Your Labor Day Itinerary

School may have started, but that doesn’t mean the family fun has to end! Keep the good times rolling in the Good Life City with this round-up of Albany, Georgia’s best family-friendly spots.

Attractions:

  • Home to 125 species, including cheetahs and a black rhino with a penchant for painting, the zoo at Chehaw offers a unique, educational experience while the 800+ acres of land naturally lends itself to picnics, hiking, biking, disc golf and much more.
  • Known to have one of the most diverse ecosystems in the region, the Flint River is more than just your typical warm-weather float. From crystal clear springs to limestone shoals, get up close to nature with Kayak Attack's 1 to 7 hour trips including the lesser known waters of Muckalee and Kinchafoonee Creeks.
  • If air conditioning is calling your name, seek refuge in the Flint RiverQuarium. With more than 120 different animals on-site, there is plenty to see. Visiting on Saturdays gives you the opportunity to participate in animal encounters, a close-up experience with the animals. Don’t miss the Imagination Theater!

Restaurants:

  • The pub-style Harvest Moon has music and a menu to satisfy everyone in the group. A staff fave is the Harvest Pie pizza complete with pesto, grilled eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, tri-colored peppers, spinach and two kinds of cheese.
  • Well-known for breakfast, Pearly’s has a devoted lunch following as well, thanks to the breakfast platter (served all day!) and hot plates (one meat, two veggies). While you won’t have a problem enjoying this yummy food, you may have trouble finishing the huge helpings. Make sure to come early, they’re closed for dinner!
  • In Downtown Albany, make sure not to miss The Cookie Shoppe. Mrs. Mona serves up soups, salads and sandwiches like nobody’s business. My personal favorite is the pimento cheese with bacon and tomato on rye. And a trip to The Cookie Shoppe is incomplete without a piece of her fabulous baklava.

Free Things to Do:

  • Six acres along the river featuring a splash pad (open until Labor Day), fenced playground, walking trails and picnic spots galore, RiverFront Park is sure to bring the smiles--double down on the fun with a few scoops from Cool Scoops, just across the street.
  • Groove to the tunes of the Genius at Ray Charles Plaza featuring an interactive life-size sculpture of Albany's native son, Ray Charles. Relax while water flows over the pedestal into a reflecting pool as the kiddos hop, skip and jump atop the giant keys--all while listening to the legend's beloved melodies in this must-see riverside spot.
  • Pumping 70,000 gallons per minute of clear, 68-degree water from an underground cave, don’t miss Radium Springs Gardens--one of the state's seven natural wonders.

We can’t wait to see you in the Good Life City!

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Visit Albany Staff