Fun Things To Do In McDonough With Kids (And All Of Henry County)

Last Updated on June 29, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh

Special thank you to Henry County for hosting my stay. I’ve explored every inch of the area to bring you the best fun things to do in McDonough with kids! All opinions are my own.

One of my favorites parts of traveling is exploring the unexpected. For almost two decades, I’ve lived a little more than hour away from Henry County without ever knowing how much they have to offer families. Surprisingly, they’re bursting at the seams with family-fun activities. Here are my favorite fun things to do in McDonough with kids, and the surrounding Henry County areas.

Related: Woodstock Georgia Events Guide

Fun Things To Do In McDonough With Kids + Henry County

Henry County claims that they’re “comfortably south of Atlanta” and I whole-heartedly agree. It’s the first portion of I-75, south of city, where you forget the hustle and bustle. Just off of the highway, you can experience the slower paces of smaller towns and attractions that are totally unique to the area. Whether you live in Atlanta and want to plan a weekend getaway, or you’re traveling through the state, Henry County has got so much more than you’d ever know from driving through.

 

McDonough With Kids: Southern Belle Farm

Originally a local dairy farm, this charming family-owned farm offers 330-acres of fun. They offer four seasons of produce (strawberries, peaches, pumpkins and Christmas trees) which makes them truly unique and open March through December. It’s the perfect location to start some family traditions.

From pumpkin picking to pig races and selecting your family’s Christmas tree, I promise that you’ll make memories to cherish forever. Don’t forget to pick up some of Ms. Kathy’s famous pound cake. The recipe is a secret, but folks come back year after year to enjoy some from their market. 

Stockbridge With Kids: Panola Mountain State Park

Not many Atlantans know that there’s another mountain made of stone. Panola Mountain State Park is centered around a 100-acre granite outcrop. The park offer hiking, birding, geo-caching and tree-climbing. Special programs are designed specifically for different age groups of kids.

They offer an indoor and outdoor archery range with hands-on instructional classes led an expert. Hands-down, the most special experience at Panola is the the ZZZ’s In The Trees, where guests can sleep overnight in a canopy (with a harness). 

McDonough With Kids: Heritage Park Veterans Museum

Run by veterans with the goal of sharing the stories of soldiers rather than the details of various conflicts, this museum is a great opportunity to showcase the brave stories of America’s heroes. When the museum first opened they only had a few pieces of history to showcase.

Now, the volunteer veterans tell the stories behind over 20,00 pieces of history. I highly recommend planning your museum trip around Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day weekends for kids ages 5th grade and older. Every volunteer is very passionate about the museum’s purpose and they even have a special exhibit that honors Gold Star families.

Locust Grove With Kids: Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

One of the best free things to do in Locust Grove has to be the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. Families can take a self-guided tour, for free, and walk the paved paths throughout the natural habitats. All of the animals that live in the sanctuary were either abused, neglected or lovingly surrendered. Now, they’re well cared for by professional keepers and volunteers.

They’ve got over 1,500 exotic, wildlife and domestic animals that live amongst each other. In fact, some animals even roam the grounds and walk amongst the guests – like peacocks. The close encounters you have with the animals at Noah’s Ark are unlike any other. The tigers are my absolute favorite and they even have a few that can paint (with eco-friendly paints) and use the art for fundraising purposes.

Hampton With Kids: Atlanta Motor Speedway

While the speedway is best known as the starting location for legendary NASCAR drivers, they offer so much more than just NASCAR. Every Thursday from May – late July, the Thursday Thunder Legends Series offers budget-friendly family fun. Grandstand tickets are just $5 for adults and ages 5 and under are admitted free. 

The Legends Series offers four different division types to accommodate drivers starting at the age of 12, to a Master’s Division for over the age of 40. The car stays the same from division to division, it is the driver that makes the difference! Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts the Legends Series racing excitement alongside family games and contests.

Stockbridge With Kids: The Pumpkin Patch At Yule Forest

This family-owned and operated agritourism farm caters to children and families with a pumpkin patch, hay ride, petting zoo, hay bale maze as well as many STEM focused exhibits. From pumpkins to Christmas trees, this Stockbridge farm has plenty to offer families. 

If you’ve got teens that are looking for a Halloween fright, the farm transforms into a haunting show that plays on your psychological fears known as Fear The Woods. They offer three chilling experiences that are sure to be a thrilling time. Each Fear The Woods exhibit has a special theme and story. Fear The Woods is open Friday through Sunday, after dark, September through October. By day or night, you pick the Yule Forest experience that’s best for your family.

Hampton With Kids: Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum

Of all the fun things to do in Henry County, this one takes the cake. Kids ages 5 and up can take flight, while accompanied by an adult, in a Vietnam era Huey that is flown by military veterans. The foundation is a
non-profit and volunteer run organization. They restore Cobra and Huey helicopters, while offering educational programs, fly-overs, rides and demonstrations. 

This remarkable experience can be appreciated by all and not just for flying buffs. It’ll be the most exciting views and thrilling experience. Be sure to call or email ahead of time to schedule your flight. Since it’s volunteer run, advance notice is required. Prices are based upon time in air and fuel costs.

Follow Henry County on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram