Family Friendly Activities in Macon, Georgia

Visiting Macon, Georgia can be an easy weekend getaway or a special trip that inspires your soul. Our Southern charm is evident in our historic homes and downtown district and our distinct culture is on display with each event and festival throughout the year. Macon is not just a point on a map, it is a vibe all its own.

Start your trip at the Downtown Macon Visitor Information Center where you can view colorful exhibits and an informative timeline, browse gifts in the souvenir shop and watch the exciting 12-minute video for a perfect introduction to Macon. Gather all of the information you need to make Macon memorable (Give 30 minutes).

Here are some of our favorite family-friendly destinations and restaurants to consider:

HAY HOUSE

Feel like royalty when you step through the doors of this National Historic Landmark mansion. News accounts called it the “Palace of the South” upon its completion in 1859. Magnificent detail and luxuries far ahead of their time make this a must-see, as featured on A&E’s “America’s Castles.” (Give 1.5 hours). See the feature photo.

GEORGIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Website: http://georgiasportshalloffame.com/site/
The largest state’s sports hall in the country, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame includes educational and interactive exhibits and memorabilia from sports legends like Henry “Hank” Aaron, Bobby Jones, and Herschel Walker, and more. (Give 1 hour).

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

OCMULGEE MOUNDS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Admission is free and you and your family can journey to the ancient past to discover 17,000 years of Native American Indian heritage just across the river. Experience the continent’s only reconstructed earth lodge, scale a great temple mound, or venture over Civil War battlefields. (Give 1.5 hours).

Ocmulgee National Monument Park

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND MUSEUM AT THE BIG HOUSE

Explore the world’s largest collection of Allman Brothers memorabilia, sit on the front porch where Duane Allman and Berry Oakley spent countless hours together, walk up the steps that Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, and Chuck Leavell once did and tour the house that inspired Gregg Allman to Write the classic “Please Call Home.” (Open Thursday through Sunday) (Give 1 hour).

Big House Museum

TUBMAN MUSEUM

Take a journey from Africa to America in this 49,000 square-foot museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of African Americans. See Wilfred Stroud’s nine-panel mural that chronicles the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, enter the brilliants minds of African American inventors and entrepreneurs, and more. (Give 1.5 hours).

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

This museum will provide hours of entertainment for your children. With numerous exhibits and events occurring throughout the year, this venue combines education and excitement. Discover the mini-zoo with more than 70 animals, nature trails, and an auditorium.

Museum of Arts and Sciences

ROCK CANDY TOURS

Guided walking rock-and-soul tours showcasing Macon’s rich music history through colorful stories and sites. See the homes, offices, crash pads, and favorite haunts of some of southern music’s most legendary players as well as the backstage cast of characters who played a crucial role in their catapult to fame. (Give 2 hours. Tours only on Friday nights.)

Family Friendly Restaurants

THE ROOKERY

The Rookery is one of Macon’s most noticeable landmarks and has been a gathering place since Jimmy Carter ascended the White House and Capricorn Records was a world-renowned hit maker. Try one of their mouthwatering burgers and end your meal with a delicious milkshake.

LUNCH AT LANE SOUTHERN ORCHARDS – PEACHTREE CAFÉ

Enjoy true Southern fare inside at our Peachtree Café, or if it’s the great outdoors you want, enjoy your meal alfresco. You will taste true Southern Hospitality in every mouth-watering bite. While you’re there, explore the large orchard that’s been dedicated to planting, growing, and harvesting the best-tasting peaches and pecans in Georgia since 1908. (Give 2.5 hours. This is about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Macon.)

OCMULGEE BREWPUB

Marries craft beer with gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and superfood salads.

PIEDMOND BREWERY & KITCHEN

Website: https://www.piedmontbrewery.com/
Award-winning brewpub featuring a modern smokehouse, inspired beer and a classic game room.

FISH N PIG (at Lake Tobesofkee)

Fresh seafood and hickory-smoked BBQ are the specialties at Fish N’ Pig. Fish N’ Pig offers a full-service, casual dining room as well as a complete bar and large covered deck surrounding the building and overlooking Lake Tobesofkee.

H&H SOUL FOOD

Website: https://www.handhsoulfoodcom/

Founded in 1959, this soul food restaurant is woven into the fabric of Macon’s music history.

 

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS:

Use us as your guide for unforgettable Macon memories. Call now at 800-768-3401, and our Destination Specialists will gladly provide assistance or check out our Free Travel Guide (https://365publicationsonline.com/MaconVG2020/), which gives an overview of Macon’s highlights.
We also have two Visitor Information Centers where visitors can find additional information:
  • I-75 Visitor Information Center: located off I-75 South in the Rest Area, one mile south of exit 181, Rumble Road. (478-994-9191
  • Downtown Macon Visitor Information Center & Administrative Offices: 450 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Macon, GA 31201 (478-743-1074 or 800-768-3401)