Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. A DeKalb County park comprised of 2,000-acres of granite outcropping, pine and oak forests, wetlands, a stream and a lake. Open: dawn to dusk. Admission: free. 3787 Klondike Rd., Lithonia, GA, 30038. (770) 484-3060. www.arabiaalliance.org
Dunwoody Nature Center. Nature park featuring wetland boardwalk, gardens, picnic meadow, treehouse classroom, animal encounters and a shaded playground. Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Admission: Free. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody, GA, 30338. (770) 394-3322. www.dunwoodynature.org
Elachee Nature Science Center. Hours: 10am-2pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, closed Sunday.; trails open dawn to dusk. Nature center consisting of a woodland refuge, interactive museum and trails. Surrounded by the 1,500-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve which has 13 miles of trails. Admission: $5 adults, $3 ages 2-12. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville, GA, 30504. (770) 535-1976. www.elachee.org
Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Meuseum features Georgia history, dinosaurs, Children’s Discovery Rooms, interactive nature stations and an IMAX theater. Various family programs and camps are offered during the year. Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday. Admission: $15 adults, $$13 ages 3-12, under 2 free; additional charge for IMAX theater. 767 Clifton Rd. NE., Atlanta, GA 30307. (404) 929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org
Fernbank Science Center. 9,000 SF science center featuring nature dioramas, planetarium, forrest traols and a real space capsule. Hours: Monday-Wednesday Noon-5pm, Thursday-Friday Noon-10pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, closed Sunday. Admission: Planetarium $4 adults, $3 students; trails are free. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30307. (678) 874-7102. www.fsc.fernbank.edu
Funk Heritage Center. Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission: $ adults, $4 children under 18. Museum features the Rogers gallery of Contemporary Indian Art, antique hand tools, galleries of native American culture, and an interperative pioneer settlement. 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska, GA, 30183. (770) 720-5970. www.reinhardt.edu/funkheritage/
Georgia Aquarium. Listed as one of 1,000 places to see before you die by the New York Times, this massive aquarium is the world’s largest with more than 100,000 animals from over 500 species. Exhibits include cold water, tropical and Geogia settings. The aquarium is also home to several whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world. A 4-D theater and behind the scenes tours are available for an additional charge. Hours: vary by season, but usually 8am-6pm. Admission: $26 adults, $19.50 children ages 3-12. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313. (404) 581-4000. www.georgiaaquarium.org
Georgia State Capitol Tour. Seat of Georgia’s government, the capitol houses a museum featuring the Hall of Valor flag display room, artifacts, archives and a teaching room. The legislature is in session for 40 days beginning the second Monday in January. Hours: vary by season, but usually on the hour from 10am-3pm. Admission: free. 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA, 30334. (404) 463-4536. www.sos.georgia.gov/archives/state_capitol/
Governor’s Mansion Tour. Hybrid of self guided and guided tour of the 30 room greek revival mansion with docents stationed at each room. The mansion is also home to the annual Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-11:30am. Admission: free. 391 W. Paces ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305. (404) 261-1776. www.gov.georgia.gov/00/photo_gallery/0,2686,78006749_78041668,00.html
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