Why The Arts Matter

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Photo taken at the Art Park on Pine in Albany, GA!

One of our reasons for choosing to homeschool was so that our children would be exposed to the arts on a daily basis. I know this sounds like a strange reason for wanting to homeschool and one that may not seem very important to many people, but for our family it is at the top of our list and essential for our children. Sadly due to "No Child Left Behind," budget cut backs and standardized testing pressures public schools no longer provide the arts education that is so desperately needed for a quality education.

But even in the homeschool world I see the arts struggling. There are very few homeschool curriculum's for the arts and the ones that are available are generally very expensive. Even the local classes are expensive. There have been many times over the years where I have seen and heard homeschool parents stressing over curriculum choices for the core subjects (language arts, science, math, history and geography), but I hardly ever hear them mention concerns about the arts. So today I want to encourage you to include more arts into your homeschool days.

ART is traced to Indo-European “root” at (to fit together); Latin ars means art, skill or craft.

Throughout history some of our greatest contributors (Ben Franklin, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci) to science, history, and math were masters of the arts. The arts solve problems! Without the creativity that the arts provides we don't have science and math advancements, great literature, etc. Art is about fitting things together: words, images, objects, processes, thoughts, historical periods. Art skills are life skills! And creativity drives learning!

Here are some things the arts can do for children:

-improve math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, problem solving and verbal skills
-improve motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork skills
-connect them more deeply to the world and open them to new ways of seeing
-help them close any gaps in a their education
-get them thinking outside the box
-improve test scores
-enjoy deep forms of beauty
-help with behavioral issues
-keep and convey our cultural heritage
-open us up to other societies and civilizations around the world
-relax them
-provide a healthy outlet for emotion
-make them happy
-improve communication skills
-provide a form of self expression
-helps children find themselves

Did you know that UC Berkley actually invests large portions of their budget into a program call ARC which is a think tank for artists? If art is not important why would one of the leading colleges be investing money into it? Well it's because the arts provide us ways to confront the untouchable, to contemplate the "why", to imagine, to create. All of these things are pivotal to our countries future.

Fitting the arts into your homeschool day doesn't need to be overly difficult and doesn't require a curriculum. Think in terms of project based learning. All core subjects correspond with the arts and are inseparable! The arts can easily be incorporated into every subject. For example you can use musical notes to teach fractions, put on a civil war reenactment, play classical music throughout the day, start a nature journal, learn the dances of different cultures around the world, make musical instruments, build a kite. The opportunities are endless!

Do you incorporate are into your homeschool days? In what ways do you incorporate art?

Don't forget to enter the MEGA homeschool curriculum and cash giveaway here.

Also be sure to head over to Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog to see what my fellow crew members are blogging about this week for their 5 day blog hop!



Here are a few quick links to some of my bloggy friends:

Amy @ Counting Change... Again 
Shawna @ Tenacity Divine
Adena @ AdenaF 
Jenn @ Simblissity Cottage
Emilee @ Pea of Sweetness
Kathy @ Kathys Cluttered Mind
Sara @ Embracing Destiny
Annette @ A Net in Time Homeschooling

Do Grade Levels Matter?

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you ask my children what grade they are in you will get a blank stare or a really bizarre response, because we don't emphasize grade levels in our home. Instead our children learn based on their abilities, not grade levels or what state standards dictate. Last year I told my daughter that she was in secondish grade. So that ended up being her reply when people asked her what grade she was in. And instead of her giving a blank stare we received one back.

By any standard, marker, or goal set and especially by today's sad requisites, grade levels are meaningless. Yet so much emphasis is still put on grade levels both in public/private schools and homeschools. But why?

Our current education system focuses on the "No Child Left Behind Act," standards-based education, and common core. Children are lumped together based on grade level, age and standardized measures and expected to all learn the same things at the same pace regardless of their ability. This means that the slowest or least intellectually developed child inhibits the growth of the most intellectually advance child and vise versa. Both suffer because of a broken education system. At one time a grade level defined a level of excellence, knowledge or expertise, but now it is just a meaningless number. I don't have the answers on how to fix our public school education system, but it does need to be fixed so that children can flourish, be empowered and have a drive to learn.

Prior to the government's control over education, grade levels were non existent. Children were in one room learning different material, each at their own pace. Children were challenged by those who excelled before them and encouraged to advance when they were ready, rather than being forced.

It is imperative that children receive individual educations and get what they need, when they need it and when they are ready for it. And this is yet another reason we chose to unschool. It is our desire that our children receive the individual educations they deserve. They can learn at their own pace in the way that best suites their learning style. We encourage their strengths and accomplishments and provide the support and encouragement when they need it. Children are unique so whey shouldn't their education be individualized?

Don't forget to enter the MEGA homeschool curriculum and cash giveaway here.

Also be sure to head over to Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog to see what my fellow crew members are blogging about this week for their 5 day blog hop!



Here are a few quick links to some of my bloggy friends:

Amy @ Counting Change... Again 
Shawna @ Tenacity Divine
Adena @ AdenaF 
Jenn @ Simblissity Cottage
Emilee @ Pea of Sweetness
Kathy @ Kathys Cluttered Mind
Sara @ Embracing Destiny
Annette @ A Net in Time Homeschooling

Let Your Children Express Themselves - Red Mohawks And All

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today I am sharing something I feel very passionate about and that is letting children express themselves. This post is dedicated to all those who question why we unschool and why my 7 year old son has a mohawk and pierced ears!

There are many forms of self-expression and self-expression is pivotal to a child's development. Yet many public institutions and parents do not allow children to express themselves freely. We all have a need to express our thoughts, feelings and ideas. One way I do that is through blogging. As adults we get angry when people try to force their ideals, beliefs and associations on us. However when it comes to children we find it necessary to interfere with their self-expression. We push children into the activities, hobbies, sports, etc that we think they will enjoy or that we want them to excel at. We assert our beliefs, thoughts, ideals and associations onto them and teach them that they need to conform to society. And we teach children that they should deny who and what they want to become because of what others may think.

By not letting a child express themselves freely we are denying them of important skills they need to become successful, free thinking adults. We are hindering their self-confidence, problem solving skills, work ethic, creativity and over all development.

