Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
13 last-minute outdoor adventures to get in before summer ends
Reading time: 6 minutes
Birmingham, pack your car because the summer isn’t over yet. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who prefers a slow stroll down main street, we found destinations and activities for you and the whole family to end summer with unique adventures you’ll remember long after pumpkin spice latte season kicks in. Keep reading for more details.
1. Skyride—DeKalb County, Georgia
Located in the Greater Atlanta area, DeKalb County has so many hidden outdoor gems. Stone Mountain Park is a must-see when visiting this county. With trails, rope courses, skyride, mini golf, interactive dinosaur exhibit and a historic square, there’s excitement for the whole family.
- Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 5AM-10PM | Certain attractions are open at varying times
- Tickets: Buy tickets online with prices varying on age and package
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Building sand castles—Gulf Shores, Alabama
It’s probably pretty obvious that we had to include a beach destination for your summer trip. What’s better than a beach in our wonderful state of Alabama? While we hope you spend some time relaxing on the sand, make sure you build some sandcastles with Sand Castle University at Gulf Shores:
- Where: Locations at beaches in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan
- When: Times and dates available online, classes are offered year-round
- Register online for a group for $150-250
- Website | Facebook
3. White water rafting—Hartford, Tennessee
Thrill-seekers, we found the perfect activity for you. It’s time to see if you can endure the wild rapids with Smoky Mountains Outdoors Rafting.
- Location: 3299 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday + Saturday 9AM-5PM
- Tickets: Buy tickets online, prices vary on the package
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Museum walking trail—Jackson, Mississippi
The “City With Soul” should be the city with you. Jackson, Mississippi offers a museum trail for you to walk on through the city to explore art, museums and civil rights history.
5. Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Feeling like visiting a true, Americana city this summer? Well, the words in and Hattiesburg, Mississippi may just be the place for you with their historic downtown walking tour.
- Location: Buildings and places downtown Hattiesburg
- Hours: Daily from 9AM-3PM
- Tickets: Book your tour by calling 601-296-7475, tickets cost $15 per person
6. Historic national park—Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg was coined the name the “key to the South” during the Civil War. You may or may not have known this fact, but what you should know is it’s one of the best places to visit to learn about the Civil War. Get ready to spend some time outdoors traversing through history at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
- Location: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:30AM-5PM
- Tickets: $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, $10 per pedestrian or biker
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Paddleboard—Panama City Beach, Florida
Pack your towel, sunscreen and swimsuit because it’s time to drive down to the beach. We know paddleboarding is one of the best ways for you to splash around in the water at Panama City Beach. Check out Paradise Adventures to see how you can rent a paddleboard and their other fun water activities like dolphin tours and snorkeling.
- Location: 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-10PM | Saturday 9AM-10PM | Sunday 9AM-9:30PM
- Tickets: Book equipment and tours online
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Feed a giraffe—Montgomery, Alabama
No matter if you have kids or not, I think it’s fair to say that a day at the zoo is the definition of summer fun. You don’t even have to leave Alabama to visit one of the best—we’re talking about Montgomery Zoo. Do you want to get up close to the wildlife? Make sure you check out the zoo’s animal encounters, ranging from feeding a giraffe to watching lions go through training exercises.
- Location: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-4PM
- Tickets: Buy tickets online | $18 for adults over 13 years old, $16 for seniors over 65 years old, $14 for children ages 3-12, free for kids 2 years old or younger
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Flower walk—Huntsville, Alabama
Just a short drive from Birmingham, Huntsville is growing, growing, growing. We know of something else growing in the city. You can’t miss seeing the beautiful flowers at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
- Location: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-6:30PM | Friday-Saturday 9AM-6PM | Sunday 11AM-6:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Cave concert—Pelham, Tennessee
We found the coolest concert venue ever—it’s a cave. You have to experience The Caverns—the most unique way to rock out to your favorite artist or band.
- Location: 555 Charlie Roberts Rd, Pelham, TN 37366
- Tickets: Buy tickets online, prices vary on the show
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Ski mountain coaster—Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, you’re the only ten I see. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, but there are many other thrilling activities to try out while you’re there. While you’re in Gatlinburg, witness the breathtaking views from Ober Gatlinburg’s ski mountain coaster.
- Location: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 10AM-8PM
- Tickets: $16 for adults, $12 for kids 5-11 years old
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. Hang gliding—Rising Fawn, Georgia
Ready to soar to new heights? We think you should try out hang gliding to soar over some of the most beautiful mountains with Lookout Mountain Flight Park.
- Location: 7201 Scenic Highway, Rising Fawn, Georgia
- Hours: Thursday-Monday 9AM-6PM
- Tickets: Book online for $249 to go 1,500 feet or $325 to go 3,000 feet
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
13. Wilderness training—Watkinsville, Georgia
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Learn all of the fundamentals—tool making, fire and shelter making, animal tracks and more—with Georgia Bushcraft. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures after you learn these amazing skills.
- Location: 1150 Carruth Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677
- Hours: Hours depend on class
- Tickets: Book classes online, prices vary per class
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Where are you going for your last trip of the summer? Tag us @bhamnow on Instagram + Facebook to let us know!
Reviewed by Sharron Swain.