VSU Family Weekend
Welcome to Valdosta State University's Family Weekend! If you are planning to visit Valdosta for this special event, you might be wondering what there is to do…
read moreFun, unique, and family-friendly things to do in Valdosta, Georgia
A true gem of south Georgia, Valdosta is packed with art, culture, entertainment, and more – all while still preserving the small-town feel of this historic city. With tons of things to do in Valdosta for every kind of traveler, it’s easy to see why the “Azalea City” is such a popular destination for visitors across Georgia and Florida.
Nature lovers can explore the outdoors across numerous wildlife preserves, wetlands, and the Withlacoochee River. Families can experience Georgia’s #1 theme park at Wild Adventures, catch an outdoor concert or baseball game, or visit any of the u-pick farms in the area for hands-on fun. And everyone can enjoy the vibrant downtown of Valdosta’s historic main street district!
We’ve put together some of the best activities in Valdosta, Georgia – but there’s always something new to discover here. Check out the Valdosta event calendar for the latest news on festivals, holiday activities, entertainment, and more.
Details of each activity are below. For easier planning, we’ve also compiled everything into these quick-reference lists:
Family-friendly activities in Valdosta
- Explore coasters, waterslides, and a zoo at Wild Adventures Theme Park
- Visiting in the summer? Don’t miss the popular Peach State Summer Theatre!
- Enjoy dinner, bowling, and games at Downtown Social
- Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, and more at GTB Farms
- Visit the rotating exhibits at the Copeland African American Museum
- Compete against the family at Skoll Axe Throwing
- Pet some furry friends at 5th Day Farm
- Try wakeboarding (or wakeskating!) at Valdosta Wake Compound
- Fly high (and so much more) at the Recoil Trampoline Park
- Explore the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area
- Go bowling at Jac’s Lanes
Outdoor activities in Valdosta
- Enjoy a theme park, water park, and zoo (all in one!) at Wild Adventures Theme Park
- Golf at Quiet Pines Golf Course, Kinderlou Forest, or Stone Creek Golf Club
- Get outdoors and pick your own produce at GTB Farms
- Learn how to wakeboard at Valdosta Wake Compound
- Kayak (and camp!) on the river with Southern Paddling Guide
- Explore nature at the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area
- Picnic at a working farm and petting zoo at 5th Day Farm
Want more? Check out our favorite ways to explore the best of Valdosta’s outdoors + nature.
Exploring arts & culture in Valdosta
- Visit the Copeland African American Museum at Valdosta State University
- Enjoy a bit of Broadway in Valdosta with the Peach State Summer Theatre
- Immerse yourself in art, concerts, and classes at the Turner Center for the Arts:
Want more? Check out the music, art, and entertainment scene in downtown Valdosta.
Activities and things to do in Valdosta, Georgia
Wild Adventures Theme Park
Combining a theme park, water park, and zoo, Wild Adventures Theme Park is a truly unique experience. Admission to the park includes access to all three, meaning you can hop from a roller coaster to a water slide to exotic live animal exhibits – all in one day! Wild Adventures also hosts seasonal events throughout the year like summer concerts, fall festivals, and holiday light shows. Check out our visitor’s guide to Wild Adventures for info about tickets, discounts, and group rates.
Skoll Axe Throwing
Embrace your wild side and let the axes fly at Skoll Axe Throwing. Perfect for a date night, family outing, or large group, Skoll Axe Throwing offers fun for everyone (participants must be 10+ to actually throw.) With a convenient location right downtown, this is a fun experience you don’t want to miss!
Downtown Social
Challenge your friends and family to some games during dinner! At Downtown Social, you can enjoy your food and drinks over a game of shuffleboard, darts, bowling, and more. Located right in downtown Valdosta, Downtown Social is a perfect stop for couples and groups.
Georgia Beer Company
Georgia Beer Company is as local as they come (and proud of it!) The founders met while studying at Valdosta State University and they later teamed up to start Georgia Beer Company – Valdosta’s first (and only!) brewery. Their unique selection of brews uses locally-sourced ingredients that showcase the best of Georgia. Visitors can enjoy creative takes on IPAs, ciders, stouts, and more at Georgia Beer Company.
Copeland African American Museum
What began as a Christmas gift from Cheryl Copeland to her husband (one pair of autographed Muhammed Ali boxing gloves) is now a full museum at Valdosta State University. The Copeland African American Museum features memorabilia spanning over 150 years, giving visitors a vivid look into African American history. Exhibits rotate twice a year, ensuring you’ll find something new every time you visit!
Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts
No visit to Valdosta is complete without touring the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. Featuring a rotation of both regional and national artists, it also houses permanent international galleries that showcase antique European Fine Porcelain and East African art. The Turner Center hosts a vibrant array of events throughout the year: seasonal festivals, food + wine events, and its popular Music in the Art Park series.
Learn something new! Try a class, open studio, or group at The Turner Center:
Colored Pencil Class Writers League meeting (adult writers club)
GTB Farms
Celebrate the best of Georgia’s amazing agriculture by picking your own berries at GTB Farms! This family-owned farm offers u-pick strawberries and blueberries every week in the spring. Hours and availability vary depending on weather and what plants are ready for picking, so follow their Facebook page for updates. Fun fact: they plant roughly 32,000 strawberry plants every year!
