Reservations Required: Planned Family Outings

Photo courtesy of Lake Lanier Canopy Tours

Summer is filled with lazy days and impromptu backyard gatherings with family and friends. While we all relish the "unplanned" nature of things, take a little extra time and actually PLAN an outing to engage the entire family. From zip lines and river rafting, to racing radio controlled cars, these mini-adventures may require reservations, but they are definitely worth the wait!

Zippin' Through the Trees
Relatively new to the U.S., zip line tours originated in Costa Rica for vacationers to enjoy the beautiful vistas from a different view point - the tree tops. Taking cues from these trips, Lake Lanier Canopy Tours co-founder Shane Sullards felt the need for "a family adventure that's affordable, accommodating and challenging"... because, as Shane says "you never know your limits, until you go past them." Conveniently located within Lake Lanier Islands Resort, Lake Lanier Canopy Tours offers 3 Packages: The Legacy, Legacy at Night and The Lakeside. Boasting sky bridges, ladder climbs and zip lines over 400 ft, they have managed to keep walking and climbing to a minimum. Keeping all ages and fitness abilities in mind, their courses are suitable for children as small as 8 years old and 50 pounds, and are even navigable for some individuals with disabilities. The highly trained staff and guides are ready and willing to extend a hand, lend a smile or voice encouragement along the way. I think co-owner, Greg Peck says it all with "come out and join us, it's just plain fun!"

Raftin' in the Rapids
Set out on an adventure with the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a family rafting trip with a company that has been called "one of the best outfitters on earth" by National Geographic Adventure. Opening their doors in 1972 as a small outfit, NOC now offers rafting trips suitable for all families on the nearby Nantahala, Ocoee and Chatooga Rivers - to name a few. Splashing through Class II, Class III and Class IV rapids with self-bailing rafts and trained guides will prove to be an experience that won't be forgotten. If you are going as beginners or as a family with small children, opt for the Fully Guided Trip which places a guide in EVERY raft to ensure a "smooth ride". If you're not sure which river or trip would be best for your family, consider these 4 points: Adventure Level, Age/Weight, Location and Season - and you can always call to speak with a trip planner directly!

Revved-Up Racin'
Rev-up your family excitement with a day at the races! Reserve a spot at The McLean RC Family Track - a dirt RC track that will "wow" you with all the curves, jumps and over 600 feet of track to burn rubber on. It is the ideal place for families or individuals to come and test the limits of their RC (radio controlled) Trucks and Cars. Working with a beginner or a youngster? There is a simple oval to get you started. Even if your family doesn't have vehicles of their own, you can rent them for an afternoon of interactive driving fun!  McLean's RC Family Track will be offering club memberships, as well as hosting private parties and birthdays. They are conveniently located in Cumming and make a great "quick adventure".

Make a Day of It!

Lake Lanier Canopy Tours
770-828-7654 | www.lakelaniercanopytours.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center
1.888.905.7238  | www.noc.com

McLean's RC Family Track
770-862-7683 | www.rcfamilytrack.com