Inside: A local mom visits Athens, Georgia, and shares all the details on how to plan a budget-conscious family trip to the area!
Have you considered Athens, GA for a family getaway? Athens is a small city that packs quite the punch for budget-conscious families looking to enjoy something new. If your family is looking for a fun place to go for a getaway that is budget-friendly and entertaining for the whole family, Athens is a great choice. There are a lot of reasons to love Athens – which I’ll tell you all about – but this is absolutely a fantastic destination for families looking to stretch their dollars while on vacation.
Thank you to Visit Athens GA for hosting us. This article is based on a previous year’s trip and has been updated with 2026 dates and information.
Quick Summary: Visiting Athens, GA
Think you need a big budget for a fun family vacation? Think again.
Athens, Georgia might just be your next favorite getaway, and it’s only a couple hours from the Upstate!
We sent a local mom to explore all the best kid-friendly spots in this artsy, affordable college town. From interactive museums and FREE zoos to playgrounds with three-story slides, this place delivers fun without blowing your travel fund.
🛏️ Where to stay
🎨 Free activities
🍽️ Where to eat and treat
🌳 Outdoor adventures
Want the full scoop? Read on.
About Athens, GA
Athens is the state’s smallest county, but it packs a punch even so. It’s home to the University of Georgia and the Dawgs and is also rife with culture, art, food, gardens, awesome playgrounds, and places for kids of all ages to enjoy themselves.
Athens is under two hours from the Upstate, an hour north of Atlanta, and a little over an hour from Helen, Georgia. While it’s a city, Athens is by no means anywhere near as large as the Atlanta-metro area, yet it has an astounding number of things to do, tasty places to eat, and an array of activities for families.
The arts are a big part of Athens, and I was amazed to find so many free things to do to really enjoy the city’s culture.
Where to Stay in Athens
We stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, a beautiful hotel with one and two-bedroom suites. All of them have kitchens!
We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite that had comfortable queen beds, a living area with a pullout couch, and a small kitchen. It was perfect for my two kids and me and would certainly work for a larger family as well. The hotel can accommodate adjoining rooms and is pet-friendly.
The hotel is centrally located to restaurants and entertainment. We walked to almost every place we ate at, and we didn’t drive more than 15 minutes to any place we ventured off to. The hotel is within walking distance of the University of Georgia campus and stadium.
You can play shuffleboard or pool in the game room, and there is a full bar area downstairs to have an adult beverage. Coffee and tea are available for free in the lobby all day, and the hotel offers free breakfast every morning from 6-9 am on weekdays and 7-10 am on weekends. They had a large variety of breakfast foods like yogurt, cereal, bagels, English muffins, eggs, bacon, grits, and fruit. My kids really loved it.
Your stay includes free WiFi and a Wednesday social. Self-parking is an extra fee of $18/night ($50 for event parking).
750 E Broad Street, Athens, GA
706-548-3500
Things to Do in Athens
Georgia Museum of Art
I’m an art lover. When I lived in Washington, DC, I spent so much time at the National Gallery of Art, and loved every second. This Museum of Art in Georgia on the campus of the University of Georgia is seriously on par with the one in DC, just smaller. It’s so beautiful in design but also has more than 20 galleries that consist of all kinds of art like oil paintings, sculptures, and even silver spoons and trays and armor and medals. So neat.
I was totally blown away. They have all varieties of art, like Impressionist art, Modern art, Renaissance art, everything. All the staff were so helpful and kind. One tipped off my daughter that she could open one of the drawers under an exhibit of armor and swords to find medals from royalty. It was so cool!
They also have Backpack Tours for kids, which guests can check out at the front desk. These include activity cards, touring tips, and some goodies. Admission is free every day for everyone, and the museum asks that you reserve your tickets online and check in at the front desk when you arrive. Parking is free in the decks and surface lots on Saturdays and Sundays, and in the surface lots after 6 pm on weekdays; on weekdays before 6 pm, the Performing Arts Center and East Campus decks are pay to park (credit card only, no cash). We spent about an hour and 15 minutes there.
