Things to do in your own backyard…
1. Take some time to prepare your backyard for a season of fun! Child-proof it as much as possible, put out materials and toys that will keep your kids interested...create a place they’ll want to spend time. Pick a spot in the yard and surrender it to your kids for the summer! Let them dig, water, splash, plant, whatever they can imagine without worrying what the neighbors will think!
2. If a tree house is too big a project to undertake, build a fort or tee-pee out of bamboo poles, sheets and blankets. Your kids can add onto it throughout the summer and a waterproof tarp will make it a special place even on rainy days.
3. Create a family time capsule and bury it in the yard around your house. Let each child choose something to include…a drawing, a letter, a photo, etc.
4. Build your own outdoor obstacle course.
5. Have a family camp-out right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, have a picnic dinner, toast marshmallows and tell stories. Invite friends over to join in the fun!
6. Dig an archaeology site in the yard. Allow your little explorers to search for fossils and buried treasure…parents can “refill” items during naps or after bedtime.
7. Plant a garden and allow each family member a small section to plant and care for whatever they choose.
8. Join the summer reading program at your local library.
9. Celebrate the birthday of your child’s special stuffed animal, doll or pet. Any excuse to bake a cake, light candles and make wishes!
Things to do around town…
1. Pick strawberries or blueberries at Washington Farms in Watkinsville. Buffalo Creek is a wonderful orchard in Oglethorpe County for picking your own blueberries.
2. Attend a UGA sporting event. Women’s softball games are free of charge and Men’s baseball games are $5/ticket.
3. Find outdoor concerts in your area
4. Visit the UGA farm on Milledge (across from the Botanical Gardens) to see the spring lambs.
5. Attend a kids’ clinic at Lowe’s or Home Depot (free) or Michaels (small fee).
6. Children’s story times are held at libraries in Athens and all surrounding counties.
7. Visit the Athens Farmer’s Market and play at Bishop Park.
8. Turn your ordinary PB&J into something special by packing a picnic lunch to take to the park or eat in your own backyard!
9. Check out the cheap shows for the latest family-friendly movie.
10. Visit Bear Hollow at Memorial Park when they feed the animals or open the Exhibit Hall.
11. Bring the whole family to participate in the many Fun Runs held at local schools.
12. Spend an afternoon going to yard sales searching for inexpensive, but beloved treasures.
13. Visit J&J Flea Market or Pendergrass Flea Market
14. Go for a swim at Sandy Creek Park or take a hike at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The Nature Center is perfect for those scorching summer days!
15. Take a yoga lessons with your kids.
16. Enjoy one of the area’s festivals like Twilight Criterium.
17. Kids’ Dance Parties at Clocked Restaurant
18. Hodgson’s Ice Cream
19. Tour the local fire station
20. Take in a show at the UGA Performing Arts Center
21. Chick-Fil-A special events like “Daddy-Daughter Date Night)
Favorite Pools in the Athens areas…
1. Green Acres
2. Memorial Park
3. Bishop Park
4. Legion Park
Favorite Parks & Playgrounds…
1. Bishop Park- for younger kids
2. Memorial Park- ducks, dog park, wildlife zoo
3. Chase Street Elementary- after 6 p.m., or when school is not in session
4. Barnett Shoals Elementary- barnyard animals
5. Pittard Park- playgrounds for younger and older kids
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