Last Updated on May 18, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Tucked away in the small SouthWest Georgia city of Pine Mountain, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers the perfect family getaway that blends outdoor adventure with natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, this 2,500-acre destination is an unexpected gem. From the butterfly gardens to the magic of azaleas in bloom, our family loves how Callaway has something for every age. Callaway is open year round, with specialty seasonal offerings.
In this complete family guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Callaway Resort & Gardens, including lodging options, can’t miss attractions, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Idyllic Weekend Getaway From Atlanta
If you grew up as a child, living in the Atlanta area, chances are that you’ve experienced a grade-school day trip to Callaway. Now, Millennial parents are overlooking Callaway, thinking they already know everything the resort has to offer. You might think you know what Callaway Resort & Gardens is all about—but once you get there, it completely surprises you in the best way.
Callaway Resort & Gardens is approximately 85 miles southwest of Atlanta, Georgia, making it about a 1.5-hour drive from the city. Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the resort offers a serene escape. It’s the perfect short drive with young kids to get you out of the city.
It’s also just a short drive from Columbus, Georgia, as well as Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama.
Why Callaway is Perfect for Families & Planning When To Go
We’re a family of five with a wide range of kid’s ages. Our 4-year-old, 8-year-old and 11-year-old found common interests at Callaway. Families don’t have to divide and conquer because of different ages. Engaging educational activities were age-appropriate for all of my kids. Plus, I really appreciate that Callaway has a wide range of lodging options. Whether you’ve got a little one in a stroller, or a teen, the resort has options to keep them entertained so you can make memories together as a family.
The hardest part about planning a trip to Callaway is deciding on what time of the year to visit. Christmas is their busiest time, with thousands of visitors arriving weekly for Fantasy of Lights, which begins in late November.
For gardening enthusiasts, it’s tough to plan your visit around the height of blooms. The peak blooms for tulips and azaleas are announced on social media. My recommendation is to plan a last-minute trip if you’re traveling specifically for a peak bloom.
Family Lodging Options at Callaway Resort & Gardens
When booking your stay, check for vacation package offers. Some are geared towards guests interested in seasonal offerings, while other vacation packages include recreational activities like golf. Flash sales, discounted packages and seasonal offerings are announced on social media as well as their email newsletter.
The Lodge & Spa
Staying in The Lodge is great for families that want everything within an easy walking distance. Several on-site dining options are located in The Lodge, as well as the spa. There are 150 modern guest rooms and suites available for booking, each featuring balconies with views of the lake, pool, and woodland gardens.
- Family rooms and suites: With accessible options
- Spa services: For ages 18+, with special young-adult services available to 14 to 17
- Dining options available for families: The Piedmont Dining Room, Azalea Market & Cason’s Tap Room
Vacation Cottages & Villas
As a family of five, a typical hotel room no longer works for us. We felt very comfortable staying in one of the Cottages. These two-bedroom cottages provide the comforts of home and offer a spacious retreat after a day of outdoor fun. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen (which is great if you want to bring your own food to save on dining), a screened porch to enjoy the woodland settings, four queen beds, two bathrooms, and cozy furnished common areas.
- Great For Larger Families: Home-away-from-home experience
- Full kitchens for extended stays: Save on food expenses
- Within walking distance of The Lodge: Some cottages are closer to The Lodge than others
Popular Callaway Gardens Attractions That Kids Love
There are a lot of great family-friendly activities and it can be overwhelming to plan your Callaway itinerary to pack it in. I’d look at the seasonal event offerings to include those, but these are the attractions that kid love, which are available year round:
- The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center: Step into a tropical paradise filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies. It’s a magical experience where kids can learn about metamorphosis and conservation.
- Birds of Prey Shows: Witness majestic hawks, owls, and falcons in action during live demonstrations at the Discovery Amphitheater. It’s an exhilarating experience that captivates both kids and adults. The birds flew right over our heads and amazed my kids.
