Group Tour Planner
Next stop, Gwinnett!
Experience the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and fun—just minutes from Atlanta in vibrant Gwinnett County, Georgia!
A quick drive from the city, Gwinnett County is packed with exciting activities and educational attractions that will captivate your students and keep them engaged from start to finish.
With over 100 hotel options, we’ll help you find the ideal accommodations tailored to your needs and budget—many with on-site motorcoach parking for hassle-free arrivals and departures.
Step into a world of top-tier entertainment and lively attractions around every corner, ensuring your trip is not only fun but truly unforgettable.
Conveniently located along I-85 and I-285, Gwinnett County is within five hours of Nashville, Charlotte, Greenville, Birmingham, and Tallahassee—easy to reach from nearby states.
Our expertly designed educational itineraries, performance venues, group-friendly dining, and local catering options mean you can focus on making memories, not logistics.
And don’t forget—ask us about our complimentary welcome bags, delivered right to your host hotel, to warmly greet you and your students as you arrive in Gwinnett.
Only thing that’s missing is you!
Maurice Odoms Senior Sales Manager
Maurice@exploregwinnett.org 770-814-6059
Exploregwinnett.org
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Depart from hotel.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Landmarks of Liberty Tour
National Center for Civil & Human Rights
The Center for Civil & Human Rights in Atlanta is a powerful museum dedicated to exploring the history and ongoing struggles for equality and human rights. Through compelling exhibits, interactive displays, and meaningful storytelling, visitors gain insight into the Civil Rights Movement, human rights issues worldwide, and the ongoing quest for justice.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The King Center
The King Center in Atlanta is a historic civil rights landmark dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It serves as a memorial and educational hub, featuring the King Family Memorial, Dr. King’s original tomb, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
Hard Rock Café | Sweet Auburn Market | Picnic at Centennial Olympic – Catered Chick-fil-a Or Mary Mac’s Tea Room
1:10 PM – 1:40 PM
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, founded in 1886, is a key site in African American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Known as the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it remains a symbol of faith and social justice.
Church Talks last for 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute tour of Ebenezer Baptist Church. The church is open Monday through Saturday and offers tours at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Herndon Home
Visit this historic mansion, once owned by Alonzo F. Herndon, an important African American businessman and civil rights leader.
3:00 PM
Depart to head back to Gwinnett.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Enjoy an entertaining medieval-style dinner and witness an exciting tournament. Doors open one hour prior to the show, which lasts approximately two hours. Dates and times are subject to change. For questions or concerns, please contact your
Dino Days & Nature Plays A Fun Safari Through Forests, Fossils, and Ancestors
8:30 AM
Depart from hotel.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Forest Adventure
Collect trail data to explore local plant diversity and forest succession, understanding land development impacts. Investigate plant and animal relationships, the effects of non-native species, and engage in hands-on conservation to restore Georgia’s habitats. Experience the forest firsthand and connect with nature! Please refer to the educator guide, which includes additional lessons tailored to various grade levels.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
A Walk on the Wildside Tour
Get up close and personal with some of the animal residents. Learn intriguing animal facts and personal stories about the animals your encounter from the knowledgeable YRWS keepers. Over 30 different animal residents to discover.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch and tour at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Explore dinosaur exhibits, natural history displays, and live science demonstrations. Participate in any scheduled educational programs. Lunch can be ordered through the museum. Must order in advance by submitting the order form.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Zoo Atlanta
Observe and learn about various animals from around the world. Enjoy Keeper Talks, feed giraffes or self-guided field trips to classroom activities that will enrich your curriculum, the Zoo has a variety of resources for you.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dave & Buster’s at Sugarloaf Mills
Dave & Buster’s at Sugarloaf Mills Mall is perfect for student groups, offering arcade games, interactive challenges, and group seating. Enjoy fun, food, and memorable moments—great for team building, celebrations, or a fun day out.
8:00 AM
Depart from hotel.
9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Water World From Wastewater to Drinking Water
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
Stream Adventure
Test stream health by measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Identify macroinvertebrates to assess ecosystem health and explore water quality’s link to the forest. Collaborate to find six non-point pollutants, discuss their sources, and consider their impacts. Stream and Wastewater Adventures can be combined for an extra fee.
