Things To Do in Augusta, Georgia With Kids
Close your eyes and imagine a city filled with riverfront walking paths, outdoor farmer’s markets filled with friendly people, and artsy types living their best life. Throw in some fluffy biscuits ‘n gravy, decadent red velvet cake, and live music into the mix. Now bring your family along in this vision to enjoy a boat ride along a historic canal.
Open your eyes. Your family is now in Augusta, Georgia. Aside from the occasional alligator, Augusta is a historic family-friendly city to take your crew on your next family vacation. Start training for your trip by eating a big breakfast and going at a slightly slower pace. Here are the best things to do in Augusta with kids.
1. Morris Museum Of Art
This collection of all Southern artwork dates back to the late 1700s up until modern day work. Thousands of paintings, photos, and sculptures rotate throughout the year so no visit is ever the same. With admission free on Sundays, this is a fantastic family activity that won’t cost a dime. This family friendly museum wants kids to get involved and offers programs and events like scavenger hunts, games, and art activities. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon – 5 p.m. At other times of the week, admission for adults is $5, for teens, students, military, and seniors is $3, and kids under 12 are always free. Reviews of the museum.
2. Augusta Museum Of History
The kids will enjoy the Voices Of The Past performances where local actors tell about periods in Augusta’s history. Monday at the Museum offers crafts and stories for the two-six year olds in your family. The highlight for many is the James Brown exhibit, with his actual costumes that will makes your eyes light up. If you have a civil war buff in your family, there’s amazing civil war history artifacts to see. If you’re a golfing family, there are a few big golf/Masters items to see on exhibit as well. Open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Adults, $4; seniors, $3; child (6-18), $2, child (5 & Under), free. Read reviews.
3. Sacred Heart Cultural Center
On the National Register of Historic Places, this architectural beauty was built in 1897 and was originally used as a Catholic church. Over a dozen styles of brickwork, nearly 100 stained glass windows, and iconic arches. Take lots of pictures and see if your budding architect can recreate this place with LEGOS. Today, this building is a cultural center where your family can come to choral concerts, the Garden Festival, and a wide variety of theater productions and cultural events here. There’s a great gift shop with local finds. Sorry, no LEGOS for sale. Check their website for many special events. Exhibits, tours, and gift shop open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Read reviews.
4. Imperial Theatre
Very few theaters have survived the changing times since the early 1900s. But the Imperial Theater in Augusta is one of those rare gems. It began as a vaudeville theater in 1918, with a recorded visit by Charlie Chaplin, who appeared at the theatre on April 16, 1918 selling Liberty war bonds. Take a family tour to learn about the theater’s fascinating history and architecture. It’s also fun to catch a live music performance at the theater when you visit the Augusta on your family vacation. Plenty of family friendly movies are still shown here in there Nostalgia Series as well as live concerts. Reviews of The Imperial.
5. Skateland Of Augusta
Take a break from all the history and culture and have some good old-fashioned family fun roller skating. Hot dogs, French fries, watching kids and adults fall on their butts. Now that sounds like fun. Family-friendly music always plays with even a Christian music night on Mondays. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Check their schedule for open family skate and toddler time. Read reviews of this Augusta roller rink.
6. Augusta Mall
The Augusta Mall is always a good choice for some air conditioning, food, and retail therapy for the whole family. There’s nearly 150 stores to choose from. Park yourself on a bench with the free Wi-Fi or bond with your teenage daughter at the MAC counter. This upscale, retail destination is a popular spot in Augusta. Open daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Reviews of this shopping mall.
Things to Do Outdoors in Augusta, GA
7. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area & Discovery Center
This is a jam-packed place for families here. Book a boat tour down the canal and learn about its history. You’ll never forget the sights, sounds, and stories you’ll hear as you cruise along the Augusta Canal. Entertaining guides will narrate the trip, highlighting the 19th century textile mills, the Confederate Powder Works and two of Georgia’s only remaining 18th Century houses as you float by. Keep watch for the abundant wildlife including heron, otter and even the occasional alligator. Huh? Call 706-823-0440 x 4 for more info on this unique family activity. Boat capacity is 40 guests for maximum comfort.
Ride bikes or walk the towpath. Because of its wide width and flat terrain (mules used to pull the canal boats along this same path) this is an easy route for kids of all ages. Also don’t miss The Discovery Center with interactive exhibits, videos, and most importantly, the gift shop and bathrooms. Read reviews of this family attraction.
8. The Riverwalk
This very do-able four block long stroll along the Savannah River is a great way to get the feel of Augusta with your family. There’s pretty gardens and shady gazebos, a playground and a new open air amphitheater for live music shows in the summer. Great viewing for fireworks over the water and other community gatherings. Make sure to read the historical plaques along this kid friendly walk. Read Reviews.
