Helen, GA With the Whole Family
Tubing rules, what a family day costs, and what works for every age from toddlers to teens
The short answer
Tubing rules every parent should know
From Cool River Tubing's own rules page.
Tubing the Chattahoochee is the most popular family activity in Helen, but it's a river, not a lazy river. The current changes with the rain, there are rocks, and nobody is guarding the water. Two outfitters run it, Cool River Tubing and Helen Tubing, usually from around Memorial Day weekend into early fall.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Life jackets | Required for every child 12 and under at Cool River Tubing. Adults and non-swimmers can borrow one too, and approved personal vests are fine. |
| Footwear | Shoes with backs are strongly recommended, and shoes without backs aren't allowed. Old sneakers or water shoes with a heel strap are the safe choice. |
| What stays behind | No personal coolers (each tuber gets a 32 oz drink container), no alcohol, no glass, no personal tubes. |
| Waivers and ages | Ages 2 and up. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. |
| On the water | Self-guided, no lifeguards, and water level changes with rain. Ask the outfitter about conditions before you put in, and get out of the river if you hear thunder. |
Helen Tubing (9917 Hwy 75 N, 706-878-7465) sets its own rules and prices, so check its site if you're booking there. Our tubing guide covers the river in more detail.
What a family day costs
Two adults and two kids ages 7 to 12.
| Activity | Family of four | How it adds up |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Mountain Coaster, one ride each | $62 | 2 adults at $17 + 2 kids ages 7-12 at $14; a second ride is half price |
| Pirate's Cove, one round each | $44 | 2 adults at $11.50 + 2 kids ages 4-12 at $10.50 |
| Anna Ruby Falls | $12 | 2 adults at $6; kids 15 and under free |
| Cool River Tubing (summer) | $56 weekday, $64 weekend | $14 Mon-Fri, $16 Sat-Sun, ages 2+ all pay the same |
| BabyLand General Hospital | Free | Self-guided tour |
| Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail | Free | One mile of paved river path, open until dusk |
Prices from Georgia Mountain Coaster, Pirate's Cove, FIND Outdoors and Cool River, as listed in October 2026.
Dining downtown adds up quickly. A cabin or hotel with a kitchen for breakfast, and a picnic at Unicoi Hill Park or Anna Ruby Falls for lunch, keep the bill down. For more ideas, see our guides to free things to do and free activities.
Best activities by age
Toddlers (1 to 4)
BabyLand General Hospital, about 15 minutes away in Cleveland, is free and stroller-friendly. In town, the Alpine Express train, the playground at Unicoi Hill Park and Pirate's Cove (free for ages 3 and under) keep things short and easy. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available through Pegasus Horse Drawn Carriages (706-499-1159); ask about rates.
Ages 5 to 10
The best age for Helen. Watch fudge and brittle being made at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen (free samples), play 18 holes at Pirate's Cove or at Alpine Mini Golf Village (7914 S Main St, 706-878-3328), and try gem or gold panning at one of the local mines, which the visitors bureau lists. Anna Ruby Falls is a short paved walk to twin falls.
Tweens (11 to 13)
The Georgia Mountain Coaster is the draw: riders control their own speed with hand brakes, and the track reaches over 28 mph. Unicoi State Park has an archery and air gun range and a lake with paddle boarding and boat rentals, and Helen Fun Factory has go-karts and laser tag.
Teens (14 to 18)
Zip lines at Unicoi State Park (the longest tour runs four hours with lines up to half a mile), an escape room downtown, and Uhuburg, the Renaissance-style castle with a lookout tower and murals, which is open to day visitors on select weekends (check uhuburg.com). Hardman Farm adds an 1870 Italianate mansion and the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound.
Where to eat and stay with kids
Helen's restaurants are used to families. Muller's Famous Fried Cheese Cafe (open daily from 9 AM), Bigg Daddy's Restaurant and Tavern and the riverfront Troll Tavern all work with kids, and Hofer's of Helen is a good breakfast stop (walk-in only, closed Tuesday and Wednesday). The list is longer on our family restaurants page.
For a big group or several generations, a multi-bedroom cabin usually beats downtown hotel rooms on space and cost; companies such as Georgia Mountain Rentals, Cabin Rentals of Helen and Pinnacle Cabins list large lodges, and the visitors bureau notes some are dog-friendly. Valhalla Resort has a pool and water slide, and its villa sleeps up to eight. See family cabins.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tubing rules for kids in Helen?
Cool River Tubing takes ages 2 and up, requires a life jacket for every child 12 and under, and has anyone under 18 bring a parent or guardian waiver. Shoes need backs (sandals and flip-flops without straps can't be worn because they litter the river), personal coolers, alcohol, glass and personal tubes aren't allowed, and the float is self-guided with no lifeguards.
How much does a family day in Helen cost?
For two adults and two kids ages 7 to 12, one ride each on the Georgia Mountain Coaster is $62, a round of Pirate's Cove is $44, and Anna Ruby Falls is $12 (kids 15 and under are free). Tubing in summer is $56 on a weekday or $64 on a weekend at Cool River. BabyLand General Hospital and the Heritage Trail are free.
What is there for toddlers?
BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland (free, indoors), the Alpine Express train downtown, the Unicoi Hill Park playground, and Pirate's Cove, where children 3 and under play free. The coaster takes passengers 3 and older who are at least 38 inches tall.
Is Helen good for teenagers?
Yes, if you plan something with a rush. The zip lines at Unicoi State Park, go-karts and laser tag at Helen Fun Factory, and the coaster (drivers riding alone must be 54 inches) all work for teens. Our teens guide has more.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
