TheLakeInsiderThe insider's guide to America's luxury lakes
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Lake Lanier · The kid list

Where to take the kids.

The places that don't make you apologize for the kids. Restaurants with crayons that aren't an afterthought, parks with shade and bathrooms, the ice-cream stop with the line on a hot Tuesday.

Restaurants

1 stop
  • Flowery Branch
    Pig Tales
    Editor's pick

    A lakeside barbecue restaurant and bar at Aqualand Marina — BBQ, burgers, wings, and a large lakefront patio.

    $$(678) 828-7676Visit ↗

Iconic stops

2 stops
  • Buford
    Buford Dam Park
    Editor's pick

    The Army Corps of Engineers park at the dam that created the lake — construction began in 1950, the gates closed in February 1956, and the reservoir didn't reach full pool until August 1958. The park has a beach, picnic areas, and overlooks of the dam itself.

    770-945-9531Visit ↗
  • Buford
    Lanier Islands / Margaritaville Beach
    Editor's pick

    Over half a mile of white sand beach at the Margaritaville resort on Lanier Islands — pontoon rentals, a lakeside water park, and Legacy Lodge's five restaurants on a 1,500-acre peninsula.