Fun + unique church and youth group retreat ideas in Valdosta

September 18th, 2023

Combining rich history, modern attractions, indoor fun, and natural landscapes, Valdosta is the perfect destination for your next youth group or church group retreat. From theme parks to petting farms, sporting events to cultural museums, there’s something for everyone in the heart of South Georgia. 

We’re highlighting some of our favorite field trip ideas, youth group activities, and hotels in Valdosta. Want more information on upcoming festivals, concerts, and events? Check out our events calendar for all the latest that Valdosta offers.

Fun field trip ideas for your church group outing

If you can’t decide between indoor fun or outdoor adventure, you can find it all in Valdosta. Enjoy the nation’s pastime and catch a baseball game at Valdosta State University. Reach for the skies on the coasters at Wild Aventures Theme Park. Or, explore the outdoors with hiking, fishing, farms, and more.

Church and youth group activities in Valdosta

Come for the afternoon but stay for the fun in Valdosta. With rides, animals, sports, and art, you’ll find something for the smallest groups to the biggest (and for kids of all ages, too!)

WILD ADVENTURES THEME PARK

Wild Adventures Theme Park is regularly named Georgia’s #1 Theme Park – and for good reason. This theme park combines rides, animal exhibits, and a water park for a truly unforgettable church or youth group retreat. Live music and festivals run throughout the year, including numerous Christian and gospel musicians.

Wild Adventures also offers a number of perks for church and youth groups of 15+ people:

• Discounted admission
• Free parking for buses
• Free admission for bus drivers (limited to 1 per bus)
• No sales tax for eligible nonprofit organizations (restrictions apply)

Come make incredible memories at this Valdosta theme park and see why it’s voted the best in Georgia. Check out our guide to Wild Adventures for more information on discounts for church and youth group tickets.

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Valdosta State University has a number of attractions from sporting events to museum exhibits. Youth groups and church groups can catch a football game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium or enjoy some hot dogs while cheering on the school’s baseball team. Looking for educational youth group activities? Tour the university’s historic campus and visit the Copeland African American Museum.

RECOIL TRAMPOLINE PARK

For indoor fun, head to Recoil Trampoline Park in Valdosta. Featuring an arcade, virtual reality, trampoline park, ninja course, and more, this trampoline park is fun for all ages. Younger children can explore the toddler area while the bigger kids explore 30,000 square feet of indoor fun.

OTHER FUN IDEAS

• Turner Center for the Arts
• Georgia Theatre Company (GTC) Movies – Valdosta Cinemas
• Skate-N-Play (roller skating, arcade, laser tag, and more)
• Epic Escape Room (ages 8+, so a better option for older children)
• Valdosta Studio Imagination (paint your own pottery or canvas)

Need more exciting activities in Valdosta for your church or youth group? Check out our full list of museums, music, theatre, and more – and plan your next church group retreat in Valdosta.

Farms, parks, and outdoor recreation for your group

Just outside the city center is a whole array of parks, lakes, farms, and more. Explore the best of South Georgia’s natural habitat and its rich agricultural history. Kayak the Withlacoochee River, host a picnic at a waterfront park, or head to the orchards for pick-your-own adventures. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be something your youth group will remember.

U-PICK FARMS

Enjoy beautiful spring days or crisp fall afternoons among the fields of southern Georgia. Visit any number of the u-pick farms in Valdosta to pick your own seasonal apples, blueberries, peaches, and more. Your group will love a memorable way to enjoy the literal fruits of their labor. On your way back, keep an eye out for roadside farm stands to stock up on more local, fresh flavors for your whole group.

FIFTH DAY FARMS

Church and youth groups can experience farm living firsthand at this fun and unique animal petting farm. Fifth Day Farms began as a private way to rescue animals and now hosts chickens, goats, pigs, llamas, miniature cows, horses, peacocks, and more. The farm also hosts numerous field trips throughout the year, making it a perfect day trip for your next youth group. 

GRAND BAY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Explore Georgia’s wetlands and natural landscape at the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. Sitting on over 8,000 acres of property owned by the state and the U.S. Air Force, the area boasts a boardwalk, lookout tower, education center, lake fishing, and canoe access.

JOHN W. SAUNDERS MEMORIAL PARK

With six covered picnic shelters (each with electricity and a grill), an amphitheater, and two basketball courts all available to rent, John W. Saunders Memorial Park is a perfect way for your group to enjoy a day together. Gather everyone for an afternoon cookout under the pavilion and then let the kids run and play on the playground. 

Valdosta hotels for a youth group retreat

As a destination for travelers from near and far, Valdosta boasts a number of lodging options. From hotels to motels, campsites to RV parks, there is something to suit the needs of any group. We’ve listed a few below, but a full list of options for Valdosta and surrounding areas can be found here.

DRURY INN & SUITES VALDOSTA

Conveniently located near I-75 and minutes from Wild Adventures Theme Park, Drury Inn & Suites is a great option for youth groups. In addition to complimentary breakfast each morning, this hotel also offers free hot food and cold beverages every evening at their 5:30 Kickback® – saving your group time and money on going out for dinner.

HOLIDAY INN VALDOSTA CONFERENCE CENTER

Groups staying at the Holiday Inn Valdosta Conference Center will enjoy a restaurant on the premises as well as an outdoor pool. Breakfast is not complimentary, but up to two kids ages 2-11 can eat for free per 1 (one) adult order during breakfast or dinner service a Azalea’s Restaurant (up to 4 children per dining party.) This hotel also offers Family Suites with two bedrooms, a king or queen bed, and a trundle bed and pull-out sofa.

HILTON GARDEN INN VALDOSTA

Located across the street from the Valdosta Mall and only two miles from downtown, the Hilton Garden Inn Valdosta is walking distance from restaurants and only a short drive to the heart of the city. The on-site restaurant serves meals all day, though the hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast. Some rooms connect, offering groups another layer of convenience when booking more than one room for their youth or church group.

Book your next church group retreat in Valdosta

Want even more ways to enjoy your next youth group or church group outing in Valdosta? Check out these 5 family hangouts, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of downtown Valdosta, or follow our blog. We can’t wait to host your next youth group retreat!