And this is one of the many reasons we chose to unschool. Everyday we encourage our children to express who they are and encourage them to follow their dreams. Our children are confident (most of the time) and both have big dreams and goals in life. They explore their passions and interests and devote much of their time to learning about what they love. They have their own sense of style and are confident in who they are. They know their likes, dislikes and the activities that they excel at. They don't care what others think about them and they don't care about the differences they see in others. They are well-rounded individuals and we could not be more proud of them.

My story:
As a child I was allowed to express myself to a certain degree. My parents let me dress how I wanted which included tie skirts, afghan jackets and decorated blazers. I got picked on a lot in school but I never cared about what others thought because I was being myself and not conforming to the latest trend or style. I listened to music I liked, even though it was not popular. And I enjoyed expressing who I was through art, writing, and volunteering. But my parents didn't fully support my interests and would often compare me to my much older sister and push me into sports and activities they wanted me to excel at. And my personal passions and interests were not nurtured as much as they could have been. This lack of self-expression resulted in low self confidence which I still suffer from today. They were by no means bad parents they just didn't fully let me express who I was and what I wanted to become.

Fast forward: 
When I met my husband we both agreed that we would let our children express themselves and support them in their interests, passions and dreams. We knew we wanted to homeschool, but realized that there was a possibility we would need to send our children to public school. And if the latter would have been the case we still would have fought for our children's right to self-expression.

Gwyn:
My 8 year old daughter is a tom boy and proud of it. She likes her hair long and uncombed, likes wearing bold colors and doesn't care if her clothes are covered in dirt. She is compassionate, creative, adventurous and loves learning! Some of her favorite hobbies are art, hiking, reading, skateboarding and horseback riding. She wants to own a horse and animal rescue and create masterpieces of art. Her two favorite things to learn about are horses, art and Native Americans.

Check out Gwyn's blog - Adventures Of A Homeschool Cowgirl

Rowyn:
My 7 year old son is a very energetic, rough, tough boy. He definitely has no issue expressing who he is. He asked for his ears to be pierced when he was 3 and well the mohawk has always been his hairstyle of choice since he was a toddler. The colored mohawk is new for him. First it was blue, then red and he now wants to do it red, white and blue. He is also compassionate, creative and adventurous. Some of his favorite hobbies are hiking, getting messy, building with LEGO bricks, playing with his Star Wars toys, dressing up as a superhero or ninja and playing with his cars. He definitely tries my patience everyday, but he also makes me laugh everyday too. He spends the majority of his days building LEGO creations. He loves learning about how things work but he also really enjoys learning about the wars throughout history. His dream when he grows up is to work at a LEGO store or be a superhero!

Check out Rowyn's blog - Minifig Homeschool Adventures

The express yourself song by Charles Wrigth pretty much sums it up.



We all need and desire to express ourselves. How do you express yourself or how do you let your children express themselves?

Don't forget to enter the MEGA homeschool curriculum and cash giveaway here.

Also be sure to head over to Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog to see what my fellow crew members are blogging about this week for their 5 day blog hop!



Here are a few quick links to some of my bloggy friends:

Amy @ Counting Change... Again 
Shawna @ Tenacity Divine
Adena @ AdenaF 
Jenn @ Simblissity Cottage
Emilee @ Pea of Sweetness
Kathy @ Kathys Cluttered Mind
Sara @ Embracing Destiny
Annette @ A Net in Time Homeschooling

25 Southeast Staycation Ideas

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Vacations are a rare treat for us due to only having one vehicle (which is very old) and limited funds, but over the last 8 years we have done a lot of staycations. We live in Georgia and I love it here, because there is always something new to see and do. And if we happen to run out of things to explore in GA we can hop in the car and get to FL, AL, TN or SC in just a few hours for a day trip.

To get you started on your southeast staycation here are 25 past blog posts, which contain information about some of favorite spots in the southeast!

1. Over 200+ Free Things To See And Do In Georgia
2. Your Georgia Fieldtripping Guide
3. 10 FREE GA Fieldtrips
4. Wild Adventures - Valdosta, GA
5. Childrens Museum - Atlanta, GA
6. Fernbank Museum - Atlanta, GA
7. Museum Of Design Atlanta - Atlanta, GA
8. HIGH Museum of Art - Atlanta, GA
9. Cagles Dairy - Canton, GA
10. Legoland - Atlanta, GA
11. Treetop Quest - Duluth, GA
12. Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Atlanta, GA
13. Elachee Nature Center - Alpharetta, GA
14. Historical Marietta, GA
15. Etowah Indian Mounds and Tellus Museum - Cartersville, GA
16. Fabulous, Fun Filled Fieldtrips - Savannah, GA
17. Malibu Grand Prix - Norcross, GA
18. Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta, GA
19. Carlos Emory Museum - Atlanta, GA
20. Rock City - Lookout Mountain, GA
21. Adventure Science Center - Nashville, TN
22. Titanic Museum - Pigeon Forge, TN
23. 30 + FREE and Frugal Things To Do In Beaufort, SC
24. Hunting Island State Park - Beaufort, SC
25. Geocaching Adventures - available in any state or country

For even more ideas check out the Summer Staycation Ideas post over at the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Oh My! - FREE Journal Page, Recyclable Craft And A Giveaway

*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

We had tons of fun with the Poppins Book Nook blog series last year and we will be continuing that fun all throughout 2014. This month's theme was, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" Keep reading to learn more about the books we read, fun crafts we made and be sure to grab your FREE journal page too. There is also a giveaway is at the end of the post!

Books:
We read several fabulous books for this months theme: From Cycle to Spaceship, Eureka! It's an Automobile, Transportation From Cars to Planes, Trains, The History of Transportation and I Stink. The children's favorite was Eureka! It's an Automobile. In this book everything from the history of automobiles to how automobiles work is covered. They also enjoyed Trains and Transportation from Cares to Planes.

Journal Pages:
I made this Vehicle Journal Page to go along with our reading! I hope you enjoy it. Download your copy here or click the picture below. It is a great journal page for road trips too.

Craft Project: 

Here the fun project we did to go along with this months theme.

Recyclable Vehicles

Materials:
-Various recyclable materials (containers, toilet paper tubes, cans, etc)
-Felt, pom poms, craft foam, stickers
-Markers
-Glue, tape
-Scissors

What to do:
1. First have children decide what kind of vehicle they wish to make.
2. Next let them construct their vehicle using recyclable materials. If they want the vehicle's wheels to move they will need to make sure they create working axles, which is a fun scientific lesson.
3. After the vehicle is constructed let the children decorate it with felt, foam, pom poms, stickers, markers, etc.
4. Have hours of fun driving and flying the vehicles!

