Where to cool off and find sweet treats in Macon, Georgia
The heat is on in Middle Georgia and places to chill and hang out are in high demand! Here’s a list of some of our favorites in Macon and surrounding areas.
Take a dip and sip on crafted beers or indulge in delicious ice cream from Scoops
With a family pool, two large water slides, a pirate ship play area and lounge chairs High Falls Water Park is a charming and not too crowded option for water time fun.Coolers are not allowed in the park, though you may leave it in your car and bring in bagged items.After leaving the water park swing by downtown Forsyth for multiple places to keep cool. Catch some ice cream at Scoops on the square in Downtown Forsyth. Or if you’re in the mood for an iced coffee go by Queen Bee Coffee Company. Looking for an adult beverage? Grab an ice cold beer from locally brewed Fox City Brewing Company.
Essential Sun Rays and Essential Smoothies Bowls, PLUS Macon Swirl
Take a short drive to the north part of Macon to enjoy some fishing, boating, camping and even swimming at one of the three lakeside beaches: Claystone Park, Arrowhead Park, or Sandy Beach Park.
Looking for cold treats after? Stop into nearby Essential Bowls for an acai bowl, or even Macon Swirls for your choice of fro-yo and assorted toppings.
Cool off in the Pool and indulge in sweet treats
Did you know that the Macon-Bibb County Recreation department offers multiple community pools and splash pads? The pools are at the Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive), Booker T. Washington Community Center (401 Monroe Street), Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center (3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard), and South Bibb Recreation Center (7035 Houston Road); and the splash pads are at Daisy Park (1021 Daisy Park), Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street), Freedom Park (3301 Roff Ave), and South Bibb Recreation Center are open. According to the Macon-Bibb Recreation website, crews are still working on opening the pad at Filmore Thomas Park.
After cooling off at one of these locations come to downtown Macon and try a vegan smoothie at Sweet Eleanor’s. They also have gelato!
Not close to downtown? If you’re wanting something with a little more kick, head down to Society Garden for one of their famous frozen cocktail slushies.
Float down the lazy river and grab a homemade peach ice cream after!
Get to Rigby’s Water World early for a cabana- or reserve one online! Cabanas and tents are available at a first come first serve basis, so we recommend reserving online. Got a little one? No sweat! Even they’ve got three slides and more to choose from.
For a cooling off treat you can enjoy multiple options on site at Rigby’s. Or, stop into Little Light Coffee Company for one of their seasonal coffee flights! Another option is to go to Lane’s Packing Company and grab some of their famous peach ice cream.
A kick of caffeine for a long blissful float down the river
Yet another way to enjoy the water in summer is by renting a kayak or canoe with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. Several different types of tours are offered from an all day tour to Full Moon Floats.
Then make your way to Taste & See Coffee in downtown Macon where you can grab an iced coffee- but they’ve also got amazing iced matcha lattes! Try it with a pump of vanilla.
Float down the Ocmulgee and try the famous Water Ice
Got a canoe or even tubes of your own? Set out on the Ocmulgee River from Amerson River Park. Here you’ve got two miles to float from the Jay Hall Memorial Canoe Launch down to the Bragg Jam Canoe and Tube Takeout. There’s also a handicapped friendly playground here!
After finishing your float head on over to Macon Water Ice. Not sure what Water Ice is? It’s a water/ice, sugar, and fruit based treat similar to Italian Ice. Be sure to try one of their flights and savor multiple flavors!
Now you’ve got a whole list of places to hang out and chill out during the hottest of hot days this summer. Where do you like to escape the heat? Let us know in the comments!
