There's still time for one last family getaway before school starts back in Georgia. If you're looking for a place that allows kids experience play, music, and food all at a family-friendly budget, look no farther than Athens.
Though Athens does boast a lively college town with a flourishing nightlife, what it can offfer for families is a nearby getaway full of activities sure to keep your kids busy and your costs down.
We're a city that's just up the road, and a perfect spot for metro-Atlanta families to take an affordable day trip. We've compiled some of our favorite kid-tested, parent-approved things to see and do in Athens, GA.
WOW (World of Wonder) Community Playground
Named one of the "50 Best Playgrounds in America" by EarlyChildhoodEducationZone.com, World of Wonder Community Playground is the largest volunteer playground in Georgia.
The park boasts elevated walkways and climbing structures providing children a view of the park from above. An adjacent picnic shelter has four tables and a grill which can be reserved for birthday parties or family get-togethers.
The playground is open Monday thru Friday at 8:00 a.m., Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and closes each night at sunset.
Note: Currently the Wiggly Field Dog Park is closed for renovation, but other features of the park remain open for enjoyment!
Trail Creek Park
Trail Creek Park is home to one of Athens' new Splash Pads, which are extremely popular with kids on a warm day! There is a $1 admission fee, but there are also pool passes available for frequent visitors. This park is also a popular site for football, rugby, softball, and ultimate frisbee games and tournaments.
The 113 square mile park also includes: a grill, mountain bike trails, nature trails, outdoor fitness zone, pavilion, picnic area, playground, and soccer fields.
The park is open every day of the week, except Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. until sunset.
Georgia Museum of Art Family Days
The Georgia Museum of Art hosts monthly programs for families including a gallery activity and tours of exhibitions followed by hands-on art activities in the classroom. This program is designed to educate families about the current exhibitions on view at the museum and acquaint them with the world of fine art. One of best parts about this program, as well as the Georgia Museum of Art in general, is its free admission.
This summer's Family Days, which go from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., include: Puppetry Party (July 18th), Back to School Celebration (August 15th), and Line, Shape and Form (September 12th).
Active Climbing
Perfect for the adventurous, Active Climbing allows climbers of all ages explore and have fun on spectacular boulders up to 20 feet high, with textures and forms that will blow you away, and terrain you'll find at pro comps. Novice and beginners are always welcome, so come and get inspired by the "regulars!"
Hooked on climbing? Monthly, annual, and family memberships are available! Active Climbing also offers birthday parties, beginners classes, a youth climbing team, field trips, and more.
ARTini's Art Studio, Gallery & Lounge
Art lounge by day, featuring Wi-Fi and local art available for purchase, and artist studio by night, ARTini's offers participants instructor-led painting in a spacious setting. For parents who want to return on their own, wine and beer is available to purchase.
On Saturday's special "ARTinies" kid sessions are available as well. ARTini also offers private events from birthdays to bridal showers!
Sandy Creek Nature Center
The Sandy Creek Nature Center is an educational preserve with four miles of hiking trails that connect to Cook's Trail and to the North Oconee River Greenway. The Nature Center surrounds wetlands, woodlands, and field ecosystems. Planetarium shows occur monthly with different educational themes.
The center's newly renovated Education & Visitors Center houses interactive exhibits that reflect several different environments of Georgia, as well as a natural science resource library and live reptiles and amphibians.
The park, which is free to visitors, is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and the trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Avid Bookshop
Avid Bookshop is a community-focused independent seller of mostly new and some used books. Stop by for a new read plus special programming including book clubs, local author readings, poetry nights, national author book signings, and more!
Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. is Story Time for kids. Check the schedule to see what special guest storytellers appear for family-friendly events. Avid also has a welcoming, well-stocked separate children's section in the store.
Athens, GA is far more than its college town setting and vibrant nightlife. It is the perfect destination for families on a budget. With a variety of places and things to do, pack up the car and kids and head over to Athens, GA for a budget-friendly, family weekend getaway!
For more ideas on planning your family weekend getaway, visit our website!