Here is a list of the wonderful bloggers participating in the Poppins Book Nook be sure to visit them for more fun ideas:

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom ~ 3 Dinosaurs ~ To the Moon and Back ~ Planet Smarty Pants ~ Farm Fresh Adventures ~ Growing in God's Grace ~ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Learning and Growing the Piwi Way ~ The Usual Mayhem~ Preschool Powol Packets ~ Monsters Ed Homeschool Academy ~ Adventures in Mommydom ~ Teach Beside Me ~ Life with Moore Babies ~ Kathy's Cluttered Mind ~ Are We There Yet? ~ Our Crafts N Things ~ Hopkins Homeschool ~ ABC Creative Learning ~ Joy Focused Learning ~ P is for Preschooler ~ Laugh and Learn ~ A Mommy's Adventures ~ Inspiring 2 New Hampshire Children ~ World for Learning ~ Ever After in the Woods ~ Golden Grasses ~ Our Simple Kinda Life ~ A glimpse of our life ~ Journey to Excellence ~ Happy Little Homemaker ~ Little Homeschool Blessings ~ Simplicity Breeds Happiness ~ Raventhreads ~ Water on the Floor ~ Learning Fundamentals ~ Tots and Me ~ As We Walk Along The Road ~ Stir the Wonder ~ For This Season ~ Where Imagination Grows ~ Lextin Academy ~ The Canadian Homeschooler ~ School Time Snippets ~ Peakle Pie ~ Mom's Heart ~ A Moment in our World ~ Every Bed of Roses ~ Finchnwren ~ At Home Where Life Happens ~ Suncoast Momma ~ The Library Adventure ~ Embracing Destiny ~ Day by Day in our World ~ Our Homeschool Studio ~ A "Peace" of Mind ~ Thou Shall Not Whine ~ SAHM I am ~ eLeMeNo-P Kids ~ Simple Living Mama

Poppins Book Nook Giveaway! 
Every month the Poppins Book Nook group will be offering readers a chance to win a brand new storybook or product that ties in with our theme for the month. This month one lucky entrant will win a Fort Magic Kit!  With Fort Magic you can bring all of the planes, trains, automobiles, and anything else your child can think of from your storybooks to life to interact with, play with, and make reading fun. The possibilities are only limited by your child’s imagination. Jump into a world of books today with Fort Magic! You can read a review of Fort Magic HERE. 

The winner must reside within the United States. This giveaway is brought to you by the company Enchanted Homeschooling Mom who is owner and founder of the Poppins Book Nook, in partnership with the Fort Magic. By entering this giveaway you are also acknowledging that you have read and agree to all of the Rafflecopter terms & conditions as well as Enchanted Homeschooling Mom's disclosures found here. Just enter the Rafflecopter below to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up with: Jay Daniel 4's Mom, Mama to 4 Blessings

Peep S'mores - The Perfect Easter Treat

*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Easter is only a few days away and Peeps are lining grocery store isles patiently waiting to be taken home and placed into children's Easter baskets. But if you are looking for a fun way to make your Peeps extra special try this Peep S'more recipe! The kids will go crazy over them...okay and maybe moms too.

Ingredients:
-Peeps
-Graham Crackers (broken in half)
-Chocolate Eggs or Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

Recipe:
1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°F.
2. Place a chocolate egg onto a graham cracker half.
3. Top the egg with a Peep.
4. Place your Peep S'mores onto a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so the Peeps don't burn. *You can also use a microwave.
5. Once the chocolate and Peeps are melted, take them out of the oven and squish them with another graham cracker half.

*Note: In the photos I had put the graham cracker on before placing in the oven, but it works better if you do it after the chocolate and Peeps are melted.

30+ Free Nationwide Fieldtrip Ideas

*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you looking for fieldtrip ideas? How about FREE fieldtrip ideas? Well here is a list of over 30 ideas to get yous started. The ideas on this list are available in EVERY state! Some are events that are offered every month, others are places you can have free fun all of the time. Please note there are a couple of things on the list that are only free on certain days during the year. See fieldtrips don't have to be complex or cost a lot a money to be fun and educational!

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!” - Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

1) Home Depot Kids Workshops - The Home Depot offers free workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. The first Saturday of every month kids can make a fun project for free. Projects include things like cars, flower planters, pencil boxes and more.
2) Lowes Build and Grow Workshops - Lowes offers free workshops twice a month for children of all ages. Kids also get an apron, goggles, patch and more. Projects include cars, picture frames and more.

Image courtesy of lowes.com.

3) Michaels Craft Store - Every month Michaels offers free craft projects for kids. The passport to imagination event that runs every summer costs $2 per craft but it's a great way to learn geography through the summer! And don't forget about the homeschool 20% discount on all purchases.
4) Barnes and Nobles - Every month Barnes and Nobles offers story times, author meet and greets, hands on projects and more. And don't forget about the educator discount here too!
5) Learning Express - Learning Express offers play days every month. Play days involve stories, crafts and more generally centered around a product like American Girl, etc.
6) LEGO Store - Every month LEGO stores offer free mini model builds. The mini builds are only available for the first 250 kids, special mini builds are generally only available for the first 100-150 kids.
7) Pottery Barn Kids - Join Pottery Barn Kids every month for story times, scavenger hunts and more hands on learning fun.
8) Lakeshore Learning - Every Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm join Lakeshore Learning for free crafts for kids.

Image courtesy of lakeshorelearning.com.

