Play ball! If this is the cry you hear most weekends while sitting on the bleachers at yet another baseball softball or soccer tournament then the accompanying cry from siblings of “I’m bored” may be soon to follow. This can be a tricky balance so here are some ideas for activities for siblings to enjoy while brother or sister plays as well as ideas for the whole family during down time between games.

 

A Walk Through History

In addition to being a major tournament park, Heritage Park offers “Kidsville” a premium playground area, a community garden, a historic village and even a 1900s locomotive kids can climb aboard and ring the bell. When days are hot, step inside the air-conditioned Heritage Park Veterans Museum, which is just down the hill from the ball fields in the red barn. Ask one of the Veterans who serve as volunteers for a tour. You leave inspired by the stories of the soldiers honored within the museum. Oh, by the way…it’s also free!

Heritage Park & Heritage Park Veterans Museum
101 Lake Dow Road
McDonough, GA 30252

 

Go to the Movies

If the whole family just needs a calm moment (or 90), Regal McDonough Stadium 16 has 16 screens showing the latest blockbusters with stadium seating and Dolby Digital Sound.

Regal McDonough Stadium 16
115 Foster Drive
McDonough, GA 30253

 

Fore!

J.P. Moseley is one of Henry County’s great tournament parks but it also has a championship-caliber disc golf course. This 18-hole course caters to players of all skill levels. Bring your own discs for a free round of golf!

J.P. Moseley Park Disc Golf Course
1041 Miller’s Mill Road
Stockbridge, GA 30281

 

Jump for Joy

When energy has to be expended there is no better place than SkyZone McDonough. Book 30, 60 or 120 minutes of jumping, bouncing high high-flying fun at this indoor trampoline park. Reserving “Open Jump” times gives your kids access to the Main Court (free jump), the Foam Zone (freestyle jumping into foam), Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, and more! If the whole team wants to come, group party packages are also available.

SkyZone McDonough
165 Mill Road
McDonough, GA 30253

 

Sweet Treats and Fresh Fruit

Whether it is a sweet treat for well-behaved siblings or a celebration for the tournament champs, Southern Belle Farm’s homemade ice cream and poundcake can’t be beat. Sit in a rocking chair on the Farm Market’s porch, then give mom a chance to browse the market’s selection of jams, jellies, ciders, jewelry and more. While you are there, pay a visit to the farm animals or pick a gallon of strawberries, peaches or blueberries when in season.

Southern Belle Farm
1658 Turner Church Road
McDonough, GA 30252

 

Natural Exploration & Adventure

Panola Mountain State Park offers 1,635 acres of nature to explore with miles of PATH Foundation bike trails. Didn’t bring your bikes? Bikes can be rented from the nature center. Plan ahead and reserve spots in one of their archery classes, guided hikes or even tree climbing!

Panola Mountain State Park
2620 Hwy 155 Southwest
Stockbridge, GA 30281

For the animal lover and the budget conscience nothing beats Noah’s Ark.

Guests can visit the animals in their own natural environment.

Noah’s has a fantastic playground, and a shady picnic area for the family, making this animal sanctuary is a no-brainer.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
712 L.G. Griffin Road
Locust Grove, GA 30248

If you are in town for a soccer tournament and Fido made the trip too, don’t worry. There’s a place for him to play too! The Bark Park at North Mt. Carmel Park has separate areas of large and small dogs. North Mt. Carmel Park is also equipped with Henry County’s largest public playground, complete with a fitness circuit, handicap-accessible equipment, a separate play area to inspire imaginative play in little ones, and a specially designed “roadway” on which kids can ride their bikes and bigwheels while learning the “rules of the road.”

North Mt. Carmel Park
307 N. Mt. Carmel Road
Hampton, GA 30228

Make the trip one the whole family will enjoy. Visit the “Play” section of the site for more great ideas and if you are looking for ideas for places the whole team can eat, check out the “Group-Friendly Restaurant” list.