Educational Fun!
As a homeschool mom I am always looking for ways to teach my kids while having fun. I always learn so much too!
Trail Marker Trees
While you are out hiking on any trail be sure to look for “Trail Marker Trees.” Trail trees are hardwood trees throughout North America with a horizontal bend several feet off the ground, which makes it visible at greater distances and snow. These characteristics show that the tree was shaped by human activity rather than a natural chape or disease. The legend is that Native Americans intentionally shaped these trees for navigational purposes or to mark important places, such as sacred burial grounds.
Burra Burra Mine
The Burra Burra Mine in Copperhill Tennessee mined for ore and copper for 60 years in the early to mid 1900s. Detailed displays are available at the Ducktown Basin museum which consists of 16 historic structures. Tickets range from $1-5 depending on your age for inside the museum and they also have a FREE walking tour outside to cover the primary structures on site. Come here to take in 150 years of history in about an hour! www.ducktownbasinmuseum.com
Gem Mining
What funnier way to do some Geology then mining for rocks! Learn how miners use to do it and find your own gemstones! Learn about rocks unique characteristics and what makes a gemstone different from an ordinary rock.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Railroads played a large role in the development of this area between the 1800’s and the early 1900’s. They determined the routes of local roads, saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to growth and made it possible to log the last remaining virgin timber in the area. Along the train ride the conductors will tell you the history of the rail car you are in. They have short and long trips depending on what you are looking for. Be sure to get tickets early as they will sell out. They also usually have special holiday trips. www.brscenic.com
Project Chimps
Project Chimps is a 230+ acre forested sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They currently have over 97 chimps with a plan of 200! These chimps are coming from private research facilities. They have several activities throughout the year so if you are ready to learn about the Chimps be sure to check this out! www.projectchimps.org
Trout Fishing
What better way to learn about fish than to go trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia? There is 550 miles of streams, federal trout hatchery and 13 bodies of water that were designated be the Georgia DNR as trout water! You can also fish for walleye, catfish, white bass, bluegill and more! There are several tour guides in the area that are happy to help you plan your next trip.
Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park & UH-1 Huey ‘446
At Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park you can pay homage to these brave men and women who have fought for our freedom and discuss what that means. If you are with us during Memorial Day they will have a ceremony with the UH-1 Huey ‘446 open so you can take pictures and sit inside.
Vets Memorial Park
This is another Veterans Park in Ellijay that you can visit to pay respect for the heroes who have protected us and fought for our freedom. Have some discussions with your kids about the different wars they are learning in school and how are armed forces protect us. This park also includes a playground for the kids and a small walking trail (about a mile) that goes through the sports field and along the river.
Trout Art Trail
Love Art? Blue Ridge artiest have designed and painted 8 beautiful trout art fish sculptures and placed them throughout Blue Ridge. If you go to the Welcome center they will give you a helpful map so that you can find all 8 fish. If up for the challenge find all 8 on your own!
Apple Orchards
While you’re here a must stop is one of the numerous apple orchards. Learn how the plants flower and bud to produce. Did you know the flower actually turns into the bottom of the apple? Several orchards have petting zoos, tunnel slides, corn pits, hayrides and more. Bonus: pick up a bag of apples while you are there.
Gumdrop Fun Shop
Yes, this is a toy and candy store, but they also have a gem mining experience too. On special trips when the kids have “spending money” we like to take them in for life’s “money lessons.” We let them pick out something and also pay. It’s fun to watch them determine what they can afford and let them pay by themselves. This little store has all kinds of toys including the classics and good educational ones too!
Remember….
- Have Fun! It is easy to get caught up in the teaching and not enjoy the adventure. Even outside there are so many things for your children to look at. If they stop to look at a worm, then stop and enjoy that moment with them. Do you know why worms come up and are everywhere after it rains? They may not either or maybe they can tell you a fun fact they have learned about them in school.
- For those moments, you might need your phone to look up the answers. As a teaching mama, I do not know everything, so I am often counting on my cell phone to answer, “but why?”
- If your child is old enough some of the fun is letting them take over. If you can draw a map and let them lead or have them draw a map during the trip to explore it again, they will love having this leadership.
- Our three kids love scavenger hunts. For my 5-year-old we draw pictures, my 7-year-old has words she has to read and my 9-year-old gets questions and riddles. If they want to keep playing after they are done, we get them to make one for mommy and daddy. These can be for the car ride to the cabin or for the trail that you plan to hike. Make ahead of time or put it all on a napkin while in the car. They want judge you if its not fancy.
- We provide a list of hiking trails which I think is one of the best places to explore and learn. I will not go into trails on this list but be sure to put those on your list as well!