9) American Girl Store - American Girl offers monthly in-store crafts and cooking classes to tours that get your daughter out and about, every special event is designed with girls in mind! These events generally include information about various time periods!
10) Kids Bowl Free - Registered kids receive 2 free games of bowling daily ALL summer long.
11) Kids Skate Free - Skating is a great physical activity for both adults and children. Register your child at your local skating rink so they can enjoy free skating on select days/times. There is a fee for skate rentals.
12) Local Library - Remember to check with your local library for information on classes and events. Don't forget to also check with your library to see if they offer passes for local attractions (for example the Fulton County Library here in GA has Puppetry Center, Zoo, Fish Hatchery and GA State Park family passes that can be checked out). You can even ask your library about providing your kids with a tour so they can learn about why libraries are important, what the Dewey Decimal system is, etc.
13) Fire Stations or Police Stations - Both of these places are more than happy to offer free tours, all you need to do is ask. The tours we have been on have allowed children to try on equipment and sit in vehicles! We have even had a K9 demonstration. And a lot of times they also have free goodies for kids too like firemen hats and coloring books.
14) Nursery/Greenhouse - So much can be learned during a trip to a local nursery or greenhouse. You don't even have to know anything about the plants and flowers because everything has little informational tags! Many chain nurseries like Pikes Nurseries offer free workshops too.
15) Free National Public Garden Day - Every May right before Mothers Day several sponsors come together to offer free admission to local gardens. Check the BHG website often to see when 2014 dates will be announced.
16) Pet Stores, Animal Rescues, Farms - Several times a month we visit a local horse rescue Save The Horses and our local Petco store. Lending a hand at a shelter or rescue can be rewarding and fun! A visit to the local pet store is always exciting. Ask a store employee to get out a few furry or scaly friends for kids to hold or pet, generally they don't mind. Many pet stores also have brochures available that kids can take home to learn more about the animals. Visiting these locations is a great way to learn about animals, agriculture, helping animals in need and more.
17) Resturant Tours - Many restaurants will provide you with a free tour if you ask. We did a tour of Cici's Pizza a couple of years ago. We got to learn how pizza is made and even learned some fractions too!
18) Nature Walks and Geocaching - Visit local nature centers, parks, etc and go on a nature walk. Nature walks are totally free and can provide hours of educational, fun! While you're at it try out some Geocaching too!

Image courtesy of geocaching.com.

19) Post Office - Contact your local post office and inquire about tours. Many offer behind the scenes tours for free. It's a fabulous way for children to learn how our mail gets from one place to another.
20) Recycling Center - Learn about recycling and saving our planet by taking a visit to a local recycling center.
21) Grocery Store - Many grocery stores like Whole Foods, Publix etc offer free tours. We have done several of these and they are very educational and fun. Kids can learn about nutrition, making healthy food choices and more. The lobster tanks are always a huge hit with my kids.
22) Hospitals and Senior Centers - This is another great opportunity for kids to volunteer their time. Both of these facilities are in desperate need of volunteers and many times it's a simple task like just sitting and talking with residents.
23) Factory Tours - Contact local factories and ask about getting a tour. You will be surprised to find that many of them offer tours they just are advertised. We recently visited Mayfield Dairy. It wasn't a free tour but it was very inexpensive ($3 per person) and included ice cream, so it was totally worth it. We learned a lot and even got fancy hair nets to take home too! This website is very helpful for locating local factories that offer tours.
24) Cemeteries - I know this sounds creepy, but it can be very educational. Especially if it's a historic cemetery or if someone famous is buried there. Here is a great website with information about cemeteries. The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is totally on our list!
25) Government Buildings - Capitols, Federal Reserves, etc offer free tours all the time. What a great way to learn about politics and government!
26) Historical Walking Tours of Cities - Many cities offer walking tours. Just stop by the cities visitor center and ask if they have a walking tour brochure.
27) Churches, Temples, Mosques - A great way to learn about different religions is to visit different places of worship. Many will gladly open their doors to anyone interested in learning more about their religion. We got a tour of a Jewish Synagogue and it was fabulous.
28) Historic Monuments, Sites, Landmarks etc. - Wikipedia has a great list broken down by state. Most of the historic sites are free or very inexpensive.
29) Water Treatment Facility - Learn about where our water comes from and how it is cleaned.
30) Airport - Contact local airports for tours, who knows maybe your kids will even get to sit in an airplane.
31) News Channel or Newspaper - Do your kids ever wonder where the news comes from? Visit a local news channel or newspaper. Maybe you will even be lucky enough to catch breaking news.
32) Local Colleges - Many local colleges offer free tours of department facilities and events. For example here in GA UGA offers an open house every year for their Veterinarian Medicine Department.

33) National Parks and State Parks - Several times a year the National Parks offer free admission. Your local State Parks might too. State and National parks offer families a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, camping, Junior Park Ranger program, Get Fit program, geocaching and more. You may even find historical buildings, historical markers and even small nature centers at many of them.
34) Historical Markers - National and global events all happened somewhere, and historical markers mark the place where many occurred. But the richness of history is in its local details, details that can be insignificant on the global stage: the home of an individual who made a difference; a natural feature, building, byway; or just something interesting that happened nearby. Markers tell stories and point out facts.

35) Bass Pro Shops - For the outdoor lover Bass Pro Shops offers seasonal family friendly events which include crafts, scavenger hunts, in store fishing and more.
36) REI - Every month REI offers free classes and events on outdoor adventure subjects. Topics include camping basics, geocaching 101 and more.
37) Reciprocal Memberships - If you have membership to a local history museum, art museum, science museum, zoo, aquarium, nature center etc make sure you check out the reciprocal membership benefits which get you into other participating locations free or at a very reduced fee.

Be sure to also check out my 200+ FREE Things To See And Do In GA post!

Be sure to save this post in your bookmarks or pin it because I will continue to add more ideas to it as I come across them.

Over 200 FREE Family Things To Do In Georgia

*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

After countless hours of research I have complied a list of over 200+ FREE things to see and do in the Georgia aka the Peach State. All of these places offer FREE admission, please note that some only offer FREE admission on select days! For your convenience I have broken them up into two categories: Indoors and Outdoors. I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to go exploring!

