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Uniquely Athens: What Makes an Athens Childhood Magical

Your guide to kids activities in Athens for local parents by local parents.

By Julia Hembree, Publisher, Athens Macaroni Kid April 29, 2016
I am honored to be a member of a local parenting group here in Athens called the Bloom Parent Community. With over 1600 members, this group of parents knows everything there is to know about raising children in Athens. One parent member prompted the question, “What are some things that you do with your children that you feel are unique to this town?”

I LOVED the amazing responses listed on the comment thread and am thrilled to share some of them here with you. Compiled and posted (with permission) are some of the things that make Athens a unique and special place to raise a child. A list for local parents made by local parents! 

AthFest
Athens Little Playhouse
Amici’s Restaurant train
Bear Hollow Zoo 
Canopy
Downtown Christmas Parade

 
“We sure our raising our children in an amazing town aren't we? Another thing that I love about Athens is that there is so much cool stuff to do within a 2 hour drive as well. The mountains, Atlanta, INK, etc.... I think that it's a wonderful thing to remember what makes our area unique.”

Double Barrel Cannon
Farmer’s Market
Greenway
Georgia Botanical Gardens
Georgia Museum of Art
Hodgesons Pharmacy ice cream 

“It's funny - when adults visit me in Athens I sometimes feel like all I have to offer them is bars and restaurants. (Obviously, the music scene is out bc it is past my bedtime!). However, when kids come to visit, I feel like there is never enough time to do everything!”

Halloween Wild Rumpus
Harris Shoals Park 
Library Storytimes
Memorial Park 
Mommy groups – Athens Mother’s CenterReblossomBloom 

“The fact that there is no need to feel isolated as a mother is amazing!” 

Redcoat Band Practice
Rose of Athens Theatre
Sandy Creek Nature Center
Splash Pads
Thomas Orchards
The Tree that Owns Itself 

“I love raising children in this town.”

Twilight
Ted’s Most Best restaurant sandbox
Treehouse Kid and Craft
UGA North Campus 
UGA sporting events (baseball, basketball, soccer, football) 
World of Wonder Playground

“In general, I think growing up and living in a thriving college town is such an awesome opportunity that is not available to many. So many things we enjoy (restaurants, special events, affordable sports, stores, etc.) exist because of the university.”


What do you think makes a childhood uniquely Athens? I would love to hear your thoughts! Email me anytime at juliah@macaronikid.com. 

Athens Macaroni Kid is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Athens, GA. Each week, find all kinds of local family events and activities, useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, and more! We proudly serve families in Athens and Oconee! Athens Macaroni Kid is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our event calendar. Have an event you'd like submitted to our calendar for consideration? Submit an event here. Like what you see here and want to get all the fun delivered to your inbox weekly? SUBSCRIBE to our FREE weekly e-newsletter!