Navigating the summer season can be tricky: balancing revolving schedules, unexpected weather changes, and enduring the sticky Georgia humidity. My guess is you don't always feel like staying in your backyard with the mosquitos when summer boredom sets in, but also don't want to empty your wallet every time you leave the house with the kids. I see you. I hear you. I am you. (Especially when it comes to the mosquitos).
Here are some of my favorite kid-friendly summer activities that are $10 or less in the Athens and Oconee area:
1. Walker Park Splash Pad
Best for: Cooling off on hot days
Ages: Toddlers + big kids
Cost: $1 cash only admission
Enjoy all-day access to a fully enclosed splash pad packed with dunk buckets, sprayers, and other interactive water features. The playground rests just outside of the splash pad and features poured-in-rubber flooring, slides, climbing obstacles, and swings!
- Address: 200 Trail Street Athens, GA
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Parent Tip: Bring a packed snack or lunch because this location has covered pavilion seating!
- View all ACCLS Aquatics information here.
 |
Best for: Exploring and burning energy
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free!
Visit Athens' only volunteer-maintained zoo, home to rehabilitated wildlife including owls, otters, a variety of reptiles, and the local-favorite black bears.
- Address: 293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, GA
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Parent Tip: After your visit, walk your way down to Memorial Park to enjoy their playground, grassy fields, and ponds where you can feed a duck or two for 50 cents!
 Can you see the alligator in this photo?? |
3. Alice H. Richards Children's Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA
Best for: Exploring and burning energy
Ages: Toddlers + big kids
Cost: Free!
The Alice H. Richards Children's Garden features water sensory play, sand digging for (real!) fossils, play equipment, and a flower + vegetable garden that little ones can quench with a watering can. Walk through the wooden arch to find a path leading to a shaded playhouse with ropes to climb, slides, musical mushrooms to play, and a flying squirrel net to lay in whenever you need to rest.
- Address: 2450 S Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Parent Tip: Make sure you pack sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes.
 |
4. $2 Summer Kid Show Series at GTC University 16
Best for: Beating the heat indoors
Ages: All ages
Cost: $2 movie tickets, $2 popcorn, $2 soda, $2 M&M Minis
Catch family-friendly summer movies on the big screen at a budget-friendly price with GTC’s Summer Kid Show Series, complete with comfy recliner seating and classic movie snacks for a discounted price, plus incredible air conditioning to cool your off from the summer heat.
- Address: 1793 Oconee Connector, Athens, GA 30606
- Hours: Select Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM
- Parent Tip: Arrive early for the best seats!
- Click the image below to access Mac KID Athens Guide to this summer's full movie lineup.
 |
5. Sandy Creek Park & Lake Chapman
Best for: Outdoor adventure and nature days
Ages: All ages
Cost: $2/person for ages 5–64. Ages 4 and under/65+ are free!
Spend the day exploring trails, fishing, picnicking, swimming, or kayaking around scenic Lake Chapman while kids enjoy plenty of open space to run and play. A great spot for family picnics and shaded breaks!
- Address: 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens, GA 30607
- Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday from 7:00 AM–8:30 PM
- Parent Tip: Bring swimsuits, sand toys, and a change of clothes if you plan to visit the beach area.
 |
6. Showtime Bowl Athens Discount Days
Best for: Rainy day fun
Ages: Best suited for ages 3–teen, and up
Cost: View all standard pricing and discount pricing here.
Showtime Bowl hosts 32 lanes along with arcade games, pool table, and 11th Pin, a full-service bar and grill. On Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 1:00pm, and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, guests pay just $2.75 per person, per game. If you don't have your own pair of bowling shoes to bring, you can purchase a rental pair for an additional $5.25 per person. Plan on bringing a child who is leaning the game? Bumpers are available upon request for ages 11 and under.
- Address: 555 Macon Highway, Athens, GA
- Hours: Monday–Friday & Sunday from 9:00 AM–11:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM–midnight
- Parent Tip: Check social media for current summer deals and family specials before heading out!
 |
Best for: Nature exploration and learning
Ages: Toddlers through tweens
Cost: Free!
Sandy Creek Nature Center is home to live snakes, bees, turtles, and other critters. They offer an interactive go-at-your-own-pace exhibits inside, along with an outdoor naturescape play space (with giant log slide!) and wetlands boardwalk that lead guests on a gentle walk through the woods. A great option for those slower summer days.
- Address: 205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Parent Tip: Don’t miss the seasonal special events; take a look at what's upcoming here.
 Agricultural section exhibits. Guests can also enjoy additional sections: Wetlands, Coastal,Urban, and the Planetarium. |
 Outdoor nature playscape featuring a large log slide |
Best for: Creative and educational outings
Ages: School-age kids and teens
Cost: Free!
Browse rotating art exhibits, family-friendly galleries, and special programs at Georgia’s official state art museum.
- Address: 90 Carlton Street, Athens, GA 30602
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thursday from 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Parent Tip: Check out all of the museum's upcoming events at https://georgiamuseum.org/art-events-in-athens/.
 |
9. ACC & Oconee County Library Storytimes
Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, and quiet mornings
Ages: Babies through elementary ages
Cost: Free!
Local libraries offer free storytimes, songs, crafts, STEM activities, and summer programs designed especially for kids.
- Locations: View all ARLS library branches here.
- Hours: Programs vary by location and day
- Parent Tip: Summer reading programs often include free prizes and activity challenges!
- Please note: Registration may be required for select events.
The Mac KID Athens Storytime Guide is currently under construction. View upcoming library events on the ARLS Events Calendar. |
Best for: Creative kids and art lovers
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free!
Explore local art exhibits, colorful galleries, and family-friendly creative programs at this downtown Athens arts center.
- Address: 293 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Parent Tip: Stop by during special family art days for hands-on activities and crafts.
 |
11. Home Depot + Lowe's Kid's Free DIY Workshops
Best for: Hands-on learning and building
Ages: Typically ages 4–12
Cost: Free!
Kids can build themed wooden projects, practice beginner tool skills, and take home their completed creations during monthly DIY workshops.
- Location:
- Home Depot: 1740 Epps Bridge Road Athens, GA 30606
- Lowes: 1851 Epps Bridge Parkway Athens, GA 30606
- Hours: See website links below for details.
- Parent Tip: Reserve spots online early because workshops often fill up quickly!
 |
12. Public Parks & Playgrounds
Best for: Everyday outdoor play
Ages: All ages
Cost: The majority offer free admission!
Athens and Oconee County are packed with playgrounds, walking trails, open fields, basketball courts, and picnic spots perfect for easy summer outings.
- Locations: Throughout Athens and Oconee County
- Hours: Typically open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Parent Tip: Visit early in the morning or after dinner to avoid peak summer heat!
- Click the image below to access the Mac KID Athens Guide to our local parks + playgrounds
 |
Looking for more things to do with kids in Athens & Oconee?
 |  |  |