9. Augusta Market At The River
It’s no wonder that Augusta was in the Top Ten Places to live in the the country with weekly markets like this. Every Saturday from mid-March through to early November 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., families come to this open air market. Stroll through the booths of local produce, fresh bread, houseplants, local artist’s paintings and jewelry. There’s plenty of seating too for your family to enjoy their finds. Coffee, well-fed kids, and shade. What else could you need? Get a great taste of the market by watching this video.
10. Phinizy Swamp And Nature Park
Bring your family to explore 1,100 aces of untouched swampland. Family-friendly events include Swamp Saturday Hikes, Children’s Hikes with Story Time, Guided Bike Rides (Swamp Bike Saturday), Full Moon Hikes, and Phinizy Family Camping.
Check out the Bridge Through the Woods –This steel and wooden bridge is 25 feet in length. It spans Butler Creek and provides occasional views of turtle and river otters. It is also a great location for seeing dragonflies, damselflies and sometimes the rare Mayfly, and a great spot for to enjoy listening to songbirds. Open 365 days a year from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free entrance. The Swamp Shop and Visitor Center are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Read some reviews of a visit to this beautiful swampland.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Augusta
11. Ruth’s Family Restaurant
Country fried steak, biscuits, pancakes, If you’re wanting a southern, comfort food breakfast, this is where you need to go. Very family-friendly service in a a cute casual diner atmosphere. Tried the fried catfish if you go for lunch. Open seven days a week, 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Read reviews.
12. Bill’s Family Restaurant
Breakfast and lunch from 5 a.m. – 3 p.m. every day. Man, they sure do love breakfast and waking up early in Augusta. Serving since 1961, events like Breakfast with Santa make this a very family-friendly restaurant for locals and visitors alike. Read the reviews.
13. Jackie M.’s & Son
This started as husband and wife venture in 2001. When their son graduated from culinary school, the “son” was proudly added. Truly a family affair, go for their made-from-scratch cheesesteaks and chicken wings. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Read the reviews of this local fave.
14. Boll Weevil Cafe
The Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery combines a cozy atmosphere with an eclectic menu. Choose from more than 30 homemade desserts. southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits.
Once an old cotton warehouse from the 1870’s, and right across from the Augusta Riverwalk (see #8 above) and Amphitheatre. The Boll Weevil has been named “Best Desserts” for four years running, Augusta Magazine; “Best Desserts” in Metro Spirit since the magazine’s awards inception; and has been featured in Southern Living and Cooking with Paula Deen. Get the kids a slice of the peanut butter pie and watch them get sugared up while you relax with a glass of wine from their by-the-glass list. Open Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, noon – 8 p.m. Reviews of this family-friendly restaurant.
15. Farmhaus Burger
This trendy burger joint, featuring a custom grind of beef from local farmers, creamy milkshakes, and famous fries will make the while family happy. With the focus on fresh local meat and dairy, you’ll feel good about stuffing your faces here. Try a boozy milkshake option like the Farmhaus Cherry ($8.50) made with whiskey, amaretto, and brandied cherries. #NeverDrinkFromMommysCup. Check out some reviews.
16. Hildebrandts
This family-owned, lunch-only German-inspired delicatessen serves your family a heaping helping of Southern Hospitality. Open since 1879, when Nicholas Hildebrandt founded Hildebrandt’s as a local grocery. With plenty of wursts on the menu to choose from, there’s also kid-friendly choices like grilled cheese and BLT’s. Read reviews of this Augusta landmark. German potato salad, a gift shop with sweet trinkets and t-shirts. Your family will feel like they’ve gone back in time at this lunchtime haven. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Best Hotels in Augusta for Kids
17. Holiday Inn Express Augusta Downtown
Just minutes away from the pretty views of The Savannah River from Riverwalk, this family-friendly hotel will feed your family a free breakfast to prepare you for your Augusta adventures. Hotel reviews.
18. Baymont Inn and Suites
Baymont Inn & Suites Augusta Riverwatch hotel combines comfort and convenience. Just minutes from downtown, this is a great choice for a restful and fun family visit to Augusta. Fill up at the free full breakfast, gym and outdoor swimming pool at this AAA-rated Augusta hotel. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult. Read the reviews.
19. Augusta Marriot At The Convention Center
Stay on the banks of the Savannah River, close to great restaurants and the beautiful tree-lined Riverwalk. Three restaurants in the hotel make it super convenient including a Starbucks. Done deal. Enjoy the indoor or outdoor pool (yes, there’s two pools!) and a breakfast buffet is available. Hotel reviews.
20. The Partridge Inn Hotel
If you have really well-behaved kids and want to get a taste of the Southern Belle life, stay at this luxury hotel. Enjoy live music and al fresco cocktails, and Shirley Temples in the outdoor patio. Stroll through the network of verandahs and balconies that wrap around the hotel. Cool off in the courtyard pool. The 24-hour Pavillion market makes it really easy to feed those late night cravings. Yours or the kids. Reviews of this luxury hotel.
MORE: Galveston For Families
This article was originally published on