Indoors:

1. 1894 Hanging Jail - was constructed around 1880, and it is one of the only two hanging jails in the state of GA.
2. Adairsville Rail Depot Museum - the museum features displays of Adairsville's role in the Civil War railroad espionage attempt by Andrews' Raiders, known as The Great Locomotive Chase. Additional exhibits include railroad memorabilia and tributes to early life in Adairsville.
3. Albany Museum of Art - showcases exhibits of regional artwork. 
4. Albany Visitor Center - The restored circa 1858 Historic Bridge House, now home to the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau, was built by African-American bridge builder Horace King. A history tour of Albany begins within these four walls. Come by the Bridge House and immerse yourself in the beauty and story of this structure. 
5. Augusta Arsenal at Augusta State University - was the arsenal to both Federal and Confederate governments, and the commandant’s house was a home to poet Stephen Vincent Benet.
6. American Museum of Papermaking - trace the history of paper from 4000 B.C. to today's contemporary paper artists.
7. Anne Frank Museum - this powerful, moving 600-photograph exhibit tells the story of young Anne Frank and explores lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance today.
8. Antique Funeral Museum/Margaret Mitchell Playhouse - visitors can see a horse-drawn hearse, a pre-Civil War casket and antique Civil War embalming equipment. Visit the room where Mitchell played as a child. 168 N McDonough St., Jonesboro GA (Not sure if they are still open, I cannot find a website or phone number)
9. Appling County Heritage Center - the center's holdings include agricultural tools, black history, a war room, genealogy room and publications by local historians. The Appling County Heritage Center offers a wide variety of items and records that detail the history of the county. Some of the special features include: a growing turpentine collection, agricultural implements, 19th and 20th Century memorabilia, items representing county architecture, Black history, Genealogy library, county records and manuscripts, War Room, Collections and publications by local historians.
10. Ashely-Slater House - a turn-of-the-century Italianae mansion that serves as the Douglas Area Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce. Built in 1912 by Mr. John Marshall Ashley as a wedding present for his wife, the Ashley-Slater House is complete with moldings, beautiful woodwork, and an original mural. Visitors should drop by the get local and regional tourism information and relocation packets as well as a tour of the historic home. There are EVP recordings of ghosts sounds in this house.
11. Arts Clayton Gallery - displays original art by Georgia artists and four murals depicting life in Jonesboro adorn the side of the building.
12. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center - (FREE on Thursdays) Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) is a non-profit, non-collecting institution dedicated to the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art by emerging and established artists.
13. Aviation Museum Warner Robbins - a fabulous museum with lots of great history on American wars, artifacts, planes and more.
14. Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple - the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple is one of metro Atlanta's most spectacular cultural, arts and spiritual highlights. One of the largest Hindu temples in the U.S. It is also an architecural masterpiece.
15. Banks County Historic Courthouse & Museum - one of the oldest courthouses in GA, it houses a local historical society museum with art, WWII memorabilia and historic records.
16. Barnesville Jail and Museum - this building, completed in 1938, was a WPA structure.  The sheriff and his family lived downstairs and the inmates were housed upstairs in cells.
17. Barrow County Museum - see jail cells, exhibits of Senator Richard B. Russell, county history and more.
18. Billy Carter Gas Station Museum - the famous south Georgia service station once owned by Billy Carter has come back to life as a museum, reflecting the former First Brother's life and the station's history. Billy Carter, who died in 1988, lived in Plains most of his life, managing the family peanut business for a while and in 1972 buying the old service station, which became the town hot spot during the Carter campaign.
19. Blackshear Civil War Prison Camp - visit this historic site of a Civil War prison. The prison was an open camp in an out-of-the-way place, surrounded by a guardline, including some heavy artillery pieces. It was considered as a 'corral for human beings.' The prison guards were mainly from the 2nd Georgia Reserve Regiment and 3 companies of the 4th Georgia Reserves.
20. Booth Art Museum - (FREE on the 1st Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm) At the Booth Art Museum you can explore the American West through contemporary art. They have a great children's play area as well!
21. Brenau University Permanent Art Collection - see over 1,000 pieces of original art that grace the campus. Find sculpture and painting in a variety of media.
22. Brown House Museum - General Sherman’s headquarters on his March to the Sea. It showcases Civil War and Sandersville historical artifacts.
23. Bud Jones Taxidermy Museum - includes exotic animal mounts and an extensive fossil collection.
24. Byron Depot - located in the exact center of town you will find a historic railroad depot and caboose, beautifully restored to reflect times in Byron over a century ago. At this site is a museum showing the history of Byron through pictures, artifacts, and other memorabilia.
25. Cabbage Patch Hospital - beautifully situated on 650 acres in the North Georgia Mountains, this Southern Style home filled with Cabbage Patch Kids will capture the imagination of your entire family.
26. Carter-Coile Doctors Museum - was there really once a doctor who set broken bones, delivered babies, performed all types of surgery, and came to his patients' homes at any hour of the day or night? In our sophisticated, automated, and specialized age, the family doctor who treated all illnesses has almost been forgotten -- except in Winterville, Georgia, home of the Carter-Coile Country Doctor's Memorial museum. There are only two museums like this in the USA.     
27. Center for Puppetry Arts - (FREE on Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm) Visit the permanent museum exhibit, Puppets: The Power of Wonder, and the  special exhibits including Jim Henson: Puppeteer, Jim Henson: A Man & His Frog and Jim Henson: Wonders From His Workshop.
28. Chick-fil-A Tour - (original tour is FREE) The Home Office Backstage guided walking tour will feature the story of Chick-fil-A Founder, Truett Cathy. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Chick-fil-A’s food, engage in fun interactions with the Chick-fil-A Cows and get a chance to visit our gift shop to commemorate your experience
29. Children's Imagine It Museum - (FREE entrance on the 2nd Tuesday of each month starting at 1:30 p.m sponsored by Target) Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is fun for all with music classes, painting on the walls and an indoor forest to explore. Learn more about Imagine It!
30. Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum - Athens Welcome Center - Athens’ oldest surviving house was built in 1820. Its rescue and restoration in the 1970s sparked the town’s historic preservation movement
31. Columbus Museum - founded in 1953, the Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast and is unique for its dual concentration on American art and regional history, displayed in its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs. Features a great children's area also.
32. Core Performance Studio - Lunchtime in the Studio - Re-envision your lunch break with dance by CORE Performance Company and free lunch from a Decatur area restaurant. This hour-long program offers a "backstage pass" to audience members who are able to witness and participate in the internationally acclaimed collaborative process of CORE. The audience will deepen their experience of watching dance by learning about the creative process that takes place in the Decatur studio, where CORE Performance Company creates the shows they tour nationally and internationally. Free lunch is provided for the first 40 attendees. 
33. Cornelia Historic Depot and Railroad Museum - first built by the Southern Railway soon after the town was founded. Burned in 1910 and replaced in 1914 this large passenger and freight station was once the home to two rail lines The Blue Ridge & Atlantic Railroad and The Georgia Air Line Railroad,now known as Norfolk Southern. Today this depot serves as a railroad museum filled with relics from the days when the railroad ruled.
34. Coweta County African-American Heritage Museum and Research Center - the first black museum of Coweta County provides a repository for African-American artifacts and records while also serving as a genealogy workroom for African-American research. Adjacent to the museum, which is housed in a restored shotgun-style house, is the Farmer Street Cemetery which may be the largest slave cemetery in the South. This cemetery was a 19th and 20th century burial ground for African-Americans in Coweta County.
35. Chandler Field Museum - the museum was established to recreate the old Atlanta airport as it existed in the 1920's and 1930's
36. David Spencer CDC Museum - see how the CDC's work leads to safer and healthier people. A museum, visitors center and interactive educational facility.
37. Dell Goodall House - the former Screven County seat is said to have been destroyed by a curse. This 1815 house is all that remains
38. Delta Flight Museum - is an independent nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for public charitable uses and purposes and a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. We collect, preserve and share the history of Delta and over 40 family airlines.
39. Eagle Tavern Museum - possibly a fort to shelter early settlers from Creek Indian attacks in the 17oos, The Eagle Tavern was built as an inn on a stagecoach route in the 18o0s. The tavern became state property in 1956 and has authentic furniture and decor from the 1800s.
40. Elberton Granite Museum and Exhibit - in the three stories of self-guided exhibits are educational displays of antique granite-working tools used in the quarry, as well as other artifacts.
41. Eubanks Museum and Gallery - the collection of J. Robert Eubanks, a benefactor of Shorter College. Personal artifacts from around the world include trophy animals from Africa and India. 
42. Euharlee Creek Covered Bridge and History Museum - built in 1880 by Washington King, the bridge is on the Georgia Covered Bridge Trail. 
43. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Visitors Center and Monetary Museum - explore the Federal Reserve's role in the economy through interactive exhibits. Tour the cash and check operations overlooks.
44. Fernbank Science Center - (the planetarium shows are $3) The Fernbank Science Center is a museum, classroom, and woodland complex located in Atlanta. It is owned and operated by DeKalb County School System. 
45. Firehouse Center and Gallery - this historic center contains an original jail, a museum and exhibition space. 
46. Fire House Gallery - is located in a restored historic fire station. The Fire House Gallery strives to exhibit exciting and challenging contemporary American art for the benefit of the citizens of Louisville, Jefferson County, and the Central Savannah River Area.
47. First Thursday Atlanta Art Walk - it's the perfect time to experience art inside and out.
    Each month art walk invites you to stroll with them through magnificent buildings and streets to enjoy the beauty of Downtown and the art created by local galleries and artists. Take an Art Walk the First Thursday of each month, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
48. Fitzgerald Grand Theater - this restored movie theater of the 1930s is a performance theater with seats, an orchestra pit and movie projection system with silver screen. This facility can show historic and first run 35 mm film in addition to full live concert and dramatic capabilities.
49. Flint Riverquarium - parents and pre-schoolers can visit the RiverQuarium the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. for a 45-minute sharing time that includes story-time, a craft and a closer look at the animals at the RiverQuarium. Participants will be FREE to enjoy the RiverQuarium on their own after the session.
50. Folkston Railroad Depot and Train Museum - enjoy old train memorabilia such as logbooks, lights and train maps in this restored depot.
51. Fort Benning Tour - download the Fort Benning Self-Guided Tour and you will be on your way to exploring the history and heritage of the former Camp Benning, which is now named Fort Benning "Home of the Manuever Center of Excellence." The map will guide you to 35 unique destinations inside the historic Main Post of Fort Benning. You will learn a little history and see pictures of what the historic site used to look like to compare it with the present day.
52. Fort Stewart Military Museum - chronicles the story of Fort Stewart from it’s origins in 1940 to the present. See the 3rd infantry division.
53. Frogbottom Gritsmill - with a pull of the crank on the old John Deere engine, the two large stones grind  corn into grits and cornmeal. This historic facility has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Visitors can view an old John Deere engine turn two large stones to grind corn into grits and cornmeal.
54. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art - this National Register home serves as a center for visual arts classes and changing art exhibitions.
55. George Coleman Planetarium in Dahlonega - (FREE Friday nights) The star theater seats 46 and houses a Spitz 512 planetarium projector which can display 1000 northern and southern sky stars on a thirty-foot diameter dome. The effect is a realistic simulation of the night sky as seen from anywhere on the surface of the Earth at any time of night and at any epoch from the ancient past to the far future.  In addition, an automated cove lighting system and CRT projector can provide special effects to lift you into the solar system on voyages to the planets
56. Georgia Children's Museum - (FREE first Friday of every month 5:30 pm -7:00 pm) he Georgia Children’s Museum strives to inspire children of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds to discover the joy of life-long learning through hands on, interactive activities.
57. Georgia Museum of Art - exhibits challenging, provocative and innovative contemporary art.
58. Georgia State Cotton Museum - the history of cotton is told with farm tools, cotton bolls, periodicals, a cotton bale and other agricultural artifacts.
59. Georgia Southern University Museum -  (FREE last Saturday of every month) See collections, exhibits, and programming interpret the natural and cultural history of Georgia’s coastal plain and the exciting research and work taking place at Georgia Southern University.
60. Georgia State Capitol and Museum - there is a great museum upstairs and you can also tour the Capitol on your own or sign up for a guided tour.
61. Gertrude MA Rainey House and Blues Museum - visit the home of the "Mother of the Blues" who was born and died in this home.
62. Glennville-Tattnall Museum - built in 1911 as a school, the museum showcases local and Southern history with artifacts, photographs and animation.
63. Gordon Depot and Railroad Museum - built in 1855, this museum is also a history center. See the extensive Civil War memorabilia, the Old Jail and Confederate cemetery in this town that was part of Sherman’s March to the Sea. There are also antique train cars and historical documents
