Fun (and Free!) Things to do with Kids in Athens, Georgia

The weather is getting warmer, and with warmer weather comes our kids’ desire to go outside! With COVID-19 still being a concern, we are all looking for things to do that are safe, cost-effective, AND (most importantly) fun! This list compiles some things that we think are exactly what your child (and let’s be real, your inner-child!) need.

1. Bear Hollow Zoo: This is a no-brainer! This is a facility that houses animals who’ve come to their organization injured or in need of rehabilitation. Many of them cannot be returned to the wild, so Bear Hollow is their home! You can find many creatures there, like eagles, owls and a bear (oh my!) 
   1. Bear Hollow Zoo is open from 10 AM to 3 PM daily. 
2. Sandy Creek Nature Center: Similar to Bear Hollow Zoo, Sandy Creek Nature Center is home to some very interesting critters! Though these may be smaller (and more of the scaled variety), they still love getting visitors! Additionally, there are other interactive options inside the nature center to keep your little ones entertained. If being inside isn’t your style, have no fear - there are countless acres of trails to explore! And rumor has it - there’s a playground coming soon! 
   1. Sandy Creek Nature Center is open Tuesday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset! 
3. World of Wonder Playground: The largest playground in Athens, this set-up is impressive in its own right. With modern play structures and ADA modifications to ensure accessibility for all, this playground is fun for ALL children (and even in some parts - parents too!) With just a little bit of imagination, this park could provide hours of fun! 
   1. WOW Park hours are from 8 am to sunset! 
4. State Botanical Garden of Georgia: With an impressive assortment of flowers and gardens, the state botanical garden provides hours of beauty that only nature can provide. With numerous different garden areas, there’s something to keep your little one engaged for hours! Additionally, there are interactive aspects to some of the collections that will make any little one wish they had a green thumb! 
   1. To see the hours and operations of the State Botanical Gardens, click here. 
5. Lyndon House Arts Center and Georgia Museum of Art: Got a tiny Picasso? Maybe a little DaVinci? Then these two locations may be just for you. With each location featuring varying artists and exhibits, as well as more permanent exhibits, there’s something for every artist to appreciate! While the Georgia Museum of Art features exhibits from artists from all over, the Lyndon House encourages the artistic expression from creators local to Athens! 
   1. Lyndon House Arts Center is open Tuesday & Thursday 10 - 8pm, and then Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10 - 5pm.
   2. The Georgia Museum of Art is currently working on a “reservation basis” so while the facility is free to tour, you have to let them know you intend on going. You can do so here.
6. Bulldog Statue Scavenger Hunt: If you’ve driven around Athens, it’s likely you’ve caught sight of at least one or two colorful bulldogs scattered around the town. According to the site, there are 38 bulldogs to visit in Athens. Spend the day with your little one finding (and photographing) all of your new bulldog buds and get to know Athens a little better all the while! A win-win kind of day! 

Whether or not you visit any of the places on this list, we hope you have fun! Bonding with your child and having these new experiences with them is an integral part of their growth, and we know that you are doing your best, whichever way you are doing so.