Let’s go play!
Athens is lucky to have a variety of fun outdoor spaces where kids can play. These range from large and structured to rambling trails to explore. Before you head out, check accgov.com/playgrounds for maintenance closures and full amenities.
The big stuff: When you need a big playground filled with options, the World of Wonder playground at Southeast Clarke Park (325 Whit Davis Road) should be at the top of your list. Note the tall slide and rotating play structure. Another stellar option is the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (2450 S. Milledge Ave., botgarden.uga.edu), with places to climb, slide, explore or just hang out (in a large net). Also, a relatively new playground near the beach at Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Road; $2 per person for ages 4–64) has a fun turf surface and plenty of quality climbing and sliding spaces.
Smaller scale: There are also nice playgrounds tucked into Athens’ neighborhoods. For example, Boulevard Woods Park (298 Barber St.) has paved areas for little bikes, a climbing and sliding area, and trails for exploring. Check out Reece and Pope Park (375 Reece St.) or Lay Park (293 Hoyt St.) for places to swing and climb within walking distance of downtown.
Need options or want to cool down? Bishop Park (700 Sunset Drive) has a formal play area, plus paved paths perfect for bikes or scooters. The park also has a new pool that includes diving boards and lap lanes (plus adult swim), so it’s ideal for any level of swimmer. Memorial Park (293 Gran Ellen Drive) offers a similar mix of playground, paved paths and pool (although it’s a bit older). Additional swimming pools are at Lay and Rocksprings parks, and kids can play at three spraygrounds: Walker Park, Rocksprings Park (291 Henderson Ave. Extension), and now the new facility at Bishop Park.
Hang with animals: The Sandy Creek Nature Center (205 Old Commerce Road) is a gem of a facility for introducing kids of all ages to local flora and fauna. The Nature Center also has a great nature playscape and indoor exhibit hall with kid-friendly activities (great for hot or rainy days). Memorial Park’s Bear Hollow Zoo is another facility we’re lucky to have in Athens—kids never tire of visiting the owls, otters, alligators, turkeys, bears and other wildlife housed there.
Let’s move!
Whether you’re moving on foot or on wheels, a number of community facilities can help you get out and get going. Here are places where you can find the need for speed—or just a stroll.
Walking or rolling: A number of area parks offer options for anyone looking to run or bike away from a road or sidewalk. For example, Bishop Park and Dudley Park (100 Dudley Park Road) offer paved paths through the parks. The Firefly Trail and Athens Greenway are also stellar options for riding or running; visit accgov.com/149/Parks-Facilities for links to both, including maps. If you prefer running on a track, visit Walker Park (200 Trail Creek St.). The public can also access UGA’s Spec Towns Track (1 Selig Circle) when teams aren’t practicing, which is typically between noon and 6 p.m.
Hiking trails: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has miles of trails through the property. For a shorter loop, check out the UGA Intramural Fields (110 Lake Herrick Drive) and Oconee Forest Park. Or, explore Birchmore Trail through Memorial Park. Find a longer network of trails at Sandy Creek Nature Center, plus an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail there. Or, explore around Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek Park.
Biking and skateboarding: Walker Park is the place to go for mountain biking trails. Plus, you can practice on the park’s pump track near the parking lot. If you prefer a street setting, the skate and BMX park at Southeast Clarke Park was designed by Tony Hawk and features 14,000 square feet of bowls and ramps.
Let’s get creative!
Not every day—or every kid—is made for a park. Sometimes, it’s best to head indoors for fun, and luckily Athens’ community venues have plenty to offer.
Get creative: Spark young minds with a stroll through the Lyndon House Arts Center (211 Hoyt St.), which features rotating exhibits throughout the year and free admission. Another kid-friendly option is the Georgia Museum of Art (90 Carlton St., georgiamuseum.org), which offers kid-friendly activities throughout the year such as Toddler Tuesdays and Family Days each month.
Library life: Head to the Athens-Clarke County Library (2025 Baxter St.) for regular storytimes, plus special interest clubs and guests for kids of all ages. Visit athenslibrary.org/events for a full schedule.
History lessons: Find a kid-friendly scavenger hunt at the Historic Athens Welcome Center (280 E. Dougherty St.) through the historic home. Or, visit the Georgia Museum of Natural History (corner of East Campus Road and Cedar Street, naturalhistory.uga.edu) to view collections of native plants and animals spanning thousands of years.
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