64. Governor’s Mansion - is where you can take a tour through the beautiful mansion to learn the history and see its collection of 19th-century neoclassical furnishings, paintings and porcelain.
65. Grovetown Museum - is a restored 100-year-old dwelling that contains artifacts, military memorabilia and detailed exhibits of the Grovetown area.
66. Gwinnett Veterans War and Memorial Museum - located inside the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Covers war from the Revolutionary War to the present.
67. Heard County Historical Center and Museum - the Heard County Historical Society’s purpose is to encourage and promote the restoration of landmarks, to assist with family history and research, disseminate historical information, and encourage the preservation or Heard County’s heritage.    The Society was organized in 1979 and maintains an archive of historical records in the “Old Jail” building in Franklin, Georgia.
68. Helen Arts & Heritage Center - local artist gallery, craft shop and history museum located in downtown Alpine Heritage.
69. Historic Mansell House and Gardens - is a 1910 Victorian home, filled with period antiques and surrounded by gardens, houses the records and archives for old Milton County.
70. Historic Wrightsboro - the 1768 settlement was Georgia’s only Quaker community. All that remains today is the old Wrightsboro Church and cemetery, built c, 1810.
71. Jekyll Island Museum, Visitor Center and National Historic Landmark District - exhibits detail the island’s history from native inhabitants to the present.
72. Jones Creek Church Museum - is a small museum that features the slave gallery in the 1856 church building, original cemetery and “baptism hole” in Jones Creek.
73. Johnny Mize Athletic Center and Museum - named for Baseball Hall of Famer and former Piedont player Johnny Mize, the museum features memorabilia from his career.
74. Kingston Womans's History Museum - Kingston, rich in antebellum history, displays its pride through artifacts, scrapbooks and photographs in two museums maintained by the Kingston Woman's History Club. The newest museum, The Martha Mulinix Annex, opened in April 1998 and displays material about Kingston and the surrounding area. The Civil War museum portrays Kingston's role in the Civil War along with memorabilia from past Kingston Confederate Memorial Day Observances (the oldest such ceremony in the nation).
75. Lane Southern Orchards - (only packing line tour is FREE) At Lane’s peach-packing facility, browse the locally grown produce at the market. 
76. Laurel and Hardy Museum - artifacts and exhibits pay tribute to comic duo and Harlem native Oliver Hardy.
77. Lyndon House Arts Center - Ware-Lyndon House - this unique complex features 5 galleries of local and regional artist, and a historic house museum
78. McCranie Brothers Turpentine Still - this restored turpentine distillery operated from 1936-1942. “ McCranie’s Turpentine Still in Willacoochie Georgia , one of the most intact of the old fire-burning stills remaining in the southeastern United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
79. McIntosh Old Jail Art Center and Museum - this art center has five art galleries, two calssrooms, agit shop and a county history museum in an 1888 jail.
80. Macon Arts Alliance - the Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance exhibits and sells work by more than 200 artists in an array of media. You’ll find pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fabric arts and more in the front gallery. The central gallery hosts featured exhibits which rotate each month.
81. Market House - was built at the crossing of two trails, the open-air building dates back to the late 1700s. In the center hangs a bell that was used to warn of Indian attacks.
82. Marlow House Gallery - is a quaint gallery features Thomas Kinkade artwork, collectibles and gifts.
83. Mauldin House and Gardens - is a 19th century Victorian cottage that sits next to a milinery shop and the 1922 Big Holly Cabin.
84. Marble Museum - tour the local treasure to learn how marble is formed, mined and quarried while exploring its many other uses.
85. Mark of the Potter - historic mill on the Soque River featuring the works of many local artists and potters. Feed the pet trout and see the inner workings of an old gristmill. 
86. Marietta Fire Museum - showcases antique fire engines and fire-fighting equipment
87. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - The King Library and Archives in Atlanta is the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement in the world. The collection consists of the papers of Dr. King and those of the organization he co-founded, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as well as the records of 8 major civil rights organizations and of several individuals active in the Movement.
88. Michael C. Carlos Museum Emory - (FREE on select Thursdays) The Michael C. Carlos Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art and artifacts from antiquity to the present in order to provide unique opportunities for education and enrichment in the community, and to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research at Emory University.
89. Medieval Times Hall of Arms - visit the display of medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum.
90. Mildred Huie Plantation Museum - was built in 1929. This museum showcases the work of the legendary impressionist painter Mildred Nix Huie.
91. Monastery of the Holy Spirit - the Honey Creek Woodlands (HCW) is a conservation burial ground for all faiths on the grounds of the 2,100-acre Monastery of the Holy Spirit near Conyers, Georgia, 20 miles from downtown Atlanta. 
92. Mountain Life Museum - is the site of the restored 1906 Grapelle Butt Mock House and the restored 1861 John Payne Cabin.
93. Museum of Colquitt County History - see an overview of the area’s history, from rare Native-American artifacts to Desert Storm memorabilia. 
94. Museum of History and Holocaust - directed by Dr. Catherine Lewis, the Museum of History and Holocaust Education (MHHE) presents public events, exhibits and educational resources focused on World War II and the Holocaust in an effort to promote education and dialogue about the past and its significance today.
95. Nash Farm Battlefield - the 204-acre Nash Farm Battlefield was the site of the largest cavalry raid in Georgia’s history and a huge Confederate campsite. It is the only battlefield south of Kennesaw Mountain that remains meticulously preserved so that visitors can step back in time to the final days of the Atlanta Campaign.
96. National Infantry Museum - the National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey.
97. NESPAL - this facility is staffed by scientist who develop systems for environmentally and economically sound agriculture production.
98. Newspaper Museum - a newspaper group in north Georgia has saved a piece of history in Banks County. Visit the museum to see type cases where type was set one letter at a time by hand, a small job press that is operated by hand, a Washington iron hand press and more.
99. Nora Mill Granary - this 1876 working mill is powered by the Chattahoochee River. It is restored and is operated by the Fain family with the original French burr stones.
100. Oakleigh Historic Home - General Sherman used this historic home as his headquarters in the Civil War. It is now home to the Gordon County Historical Society.
101. Ogeechee River Mill - located on the beautiful Ogeechee River. This corn mill has been in operation since 1826.
102. Old Greene County Gaol - the Goal is one of the oldest standing masonry jails in Georgia, and the building is patterned after the bastilles of 100 years ago.
103. Old Liberty County Jail - built in 1882, former home of the Hinesville-Liberty County Chamber of Commerce. Tours available during week. Call first for tours.
