11 Family Weekend Getaways from Atlanta

Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Dollywood are the musts in this family-favorite vacation spot, but there's plenty more to keep you busy! Soar through the trees on the single or double-rider Moonshine Mountain Coaster, and get up-close with sharks on the motorized walkway running through the underwater tunnel at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Asheville, North Carolina, combines natural and man-made fun into a great weekend destination for Atlanta families. The Sliding Rock recreation area has a 60-foot natural waterslide, which dumps into a deep pool, and is a must for adventurous families in the warmer months. A drive or hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway will offer magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains. The Asheville Pinball Museum is a gem because both parents and kids can get in on the gaming fun and a visit to the Biltmore Estate, which has family-friendly eateries and a farmyard, gives a glimpse into history.

Greenville, South Carolina, packs a lot of punch for a weekend getaway. Families will enjoy trips to the Children's Museum of the Upstate, with a large outdoor play area that includes a long twist slide, and the Greenville Zoo, with more than 300 animals and two playgrounds. Cross the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park to get an aerial view and visit the Children's Garden at Linky Stone Park. Families who have read Goodnight Moon will delight in the Mice On Main scavenger hunt, a task that takes you through the downtown in search of nine sculptures that were inspired by the beloved bedtime story.

The Blue Ridge Mountains draw nature-loving families with a huge range of activities. Springer Mountain is the southern start of the Appalachian Trail and is a must-visit spot for hiking enthusiasts. For extra adventure, take a horseback ride with Appalachian Trail Rides at S & T Stables. A riverside ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a relaxing way to take in scenic views and includes a two-hour stop in quaint GA/TN border towns.

Helen, Georgia, attracts a huge number of visitors with its wide range of family fun and Bavarian-style buildings that make this small town look like it popped right out of a fairy tale. Anyone with a sweet tooth should pop into Hansel & Gretel Gourmet Candy Kitchen, which has been churning out chocolate and candies since 1973. In the warm weather you can cool off with a scenic tube ride down the Chattahoochee River with Cool River Tubing or saddle up for a horseback ride with Chattahoochee Stables. For a splash of nature visit Anna Ruby Falls, which is accessible via a 1/2 mile paved trail.

Nashville is a great city to explore with your family. Kids can learn about the rich history of American music that finds its roots in "Music City", explore the world-class zoo and museums, and find some off-the-beaten-path gems that make a trip to Nashville an unforgettable experience.

Family fun, adventure and beautiful scenery entice visitors to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The waterfront Coolidge Park has a fountain to splash in and a carousel and is host to lots of events throughout the year. For great scenic views take a walk over the Tennessee River on the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge or a ride in a glass-enclosed trolley car up Lookout Mountain with Incline Railway. Kids will love the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which honors significant Civil War battles.

If you are packing the family up for a road trip, there is a lot to do and see in Augusta other than watching golf. A trip to Augusta wouldn't be complete without a stroll or paddle down the canal. You can walk the boardwalk or sit for a picnic. If you arrive on a rainy day, either the Augusta Museum of History or the Morris Museum of Art make for some fun indoors. And if you are looking for a souvenir, shop on Broad Street and take in the historic buildings along the way dating back to 1801.

Southern charm, historical elegance and a plethora of activities combine to make Savannah a lovely vacation spot for families. Wander the large exploratory maze at the Savannah Children's Museum, and enjoy the shaded playground and splash pad at Forsyth Park. Tybee Island is a short drive from downtown, where families can enjoy a day at the beach, take a dolphin tour, and visit the Tybee Island Marine Center.

The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, you can take a trek out to see the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and learn about the island's lighthouse built in 1872. You'll find plenty of water sports from kayaking to deep-sea fishing to learning about turtle migration at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Voted the best family vacation destination for multiple years, Hilton Head Island is a great place to take your family and spend some quality time exploring. There are so many great places to see and adventures to experience that your family will have the vacation of a lifetime.