Athens, Ga. (April 30, 2025) – Visit Athens GA, the official tourism marketing organization for Athens, Georgia, has launched its new family-friendly digital passport, the Pup Pass. Free and mobile-friendly, the Pup Pass provides an easy way to explore Athens by featuring more than 20 businesses that provide engaging, family-oriented experiences.
Athens has long been known for its vibrant music, arts, and food scenes, but the creative energy that makes the city so special isn’t just for adults – it captivates kids, too. With the Pup Pass, young visitors will have a curated guide featuring over 20 child-friendly attractions and experiences around town to help families seamlessly explore the destination. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of engaging stops—from playful museums to nature explorations, sweet treats, creative shops, and comfortable accommodations.
“Athens has always been a place that inspires creativity and connection, and the Pup Pass is a wonderful extension of that spirit,” explains Katie Williams, the Executive Director of Visit Athens GA. “It’s a great way to highlight experiences that make our destination welcoming and memorable for families.”
Whether it’s hands-on learning, outdoor play, or a sweet reward, the Pup Pass helps families discover the best of Athens’ offerings for children of all ages. A sampling of participating businesses includes:
Hotels
Candlewood Suites Athens offers spacious accommodations ideal for families, featuring suites with kitchenettes and a lending locker stocked with games and entertainment. Children receive a coloring book and crayons at check-in when presenting a Pup Pass. The hotel provides a comfortable, extended-stay experience in a convenient location. Guests mentioning the Visit Athens Pup Pass when booking are eligible for a 5% discount* on their room rate.
Restaurants
Alumni Cookie Dough offers a colorful dessert experience featuring edible cookie dough in a variety of classic and creative flavors. The bright, welcoming environment appeals to children and families seeking a casual sweet treat. Whether selecting a scoop to enjoy on-site or packaging some to-go, guests can explore safe to eat options that highlight fun textures and flavors. The shop offers a playful way to enjoy dessert in a family-friendly setting.
Condor Chocolates Downtown Café
Condor Chocolates Downtown Café showcases bean-to-bar chocolate making in an inviting café atmosphere. Guests can observe the chocolate production process while sampling handcrafted truffles, rich sipping chocolate, and seasonal treats. The downtown Athens location blends educational value with culinary enjoyment, offering a multi-sensory experience. Aromas of fresh cocoa and the opportunity to see chocolatiers at work enhance this locally rooted, family-friendly destination.
Gyro Wrap is a long-standing Athens staple serving flavorful wraps and sandwiches in a fast-casual setting. Located downtown, the restaurant has been a local favorite for over 40 years, known for its signature seasoned fries and pita-based creations. Pup Pass holders receive 15% off with the purchase of an adult entrée. This quick, satisfying option offers families a chance to enjoy a classic Athens dining experience with deep community roots.
Mama’s Boy is a popular breakfast and brunch destination known for Southern comfort food and family-friendly service. The menu includes biscuit sandwiches, sweet potato pancakes, and chocolate cake for breakfast. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The combination of hearty fare and approachable flavors makes this spot a reliable choice for a casual, crowd-pleasing morning meal.
The Rook and Pawn is a café that offers access to a library of more than 800 board games. The environment supports screen-free entertainment and community engagement. Pup Pass holders receive a complimentary children's game pass, allowing families to enjoy time together in a welcoming, family-focused atmosphere.
Activities and Attractions
The Athens-Clarke County Library features a vibrant Children's Department offering story times, art exhibits, and family-focused events. A seed library and educational programming enhance the learning experience. Pup Pass holders are eligible for a complimentary craft kit and sticker, adding a hands-on element to the visit. This public space encourages creativity and literacy through interactive programming and community-centered resources.
Bear Hollow Zoo is a no-cost wildlife facility located in Memorial Park. It provides a home to native Georgia animals and emphasizes conservation education. Shaded walking paths and accessible viewing areas make it ideal for a relaxed, family-oriented outing. Animal habitats highlight regional wildlife, offering guests a peaceful setting for observing animals and learning about their environments.
Classic City Mini Trails (Trail Creek Park)
Classic City Mini Trails at Trail Creek Park offer beginner-friendly biking and walking trails specifically designed for young riders. The trails wind through a quiet, natural setting and are ideal for encouraging outdoor exploration.
The Georgia Museum of Art features free admission to exhibitions and family-oriented programs designed to introduce children to the arts. Backpack Tours, available in English and Spanish, include gallery games and take-home materials that enhance hands-on engagement. The museum fosters creativity and exploration through thoughtfully designed, accessible educational opportunities.
Ladybird Jewelry offers permanent jewelry experiences in a cozy studio environment. Children can customize pieces by choosing charms and observing the jewelry-making process. Pup Pass holders receive a 50% discount on children's bracelets. The studio provides a meaningful way to mark special milestones with personalized accessories.
Rush Athens is an indoor trampoline park offering energetic play in a climate-controlled environment. Trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle zones create a fun space for movement and activity.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia features the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, designed for interactive, hands-on exploration of nature. Educational stations, water features, and play areas support curiosity and learning. Pup Pass participants receive a Garden Passport to collect stamps and a button, enriching the garden visit with themed activities.
TREEHOUSE kid and craft provides art supplies, books, and toys alongside a rotating selection of creative workshops. The on-site TREATHOUSE serves dairy-free ice cream and specialty sweets. Pup Pass holders receive a $1 discount on desserts. Programs and drop-in classes cater to a wide age range, fostering imaginative play and learning.
UGA Special Collections Libraries
The UGA Special Collections Libraries present rotating exhibits featuring archival media, regional history, and political memorabilia. Interactive experiences include Town Films, Peabody Award-winning programs, and a replica U.S. Senate office. The Detective Doolittle scavenger hunt invites children to solve puzzles and explore exhibits in a fun, engaging way.
The Pup Pass is now available at VisitAthensGA.com/PupPass, where families can begin exploring right away.
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Note: *Blackout dates such as football and graduation weekends may apply.
About Visit Athens GA
Visit Athens GA is the official destination marketing organization for Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. We engage the creative energy of Athens to activate curiosity, inspire experience, and advance our community’s quality of life and economic opportunity for all. We increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, groups, and meetings and conventions to Athens.
About Athens, GA
Just 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, the college town of Athens is a cultural hub of creative energy. The vibe comes from a robust visual and performing arts scene, live music almost every night of the week, amazing food and beverage offerings and innovative creators. Across Broad Street from the excitement of downtown is the historic North Campus of the University of Georgia, the birthplace of public higher education in America. Visitors love to stroll through the grounds of the state’s botanical garden and galleries of the official art museum of Georgia. Athens, Georgia, is always open to new experiences. For more information, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com.
Media Contact
Lou Hammond Group
VisitAthensGA@Louhammond.com