90 Carlton St, Athens, GA
Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park
A free zoo with bears, owls, gators, and snakes? It exists and it’s at the Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, GA. This zoo is small and perfect for little legs, although we only saw adults when we went on a Friday afternoon! The zoo houses rescued animals and is nice and shaded.
They have black bears, river otters, a bald eagle, beavers, a red fox, an alligator, and other native animals, plus various reptiles and amphibians. My kids and I really loved the owls. The screech owl was seriously the cutest little thing, but the great horned owl and barred owl were beautiful as well.
You probably won’t need more than an hour here, but if your kids love to go slowly in zoos and spend time hanging out with their favorite animals, you may be there longer. There’s also a small play area and a lake with ducks you can feed. Over the summer, you can swim at Memorial Park Pool, located right next to the zoo where the restrooms are. See below for details on hours.
293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, GA
Open daily 9 am – 5 pm
World of Wonder Playground
This enormous playground has ten slides, including a three-story one (which I totally tried out myself), plus a rope web climber and a two-story Dynamo Apollo spinner.
There are several swings, including ones where the parent/big sibling can swing facing a baby. Those are cool. There is also a handicap swing as well as a ramp to provide access to the elevated parts of the playground geared for smaller kids, plus ADA access to one of the spinning things on the playground for bigger kids.
Some kids brought small bikes and scooters to ride around the one-fifth-mile concrete walking loop. For more adventurous families, there are a few trails, including one that is nice and shaded, in the park.
One thing I really appreciated was the many areas of shade over the playground equipment and over the seating areas for parents. They were much appreciated since the day we went, the temperature had already climbed to the 80s in the morning.
There are bathrooms at the park.
325 Whit Davis Road, Athens, GA
Monday-Friday 8 am – sunset
Saturday-Sunday 9 am – sunset
The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia
As a garden, flower, and plant lover, I was excited to check out the Botanical Gardens. I’ve somehow managed to convince my kids that botany is cool so they were also excited to see what was in store for us there. Turns out, there were a lot of neat things to explore. There were hidden gems – even hidden playgrounds – all over the gardens. I wrote a full review of the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia because there’s a lot to say about it!
There is no admission fee to the Botanical Gardens.
2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA
Grounds open daily 7 am – 7 pm (except UGA holidays); the visitor center is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday 11:30 am – 4:30 pm, closed Monday
Sandy Creek Park
Sandy Creek Park has it all: a playground, shaded picnic areas, a lake with boat rentals, 28,000 square feet of sandy beach, and trails. It’s a great spot to cool off during the summer and walk the trails during the cooler months. It’s just outside of downtown Athens. Daily entry is $2 per person for ages 4-64, and free for children under 4 and visitors 65 and older. Canoe and kayak rentals are $8 per boat per hour, weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA
Gates open at 8 am and the exit gate locks at 7:30 pm, Tuesday – Sunday; closed on Mondays. Hours shift through the year with daylight, so check before you go.
Where to Eat in Athens
The Rook & Pawn
If you love board games, you’ll never want to leave the Rook and Pawn in Athens, GA. The cafe is counter service only with several options for sandwiches, salads, coffee, and drinks. I got the Monte Cristo sandwich ($12) while my kids got the grilled cheese with carrots and ranch ($6) and the pita pizza with bacon ($6). Everything was delicious, but I think the real fun was in the huge wall of board games to choose from. We ended up playing a road trip geography game that was appropriate for my kids’ ages and had so much fun.
To play the games, adults ages 13+ pay $7. Kids are free as long as they are with a paying adult.
