Situated in the foothills of the beautiful and vast Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is one of Atlanta’s most charming suburbs. The city offers no shortage of excitement, featuring a wide variety of activities, including outdoor recreation, natural parks, entertainment venues, shopping malls, luxury spas, and even a vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canton, GA, read on for a number of places everyone should visit for a great time out and about near this wonderful city.
Free attractions in and near Canton
Cherokee County History Center
221 E Marietta St, Canton, GA 30114
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Operated by the nonprofit Cherokee County Historical Society, the Cherokee County History Center offers free admission and parking to all visitors. Visitors are invited to learn about the region’s history through the museum and library. The center includes six galleries, historical maps, soldier’s letters, mini-theaters, exhibit panels, and more that tell the story of Cherokee County dating back to 10,000 B.C.
Georgia National Cemetery
1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114
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As one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country, the Georgia National Cemetery is dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of our nation’s veterans. Guests are welcome to pay their respects to the fallen heroes who valiantly served our country.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075
The Chattahoochee Nature Center in nearby Roswell is Atlanta’s premier destination for all lovers of nature. Featuring hiking trails, events, programs, and engaging exhibits, the nature center is ideal for a peaceful outing with your family.
Family-friendly things to do in Canton
Here are some of the best things to do near Canton, GA, that promise fun for the whole family.
Paranoia Haunted House
2075 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
Featuring two spooky attractions and electrifying special effects, the Paranoia Haunted House is one of the most infamous and wildly popular haunted attractions across the state of Georgia. The venue is a perfect spot for thrills and frights even outside of the Halloween season. Book your tickets today!
Jumping World
4200 Wade Green Rd NW #224, Kennesaw, GA 30144
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Jumping World in nearby Kennesaw is a chain of indoor amusement centers offering trampolines, basketball, dodgeball, foam pits, mini go-karts, arcade games, and so much more! This is the perfect place for families with children looking for an exciting day full of fun and friendly competition. If your kids can’t seem to sit still, bring them on over to Jumping World in Kennesaw.
Tellus Science Museum
100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
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The Tellus Science Museum is a natural history and science museum affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. The museum’s exhibits include the Weinman Mineral Gallery, a vast collection of gems and jeweled objects, artifacts, minerals, and architectural stones; the Millar Science and Motion Gallery, a collection of vintage model trains, motorcycles, and a real cockpit from a fighter jet; and the Bentley Planetarium, a unique projector that offers an intimate look into our solar system.
Nightlife
Looking for a bit of fun out on the town? Check these places out.
Cherokee Lanes
1149 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
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Cherokee Lanes is a family-friendly bowling alley with 22 fun-filled lanes that automatically score you and your party. They also offer mini golf, laser tag, and arcade games for the retro gamer and can accommodate bookings for large birthday parties.
Canton Icehouse
150 Keith Dr, Canton, GA 30114
The Canton Icehouse is the neighborhood tavern everybody knows and loves. It’s open to families until 9 pm, but its after-hours are reserved for patrons 21 and up. Aside from an assortment of beer and spirits, the tavern also hosts events and giveaways.
Sidelines Grille
6199 Hickory Flat Hwy, Canton, GA 30115
Sidelines Grille is a local sports bar serving burgers, wings, and even Tex-Mex favorites. The bar is open to people of all ages and hosts trivia events throughout the year. It’s a great place to stop by and have a quick bite to eat with a couple of good friends.
Shopping in Canton
Shopping lovers can look forward to these top malls in Canton.
Canton Marketplace
1810 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
The Canton Marketplace is an indoor shopping mall that hosts local vendors in a temperature-controlled venue. It’s open even during Canton Trade Days and offers free parking to the public. If you’re looking for something unique and handmade, you’re likely to find it here at the Canton Marketplace.
Riverstone Plaza
1451 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
The Riverstone Plaza is a local shopping center that provides quality groceries and services. With over 50 stores, you’ll be sure to find everything on your shopping list at the Riverstone Plaza.
Outdoor recreation in Canton
If you’re looking for fun in the great outdoors, Canton offers a number of outdoor recreational activities as well.
Hickory Log Creek Reservoir
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Perfect for boating and fishing, the 411-acre Hickory Log Creek Reservoir is a quiet, idyllic creek fortified by an impressive dam. The reservoir supplies the region with fresh water from the Etowah River and requires that every boat is electrically powered only. Canoes and kayaks are allowed.
Georgia Frontiers
545 Ruff White Rd, Canton, GA 30114
Horse lovers and city slickers can enjoy western-style riding with Georgia Frontiers. They offer trail rides for people of all skills and abilities, each led by an experienced volunteer who knows how to set the pace. Keep in mind that reservations are required!
Gibbs Gardens
1987 Gibbs Dr, Ball Ground, GA 30107
Gibbs Gardens is a beautiful, sprawling garden estate nestled in the mountains of northern Georgia, perfect for visiting, no matter the season. Discover artisan landscaping and natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else.
Parks in Canton
Canton is home to many peaceful, beautiful parks open to the public.
Etowah River Park
600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
The Etowah River Park is a dog-friendly park featuring wide open fields, a waterfront trail, a canoe launch, and playgrounds. It’s the perfect park for the entire family!
Canton Paw Park
309 Birch St, Canton, GA 30114
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Designed specifically for the community’s beloved pets, the Canton Paw Park includes separate sections for dogs based on their size. It’s managed entirely by volunteers who ensure plenty of fresh, clean water for you and your fuzzy pals.
Boling Park
1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
The Boling Park at Canton is a large recreational space with several athletic fields for sports, a children’s playground, and peaceful nature trails running through the beautiful Georgia woodland.
Spas in Canton
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Everyone deserves a day of pampering here and there. For the best luxury treatment, book an appointment at one of these popular spas.
Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon
225 Reformation Pkwy Suite 116, Canton, GA 30114
Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon is one of Canton’s most popular spas – and for good reason. Their services include a variety of luxurious massages, waxing treatments, skin care, nail care, manicures and pedicures, hair care and treatments, and even makeup services. Practically Perfect also offers wedding services for a fixed travel fee and deposit in case you’re looking to make your big day extra special.
Clark Salon & Spa
10511 Bells Ferry Rd #500, Canton, GA 30114
Experience true pampering at the Clark Salon & Spa with their unique floatation therapy, a form of physical and mental relaxation that relies on floating blissfully on a shallow pool of water and Epsom salt. Clark Salon & Spa also offers haircuts, styling, waxing services, makeup and facials, nail care, and massage services.
This is just a small sample of all the fun things to do in Canton, GA, but the city is home to so much more. To learn more about Canton and what it’s like to live there, get in touch with local real estate agent Julie Brittain. Specializing in luxury real estate, Julie is a multi-million dollar producer with an eye for detail and a mind for success. She’ll be more than happy to help you out, so be sure to connect with her today!
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
