Athens Summer Survival Guide

Summer is coming. For kids and teens this might be exciting - two months away from a classroom! For parents this might be terrifying - two months with kids at home all day! For some this might be anxiety provoking - how long will it be before I feel bored? 

Having a good summer might require some planning! We have compiled a list of some free (or very inexpensive things) you can do in Athens that will make the summer feel a lot more fun. 

1. Head to Your Local Library 

Did you know your local library offers free events in the summer (and all year long!) for children and for teens? Check out what events your library is offering this summer. Events might range from kid’s storytime to teen stand up comedy. The library also does reading challenges for kids over the summer. If kids/teens read enough books there are prizes that they can get for completing the challenges! Upcoming events might include Lego Club, Beauty and the Beast Fairytale Ball and Preschool Story Time. 
Oconee County Library 
ACC Library 
Bogart Library 

2. Bear Hollow Zoo & Memorial Park 
​Bear Hollow Zoo is a place for families to come and see Georgia wildlife. Admission is free and Bear Hollow Zoo is located next to Memorial Park where there is a playground and walking trail. 

3. Sandy Creek Park 
Sandy Creek Park is located in Athens on Lake Chapman and has a beach, disk golf course, dog parks, fishing, hiking, picnic areas and playgrounds. This is a great play to go swim, hike and spend some family time together. Admission is $2 per person. 

4. Georgia Museum of Art 
Go to the Georgia Museum of Art to visit the thirteen galleries that hold permanent collections as well as the exhibitions currently on view. Admission is free, though you will have to pay for parking at the PAC deck. Parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also park in surface lot E11 for free on Saturdays and Sundays and after 4:00 on weekdays. 

5. State Botanical Garden of Georgia 
The State Botanical Garden is a free garden conservatory that has walking paths, a greenhouse, and education programs for kids. Admission to the Gardens is free. 

6. World of Wonder Park 
The very cool World of Wonder Park has ten slides and a three-story slide tower. It also has a rock climbing wall, and lots of park bench swings for parents.