294 W Washington Street, Suite 300, Athens, GA
Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 11 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am – 1 am
Mama’s Boy
Mama’s Boy is known for its made-from-scratch breakfast meals like biscuits and gravy, Georgia peach French toast, and strawberry lemonade. Don’t miss the strawberry lemonade. I got it for my kids and was really bummed I hadn’t ordered one for myself after trying theirs! My kids both had the biscuit sandwich with egg and cheese, and I had a roasted garden vegetable bowl over grits with poached eggs that were perfectly cooked. It was delicious. The biscuits are soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness.
They serve breakfast all day as well as lunch and are counter-service only, so they don’t take reservations. They have two locations. Highly recommend!
197 Oak Street, Athens, GA
8851 Macon Hwy, Suite 403, Athens, GA
Open daily 7 am – 2:30 pm, closed major holidays
Cali ‘n Titos
Cali ‘n Titos was my favorite restaurant we visited for a few reasons: the food was amazing, they have an outdoor play area for kids, and the music and decor were really fun.
The food is full of Latin flavors like cilantro, lime, and some spicy elements if you want them. We ordered the chips and queso, which was devoured pretty fast given that my kids and I probably could have just eaten the queso with a spoon because it was so good. We had the veggie quesadilla (huge), fish tacos, and fried yuca. The quesadilla and yuca were our favorites next to the chips and queso. A fellow diner suggested the empanadas, but we had already ordered too much food by then!
The play area is perfect. It has a slide, a boat kids can climb in, and there is sand everywhere for them to dig in. You order at the counter and then choose a picnic table anywhere you want and servers bring your food. It’s very casual and fun and would be my first choice if we were to go back to Athens!
1427 S Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA
1245 Cedar Shoals Drive, Athens, GA
Where to Get Treats
Alumni Cookie Dough | 480 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA
Amazing edible cookie dough plus milkshakes and cookie dough/ice cream combos. They offer keto, vegan, and gluten-free cookie dough as well. They also have a really cool angel wing mural in the shop that is worth a photo.
Kilwins | 283 E Broad Street, Athens, GA
A delightful new addition to Athens’ culinary landscape, Kilwins brings a tempting array of chocolates, toffee, ice cream, and more. This charming sweets shop has quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss their signature treat: “the perfect” caramel apple, a must-try that showcases Kilwins’ dedication to quality and flavor.
Condor Chocolates | 1658 S Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA
We really wanted to try this place, but we got there too late in the day. Next time! They have bean-to-bar chocolates, truffles, gelato, and sipping chocolate. The Five Points cafe is open Monday-Wednesday 9 am – 8 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm, and there is a second Downtown Factory Store at 160 E Washington Street.
Bubble Cafe | 154 College Ave, Athens, GA
Bubble tea is definitely a thing in Athens. We passed several places before I finally gave in to my curiosity and tried one. I had to ask the very kind employee to explain it all to me and for suggestions of what to order. I ended up with taro tea and strawberry bobas (little balls of strawberry goodness). It was amazing. I gave my kids a taste and they had seriously too much fun trying to get the bobas with the straw. Bubble Cafe also offers poke bowls, rice bowls, and udon soup plus several other kinds of tea.
Where to Cool Off
No pools or splash pads were open when we visited, but they open for the summer season each year. In 2026 the season ran May 23 through July 26, with Bishop Park Pool and Walker Park Splash Pad staying open weekends into early September. All pools and splash pads are closed on Mondays for maintenance and cleaning. Admission is $1 per person, per visit. An individual pool pass is $20.
Walker Park Splash Pad
200 Trail Creek Street, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays-Sundays 10 am – 5:30 pm
Bishop Park Pool
705 Sunset Drive, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 12:30 – 5:30 pm (deep end closes at 5 pm, no new entries after 5 pm)
Heard Park Pool
400 McKinley Drive, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 12:30 – 5:30 pm (no new entries after 5 pm)
Lay Park Pool
297 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 12:30 – 5:30 pm (no new entries after 5 pm)
Memorial Park Pool
293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 12:30 – 5:30 pm (no new entries after 5 pm)
Howard Park Pool and Splash Pad (formerly Rocksprings Park)
291 Henderson Extension, Athens, GA
Open Tuesdays – Sundays 12:30 – 5:30 pm (no new entries after 5 pm)
Fall in Athens, GA
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, Athens offers several special fall season events. Whether you’re into cycling, live performances, or Halloween festivities, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
Athens to Savannah Ride, October 22-25, 2026: Join in the celebration of decades of cycling on the Annual Athens to Savannah Ride! Gravel cyclists take on a four-day route while road cyclists can join in for a three-day ride.
