Although a day at a museum might not sound exciting to the kids, they will be laughing and learning five minutes after you walk in the door of this museum. St. Marys Submarine Museum features over 3,500 exhibits and interactive displays. Discover how submarines work and lift up the little ones so they can maneuver the working periscope and feel like an authentic submariner. The USS James K. Polk submarine invites little fingers to ring bells, flip switches and sit at the helm. The USS George Bancroft submarine casts a striking pose on the southern Georgia landscape.
Climb aboard the local ferry and ride over to Cumberland Island National Seashore. After building sandcastles on the swimming beach, venture toward the marshes and watch the wild horses. If you step quietly and watch closely, you just might spot a manatee, sea turtle or an alligator or two sunning themselves along the bank. Children can run and play while while touring the Dungeness Ruins. The stone pillars are the only remnants of the home Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Green built on the property in 1783. Traverse the grounds of Plum Orchard Mansion. History buffs will enjoy posing for photos in front of the African Baptist Church where John F. Kennedy Jr. wed Carolyn Bessette.
Waltz back through time at the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. Explore over 400,000 acres of wetlands and canals. You can opt for a guided boat tour of the area, or explore at your leisure from your own canoe. Fill the picnic basket with kid-friendly cuisine and eat lunch at the picnic area. You can cast a line from the fishing pier or go alligator spotting along the wooden wharf. If you enjoy blending in a little healthy, muscle-powered activity on family outings, visit the bicycle rental shop. The refuge visitor center features a large auditorium where special events are held. Children ages 12 and younger will enjoy the animated storytelling section of the center. The animatronic Native American recounts his experiences as one of the original inhabitants in the Okefenokee region. Interactive computer stations allow children to discover the area's attributes from a new perspective. An old-fashioned jukebox plays sounds generated by native wildlife. The underwater swamp viewing area is a favorite with visitors of all ages. Save time during your visit to climb to the top of the wildlife observation tower to get a bird's eye view of the refuge.
