a chaperone age 16 or older. Purchase and pack your own glow-sticks for enjoyment before the Laser Show begins (glow toys are about $10 on site). Pack closed-toed shoes (required for Geyser Towers and Sky Hike). Sky Hike requires adult supervision for children under age 16; the minimum height is 44 inches. Resort rooms have a mini fridge, so you can save by bringing snacks or picnic fixings. Costs: $179-$199 room rate per night (check website for packages). Valid daily 5/23-8/5; Fri.-Sun. 8/10-8/26; Sat.-Mon. 9/19/3. Two-day Adventure Passes allow a second day of attractions and remain valid through Dec. 31. Additional two-day Adventure Passes for guests only may be purchased at the hotel for $28 each; $10 park entrance fee not included. Visit stonemountainpark.com for attraction hours. Limited number of rooms available for this promotion; tax additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. – Dana diLorenzo
atlantaparent.com
Callaway Gardens: Families Love the Beauty and Outdoor Play n Callaway Gardens
Intersection of GA Hwys. 18/354, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281; callawaygardens.com From Atlanta: Approx. 90 min. Callaway Gardens is a great place for a family adventure – where else can you bike, swim, go zip-lining, surround yourself with butterflies, watch birds of prey, and see a circus performance? It’s close enough for a day trip, but offers plenty of attractions to justify a weekend or weeklong stay. Did I say zip-lining? The TreeTop Adventure, a high-flying ropes and zipline course ($33.10 per person; must be at least 54 inches tall), is something new for families. It’s 90 minutes of adventure, including five zips and a treetop rope agility course. Although it is not for the agoraphobic, it is for all ages and fitness levels. Our 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son couldn’t stop talking about how much fun it was! Callaway Gardens, on 13,000 acres in Pine Mountain, boasts the world’s largest manmade white sand beach at Robin Lake, where families can swim and sunbathe for free, or splurge on floating obstacle courses, blaster boats or laser tag. Bicycle trails cover 10 miles of the park, taking you from one garden to another. (Bring your own bikes, or rent them at the resort.) Two of my family’s favorite attractions are Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, with more than seven acres of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, and the Cecil B. Day
Butterfly Center, where more than 1,000 tropical butterflies from more than 50 species fly freely among exotic plants. A summer tradition that you won’t want to miss is the Florida State University Flying High Circus, with shows on Robin Lake Beach, through Aug. 3 (daily performances except Tuesdays and Wednesdays). There is even a Flying Circus Camp offered until Aug. 4 for ages 3-17; camp meets 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, and kids enjoy circus skills, tennis, water skiing/tubing, golf lessons, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, jewelry/pottery-making and more. Camp sessions are offered in 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-day packages. While the kids are in camp, parents can relax in the 13,000-square-foot spa, with an array of organic treatments and services. You can also play a round of golf at one of the nation’s top-rated courses, or tennis at one of 10 lighted outdoor courts.
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July 2012 Atlanta Parent 29