Looking for a destination that can entertain adults, toddlers, teens and in between? In the North Georgia mountains, alongside the Chattahoochee River, Alpine Helen/White County, Georgia is a fairytale Bavarian Village that offers dozens of options that enable families to play and bond together, or split up for special activities.
Just an hour and a half north of Atlanta, stroll amid cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings through a lively downtown with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and attractions that families love. Following are ideas for every age and interest, along with a calendar of upcoming events at the end. Addresses and phone numbers are noted for attractions that are driving distance from the walkable, two-square mile downtown.
Toddlers
North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park in nearby Cleveland is home to more than 300 otters, kangaroos, wolves, zebras, camels and more. Kids love the baby animals and the petting zoo, while the Safari Drive-Thru is a hit with everyone (2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-348-7279). Pan for gold at Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines in nearby Sautee Nacoochee and for gold or gemstones at Outpost Gold & Gem Panning (7901 South Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545, 706-878-1002). Toddlers also love the Cabbage Patch Kids experience at the colorful and whimsical Babyland General Hospital to witness the magical birth and adoption of Cabbage Patch babies. Surprisingly, older kids will enjoy it too. (300 NOK Drive, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-865-2171)
Back in town, younger kids (and adults!) will love the Alpine Express Train, an entertaining ride just for the fun of it or a great way to get around town with toddlers or for those with walking issues. It starts and stops next door to Two Tire Tavern (8735 North Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545), makes a leisurely loop around Helen and crosses the scenic Chattahoochee River twice, accompanied by train songs, seasonal music, “smoke” blowing from the engine and nighttime led lights.
In Betweens
Mini golf is a great group sport and Helen offers three choices. Bavarian Mountain Mini Golf & Arcade showcases two 18-hole courses and an arcade for pinball, bowling, pool and more. Legends of infamous pirates come to life at Pirates Cove Adventure Golf in an award-winning theme park setting. Putt through caves, over footbridges and under waterfalls. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and landscape at Alpine Mini Golf Village and stop for ice cream treats afterward at Scoop De Scoop, adjacent to the course.
Teens
Teens and those who love fast-moving fun head to the Georgia Mountain Coaster. Shoot down and around the mountain overlooking Main Street. Enjoy the scenery and the wind in your hair as you wind your way to the finish line. Kids as young as three can ride, accompanied by an adult driver. High-energy groups love the adventure courses, climbing walls and ziplines across the Chattahoochee River at Cool River Adventures (112 Poplar Stump Road, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-9471).
Indoor Fun For All
Alpine Speedway Slot Car Racing features the largest 1/32 scale slot car road course in the U.S. with three tracks for all skill levels. There is no charge for entry and spectators are welcome (8016 South Main Street, Suite A2, Helen, Georgia, 706-878-0111). Alpine Fun Factory entertainment is designed to please the entire pack, and there are plenty of choices for splitting up into groups right in the same location. There’s a skating rink, Extreme Laser Tag, 80 arcade games and a bounce house for the younger set. Go-cart tracks range from Alpine Extreme Speed to Amateur and Double seat Carts for the less-experienced. (115 Escowee Drive, Helen, Georgia; 706-878-8404).
Get Outdoors Summer to early fall, no trip to Helen is complete without tubing down the Chattahoochee River. Cool River Tubing and Helen Waterpark and Tubing outfit the family for this iconic experience. For more outdoor adventure ideas, go to https://helenga.org/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures.
Fasching Celebrations (German Mardi Gras)
Fasching is the German and Austrian celebration of Mardi Gras. Helen is such a hospitality town that it created an extended celebration on the weekends before Lent. On February 6, 2025, join the Hüttengaudi (German for a fun-filled après-ski party) starting Friday at noon with a pub crawl and scavenger hunt, followed by a party at Cowboys & Angels. Continue the scavenger hunt, followed by festivities at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant on February 7. You’ll have plenty of time to pace yourself and complete it, as it ends on Saturday at a location where the winner will be drawn.
The Fasching celebrations continue on February 14 with festivities at The Heidelberg Restaurant. On February 15 join a Mardi Gras costumed party from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Helen Festhalle at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse sponsored by the Helen Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 706-878-1908 or visit helenchamber.com.
The grand finale of Fasching celebrations continue on February 21 at The Heidelberg Restaurant and conclude on February 22 with a parade and final party. At 1 p.m. join in or watch a colorfully costumed walking parade through downtown with Schnapps shot stops on the way to the Chattahoochee River, where the brave and hearty jump or wade in for a tubing parade. (Schnapps shot pre-registration and fee for adults 21+; I.D. required, register from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. sharp at the Helendorf River Inn & Conference Center, 33 Munich Strasse, Helen, Georgia 30545) Afterward, join the party hosted by the Faschingsverein of Helen organization at the Helendorf. Admission fee, BYOB, doors open at 6 p.m. and music is from 7-11 p.m.
If You Go
There are so many lodging options available for families and groups. In town, choose from whimsical Bavarian-themed inns and hotels, along with cabins and flagship chain hotels on the river or overlooking the colorful village. Just outside of town are mountain cabin hideaways and Unicoi State Park and Lodge with cabins and a full range of camping options. Family-friendly and upscale dining ranges from pizza to German and other international cuisines. Plenty of outdoor patios and decks by the water show off the scenery. Don’t miss shopping in downtown Alpine Helen. This distinctive Bavarian inspired destination is full of unique boutiques, gift shops and more.
