9 Historic Amusement Parks In Georgia That Families Still Love

Georgia’s landscape is dotted with historic amusement parks that have been thrilling visitors for generations. These beloved attractions combine nostalgic charm with modern excitement, creating perfect family destinations throughout the state. From classic wooden roller coasters to innovative water slides, these nine parks continue to create lasting memories for Georgians and tourists alike.

1. Lake Winnepesaukah: The South’s Timeless Playground

Since 1925, Lake Winnie has been a cornerstone of family entertainment in Rossville. The park’s iconic Cannon Ball roller coaster still delivers stomach-dropping thrills with its classic wooden design that rattles and roars just like it did decades ago.

Visitors marvel at the 1916 antique carousel, a masterpiece of craftsmanship featuring hand-carved horses and chariots. The park’s crown jewel remains the Boat Chute – America’s oldest mill chute water ride that’s been splashing riders since the Roaring Twenties.

2. Six Flags Over Georgia: Where Thrills Meet History

A landmark of Georgia entertainment since 1967, Six Flags Over Georgia blends heart-pounding modern coasters with charming historical elements. The park’s centerpiece, the Riverview Carousel from 1908, stands proudly on the National Register of Historic Places.

Generations have screamed their way through iconic rides like the Great American Scream Machine and today’s Twisted Cyclone. The park’s themed areas transport visitors through different eras of American history, creating an experience that’s both educational and exhilarating for families seeking adventure.

3. Six Flags White Water: Splashing Through Decades

What began as a refreshing escape in 1984 has evolved into Georgia’s premier water adventure destination. The Atlanta Ocean wave pool mimics real ocean currents, allowing landlocked families to experience beach-like waves without the long drive to the coast.

Thrill-seekers gravitate toward the imposing Tornado funnel slide, where rafts swirl dramatically before the final plunge. For younger visitors, Captain Kid’s Cove provides scaled-down water adventures perfect for tiny swimmers just beginning their aquatic journeys.

4. Wild Adventures Theme Park: Where Wildlife Meets Wild Rides

Uniquely blending three attractions into one, Valdosta’s Wild Adventures delivers a triple threat of entertainment. The rumbling Cheetah wooden coaster provides old-school thrills that parents remember from their own childhoods.

Between rides, families wander through immersive animal habitats housing everything from majestic tigers to playful otters. The attached water park offers welcome relief during Georgia’s sweltering summers, with attractions ranging from lazy rivers to adrenaline-pumping water slides.

5. Stone Mountain Park: Adventure Around a Natural Wonder

Centered around the world’s largest exposed granite monolith, Stone Mountain Park transforms natural wonder into family adventure. The Summit Skyride whisks visitors up 825 feet in glass-enclosed cable cars, revealing breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to the Atlanta skyline.

History buffs appreciate the Scenic Railroad, where a 1940s locomotive circles the mountain’s base. During summer evenings, the mountain face transforms into a canvas for the spectacular Lasershow Spectacular, combining music, lights, and fireworks in a tradition spanning over four decades.

6. Skyline Park: Rooftop Revelry in the Heart of Atlanta

Perched atop the historic Ponce City Market, Skyline Park reimagines what an amusement park can be. Vintage-inspired games like ring toss and skee-ball evoke the fairgrounds of yesteryear while offering spectacular views of Atlanta’s evolving skyline.

The park’s miniature golf course challenges putters with whimsical obstacles and unexpected twists. As evening approaches, the Heege Tower ride elevates visitors even higher above the repurposed Sears & Roebuck building, providing a sunset perspective of the city that earlier generations of Atlantans could never have imagined.

7. Chehaw Park: Where Conservation Meets Recreation

Designed with input from renowned naturalist Jim Fowler, Albany’s Chehaw Park marries wildlife conservation with family entertainment. The zoo section houses animals in naturalistic habitats, allowing visitors to observe creatures like cheetahs and meerkats behaving as they would in the wild.

Adventure-seeking families tackle the challenging BMX track, where riders of all ages navigate jumps and berms. The park’s extensive mountain bike trails wind through pristine Georgia woodlands, offering a peaceful counterpoint to traditional amusement park experiences.

8. Rigby’s Water World: Warner Robins’ Aquatic Playground

A relative newcomer compared to some Georgia parks, Rigby’s has quickly established itself as a summer tradition for Middle Georgia families. The park’s wave pool generates four different wave patterns, creating varied experiences from gentle ripples to challenging swells.

Adventurous visitors race down the Cyclone Bowl, spiraling toward a dramatic splash landing. Parents appreciate the carefully designed layout that allows them to monitor multiple children simultaneously while relaxing in the shade between water adventures.

9. Fun Spot America Atlanta: High-Speed Heritage

Fayetteville’s Fun Spot America honors the simple pleasures of classic amusement parks while incorporating modern thrills. The multi-level go-kart tracks remain the standout attraction, where multiple generations race side-by-side just as families have done for decades.

The park’s roller coasters deliver big thrills in a more intimate setting than larger theme parks. Between high-octane adventures, families challenge each other in the arcade, where vintage games sit alongside cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, bridging the gap between nostalgic pastimes and contemporary entertainment.