articles

12 Things to do for Fall Break near Henry County + four bonus ideas

Experience local fall fun while the kids are on a break from the classroom

By Jennifer Sheran, publisher Macaroni Kid McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove September 7, 2022

As it seems most of the nation is just beginning its school year, our kids get a five-day break next week. I don't know about you, but I was finally getting into a post-summer structure and now we have a week of disrupted routines. 

If a staycation is on your agenda, there are a number of things to do in or within a short drive of McDonough, Hampton, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Griffin, and Jackson. During this break, I've decided to try to do a few items on our 2022 local bucket list. Some of them are included in this list below.

12 Things To Do Near Henry County for Fall Break





1.Enjoy a day in nature at the Dauset Trails Nature Center

360 Mt. Vernon Ch. Rd, Jackson, GA 30233

770-775-6798

Open Tuesday - Sunday, from 9:00 - 5:00

The nature center includes a 1/3-mile Animal Trail, a “Wonder Room” of reptiles, a Barnyard exhibit, a lake, the Woodland Garden Trail, 20 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, an expanded the group camping area with tent pads, fire rings and "Turkey Roost" camping platforms, a 1940's era Barnyard including a blacksmith shop, cane syrup cooking area, country store, and tenant house, a tree identification trail, horse riding trails, and a picnic area with a playground. Dausettrails.com






2.Get them moving at Starlight Family Centers 

Get that energy out with the skating and indoor playground and arcade fun at Starlight.

425 Plaza Parkway, McDonough, GA

770-898-0100

Starlight Family Centers has a special Fall Break Skating Schedule Wednesday, September 21st through Sunday, September 26th,  Starlight of McDonough






3. Play by Day. Glow by Night at the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival

Play by Day, Glow by Night begins September 17. attractions pass is $24.95Enjoy family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic storybook characters! Then, after the sun goes down, you'll glow by night in a whole new light with the NEW Nighttime Parade and plenty of other NEW not-so-spooky glowing experiences!

1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard,  Stone Mountain, GA 30083

770-498-5690

10:00 - 8:00 pm  StoneMountainPark.com





4.Enjoy Miniature Golf Day at Fun Bowl

Fun Bowl's outdoor Mini-Golf is a tough little course that weaves in and out of water hazards. The cost is just $8 per person. Fun Bowl Henry County is a full featured Family Entertainment Center with 40,000 square feet on 7 acres full of FUN!

300 Hwy 155 South, McDonough, GA 

770-898-4272

Opens at noon

 MyFunBowl.com






5. Help the Gnomes Roam at Stache Studio in Griffin

‘stache studio needs help making gnomes for its Great Gnome Roam in October. Stop by the studio during open studio hours to make one out of clay for Free!< 

166 South Sixth Street, Griffin

770-713-5943

Open studio hours Thurs, Fri, Sat from 10-8

stachestudio.net





6. Get Creative at the Creativity Cafe

Create your own clay pieces or try the pottery wheel, paint pottery, canvas, or glass, and create DIY board art.

99 Hwy 81 Suite 101, McDonough

678-272-2431

M-Th 11-9, Fri 11-11, Sat 9-11, Sun 12-6

Walkins welcome Cre8tvtcafe.com





7. Kick off Fall at Southern Belle Farms 

A family-owned 33-acre working farm open seasonally for you-pick and family fun. The farm is celebrating the harvest with a pumpkin patch, a 4-acre corn maze, and more than 20 outdoor attractions.

1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough

770-288-2582

Weekday prices Wed-Fri $11.95, ages 2 and under are free


Closed Monday and Tuesday.SouthernBelleFarm.com






8. Take a Ride at the Spalding County Fair 

Enjoy the fun of a county fair complete with a Midway, Bingo booth, food vendors, the 4-H food booth, Needlework exhibit, Artwork exhibit, Canning exhibit, and Petting Zoo. 

Fri. 9/24 from 5-10, Sat. 9/25 from 1-10, Sun. 9/26 from 2-10

Admission is $7, kids 5 and under are free.





9. Enjoy a Taste of Henry

Come out to Southern Belle Farm and enjoy a Taste of Henry! This is one of our biggest community events. Enjoy an evening of great food from more than 30 local restaurants and food vendors, entertainment, and family fun benefitting our friends at A Friend's House, Inc. Tickets are $10 per child (3-12), $25 Senior, $30 Adult 






10. Take A Ride on the Wild Side at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville

Fun Spot America Atlanta - Save 30% 

View deal on CertifiKID

With over two dozen rides, Fun Spot America's family-friendly parks have the charm of a small-town all American fair, but the colorful adventure never packs up and leaves! Although there are activities for kids, such as a miniature Ferris Wheel, fun slide and an arcade that has a Laser Tag arena, where Fun Spot really makes its name is with its assortment of rides and go-karts that the entire family can enjoy.  




11. Explore the World of Coca-Cola

The Deal: Save up to 15% off Admission




12. Go under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium 

The Georgia Aquarium Deal: $34.92 for Admission for One Guest (age 3+) to Georgia Aquarium ($49.85 Value - 24% Off).

  • Voucher includes 8.9% sales tax. Pay nothing more at entry!


Bonus fun!

To keep the kids busy at home try one of these ideas:

Make Giant Bubbles in Your Back Yard

Five Backyard Games To Play With Your Kids

7 Ways to Entertain Your Kids with Sidewalk Chalk

101 Things to do When the Kids are Bored

Have a safe and fun Fall Break! I'd love to hear about your adventures around town. Email or direct message me! I'd love to share your photos with our community!