If you enjoy hiking or biking, you are in the right place. Callaway Gardens has many trails, most of which are easy or moderate. They range from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles and so are easy on kids too. Some of the trails you could explore are Callaway Brothers Azelea Bowl Trail, Mountain Creek Lake Trail and Whipoorwill Lake Trail. These trails offer a good view of the gardens and foliage. Or if you prefer, bring your bike along, or rent one and ride along the 10-mile-long Discovery Bike trail. Stop to enjoy the scenic view at various points. Bikes with baby carriers are available for rent in Callaway Gardens.
This is perhaps the most popular Callaway Gardens location for families with young children. A one mile stretch of sandy beach and shallow waters makes it ideal for kids. Water slides, inflatable play areas, Iceberg Island Water Playground are some of the other kiddie attractions. This is also where you can enjoy a round of mini golf, table tennis, a few quiet moments on a pedal boat or just sun bathe, while your kids play in the water. While you' re there, catch the circus shows that are put up very close to the beach.
Callaway Gardens is home to John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and Mr. Cason's Vegetable garden, among other attractions. So, when you visit the gardens, be sure to allocate some time to visit these centers and enjoy the natural exhibits. At the Butterfly Center, over 1000 tropical butterflies belonging to over 50 species flutter by in a glass-enclosed conservatory. You will also find exotic birds and plants. At the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, besides native and exotic plants, you could also enjoy the sculpture garden which includes a 22-foot indoor waterfall among other attractions. For people with a green thumb, Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden is sure to be an inspiration. It has several varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers - a visual treat on many levels. To learn about birds and how human actions endanger their lives, catch the Birds of Prey show. It features birds in a free-flighted show at a lakeside amphitheater where they swoop directly over spectators' heads.
If you wish to stay at Callaway Gardens and enjoy its picturesque setting overnight, your options include Callaway Gardens Lodge and Spa, Mountain Creek Villas and Mountain Pine Cottages.
Several special events are held throughout the year at Callaway Gardens where every season is celebrated. Spring sees the Gardens in full bloom with a vast collection of azaleas, dogwoods, daisies and daffodils. Summer is the best time to visit if you're interested in camps for kids and teens, fishing, tournaments or taking golf lessons. Events such as the 4th of July Surf and Sand Spectacular, Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival and AutumnFest are other summer and fall highlights. Winter sees Callaway Gardens lit up in what is known as the 'brightest holiday light show in the South' - the Fantasy in Lights. So, if you're planning a trip to Callaway Gardens around these times, time your visit to coincide with one of the events to make the most of your trip.
