You may think Athens is a town exclusively for college students, but there's more to it than football and late-night study sessions. On our visit, we discovered fun playgrounds, nature trails and other kid-friendly fun. Sandy Creek Nature CenterÂKids can explore 225 acres of woodlands and wetlands that lead all the way to the North Oconee River. The Education and Visitor Center includes live reptiles, amphibians, marine and freshwater aquariums and interactive natural history exhibits for a day full of learning about Georgia's native wildlife. 205 Old Commerce Rd., Athens. 706-613-3615. Free. Backpack Campus TourLet your kids to bring their backpacks and pretend they are in college for the day.  Tour North Campus, starting on Broad Street and walk around the famous arch (legend has it that only those who  graduated from The University of Georgia may walk beneath the Arch). Stop at the main library and the café attached to the library. Then, walk down to the Tate Student Center and University Bookstore for a snack and some Bulldog gear. Kids will marvel at the size of UGA's football stadium, Sanford Stadium, and imagine the roars and cheers of the 90,000+ fans in the stadium on gamedays. Bear Hollow ZooMeet Opossums, black bears, bald eagles and more who have been rescued from the wild and are native to Georgia. Bear Hollow is a great place for kids to learn about Georgia's native animals and see how they function in natural habitats. The reptile house is also open to visitors to see reptile and amphibian exhibits. 293 Gran Ellen Dr., Athens. 706-613-3580. Free. Stop and PlayÂJust a few minutes from Downtown Athens is the World of Wonder Park/Playground. The big, new playground is a huge improvement from the wooden structure of the past. It is a Biba Activated Playground (augmented reality gameplay experience) and has a rock climbing wall, a two-story Dynamo Apollo Spinner and a rope web climber.  The swing areas include standard swings, as well as generational swings, swings for individuals with mobility impairment and park bench swings for parents. 325 Whit Davis Rd., Athens. Watch Some SportsUGA is more than just a football school. See the Dawgs play baseball at Foley Field and Basketball or Gymnastics at Stegman Coliseum (affectionately known as the Stegosaurus for its old-school 1960s design). Tennis and swimming are two other popular sports to experience on campus. Grab some bulldogs gear and let your kids cheer on these talented college athletes. See a ShowBefore your visit, grab the local independent magazine, The Flagpole, for a great list of shows happening downtown. The paper also includes other arts and community event information. Some of music's greats started their careers in Athens (think R.E.M. and Zac Brown Band).  Mom and dad can stop by The 40 Watt Club (ages 18 and older) or The Georgia Theatre and The Foundry periodically has all-ages shows.  The 40 Watt Club: 285 West Washington St., Athens. The Georgia Theatre: 215 N. Lumpkin St., Athens. The Foundry: 295 East Dougherty St., Athens. Where to Stay:Holiday Inn Athens-University Area: The location is great for parking the car and walking around downtown during your visit. 197 E Broad St., Athens. Hotel Indigo: This hotel is on the boutique/ fancier grade, but great for a special weekend away. 500 College Ave., Athens. The Graduate: The retro-feel makes staying at this hotel a fun pick and the pool is great for hot days. The Foundry is connected to the hotel, making seeing live shows easy. 295 E Dougherty St, Athens. Where to Eat:Cheap, tasty food is king in Athens. College kids and visitors alike come back to Athens time and time again for the eats. Cali N Tito's: Great playground area and great, authentic burritos. 427 S Lumpkin St., Athens. The Grit:  Not you're run of the mill vegetarian place, meat-eaters and vegetarians alike love this place. Get a golden bowl (veggies, rice and tofu) or the super duper nachos. They also have a great brunch on weekends. Our 5-year-old kid-tester devoured the huge serving of chocolate chip pancakes. This place can get crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly. 199 Prince Ave., Athens. Ted's Most Best:  Huge salads and mouth-watering pizzas and pasta. 254 W Washington St, Athens. Clocked: If you want great burgers and fries, onion rings and milkshakes, this is the spot! 259 W Washington St., Athens. Ideal Bagel Company and Athens Bagel Cpompany: Two great bagel stops for every combination of creme cheese and fresh bagels you can imagine. Ideal: 815 W Broad St B, Athens;  Athens: 268 N Jackson St., Athens. Jittery Joe's:  Great muffins, other pastries and coffee. 9 Athens locations. Big City Bread Cafe: Delicious brunch and breakfast items. 393 N. Finley St., Studio A , Athens. The Grill: Old-school establishment with great burgers and milkshakes. Make sure to order the feta and fries. 171 College Ave., Athens. Agua Linda Taqueria: Hang with the locals at this Mexican food favorite. 1376 Prince Ave., Athens. Other Local Stops:Treehouse Kid and Craft:  This toy store has so many fun toys and crafts, or stop by for a craft workshop while you visit. 815 W Broad St., Athens. Scope out the cool, local thrift shops such as Dynamite Clothing: 143 North Jackson St., Athens. Half Moon Outfitters: Fun kids clothing and outdoor equipment. 394 Prince Ave., Athens. For mom and dad: Creature Comforts Brewery: 271 Hancock Ave., Athens. and Terrapin Beer Co.: 265 Newton Bridge Rd., Athens. J.Crew Mercantile: Find discounted J.Crew items in the heart of downtown. 169 W. Clayton St., Athens. The post Best Things to Do in Athens, Georgia with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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