Rome, Georgia, is a great family destination for the summer. With our abundance of outdoor activities, rich history, and affordable family activities, there's so much to discover this summer.
Cave Spring
Explore the outdoors with the Georgia’s Rome Outdoor Pass.
It is a mobile passport that will take you to scenic trails and historic sites, including a Civil War earthen fortification system and one of the world’s largest overshot waterwheels. You win prizes just by having fun! Once you complete the passport, you’ll receive a custom Georgia’s Rome T-shirt. Best of all, it’s mobile-friendly with no apps to download, and it’s completely free.
To stay cool this summer, we recommend the beach at Rocky Mountain Recreation Area. It is a beautiful public fishing area that also offers camping, trails, geocaching, and archery. For a river adventure, check out River Ratz in Downtown Rome or Big Cedar Creek in Cave Spring; both businesses offer tube and kayak rentals for a fun float on the river, complete with return service to your vehicle.
While in Cave Spring, visit the namesake cave, where you’ll welcome its constant 57-degree coolness on a hot summer day. The kids will also enjoy chilling in the spring-fed lake shaped like the State of Georgia! Then, shop the historic town square and pick up some Martha Jane Fudge; our favorite is Peanut Butter Chocolate.
ECO Center
Rome is home to several museums that are perfect for families. The Rome Area History Center is free and offers exhibits on local history and shares how our local history fits into the larger picture of our American history. The Rome-Floyd ECO Center is a natural resource education center that shares information on the area’s wildlife, rivers, and ecology. Entry is free, and kids will love the live animal exhibits. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the huge Ridge Ferry Park playground next door.
The Rome Area History Center hosts monthly public tours from April to September. Hop aboard the Roman Chariots for the Downtown History Tours, which uncover a new piece of Rome history with every tour. On the Rome Clocktower Tours, you can climb to the top of the tower for the best views of Rome. Throughout the summer, the history center partners with the Rome-Floyd ECO Center to offer a unique perspective of our rivers on the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday Riverboat Tours held on the first Sunday of the month.
Rome has a thriving arts scene, with a variety of theaters. You can see summer movies at the Rome City Auditorium, live theatre at the Historic Desoto, or catch a concert at the Forum River Center. Admire the work of local artists at the Kingfisher Art Co. Enjoy the area’s outdoor murals, including Rome’s newest mural of butterfly wings by Kelsey Montague Art.
Stroll through the charming Downtown Rome area that offers a variety of locally owned shops. Find everything from souvenirs to clothes to antiques. The kids will love the RAD Toys shop in the River District. In downtown, there are plenty of treats for every kid’s sweet tooth, from cookies to shave ice to ice cream and creamy gelato! Plan a visit on the first Friday of the month, where free concerts are offered at the Town Green from June to September.
Nothing says summer like baseball, and the best place to see tomorrow’s stars is at a Rome Braves Game. Families love Fireworks Friday and Family Fun Sunday, where kids can run the bases and play catch after the game. The Rome Braves also offers a full schedule of promotions and giveaways throughout the season.
Any summer family fun list would not be complete without considering our favorite furry family members! Rome is a pet-friendly town where businesses that welcome Fido post a Paws Permitted sticker on their business door. Pets are also welcome to dine alfresco at eateries with outdoor dining, and most outdoor festivals are pet-friendly.
