I find out about some of the best things around town from chatting with other parents at parks, playdates, birthday parties, and sometimes from random grocery store conversations. I recently got wind of a welding class for kids in the Athens area, which got me thinking: What other unconventional activities for kids are around here that I just don't know about??
So, I started to dig and compiled a list to share with other parents who may be wondering the same thing. Especially those with kids who just aren't interested in the traditional dance classes or soccer seasons.
You may already know about some of these, while others might completely surprise you! Some offer drop-in options, while others require enrollment commitments. I'm also excited to shine a spotlight on a few local businesses and programs that I don't typically get to feature on my Events Calendar because they fall outside my usual $20-or-less rule.
From welding and woodworking to fencing and aerial arts, here are 9 "not-your-average" activities local kids can try in Athens & Oconee:
1. Learn How to Weld
Metal Show Fantasy Camp | Watkinsville, GA
Yes, welding! For kids. Metal Shop Fantasy Camp offers hands-on opportunities for kids ages 10+ to learn real welding and metalworking skills. Beginners can learn shop safety, how welding works, and how to operate the equipment before putting those skills to work on a steel project of their own.
Best suited for ages 10+
→ Check out their class options.
2. Learn How to Fence
Athens Fencing Club | Athens, GA
Sword fighting as an extracurricular? Sign me up. 😂 Athens Fencing Club offers youth instruction where kids can learn the fundamentals of fencing while developing coordination, strategy and athletic skills. Even better, curious beginners can try their first class FREE!
Available for ages 13 and under
3. Learn How to Play Hockey
Northeast Georgia Hockey Association | Athens. GA
Yep, ice hockey is an option for local kids, too! Northeast Georgia Hockey Association gives both new and returning players opportunities to learn the sport, develop their skills and become part of the local hockey community.
Brand-new to hockey? Keep an eye out for Try Hockey FREE opportunities designed specifically to introduce new players to the sport.
Best suited for ages 8+
→ Explore current enrollment info.
4. Catch a Planetarium Show
Sandy Creek Nature Center | Athens, GA
You've probably visited Sandy Creek Nature Center for the animals and trails, but did you know there's a planetarium inside?! Scheduled programs give kids a chance to explore stars, planets and the night sky without ever leaving Athens. Shows are offered on select dates, so be sure to check out the current schedule before visiting.
Best suited for age 5+ with caregiver
5. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Sandy Creek Park | Athens, GA
No kayak? No problem! Families can rent kayaks and canoes right at Sandy Creek Park and head out onto Lake Chapman for a completely different way to spend a day together. Kids ages 12–17 can operate their own boat with an adult nearby on the lake, while younger children can paddle along with an adult.
Best suited for ages 5+ with caregiver
6. Complete Woodworking Projects
Tooling Around With Tommy | Watkinsville, GA
Have a kid who's always trying to “help” when the toolbox comes out? Tooling Around With Tommy gives kids the opportunity to learn real woodworking and DIY skills while creating a project they can take home and proudly say they built themselves.
Best suited for ages 5+ with caregiver
7. Try Preparing Easy Recipes
Kroger Chef Junior | Athens, GA
Here's one you may have walked past a hundred times without realizing it existed! Participating Kroger locations host Chef Junior cooking experiences where kids follow along with a Kroger chef to make a featured recipe. Recipes change each month, making this one worth checking again and again.
Best suited for ages 4+
→ See upcoming Kroger Chef Junior Events in Athens.
8. Study Another Language
The Hello House Language & Learning Center | Athens, GA
The Hello House Language & Learning Center gives local children the opportunity to experience language learning at a young age through engaging, age-appropriate instruction designed to make learning another language feel natural and fun. Rather than simply memorizing vocabulary words, kids are exposed to language through interactive activities that help them build communication skills and confidence along the way.
Best suite for ages 5 - 14
→ Explore Fall 2026 enrollment.
9. Throw Pottery on a Wheel
Twisted Moon Studios | Bogart, GA
Painting pottery is one thing. Learning to actually create it on a pottery wheel is another! Twisted Moon Studios offers opportunities for young artists to get hands-on with clay, including wheel throwing, hand building and glazing through select classes and private instruction.
Age requirement by discretion.
→ View Private Pottery Lesson details.
10. Learn Aerial Arts
Canopy Studio | Athens, GA
For the kid who watches an aerial performer and immediately thinks, “I want to do THAT!” Canopy Studio offers aerial arts instruction for kids and teens, with opportunities to learn skills on apparatuses like trapeze and aerial fabrics.
Best suited for ages 8+
→ Explore Fall class enrollment when you create an account.
11. Join the Teen Cartoon Illustration Club
Lyndon House Arts Center | Athens, GA
For the teen who is always doodling! Teen Cartoon Illustration Club gives young artists a space to explore cartooning and illustration while developing their own creative style and connecting with other teens who love to draw.
Best suited for ages 12 - 17
→
View upcoming enrollment dates.
12. Join the Teen Fashion Design & Sewing Club
Lyndon House Arts Center | Athens, GA
Have a future fashion designer in the family? Teen Fashion Design & Sewing Club gives creative teens the chance to explore fashion while building hands-on design and sewing skills.
Best suited for ages 12 - 17
→ View upcoming enrollment dates.
What did I miss? 👀
This may be one of my favorite lists I've put together because it proves just how much is hiding around Athens & Oconee if you know where to look. And I'm convinced there are more weird, wonderful and completely unexpected kids' activities out there that I haven't discovered yet.
Does your child take a class or participate in an activity that makes other parents say, “Wait... you can do that in Athens?!” Send it my way: jessicasweeney@macaronikid.com.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Athens & Oconee?