Riders will traverse the beautiful landscapes of rural Georgia, from the rugged Piedmont to the sandy Coastal Plain, all in support of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. Riders will be helping to fund a 250-mile path that will run from Athens to Savannah once the Firefly Trail and the proposed Georgia Hi-Lo Trail are each completed, boosting economic growth in rural communities.
Historic Athens Porchfest, Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1-8 pm: Experience one of the Southeast’s most unique fall traditions—Historic Athens Porchfest! Now in its eighth year, the festival brings more than 200 porches and performers together in a single, music-filled afternoon. This event transforms seven historic neighborhoods into an open-air concert venue, showcasing the heart of Athens’ renowned music scene. No tickets, no fees—just an unforgettable day filled with live music, community spirit, and the genuine charm of Athens.
Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle, Saturday, October 31, 2026: Prepare for Athens’ most imaginative Halloween celebration—the 18th Annual Wild Rumpus! Often described as Athens’ own Mardi Gras, this is not just a Halloween parade; it’s a spectacular display of creativity and self-expression. The parade steps off at 8 pm sharp and downtown Athens comes alive with thousands of costumed revelers in a dazzling showcase of fun and festivity.
Everyone is welcome to join in—no tickets required—just pure Halloween magic. Gather your friends, don your most outrageous costume, and march through The Classic City in this unforgettable, free celebration!
Christmas in Athens, GA
Winter Wonderlights
Select evenings from November 19 through December 30, 2026.
Step into a holiday fantasy at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, where sparkling lights transform the garden into a glowing winter wonderland.
Cozy up by open fires to roast s’mores, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic along a half-mile trail that’s perfect for all ages.
And, be sure to check out the WonderLights Disco Nights —a lively mix of groovy tunes and stunning lights for a fun, new twist on holiday tradition. Disco Nights return January 7-9 and 15-16, 2027.
$15 per person plus taxes and vendor fees, or $18 per person on Peak Nights; free for kids ages 3 and under
Winter WonderLights Website
Ice Skating at The Classic Center
Lace-up your skates and glide into winter fun at Athens On Ice, which The Classic Center calls the only place to ice skate in the region, located at the 440 Foundry Pavilion. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a group get-together, it’s a perfect way to embrace the season. With plenty of room for skaters of all levels—whether you’re mastering your spins or just starting to skate—this rink offers a fun experience for everyone.
Athens On Ice at The Classic Center
Downtown Athens Parade of Lights
On Thursday, December 3, at 7 pm, downtown Athens will light up with the annual Parade of Lights, featuring the 2026 theme “Holiday Party” with Lee Epting as Parade Marshal. Expect themed floats, festive music, and a classic tree-lighting ceremony with none other than Santa himself. Be sure to cheer for your favorite local floats. View the Athens parade map.
Holiday Markets
Athens is a creative hub, and during the holidays, it’s the place to find unique, handmade treasures. The Indie South hosts its Holiday Hooray market December 12-13, 2026 (Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 3 pm) at General Time, 100 Newton Bridge Road. The Beechwood Holiday Market and its Tree Lighting Festival is an annual tradition as well. Explore a variety of handcrafted gifts, festive décor, local treats, and more as Athens celebrates its amazing local talent and holiday spirit.
There is so much fun to have in Athens, Georgia!
Visit the Athens, Georgia website
Will you be visiting Athens soon?
Are you looking for more fun things to do in Georgia? Check out our Kidding Around Georgia Travel Guide!
