Family Fun

Athens is a fun and educational destination for kids of all ages. From hands-on nature exhibits and art activities to great outdoor recreation, kids are sure to uncover an adventure in Athens.

Search our Events Calendar for Family-Friendly Happenings!

Spend an afternoon exploring Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail and Memorial Park. The child-friendly zoo nestled in a hardwood forest is home to bears, bobcats, frisky otters, and other native wildlife. Extensive playground equipment, picnic shelters, a lake, and walking trails are also part of the complex. Zoo animal feeding tours are offered the first and third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. The Exhibit Hall is open with a focus on reptiles on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 1 -4 p.m. Zoo, 706.613.3616; park, 706.613.3580.

The ENSAT (Environment, Natural Science, and Appropriate Technology) Center's hands-on exhibits at Sandy Creek Nature Center will intrigue the whole family. Parents will marvel at the unique construction of the ENSAT facility, designed to utilize alternate energy sources. 706.613.3615.

Family days at the Georgia Museum of Art (706.542.4662) include a tour, hands-on activities, and refreshments. The Lyndon House Arts Center (706.613.3623) includes a children's wing filled with art sure to please the young and young-at-heart. The Georgia Museum of Natural History, on the UGA campus, offers tours each Saturday at 1 p.m.; call 706.541.1663 for more information.

Beat the heat at Georgia Square Mall's shops and value-priced cinema.  The shopaholics in the family can indulge at major department stores and over 100 specialty shops.

Athens-Area Ideas:
Venture to nearby Oconee County to pick strawberries or pumpkins in season at Washington Farms (Hwy. 53), or enjoy fresh peaches at Thomas' Orchards and Greenhouse (706.769.5011). Braselton, in neighboring Jackson County, is home to the Mayfield Dairy (770.654.9180), which offers tours, a gift shop, and ice cream stand.