EDITOR’S NOTE: Sometimes, the best travel stories come from the smallest voices. Here’s one kid’s take on the thrills, treats, and big adventures of a day at Wild Adventures. 3. I RODE A ROLLER COASTER BACKWARD & FED A GIRAFFE AT WILD ADVENTURES Insane roller coasters, amazing animals, and a crazy-good waterpark. Wild Adventures in Valdosta was so awesome we didn’t want to go home. My little brother had fun. I had more fun. Even my parents said they’d come back. First up: rides. I rode every coaster I could. Boomerang was hands down the best ride – it shoots you backward first, so you’re basically flying through every twist with zero idea what’s coming next, like being fired out of a cannon in reverse. I would have camped out there all day, but my parents wanted to check out the Water’s Edge section and its new rides. I saw the Wing Swinger and had to try it, so Mom joined me. We were spinning so fast I couldn’t stop laughing. While we were in the air, Dad took my little brother on the new Boat Parade ride. I could’ve gone too, but he takes the boat captain thing way too seriously. The smell of barbecue made me realize I was super hungry. I wanted to eat at LoneStar BBQ , but everyone else voted for Paradise Pizza instead. I was glad our pizzas came out fast, and the pepperoni one tasted so good. After lunch, we hit the water park, and I raced to the Bonzai Pipeline slides. High drops and fast turns were exactly what I wanted. I rode it three times before Dad and I tackled Wahee Cyclone in this massive tube that spins you around like a washing machine. My little brother got splashed by the water bucket at Polynesian Adventure, the kids’ section, about 100 times. Then, while he napped under Mom’s umbrella, I floated in the lazy river a little. We were getting raisin fingers, so Mom decided it was time to feed a giraffe. It was so weird. Her blue tongue felt like sandpaper when it curled up and yanked the lettuce from my hand. Mom also got us tickets for the Discovery Outpost Tour, so we fed gators and held a snake. My little brother’s favorite animal at the petting zoo was the white goat because he could feed it hay. How is that better than holding a snake? After grabbing a snack at Brews & Bites , we changed and went to Splash Island Nights . Mom said it’s only on Fridays in the summer, so we were staying until the very end. Sliding in the dark was like being in a glow stick. Then the drone show started with crazy lights zooming and spinning into shapes. Mom timed our visit to catch it! One of the park helpers told us the show is even bigger at Christmas, which blows my mind. You can ride coasters, splash in the water park, and feed a giraffe – all in one trip. Mom was happy because it was a “great value,” but I was happy because it was the perfect way to celebrate summer. 22 #EXPLOREGEORGIA
Official State Travel Guide 2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 22
