Athens-Clarke County · Georgia, GA

Family things to do in Athens-Clarke County

Scout analyzed 68 Athens-Clarke County places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

68

Matches

25

Typical spend

$30

Typical visit

1.8 hr

Scout-verified spots

Sandy Creek Park

Outdoors

Sandy Creek Park

Sandy Creek Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails, disc golf, and lake activities. Expect to spend $2-10 per person on entry or rentals, making it a budget-friendly option for families or solo adventurers.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$2–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
George's Lowcountry Table

Food & Drink

George's Lowcountry Table

George's Lowcountry Table is a laid-back spot for Southern food, suitable for a casual meal any time of day. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for a visit lasting about 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Outdoors

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This botanical garden is a good spot for a free, relaxed outing, offering extensive walking paths and educational programs. It can easily fill a few hours and pairs well with a picnic or a meal nearby.

OutdoorsShoppingViews
$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
The Place

Food & Drink

The Place

This American restaurant with Southern comfort food and drinks is suitable for an evening meal or casual outing. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $20-45 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$45 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Allgood Lounge

Nightlife

Allgood Lounge

Visit Allgood Lounge for evening drinks, especially when looking for a rooftop experience. Expect to spend $20-50 per person on drinks over 1-2 hours, making it a good spot before or after dinner in downtown Athens.

CocktailsOutdoorsViews
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Georgia Museum of Art

Arts & Culture

Georgia Museum of Art

Spend 1-2 hours exploring rotating exhibits for free. It pairs well with a stroll around the UGA campus or as a quiet afternoon activity, costing nothing beyond parking.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed
$0 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking
The Classic Center

Arts & Culture

The Classic Center

The Classic Center is a large venue suitable for attending concerts, conventions, or special events, often requiring tickets bought in advance. A visit typically lasts a few hours, with costs varying widely based on the event, from moderate to significant.

Live musicArtsSports
$25–$150 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Georgia Club

Sports & Recreation

The Georgia Club

The Georgia Club is primarily for a full round of golf, typically taking around 4 hours and costing $100-250 per person for green fees and a cart. It pairs well with a meal at the clubhouse afterwards.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$100–$250 typical4 hr visiteasy parking
Hendershot's

Food & Drink

Hendershot's

Hendershot's is a casual coffee shop and bar good for an evening outing with live music, often costing $10-30 per person for drinks and snacks. It's a solid choice for a relaxed date or a solo evening, easily pairing with other nearby activities.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$10–$30 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Historic Watson Mill Bridge State Park

Outdoors

Historic Watson Mill Bridge State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring a historic covered bridge and riverside scenery. It costs a few dollars for parking and can be combined with a picnic or short hike.

OutdoorsHistoryViews
$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sandy Creek Park Beach

Sports & Recreation

Sandy Creek Park Beach

Sandy Creek Park Beach is suitable for a low-cost, outdoor family outing or solo relaxation, ideal for 2-4 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a walk on nearby trails.

SportsOutdoorsAnimals
$2–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Southeast Clarke Park

Outdoors

Southeast Clarke Park

Southeast Clarke Park is a great free option for a family outing, a walk with the dog, or playing sports, lasting 1.5-2 hours. It's best on good weather days and pairs well with a picnic.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Wiggley Field

Outdoors

Wiggley Field

This dog park is a free outdoor spot for pet owners to exercise their dogs. Expect to spend about an hour here, easily pairing it with other local errands or a casual walk.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rush Athens Trampoline Park

Family

Rush Athens Trampoline Park

Rush Athens Trampoline Park is a good indoor option for active kids, especially on weekends or for birthday parties. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $15-25 per person for jumping time.

SportsPlayfulAdventurous
$15–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sandy Creek Nature Center

Family

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Sandy Creek Nature Center is a free, family-friendly destination perfect for a 1-2 hour outdoor excursion with live animal exhibits and nature trails. It pairs well with a picnic or a casual lunch afterward, providing an educational and relaxed experience.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Bear Hollow Zoo

Family

Bear Hollow Zoo

Bear Hollow Zoo is a free, short outing suitable for families or a quick solo visit, often paired with a picnic or other park activities. Expect to spend about an hour walking the trail, observing local wildlife.

AnimalsOutdoorsRelaxed
$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Hard Labor Creek State Park

Outdoors

Hard Labor Creek State Park

This state park offers a full day of outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and lake recreation. It's a good primary destination for a family or solo outing, costing a daily park pass fee plus activity rentals.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$5–$30 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Native America Gallery

Shopping

Native America Gallery

Visit for unique Native American jewelry, art, and home decor, potentially as a quick stop during a downtown walk. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes browsing, with costs ranging from free browsing to significant purchases.

ShoppingArtsHistory
$0–$50 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking
Ben Burton Park

Outdoors

Ben Burton Park

Ben Burton Park is good for a low-cost, active outdoor outing, especially with dogs or for a casual paddle. Expect to spend 1-2 hours hiking or exploring the river access.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
The World Famous

Nightlife

The World Famous

This pub is suitable for an evening out, especially to catch live music or have drinks and local eats. Plan for a 2-hour visit and expect to spend $15-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Big City Bread Cafe

Food & Drink

Big City Bread Cafe

Big City Bread Cafe is a solid spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with family or friends. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person on American fare and housemade bread.

FoodShoppingOutdoors
$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Fort Yargo State Park

Outdoors

Fort Yargo State Park

Fort Yargo State Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion with family or solo, offering hiking, swimming, and picnicking. Expect to pay a state park entrance fee (around $5-10 per car).

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$5–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail

Outdoors

Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail

This free wildlife trail offers an easy outdoor activity for families or a quiet solo walk, taking about 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or other nearby Athens attractions.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Walker Park

Outdoors

Walker Park

This park is suitable for a free, active outing with family or solo, offering playgrounds and fitness equipment. Plan for about 1.5 hours of activity, best paired with good weather.

OutdoorsSportsWellness
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

What Scout found

  • 45 of the 68 analyzed Athens-Clarke County places fit family.
  • 58% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 64% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Educational.

Book ahead

Book tours and tickets in Athens-Clarke County

Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Athens-Clarke County.

See what's bookable in Athens-Clarke County(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Make it a night out

Staying over in Athens-Clarke County?

Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Athens-Clarke County — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.

Find places to stay in Athens-Clarke County(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.