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Plan a Family Fun Getaway
to Athens this Summer
Athens, Georgia- June 4, 2013 - Athens may be best known for its nightlife, music and football, but families "in the know" head to this vibrant college town during the summer to take advantage of a wide variety of exciting events and activities, all of which are free or reasonably priced to make for an amazing value for a Georgia summer getaway.
Downtown Athens' family-friendly summer festival, Athfest, takes place June 19th-23rd and is the best time of the year to sample the renowned live music scene. All ages are sure to enjoy celebrating music, art, film and family amid Athens' beautiful downtown. This free five-day event features over 150 bands and performers on three outdoor stages, an artists' market and film screenings. KidsFest, a subdivision of the event, offers an abundance of hands-on activities and performances specifically intended for children. The music lineup and affiliated events are posted at www.AthFest.com.
Another event that music and outdoor lovers should not miss is the State Botanical Garden's annual Sunflower Music Series concerts. Tickets for each of the four monthly performances are $15 for adults/$5 for children and include admission to the concert, light snacks and beverages. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner or dine at Dondero's Kitchen, the on-site restaurant. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BotGarden.uga.edu.
Good Dirt Studio's fun and relaxed atmosphere is ideal for those wanting to spend some quality family time while creating customized art. Hand-building "Try Clay" classes are offered to all age groups every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. For families with kids 12 and older, "Try Clay" classes on the pottery wheel are available Fridays from 7-9 p.m. The teachers are ready and willing to help and encourage people of all ages and skill levels. A full calendar of these and other classes at Good Dirt can be found at www.GoodDirtStudio.net.
If the warm weather isn't enticing enough on its own, Athens offers a variety of special events scheduled for the summer that is certain to get the whole family outside. The State Botanical Garden offers bi-weekly Full Moon Hikes on Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. A guide leads a maximum of twenty people to explore elements of nature such as the moon, nocturnal creatures, and constellations. The Family Hiking Club at the Botanical Garden explores diverse birds and flowers each month through an exciting trek through the surrounding woods, gardens and streams from 9-11 a.m. The cost of each of these events is $5 for an individual or $15 for the whole family. More information is available at www.BotGarden.uga.edu.
Sandy Creek Park's bi-weekly Friday Night Paddles invite the whole family (ages 12+) to enjoy Lake Chapman at night on canoes and kayaks from 9-11 p.m. Prices range from $5 for local residents bringing their own boat to $12 for non-county residents without a boat. Visitors should call 706-613-3631 to prepay and register. Additionally, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available each Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-5 p.m. More details about these and additional activities such as disk golf and fishing are listed under Sandy Creek Park's page at www.AthensClarkeCounty.com/facilities.
Memorial Park is one of Athens' favorite park facilities for families, and features a lake, playground, swimming pool, Birchmore Trail and Bear Hollow Zoo. Admission to the park and all of its facilities are free of charge. Bear Hollow Zoo's wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, owls and many other species of wild, free-living animals and is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The zoo's exhibit hall, where visitors can meet amphibians, reptiles, fish and more, is open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m.
Southeast Clarke Park houses special facilities for tots to teens. The World of Wonder Park is appropriately nicknamed the "WOW Park," with a giant playground, castle-domes and swinging bridge that will make kids feel like they have found their own personal kingdom. The Tot Lot is a separate section of the park that is intended for the youngest children and ensures that they have their own amenities separate from more rambunctious visitors. Designed by Tony Hawk, The Skate Park is also located within Southeast Clarke Park and is comprised of a ten- foot, 4,500 square foot bowl and a street course including ramps, rails, grinding edges, and steps. More information about Southeast Clarke Park and other local parks can be found at www.AthensClarkeCounty.com/facilities.
When it's time to escape the summer heat, Active Climbing comes to the rescue with indoor rock climbing. A deal that is great for first-timers is a $20 day-pass that includes a quick intro class and all rental gear. Friday night is Family Night, with free belay classes. Hours of operation and full package options are available at www.ActiveClimbing.com.
This summer, Athens parks, studios and festivals provide great opportunities that the whole family will enjoy. A complete listing of events and ideas, plus additional Athens travel information, is available at www.VisitAthensGa.com or by calling the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430.
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