Less than two hours north of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia is known as the “Classic City.” Home to the University of Georgia, the school predates the history of the town. Just founded in 1785, the university was chartered as the first publicly funded university in the United States and gave birth to the city of Athens.
That said, the city isn’t primarily aimed at college students. On the contrary, there are plenty of inexpensive family-friendly activities in town. These are the 15 best things to do in Athens, Georgia for families.
Athens Family Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Settled in North Georgia on the Oconee River, Athens offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several activities in the city such as walking, running, paddle and biking.
1. Sandy Creek Nature Center
Children are on 225 Acres Sandy Creek Nature CenterConsisting of woodlands and wetlands, families have 12 trails to choose from, including ADA-compliant trails. Stop by the visitor center to check out hiking binoculars and educational trail packs. While you’re there, don’t miss the reptiles, amphibians and aquariums on display.
2. Sandy Creek Park
Let water sports be your thing. Sandy Creek Park at Lake Chapman. Canoe and kayak rentals are an absolute bargain. The park is a one-stop shop with public beaches and swimming areas, playgrounds, fishing opportunities, ball fields, disc golf, and more.
- Admission for ages 4-64
3. Oconee Rivers Greenway
This trail system mixes natural surfaces, hiking-only trails, and concrete multi-use trails.Bring your bike and explore the wetlands corridor and surrounding green spaces Oconee River.
4. A tree that owns itself
Yes you read that right. One block away from the UGA campus is a tree that owns itselfLegend has it that Colonel William Jackson of the UGA liked the tree so much that in his will he transferred ownership of the tree itself and the eight feet of wood around it.
No paperwork was found, but Athens gave rights to the tree and the community has taken care of it. The original tree he fell in a storm in 1942. Not wanting to end this tradition, the Junior Ladies’ Garden Club planted the present tree in 1946, growing saplings from the parent acorn.
5. Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo
bear hollow zoo It is different from the traditional zoo. The animals here are rescuers who cannot stand on their own in the wild. As such, they have a rotating roster of animal residents. The reptile house in the center of the zoo is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
6. Georgia State Botanical Garden
Kids will love exploring the 2.5-acre Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, operated by the University of Georgia. In addition, there are flower gardens, heritage gardens, greenhouses, nature trails, and more! Please plan enough time. Georgia State Botanical Garden.
Athens Family Activities for the Curious Mind
7. Georgia Art Museum
If you have older children or kids interested in art, make time to visit The. Georgian Art MuseumOpened to the public on the UGA campus in 1948, the museum became the official art museum of Georgia in 1982. Times vary and timed tickets are required.
8. Georgia Museum of Natural History
Located on the UGA campus, this museum is open Tuesday through Thursday and showcases the wildlife and plants found in Georgia.of Georgia Museum of Natural History website The exhibits are suitable for children ages 5 and up.
9. Legacy
Curious about Athens’ past? Like seeing historic houses and other heritage sites?
your first stop is Athens Welcome Center At the historic Church Waddell Brumby House Museum. Get a self-guided tour brochure or reserve a spot for a guided walking tour.
10. Rook and Pawn Board Game Cafe
What time do you take a break? If we want our kids to get away from the phone and engage with their families, Rook and Pawn Board Game Cafe Must stop.
Once inside you feel like you are in an old London shop. Let the friendly people at the bar know you’re hanging out. Assist with game selection if needed. For her $7.00 per person fee, ages 13 and up, she gets access to all the games in the cafe.
Athens Family Activities for Music Lovers
11. Current Athens Music Scene
College towns are great places to catch up-and-coming musicians, and Athens, Georgia is definitely one of the best. If you have older children, consider taking them to a show at a prestigious venue in Athens. classic center and Georgia TheaterThen walk around for cheap music! Lots of street performers and music spilling out of the patio.
12. Athens Music Walk of Fame
Retro is cool. To your child he introduces the REM, B-52 and Widespread Panic. Like the stars of California’s Hollywood Walk of Fame, inductees of the Athens Music Hall of Fame ride guitar photo plaques on the sidewalks around some of Athens’ most popular music spots.download Athens Music Walk For more information on featured artists, visit the Fame app.
13. Uxtree Records
Continue your retro tour with a trip to ukstree recordsFounded in Athens in 1976, Wuxtry continues to sell records. We also offer compact discs as well as posters and T-shirts. Turntables are all the rage. Get your child started with a quality collection. His sister store, Bizarro-Wuxtry, is perfect for teens to enjoy comics and novelty toys.
Athens Family Activities for Photoshoot
14. Bulldog Scavenger Hunt
If the weather is nice and you feel like walking, we recommend the public art exhibition, We Let The Dawgs Out.there are dozens bulldog statue (or friendly statues, if you’re a UGA fan) throughout Athens. Each one is uniquely decorated and makes for a fun photo shoot.
15. Instawall
If you have a kid who is keen on doing something for the gram, you can’t miss the whole thing. mural in athensEven if you don’t like Instagram photos, there is some pretty amazing public art. Take a stroll to appreciate it!
Affordable Things to Do in Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia has plenty of options for family fun. Most are free or cheap, so great for families who want to explore. Look to Athens when planning your next vacation.
This article was written and distributed by Wealth of Geeks Travel.