1. Get Outside in Athens, GA

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Dive into the interactive fun at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The space is a magical adventure, including a chestnut tree house, fossil wall, giant water-misting mushrooms, vegetable garden, a replica of a North Georgia cave, and more all for free admission. Great for toddlers and older.

Bear Hollow

Craving an animal encounter? Say no more! Memorial Park is one of the most popular family attractions in Athens. Nestled in the Five Points neighborhood, the park is home to Bear Hollow Zoo, the Birchmore Trail, a small lake, a dog park, and expansive picnic and playground equipment. Admission to all areas and attractions is free. Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, owls, and many other species of wild, free-living animals.

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Don’t miss Sandy Creek Nature Center and the naturescape playground! Let your kids explore nature up close with woodland trails, wetlands, and hands-on exhibits. The Sandy Creek Nature Center is a gateway to outdoor exploration with twelve trails, including an ADA interpretive trail available with connections to the North Oconee River Greenway and Cook's Trail. Binoculars, identiflyers, and educational Trail Packs can be checked out for free at the Education & Visitor Center, plus the center includes live reptiles, amphibians, marine and freshwater aquariums, interactive natural history exhibits, and an incredible resource library all housed in an eco-friendly building. The playground is great for toddlers and up, and older kids will find the animals and creepy crawlies delightful!

World of Wonder

 The impressive playground at World of Wonder Park is the largest play area in Athens! Three-story Slide Tower? Yes please! With a variety of equipment, including an augmented reality gameplay experience, climbing rock wall, a two-story Dynamo Apollo Spinner and a rope web climber, this is a great stop between quieter activities to blow off steam. The swing areas include standard swings, as well as co-ride parent/child generational swings, swings for individuals with mobility impairment, and park bench swings for parents. Additionally, an ADA ramp provides access to all elevated features in the 2-5 year old area. There is also ADA access to the two level Dynamo Apollo Spinner and two transfer platforms in the 5-12 year old area. Excellent for toddlers and up. 

2. Places to Get Moving in Athens

Active Climbing

Come explore spectacular boulders up to 20 feet high at Active Climbing, where textures and routes will amaze kids and beginners alike. Novices are always welcome, and it’s easy to get inspired by the “regulars!” Day passes are $16 for kids 10 and under, $18 for older kids. There’s also a kids’ climbing area and more challenging routes for teens. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth at TREEHOUSE or browse nearby Avid Bookshop.

Rush Athens

Let kids of all ages burn off energy at Rush Athens Trampoline Park — the funnest, bounciest way to play! With a main court, dodgeball courts (including extreme dodgeball), foam pits, a slam dunk area, and Georgia’s only ninja court, there’s plenty to explore. Parents can relax in the lounge while watching the action. Walk-ins are welcome, but on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays it’s best to pre-purchase tickets online to secure your spot.

Skate Park of Athens

Got a kid (or teen!) who lives life on wheels? Skate Park of Athens is a high-energy stop for skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters. The park features a deep bowl for practicing drops and tricks, plus a street-style course with ramps, rails, steps, and plenty of space to test new skills.

It’s a great spot for older kids and teens who want to burn off some serious energy. Helmets and pads are required, so gear up and let them roll.

3. Let Your Kids get Crafty

TREEHOUSE Kid & Craft

Right next to Active Climbing, step inside TREEHOUSE Kid & Craft and you’re instantly surrounded by color, creativity, and pure joy. A beloved Athens staple since 2010, this independent shop is part toy store, part art studio, part candy and ice cream counter — and completely full of heart.

Browse thoughtfully curated toys, books, and art supplies that spark big imaginations, then check out their lineup of art classes, workshops, and summer camps designed to get kids (and grown-ups!) creating. It’s the kind of place where getting a little messy is encouraged and creativity is always celebrated.

Bonus: there’s a sweet treat waiting inside, making it an easy “yes” stop during an Athens adventure. Plus, check out Avid Bookshop in the building next door! 

Great for all ages — especially creative kids who love to make things.

Georgia Museum of Art

Looking for something a little quieter (but still kid-approved)? The Georgia Museum of Art is the official art museum of the state — but don’t let that intimidate you. It’s surprisingly welcoming for families (plus it’s free!).

When you arrive, stop by the front desk and grab a free family backpack kit. Inside you’ll find creative prompts, hands-on materials, and playful activities that turn a gallery visit into an interactive adventure. Bilingual (English/Spanish) kits are available, too.

It’s an easy way to introduce kids to art without pressure — wander at your own pace, follow their curiosity, and keep an eye out for the museum’s family days and special programs throughout the year.

Great for elementary-aged kids and up, especially on a rainy afternoon.

Lyndon House Arts Cener

For a dose of Athens creativity, head to the Lyndon House Arts Center just minutes from downtown. The historic 1856 Ware-Lyndon House gives it storybook charm, while the adjoining modern galleries keep things fresh and inspiring.

Families can explore rotating exhibitions featuring local, regional, and national artists, then wander into the children’s area or peek into working studios where art classes and camps take place. The outdoor grounds are perfect for letting kids stretch their legs between gallery stops.

It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to introduce little ones to art — and a great spot for elementary-aged kids and up who love to draw, paint, or imagine big.

4. Have a Sweet Treat in Athens, GA

Condor Chocolates

Need a sweet break? Condor Chocolates is a local favorite known for its rich, bean-to-bar Ecuadorian chocolate — and yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.

Warm up with a cup of decadent hot chocolate, split a salty caramel brownie, or treat everyone to something a little fancy like pots de crème. It’s an easy win after a morning at the park or an afternoon exploring downtown.

If you visit the downtown location, you might even catch a glimpse of how the chocolate is made — a fun little bonus for curious kids (and chocolate-loving grownups).

Great for all ages… especially anyone with a sweet tooth.

Alumni Cookie Dough

Athens' 1st Cookie Dough Cafe, Alumni Cookie Dough is a dream for anyone who has an affinity for cookies pre-baked! Conveniently downtown, the shop is bright and cheery. The dough comes by the scoop, in a sundae (with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry), blended with ice cream into a milkshake, squished between two pretzels and dipped in chocolate or tucked into a cannoli. Available flavors include chocolate chip, mint chocolate, red velvet, peanut butter cup, oatmeal M&M (gluten-free), birthday cake, s'mores and more.

Bonus: 

Inside TREEHOUSE is this sweet find; a candy + ice cream shop! All ice cream is dairy-free soft serve.  When the ice cream shop is closed there is a freezer filled with Southern Made ice cream and KING OF POPS.

5. Check out a family-friendly event on our events calendar!