Wastewater Adventure:
In With The Dirty–Out With The Clean
Join a guided walking tour of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center to explore how wastewater is treated using physical, chemical, and biological methods. Learn how energy and nutrients are recovered during the process. Transportation from Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is provided.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tree Top Quest & Lunch
Located on the grounds of GEHC, learn about nature while challenging yourself on the ropes, zip lines, and bridges in the trees. It’s both fun and educational with environmental questions and answers throughout the course. Relax under the covered pavilion while enjoying lunch and sharing what you’ve learned so far.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Elachee Nature Science Center
Climb aboard the Lake Lanier Aquatic Learning Center (LLALC) floating classroom, Chota Princess II. Elachee instructors will guide students in a hands-on exploration of the history, ecology and challenges facing Lake Sidney Lanier.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Shoal Creek Water Facility (drinking water)
Throughout the day, you explored the important role Lake Lanier has in supporting our local ecosystem. Gwinnett County draws an average of 65 million gallons of water each day to provide drinking water for around 1 million residents. At this final stop, you’ll learn about the different processes the water goes through to ensure it’s safe for us to consume.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinner & Games at Andretti’s Get your game on! From Classic Arcade and prize games to the thrilling state of the art attractions, there’s something for everyone at Andretti’s indoor karting and games. The venue features a 4,000 sq ft grand room which can be split into two separate rooms.
Blueprints & Beacons Atlanta’s Architectural Heritage
8:00 AM
Depart from hotel.
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
BAPS Mandir, Lilburn Georgia
Features stunning traditional Indian architecture with intricate carvings and ornate domes. Built with handcrafted stone pieces imported from India and assembled by volunteers, it showcases expert craftsmanship and cultural artistry, creating a beautiful and spiritually meaningful landmark.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Fox Theatre Tour
Architecture and History Tour
Step back in time to the golden era of the movie palace at the Fox Theatre! Your tour will take you through Ancient Egypt and the Middle East while learning about the history of the Shriner Organization and movie mogul William Fox.
11:20 AM – 12:30 PM
Ponce City Market Tour & Lunch
Historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building repurposed with modern design. Students will learn about adaptive reuse and industrial architecture.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Mercedez – Benz Stadium
Engineering & Architecture Tour
Discover the innovative design and engineering marvels behind one of the most iconic sports stadiums in the United States with the MercedesBenz Stadium Engineering & Architecture Tour. This behind-the-scenes experience offers visitors a unique glimpse into the stadium’s cuttingedge construction, sustainable features, and architectural brilliance
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
SkyView Atlanta
Experience the breathtaking architecture of Atlanta from 200 feet in the air at SkyView Atlanta. Soar above the city in a towering Ferris wheel and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline, landmarks, and unique architectural marvels on full display.
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Stone Mountain Park Dinner & Laser Light Show
Enjoy the Light Show along with a BBQ buffet dinner on the Memorial Hall Terrace, unlimited popcorn, and drinks. Seating opens two and a half hours before the show starts. Dinner service concludes one hour prior to showtime.
Where Learning Comes to Life
Resources
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
Tania Ballou, Division Director tania.ballou@gwinnettcounty.com 678-277-0927
Fernbank Museum of Nature History Group Sales office fieldtrips@fernbankmuseum.org 404-929-6320
National Center for Civil & Human Rights
Lisle Dorsey, Group Sales and Marketing ldorsey@civilandhumanrights.org 404-991-6975
The King Center and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Tangie Gray 404-526-8985 tgray@thekingcenter.org
The Herndon Home
Shelly Lewis, Director 404-581-9813 (cell) herndonfoundation@outlook.com
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary yrws.fieldtrips@gmail.com 678-395-3452
Zoo Atlanta
Katherine Stone, Sales Manager Sales Manager (404) 624-5984 kstone@zooatlanta.org
TreeTop Quest Buford gwinnett@treetopquest.com 404-277-6113
Dave & Busters at Sugarloaf Mills
Kamau Reed, Event Sales Manager kamau.reed@daveandbusters.com 678-537-8506
Elachee Nature Science Center
Alison Thompson, Field Trips & Custom Programs Manager alison@elachee.org 770-535-1976 ex.222
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Wendy Bacon, Group Sales Manager wendy.bacon@medievaltimes.com 770-225-0230
Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games Buford
