How to Vacation in Alpharetta, Ga.

Located between Atlanta and the picturesque North Georgia mountains, Alpharetta is bustling with inexpensive family fun. Check out the following steps for parents looking to vacation in this quaint Atlanta suburb.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Vacation in Alpharetta, Ga.

1. Hop on a go-kart. Owned and renovated by racing champions Mario, Michael and John Andretti, the 100,000 square foot Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games brags some of the best go-kart tracks in the country. You can reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour racing karts customized by Mario himself, check out the digital timing and scoring system to see who beat track records, and hop up on the Winner’s Circle for a quick photo. Then hit the arcade and play more than 120 of the latest racing video games. With black lights, pool tables and flat-screen televisions, the facility has a hip, urban feel. Call [phone].

2. Pet a kangaroo. Boasting the largest collection of kangaroos outside of Australia, the Kangaroo Conservation Center is located just outside of Alpharetta in Dawsonville, Ga. More than 250 kangaroos are on exhibit, and visitors can enjoy a Wild Australia animal show, ride a KangaRanger, listen to kookaburras laugh, and learn all about kangaroo behavior. The Aussie Outpost gift shop offers a large collection of kangaroo plush toys, wildlife gift items, garden décor, handpainted Aboriginal art, disposable cameras, snacks and more! No children under second grade please. Call [phone].

3. Hit the spa while the kids swim. With the atmosphere of a resort and the focus of a health club, Lifetime Fitness is Alpharetta’s premier recreation center. Open 24 hours a day, it caters to the entire family with indoor and outdoor pools, two full-sized basketball and squash courts, an indoor climbing wall, more than 400 pieces of cardio equipment, an Aveda spa and salon and a health-conscious café. The child center–complete with an infant room, computers, an outdoor playground and more–allows Mom and Dad to relax without worrying about the kids. Perfect for travelers who want a day full of activities under one roof, Lifetime Fitness offers day passes for $30 per adult (over age 12) and $10 per child. Call [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• Looking to spend more time in Alpharetta? Learn to ride a motorcycle or ATV at the Honda Learning Center, take a hike at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve or hit the driving range at RiverPines Golf.

[Meri]

on 6/22/2008 Ahhh, the memories. Thanks.

[Meri]

on 6/22/2008 Ahhh, the memories. Thanks.