CLICK HERE to enter to win 4 Adventure Passes to visit Stone Mountain ParkA summer storm delayed our departure by a couple of hours, but we still arrived at the park around 4pm. Attractions are open until 8pm, so we had time to enjoy quite a few activities. Now that my kids are a little older (8 and 11), the SkyHike isn't so daunting. (Okay, it's not to them, but you won't find me up there!). Visiting on a weekday afternoon, the park was not crowded, and there was no line at all for the SkyHike, which was a nice bonus.
After spending time on SkyHike (and behind it the easier, super kid-friendly Camp Highland Outpost), the boys opted to play some putt-putt at the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf Course. I enjoyed some downtime visiting with friends while they enjoyed their golfing. A win-win for all.
Next up, we decided to check out one of Stone Mountain Park's new shows, the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team. Trust me - this one's NOT to be missed. Take a break from the heat and cool off in the 4-D theatre to enjoy this crazy 25-minute display of acrobatics. These professional gymnasts were Semi Finalists on America’s Got Talent and regularly perform at halftime for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. You'll be on the edge of your seat. I was in awe! (These guys actually used a 12-year-old kid as a human jumprope. Definitely not something you should even consider at home!)
At 6:30pm, it was time for dinner. There are numerous restaurants to choose from at Stone Mountain Park. You can also enjoy grab-and-go food at The Marketplace and other snack "huts". We enjoyed a catered BBQ dinner at Memorial Hall, where we were treated to a beautiful view of the lawn and mountain.
Of course the kids didn't want to spend much time eating! Our next stop was the Summit Skyride - the high-speed Swiss cable car provides a stunning view of the Confederate Memorial Carving as it transports guests more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, experience amazing views of the Atlanta skyline, the Appalachian Mountains and more up to 60 miles away.
It looked (and felt) like we were walking on the moon. I think these boys would have stayed up there all day. I know they would have loved to hike down too (yes, you can do that). But in flip flops, it wasn't going to happen!
The ride down was a little scary! It's only about four minutes though and well worth the trip. The kids of course loved it.
By this time it was close to 8pm. I'd hoped to get a chance to take the kids to The Great Barn (another great spot to cool off, or the perfect spot to hide from a summer shower). This has always been one of our favorites. Perfect for ages 5-12 (and some younger), there are giant slides, places to climb, trampolines and more. We didn't get there in time this trip, but we still had plenty more on our to-do list for the evening. I'd also planned to have the kids play in the outdoor Geyser Towers - but it was unseasonably cool, so they decided not to get wet.
Stone Mountain offers a plethora of activities for the youngest visitors too - there are outdoor shows and even parades throughout the day, including Splash’s Super Soakin’ Parade. Plus, don't forget to take a train ride! Just check the event calendar and program when you arrive so that you can plan out your day.
Around 8pm we took a walk back through Crossroads Village, bought some old-fashioned candy at the Candy Kitchen, browsed The Yellow Daisy Craft Market, and then headed over to our VIP spots on the terrace to get ready for the night's main event.
The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision® presented by Humana is an Atlanta tradition that will wow your family with state-of-the-art digital graphics and a laser show, fireworks, and awesome fire effects. Three flame cannons add a punch to the show by sending a trio of flames nearly one-hundred feet into the air. Plus, special new fireworks spray multi-colored bursts and dance on the water at the base of the mountain. And there's an added segment to the Lasershow - Drone Wars will please Star Wars fans of all ages.
Bring a blanket and relax on the lawn. Or, if you're looking for a half-day adventure (like ours), you can purchase a Sunset Adventure Pass with Lasershow Snack Terrace seats - the reserved seating offers an awesome view, a great place for kids to play, plus popcorn and drinks. And the sunset pass includes admission to attractions beginning at 4pm. CLICK HERE for more information. *Note, terrace seats must be reserved IN ADVANCE.
Coming up: Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park is July 1-4!
Fantastic Fourth Celebration was voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers, a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today and one of Reader’s Digest’s picks for “America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks.” Enjoy the attractions all day, or show up just for the evening events. CLICK HERE for all the details!
PURCHASE TICKETS
Visit the Stone Mountain website for information on tickets. Purchase a daily ticket or a season pass. Dining can be added as well. Prices vary and look for specials on the website.
PLUS - Macaroni Kid has a group DISCOUNT OFFER for Stone Mountain Park!
Save Up To 25% on Daily Tickets and Annual Passes. CLICK HERE and enter the discount code: MACKID. Enter your ticket quantity, credit card # and print your tickets at home. Simply present your tickets at the kiosk located at the Ticket Plaza to get your All Attraction Wristband and you are good to go!
Macaroni Kid AWESOME Giveaway!
CLICK HERE to enter to win 4 Adventure Passes to visit Stone Mountain ParkRULES: To be eligible to win this giveaway you MUST be a Smyrna Vinings Marietta OR Buckhead Midtown Brookhaven Macaroni Kid subscriber (to our free weekly e-newsletter). By entering this giveaway, you are you are agreeing to become a subscriber to at least one edition (see form). Entries must be received by Thursday, June 30 at 10am. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter and a resident of the metro Atlanta area. Winner will be chosen via random.org. Once chosen winner will have 48 hours once notified to claim prize or another winner will be chosen.
* I was a guest of Stone Mountain Park and was provided with complimentary admission. Opinions, however, are my own.