Jacqueline Ebakhaye Jebakhaye@andrettikarting.com 470-646-3084
Fox Theatre Atlanta tours@foxtheatre.org 404-881-2092
Mercedes – Benz Stadium tours@mercedesbenzstadium.com
SkyView Atlanta
Andrea Cantlow 678-949-9023 admin@skyviewatlanta.com
Stone Mountain Park smpgroups@stonemountainpark.com 770-498-5632
Shoal Creek
Schedule tour or request information DWRinfo@gwinnettcounty.com
Mall of Georgia and The Village Amphitheatre
Jasmyne Bibb, Marketing Administrative Assistant Jasmyne.Bibb@simon.com 678-835-9015
Erika Bridges, Director of Marketing Erika.Bridges@simon.com 317-519-3383
Group Friendly Dining
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Wendy Bacon, Group Sales Manager wendy.bacon@medievaltimes.com 770-225-0230
Dave & Busters at Sugarloaf Mills
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Kamau Reed, Event Sales Manager kamau.reed@daveandbusters.com 678-537-8506
Politan Row at the Forum (Food Hall)
5145 Peachtree Pkwy STE 455 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Zoe Levert, Event Sales Manager zoe@politanrow.com 404-500-8871
Golden Corral #892 3270 Satellite Blvd. Duluth, GA 30096 770–495-7999
Main Event
471 Norholt Parkway Suwanee, GA 30024
Wendi Lucas, Sales Manager wendi.lucas@mainevent.com 770-945-7111
Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games Buford 2925 Buford Dr. STE 300 Buford, GA 30519
Jacqueline Ebakhaye jebakhaye@andrettikarting.com 470-646-3084
CiCis Pizza – Norcross – Peachtree Corners 6050 Peachtree Parkway Norcross, GA 30092 770-300-0535
Vendetti’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill 3333 Buford Drive, Suite VA05 Buford, GA 30519
678-765-0213
Catering Options
Looking for catering to feed your group? Whether you’re planning to have food delivered to a hotel meeting room or a Gwinnett County covered park pavilion, these services can bring delicious meals right to your location. How convenient is that?
Cassandra’s Catering Chef Cassandra cassiejb63@gmail.com 678-523-9300
Moe’s Southwest Grill Cathy Coulter, Catering Sales Manager ccoulter@sterlingmoes.com 1-888-991-6637
The Honey Baked Ham Company 3185 Woodward Crossing Blvd. Suite 510 Buford, GA 30519 770-932-0059
Shane’s Rib Shack shanesribshack.com/catering 404-989-1313
Tucker’s Catering 350 W. Peachtree St. Norcross, GA 30071 James Tucker james@tuckerscatering.com 678-851-6729
Rising Roll, Lawrenceville
1812 North Brown Rd. Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678-847-6088
Always Fresh
5394 Five Forks Trickum Rd
Lilburn, GA 30047
alwaysfreshrestaurant.com
alwaysfreshcatering@gmail.com
678-380-4656
Performance Venues
Calling all choirs and bands! Are you searching for venues in Gwinnett to showcase your talents? Here are some venues that welcome bands to perform.
Georgia Swarm
The Georgia Swarm professional lacrosse team hosts their home games at Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA. During their season from December to April, they play six home games. The Swarm provides several opportunities for bands to perform before, during, or at halftime. A minimum purchase of 50 tickets is required. For additional details, please reach out to Joshua Anderson in Fan Services at janderson@georgiaswarm.com or call 470-657-0506.
Medieval Time Dinner & Tournament
The Hall of Arms is an ideal space for groups to perform while guests wait to enter the arena. Performers will have up to 20 minutes to entertain guests. A minimum purchase of 15 tickets is required to qualify. For more information or to reserve your next performance, please contact the Group Sales Office at Atlanta.groups@ Medievaltimes.com.
Gwinnett Striper
The Stripers are the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves, located at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 10,000, offers multiple spaces for bands, choirs, and other performances. Their season extends from April through September. For details on group pricing or booking performances, please contact the sales office at tickets@gostripers.com or 678-277-0340.
Atlanta Volleyball
The Atlanta Vibe is Georgia’s newest professional volleyball team, competing at the Gas South Arena. Their season runs from January to May, featuring 14 home matches. To participate, please submit a short video of your group’s performance to staceyd@atlantavibe.com. A minimum purchase of 10 tickets is required.
Atlanta Gladiators
The Atlanta Gladiators are a professional minor league hockey team that hosts home games at Gas South Arena. Performance opportunities, such as singing the National Anthem or performing at halftime, are available with a minimum of 25 tickets purchased. For more information about performance options, please contact 770-4975100.
Mall of Georgia
The Village Amphitheatre
The Mall of Georgia is the largest shopping mall in the state, featuring over 200 stores ranging from local to national and international brands. The Village Amphitheatre and green space host year-round live entertainment and family-friendly events, including Movies Under the Stars, the Mall of Georgia Concert Series, and various holiday celebrations. It’s also an ideal location for school band and choir performances. Major events include Fall Festival in October and the annual Tree Lighting in November.