- Biking Trails: Explore over 10 miles of scenic trails that wind through lush gardens and woodlands. Bike rentals are available, including options for young children, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
- Golf: Callaway offers two 18-hole Championship golf courses. They offer discounted rates for juniors aged 17 and under: 18 holes is $30+tax and 9 holes is $18+tax. Additionally, junior golfers aged 17 and under can enjoy golf lessons at a rate of $80 for one hour or $40 for a half hour.
Dining Options for Families at Callaway Resort & Gardens
All of the Callaway Resort & Gardens dining options are family-friendly, with kids menus available. Reservations for The Piedmont Dining Rom are available online, which I recommend during the busiest seasons and for holidays.
Of all the dining options at Callaway, The Country Kitchen stole our hearts. It’s on Callaway property, but it’s a short drive from The Lodge and Cottages. The Country Kitchen overlooks a fantastic view, offers great home-cooked favorites, and it’s a country store. Does it get any better? Plus, the country store has a chocolate shop with fudge and truffles available for purchase. It’s worth driving to! We found it to be the most family-friendly dining location and our personal favorite.
- Cason’s Tap Room: With recipes from the Callaway family cookbook and a full-service bar, this is a popular dinner location and it’s in The Lodge. Locally sourced ingredients add a special touch to the menu. Seating is available inside and outside, as well as at the bar.
- The Piedmont Dining Room: The Piedmont Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for special holiday dining events and weekend buffet options, with a prime rib station.
- The Azalea Market: Serves quick bites, pastries and Starbucks coffee options.
- The Discovery Cafe: This quick-service location offers lunch bites at the Garden Discovery Center. This is a great option before watching the Birds of Prey Show or renting bikes, because the Garden Discovery Center is quite a drive from The Lodge.
- Champions Grille: Refuel after a round of golf with sandwiches and burgers at Champions Grille. Look over the golf course while dining and check out the Pro Shop afterwards.
- Country Kitchen: Open for breakfast and lunch, don’t miss the Chicken Pot Pie. Order a basket of biscuit and muscadine jelly to go. You’ll want more!
Seasonal Events at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Spring is a great time to visit for garden lovers. The Celebrate SPRING! Festival highlights the resort’s fabulous blooms. On the weekends, Cason’s Garden offers family-friendly games, a variety of delicious wine, beer and bites, art installations, music and craft vendors amongst a sea of tulips!
Summer is for everyone looking to relax in the sun. Robin Lake Beach comes to life with plenty of family-friendly activities. Enjoy beach activities like volleyball, putt putt, and water activities like stand-up paddle boarding. On the water, kids can take on the floating obstacle course known as Aqua Island, where you can race across twisting bridges, bounce on giant trampolines, and scale inflatable mountains. Holiday weekends, like Memorial Day and 4th of July are busiest times during the summer.
If you love Fall and harvest vibes, plan your visit for the Pumpkins at Callaway event. Glowing pumpkins light up the gardens for nighttime fun. Cason’s Corn Maze is a favorite during the autumn season.
By far, the most popular time to visit Callaway Resort & Gardens is for the Winter holiday season. Fantasy in Lights offers a dazzling Christmas light display throughout the gardens. Drive through a 7-mile path to see the lights, take the trolley, or come for one of the Bike Night Events, where guests can pedal through the displays.
Special Fantasy in Lights overnight packages make your stay even more bright, with a stay in The Lodge, Cottages or Villas. Add breakfast with Santa for an extra special touch. Book your holiday packages far in advance for the best prices and before they sell out.
Quick Tips For Bringing Kids To Callaway Resort & Gardens
- Pack your play clothes for outdoor adventures, including comfortable closed-toe athletic shoes.
- If you plan to Golf, appropriate Golf attire is required. The golf dress code includes wearing a collared shirts for men. Shop Callaway Golf to stock up on everything you need for your resort stay. Denim, cut-offs, jogging shorts, bathing suits, tank tops, and T-shirts are not permitted on the courses or range.
- Consider bringing bug spray since many areas are wooded.
- Bring your swimsuit for the pool at The Lodge or the pool available at The Cottages.
- Callaway is big. Splurge on a 4 or 6-seat golf cart for the family to easily commute across the property. It also makes it easy to bring your supplies to the beach, for summer visits.