Family Fun in Helen, Georgia

Helen is a small town with a big concentration of family-friendly activities. The Bavarian village look is part of the fun, but what keeps families coming back is the range of things to do: mountain coasters, river tubing, mini golf, arcades, and more, all packed into a walkable downtown. Here is what families need to know before they go.

For lighter crowds and full access, come on a weekday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Oktoberfest in the fall is beautiful but a lot busier. Most attractions charge per activity and combo passes across different vendors are rare, so plan to budget one activity at a time.

One thing that trips people up: the attractions sit close together and get confused for one another. Charlemagne's Kingdom (the famous model railroad) has permanently closed, and the go-karts and laser tag are at the Alpine Fun Factory, not Charlemagne's as some older guides suggest. Many spots, including Pirate's Cove and parts of the state parks, are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

For over 30 years, "Shooting the 'Hooch" (floating down the Chattahoochee River) has been the classic Helen experience. Cool River Tubing is the main outfitter, and they let you pick your trip length.

Hours, Season & Pricing

Address: Chattahoochee Outpost, 590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545.

Phone: (706) 878-2665.

Season: Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; weekends in May and September (weather permitting).

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily during peak season.

Pricing (2024/2025 Estimates):

Monday – Friday: $14.00 per person.

The Experience

Cool River Tubing offers two distinct routes. The Short Ride lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is recommended during low water levels. The Long Ride extends to 2 to 2.5 hours. The tubes provided include options with and without bottoms; families with children under 12 are advised to use tubes with bottoms.

Family Tips

Age/Size: Children must be at least 2 years old. There are no height restrictions, but safety depends on water levels.

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome! They can ride in their own tube (rental fee applies) or on a lap.

Strategy: The busiest time is between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Arrive at 9:00 AM to avoid long shuttle lines and intense midday sun.

Lockers: Keys, phones, and dry clothes should be stored in on-site lockers or your vehicle, as everything on the river will get wet.

If you remember go-karts and bumper boats at Charlemagne's Kingdom, that was strictly a model railroad museum and it has closed. The active entertainment hub is the Alpine Fun Factory, the main indoor and outdoor complex in Helen, and the go-to spot for rainy days or high-energy evenings.

Hours & Address

Address: 115 Escowee Drive, Helen, GA 30545.

Phone: (706) 878-7777.

Hours:

Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Attractions & Pricing

Go-Karts: The "Extreme Speed Dominator" karts are electric and run on a slick track for drifting.

Adult Race (58"+): ~$25.00

Kids Karting: ~$10.00

Double Kart (Parent + Child): ~$30.00.

Laser Tag: A "Call of Duty" style tactical arena featuring realistic sound and lighting. Cost is approximately $20 per person.

Tiny Towne: A miniature driving town with working traffic signals designed for young children to learn road rules in mini-cars ($10/race).

Family Tips

This venue is excellent for families with varying age gaps. While teenagers engage in high-speed karting or laser tag, toddlers can utilize the "Bounce Zone" (10,000 sq ft of inflatables) or Tiny Towne.

The first alpine coaster in the state, this gravity-driven ride at the Georgia Mountain Coaster allows visitors to control their own speed as they wind through the woods overlooking downtown Helen.