104. Old Pickens County Jail - from 1906 to 1980, this structure's purpose was two-fold: to house the county inmates on the top floor and to serve as the residence of the county sheriff or deput on the first level.
105. Old Sautee Store & Museum - this 136-year old store is now a museum and historical landmark.
106. Old Stone Church Museum - built around 1850, the recently restored church still has its original pews. It now houses the Catoosa County Historical Museum. 
107. Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center - opened in 1995 as a collaboration among Columbus State University, Columbus Water Works, and the City of Columbus, Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center provides exhibits, displays and nature trails, and also offers formal and informal educational programs about the ecology and natural history of the region.
108. Pierce County Heritage Museum, Genealogical Library and Depot - is a restored 1902 train depot that now houses a Civil War museum, with county history and a genealogical library.
109. Plains Historic Inn - Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have joined their hometown in developing an Historic Inn & Antiques Mall  located on Main Street in Plains. Step back in time and enjoy the accommodations of one of  seven period suites, authentically furnished  from the 1920s to 1980s -"every room a  history lesson." You do not have to be an inn guest to tour the amazing rooms upstairs. 
110. Polk County History Society Museum - a former children’s library houses this local museum, which chronicles the history of Polk County.
111. Richland City Hall and Rail Museum - is the town's late 1800s train depot that now houses a railroad museum along with related memorabilia.
112. Rome Area History Museum - tales of adventure, exploration and dedication await, from DeSoto to the Civil War, from early barnstormers to more recent Rome history.
113. Roswell Fire Museum - this small local museum focuses on the history of the Roswell Volunteer Fire Department.
114. Roswell Mills & Mill Life - experience the mill village and mill life through exhibits at the Roswell Visitors Center.
115. Smallest Church in America - Christ's Chapel in Memory Park - located in north McIntosh County, this little sanctuary has become a stop for thousands of I-95 and US Highway 17 travelers. Situated near the South Newport River, the church was constructed in 1949, and represented a dream come true for Mrs. Anges Harper, a local grocer. She wanted the chapel to serve as a place of meditation and rest for weary travelers.
116. Sound Play, Inc. - tour the workshop and play drums shaped like alligators, metallophones and other unusual outdoor musical instruments.
117. Sunrise Planetarium & Science Museum - (open by appointment only, groups preferred) View a planetarium show or the science museum. 
118. Suttons Corner 1844 Frontier Store Museum - is endorsed by museum curators as one-of-a-kind in America, this frontier store is rated among the top five US heritage museums. See more than 4,000 authentic and original artifacts.
119. Tannery Row Artist Colony in Buford - in the summer of 2003 a birth at the historic Tannery building in Buford, Georgia began with a hand full of artists. Now, the few artists have grown to a colony of very talented artists. With 17 artists of different cultural backgrounds, a unique atmosphere has developed and the first artist colony under one roof was forged in the historic Tannery Row building.
120. Teaching Museum North - exhibits document the history of the U.S., Georgia and Roswell.
121. Telephone Museum AT&T - (must schedule tour) The Telephone museum uses interesting and nostalgic exhibits, photographs, tapes and slides to commemorate the first century of  telecommunications in the United States.
122. Tellus Museum - (FREE on select days for Bank of America customers) Tellus is a world-class 120,000 square foot museum located in Cartersville, GA just off I-75 at exit 293. The museum’s exhibits open minds and ignite a passion for science. Tellus features four main galleries.
123. The Big Chicken - (not free to eat but certainly free visit) A well known Marietta landmark that rises above a KFC restaurant at the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road. It is a large steel-sided structure with a moving beak and eyes. The restaurant was built in 1963 for a restaurant called Johnny Reb’s Chick-Chuck-’N'-Shake. The owner, Stanley R. “Tubby” Davis, created the seven story tall structure as a way to advertise his restaurant. 
124. The Gourd Place - International Museum - This gourd museum and retail shop features more than 200 gourds from 23 countries.
125. The Smith House Mine - view the mine shaft located underneath the Smith House, and see some of its artifacts.
126. The Varsity - (not free to eat but certainly free visit) The World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant. We have been serving customers here in Atlanta since 1928. People from all over the world come to experience The Varsity because there is nothing like it anywhere! We invite you to explore, learn about our history and reminisce.
127. Thomasville Aviation Museum: Power of the Past - museum features a collection of antique airplanes, airplane motors and airplane memorabilia. This is the personal collection of the James Dekle Family of Thomasville Georgia.
128. Thronateeska Heritage Center - (the planetarium shows are $3.50) Thronateeska's campus includes a history museum, science museum, rail car display, and a 40' full dome HD planetarium system, the first in the world of its kind. The museum facilities are housed in historic structures and new construction designed to reflect and retain the railroad heritage of the area. 
129. Underground Atlanta - a shopping and entertainment district in the Five Points neighborhood of downtown Atlanta, Georgia filled with history!
130. U.S. Army Signal Corps Museum - is located on Ft. Gordon’s Army base, this museum displays Signal Corps artifacts from the Civil War forward.
131. U.S Mint Site at University of North GA - visit the University of North Georgia's iconic Price Memorial Hall with its gold-covered steeple. Price Memorial Hall stands on the foundation of the civil war era U.S. Branch Mint, erected in 1837, that operated until seized by the Confederates in 1861. It produced gold coins estimated to exceed $6,000,000 in value.
132. U.S National Tick Museum GA Southern University - World's largest tick collection. Open for one hour every Wednesday or by appointment. With over 125,000 accessioned lots, over one million specimens, their associated data, and an extensive library (reprints, monographs, and books), the U.S. National Tick collection is one of the largest curated tick collections in the World, if not the largest.
133. Valdosta Museum - see artifacts from early Lowndes County families and documents on county history from the settlers until today. Displays, which center on the rich culture and diverse population of Southern Georgia contain many rare and fascinating items.
     
134. Veteran's Historical Museum at Heritage Park - impressive collection of original uniforms and military paraphernalia from World War I to present. Veteran tour guides give visitors a look into the life of the soldiers who wore the uniforms on display.
135. White County Historical Museum - the White County History Museum is located in the old courthouse on the Cleveland square and is home to White County Historical Society. The building was completed by a local contractor using local labor and handmade bricks in 1859.
136. Wildman's Store Confederate End Time - confederate pride burns white hot in Wildman's Civil War Surplus. Run by octogenarian Dent "Wildman" Myers, it's been a fixture in downtown Kennesaw since it opened in 1971. Some townspeople can't wait for it to go away; others hope Dent never leaves.
137. World War II Flight Training Museum - interprets the story of men and women who volunteered to fly and fight in the world's greatest airborne conflict.