For more pecans, peaches, and produce, check out this guide to u-pick farms in Valdosta.Recoil Trampoline Park
Recoil Trampoline Park offers plenty of indoor fun and adventure for families, kids, and groups of all ages. The facility boasts a trampoline park, laser tag, virtual reality games, and an arcade – all within its 30,000 square foot facility. Visiting with younger kids? They can enjoy areas like the trampoline park’s “Puddle Jumpers Zone”, which is dedicated to children under the age of 8.
5th Day Farm
Originally a private animal rescue, 5th Day Farms is now a full-time animal petting farm open to the public. Visitors of all ages can get up close and personal with horses, goats, peacocks, pigs, and more! 5th Day Farms also hosts numerous birthday parties and field trips throughout the year, making this a unique and engaging spot for your next gathering.
Visiting with a school or church group? Don’t miss these fun + unique activities in Valdosta – perfect for your next retreat!Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area
Nature lovers can get out and explore the best of south Georgia’s landscapes and waterways at the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. Bring your kayak or canoe, drop a line in the lake, or head down the boardwalk and take in the views from the lookout tower. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the education center to fully appreciate the area!
Valdosta Wake Compound
Ride the waves (or the wake) and learn how to wakeboard at Valdosta Wake Compound. Their full cable is the first in the nation to have a “natural” pool gap, and its expert-level wakeskate area offers snow-style handrails and pipes (many of which are moveable.) Beginners can even book sessions that include an introductory lesson with a professional, ensuring a fun and empowering first time in the water. Whether you’re a wakeboarder or wakeskater, expert or beginner, Valdosta Wake Compound has the amenities to meet your needs.
Peach State Summer Theatre
Visiting in the summer? Catch a musical at the Peach State Summer Theatre! Every summer, 60 actors, dancers, and theatre professionals live in Valdosta for 10 weeks to perform three popular musicals in a rotating repertory. Presented in conjunction with the Valdosta State University Theatre program, the Peach State Summer Theatre brings high-quality theatre right to Valdosta, making it a popular event for visitors across Georgia and northern Florida.
Stone Creek Golf, Quiet Pines, or Kinderlou Forest golf courses
Did you know that Valdosta is home to three phenomenal golf courses? Squeeze in a quick round of 9 holes at the picturesque Quiet Pines Golf Course, situated across from Moody Air Force Base and open to the public. Take on a full 18-hole course at Stone Creek Golf Club and enjoy over 800 acres of natural beauty that includes bass lakes and a beaver pond. Or, treat yourself to 18 holes at Kinderlou Forest. Created by Davis Love III designs, Kinderlou has hosted numerous PGA Nationwide Tour and PGA Web.com events.
Ready to hit the tees? We’ve already planned the perfect Valdosta golf getaway for you!Southern Paddling Guide
Outdoor enthusiasts will love kayaking down the Suwannee River – and camping on the river’s edge overnight – with Southern Paddling Guide. Book a guided trip and learn all about the history and nature of the area as you kayak and camp. Or, book a self-guided tour and enjoy easy rentals with everything you’ll need for your trip – along with transportation to your drop off and pickup locations. Trips typically run 3-7 days long, though longer trips and entire Suwannee River excursions are available. Not interested in an overnight trip? You can also rent equipment for day tours or supply your own gear and book the transportation. Whatever you need for your adventure, Southern Paddling Guide has it.
Jac’s Bowling Lanes
Jac’s Lanes combines a bowling alley with an arcade, a sports bar, and a cafe serving classic American food. Family-owned and operated since 1985, this bowling alley and sports bar is a Valdosta favorite. Enjoy your next birthday party or gathering here – or just bring your date for a friendly game of bowling! With great food and additional activities like pool tables and an arcade, plenty to do (and enjoy) at Jac’s Lanes.
Where to stay in Valdosta, GA
The Book and Table Inn
This self-proclaimed “home away from home in the heart of downtown Valdosta” has something to offer every visitor. The Book and Table Inn features a unique collection of apartments and single rooms – all located steps away from Valdosta’s downtown scene. Families will love the 3-bedroom apartment that comes with its own living room and full kitchen. Solo travelers or couples will enjoy the single bed rooms or the one-bedroom apartments.
For a full list of campsites, RV parks, hotels, motels, and even AirBnB listings, check out places to stay in Valdosta.The McKey Hotel
Treat yourself to a stay at The McKey, a boutique hotel in the center of historic downtown Valdosta. The building dates back to 1906 and each of The McKey’s 12 rooms are named after an historic Valdosta person, event, or landmark. The hotel also boasts a 2,000 square foot event space that holds up to 150 people, making it the perfect spot for your next group event.
Visit Valdosta for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant downtown
Whether you’re visiting from the area or are coming from afar – there’s always something to do and discover in Valdosta, Georgia!
For more ideas and the most up-to-date info on fun activities in Valdosta, check out our events page and our blog. Our events page will have a calendar of upcoming things to do in Valdosta, including festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and more. Our Valdosta trends blog includes detailed guides to the area, helping you plan a group retreat or a fun weekend away.
Whether you want to relax or explore, you’ll find your “ahhh” in Valdostahhh.