Family Fun in Hartwell
Head to Lake Hartwell for family fun!
Camping on Lake Hartwell is an all time family favorite!
With its wide array of recreational activities, Lake Hartwell is a fantastic destination for family fun. Families can enjoy camping, boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake's clear waters. The surrounding parks offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and family gatherings. Or head indoors to an arcade full of games, an axe-throwing venue or an escape room.
Cars & Guitars, held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
Additionally, events and festivals throughout the year provide opportunities for community engagement and enjoyment. With its natural beauty and variety of activities, Lake Hartwell is perfect place to create lasting family memories.
Paynes Creek Area from the sky.
In Hart County, there are many wonderful parks for outdoor adventures. Payne’s Creek has a beautiful, seven-mile trail that takes you through the woods and along the lake’s shores. Elrod Ferry Park has sandy beaches, playgrounds, a boat launch, and picnic/grilling areas. At Big Oaks Recreation Area, you can follow a paved path right up to the dam and view the awesome machinery that allows our Corps of Engineers lake to supply water downstream. Hartwell Lakeside is a KOA campground with tent and RV campsites, hiking trails, dog park and playground. Hart County Botanical Garden offers a beautiful walk through 12 different gardens featuring local flora, including a Children’s Garden with multiple play structures. And if you want to actually pick flowers, don’t miss Big Hart Farm, a “you-pick” flower farm just outside of town; check out their website for special events throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Rent a boat at one of the nearby marinas. Sun Life Marina is conveniently located near town and offers pontoon boat rentals and dining at the adjacent Boathouse Grill, where you can enjoy great food and live music. Harbor Light Marina, just off I-85, rents deck and pontoon boats, and offers food at Tilley’s Tiki Bar and Grill.
Sun Life Marina
If you’re aiming for something smaller, consider renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Lake Hartwell Kayak Rental and Delivery (LHKRD). They’ll bring them to you and pick them up.
If you don’t want to rent your watercraft, consider a guided tour for wildlife viewing or fishing. LHKRD offers guided SUP and kayak tours into the lake’s most beautiful areas, which are abundant in wildlife. Fishing guides also are available, like Captain Greg Lanier at Top Hook Fishing Charters. Take a sunset cruise, hear about local history or tour the beautiful lakefront homes with Lake Hartwell Boat Tours.
Lake Hartwell Kayak Rental and Delivery
And speaking of wildlife … you must visit Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari, a drive-through safari adventure, to see antelope, giraffe, zebra and more! It’s a lot of laughs and so much fun. Pro tip: rent one of their cars … the animals will stick their heads right in your windows!
Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari
Come downtown when you’re ready for a break from the lake! Lake Hartwell Family Fun Center offers your favorite arcade games and delicious food and beverages. Lake Hartwell Axe Throwing, which also has pool tables and darts, is located right on the square; stop in at Southern Hart Brewing Company for a great burger or their famous ahi tuna afterward. Or catch a play at Hart County Community Theater; you’ll be amazed at the depth of local talent.
Southern Hart Brewing Company | Hart County Community Theatre
There’s no shortage of ways to make your time in Hartwell a blast for the entire family! In fact, you’ll have to come back again just to fit it all in.
At a glance: Ten ideas for family friendly fun in Hart County! (Or 12, because we couldn’t narrow it down to just 10!)
Visit our beautiful local parks
Play some games at Lake Hartwell Family Fun Center
Take a kayak or paddleboard tour with Lake Hartwell Kayak Rental and Delivery
Fishing charter with Top Hook Fishing
Rent a boat at SunLife Marina
Stroll through the Hart County Botanical Garden
Local festivals, where you can meet the Hartwell Windchime Lady
Check out the many Instagram-worthy murals throughout downtown
Flower picking at Big Hart Farm
Take a walk on the wild side at Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari
Visit Railroad Street Park to play on the life-sized wooden train, see the restored train depot and enjoy a little bit of intown green space
Catch a play at Hart County Community Theatre
