Georgia Road Trip with Kids: Paper, Presidents, and Patriotism (Day 6)
Welcome to Day 6
Day 6’s journey through Georgia isn’t just about places — it’s about people, stories, and the legacies they leave behind. From the quiet art of papermaking to presidential humility, from the pulpit of Dr. King to the reflective paths of Oakland Cemetery, and finally to the glowing spectacle of Stone Mountain Park, every stop invites you to think, remember, and carry something forward.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Atlanta ➡ Downtown Historic Sites ➡ Stone Mountain
Total Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (combined between stops)
Activity Time: ~7–8 hours
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Stop 1: Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
What to Expect
Tucked away on the Georgia Tech campus, this “hidden gem” museum tells the story of how paper transformed human history. From ancient Chinese bark paper to medieval presses, you’ll see tools, techniques, and artifacts from more than 2,000 years of innovation. The hands-on station lets you make your own sheet of paper — a perfect tactile connection to history.
Educational Tie-In
- History: The global journey of papermaking from China to the rest of the world.
- Communication: How paper changed the spread of ideas, inventions, and Scripture.
- Faith Connection: The written Word preserves God’s truth — without it, we’d only have memory.
Kid-Friendly Tip
Allow extra time for the papermaking activity — it’s messy, but worth it.
Notebook Prompt
Without paper, there is no history. Only memory. Write about something you want to remember forever — and why.
Stop 2: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
What to Expect
Set in a peaceful green space just outside downtown Atlanta, the Carter Library tells the story of America’s 39th president. Explore exhibits from his early life in Plains, Georgia, his Navy service, presidency, and remarkable post-White House years. Carter’s legacy includes Habitat for Humanity work, global human rights advocacy, and decades of Sunday School teaching.
Educational Tie-In
- Civics: How a president’s influence continues after leaving office.
- Agriculture: Georgia’s peanut farming heritage and its role in Carter’s story.
- Character Education: Faith, humility, and endurance in leadership.
Kid-Friendly Tip
The replica Oval Office is a hit with kids — let them “step into” the president’s desk for a memorable photo.
Notebook Prompt
Carter said, “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am…” How would you finish that sentence for your own life?
Stop 3: Ebenezer Baptist Church & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
What to Expect
This is where Dr. King grew up, preached, and began shaping the message that would change the nation. Tour the historic sanctuary, hear his recorded sermons, explore the Civil Rights exhibits, and visit the tombs of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.
Educational Tie-In
- History: The Civil Rights Movement and the power of nonviolent protest.
- Geography: Key cities connected to Dr. King’s work beyond Atlanta.
- Faith: The Biblical roots of justice, peace, and loving your neighbor.
Kid-Friendly Tip
Bring a small notebook — older kids may want to jot down quotes or observations from the exhibits.
Notebook Prompt
Dr. King dreamed of a world judged by hearts, not skin. Write one thing you could do to help make that dream real.
Stop 4: Oakland Cemetery
What to Expect
Part garden, part history book, Oakland is the resting place of soldiers, authors, mayors, musicians, and everyday families. Stroll winding paths under oaks and magnolias, learning from both the celebrated and the overlooked. The African American Burial Grounds and Civil War sections offer important perspectives on Georgia’s past.
Educational Tie-In
- History: Segregation in burial practices and modern reconciliation.
- Literature: Visiting the grave of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind.
- Civic Leadership: Honoring Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson.
Kid-Friendly Tip
Encourage kids to read names aloud — it helps them connect personally to the idea that each grave belongs to someone with a story.
Notebook Prompt
Some places teach with monuments; others teach with silence. Describe what you learned from walking Oakland’s paths.
Stop 5: Stone Mountain Park – Laser Show & Fireworks
What to Expect
Settle on the wide lawn in front of the mountain carving for a beloved Georgia tradition — the laser light show. Expect music, fireworks, and a colorful display projected onto one of the largest exposed granite surfaces in the world. The show incorporates both history and entertainment, sparking meaningful conversations about the past.
Educational Tie-In
- History: Understanding controversial monuments and the importance of context.
- Geology: How Stone Mountain formed and why it’s unique.
- Faith: Freedom and remembrance as Biblical values.
Kid-Friendly Tip
Arrive early with lawn chairs or blankets, and bring glow sticks for fun while you wait.
Notebook Prompt
Was there a moment during the show that made you feel proud or thoughtful? Describe it and why it stood out.
What We Learned Today
- Paper preserves history — and history shapes who we become.
- A legacy isn’t just what you accomplish in power, but what you continue to do afterward.
- Courage often begins in small places but can ripple into national change.
- Memory matters — in both joyful celebrations and solemn reflection.
- Light, music, and shared moments can unite generations in gratitude.
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Georgia’s On My Mind Road Trip Map
