Community Corner

Escape the Rain and Play Indoors

By Leigh Hewett


Will the rain ever stop? Those with children at home know how easy it is to fall victim to the summer slump, when it is just too wet to let your kids go outside to play. Before plopping your child in front of the television or computer screen yet again, check out some "cool" places in Athens that offer tons of affordable indoor fun and plenty of air conditioning.

Treehouse Kid and Craft, 815 W. Broad St.
This DIY children's center offers a super fun place to shop and a hands-on creativity area. Drop in classes such as "Exploring Crafts" invite little ones to find their inspiration, explore their creativity, and create works of art that use a variety of materials. Children have unique opportunities to unleash their imaginations even more at one of the Treehouse summer camps. A favorite for boys and girls alike called "Superhero Week" takes place in July. Please visit the website for schedule and pricing.

Chuckie Cheese-3654 Atlanta Hwy # I
This is the mecca of children's indoor entertainment. It may be loud and you might encounter a huge mouse wearing a baseball cap, but kids enjoy it. With arcade games and a menu of pizza, salad bar, and soda, it's the perfect place to unleash your children and grab lunch.  A "kid check" attendant ensures that children leave only with their parents by placing a matching stamp on you and your child. Kids can play while you relax because the attendant won't allow your child to leave with any other adult. Here's a little known tip - they will serve beer to moms and dads who are over the age of 21. The website has all the details.

Cine, 234 West Hancock Avenue
This theatre, known for showing excellent independent and local films, happens to be one of the best places in town to take the kiddos to soak in a little bit of movie culture. With a Facebook group entitled CINE KIDS, their aim is to "gather a community of Cine patrons interested in children's weekend matinee programming." Cine Kids films have included "Annie" and "The Muppets." Please visit the website to find out future movies and show times.

Beechwood Cinemas, 196 Alps Road
The Summer Kid Show Series is a great place to take your children on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. Each week offers a double feature of two family friendly films. Doors open at 9:15 AM and the movie starts at 10:00 AM. Kids will love snacking on popcorn and parents will love the special kids' snack prices during the screening. Admission is $1 and seating is on a first come first serve basis. So, get there early! Please visit www.georgiatheatrecompany.com and click on "promotions" to see the schedule and titles of the movies that will be showing this summer.

Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street
The children's programming available at our own local library is a treasure trove of entertainment. Toddler Storytime is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 and 10:30 AM. This interactive program gets children and parents not only listening to stories, but moving and singing as well. An entire schedule of puppet shows, sing-a-longs, and storytime concerts are offered this summer. Get kids excited about reading and inspire them to participate in the Summer Reading Program, where kids can earn prizes for the books that they read. For a full calender of events please visit www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us and click on "Just for kids."

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1-2-3 Jump, 3700 Atlanta Highway, inside Georgia Square Mall 
Your kids will be jumping for joy at this inflatable play zone located inside the Georgia Square Mall. Stop by and relax while your children play or for $10 you may select to "Drop and Shop." This price includes one hour of supervised play, a drink, and a snack while you run around the mall and shop. Who can beat that? 

Sandy Creek Nature Center, 205 Old Commerce Rd.
Nature has never been more exciting than at this 225-acre park. Kids will love exploring the ENSAT Interpretive Center that houses live reptiles, amphibians, and amazing fish tanks. The Center offers a huge selection of children' s programs as well as walking paths, log cabins, and, across the street at Sandy Creek Park, a beach for the kiddies to splash in and a playground as well. Children will find an adventure waiting around every corner. Please call 706-613-3615 for hours.

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Pump It Up, 400 Commerce Blvd SUITE D This indoor inflatable filled arena is sure to entice any child with its wall-to-wall slides and mazes. Weekly drop in times during the week offer a safe place for your kids to bounce and play. Promote your child's social development while he or she bounces, slides, climbs and jumps! The cost is $6. Parents may be interested in the drop-off camp, where your child can jump, eat lunch, and do a craft. Classes will be led by local elementary school teachers. Sensory Night is for children with special needs and meets the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30-7:00n PM. The cost is $7 per child. Please visit www.pumpitupparty.com for complete schedule and pricing.

Georgia Museum of Art, 90 Carlton Street
Located off East Campus Road, this University of Georgia Museum has a great children's program. They often feature a Family Day where children are invited to tour an exhibit and then try their hand at being an artist with an art project. The museum comes to life with laughter and excitement as kids can be seen appreciating art at every turn. Be sure to make it to the next event on Saturday July 27, where families are invited to bid good-bye to say farewell to Elizabeth Jane Gardner’s “La Confidence” before it travels to Bob Jones University for a visit.The best part is, there is no cost to participate! Please visit the website and click on "Kids" to see the full schedule of events.

 Aerofit Athens, 165 Coile Drive (off Mitchell Bridge Road, near Publix) This is a trampoline fitness facility that hosts summer camps, birthday parties, fitness classes, and good for you, open jumping sessions. There are 16 trampolines and a wall in which children, and you, if you wish, can bounce away the time. Check their website for times, schedules and costs. One word: jumping on a trampoline is harder than you think.

Do you have a fun indoor place to take the kids that is not included on this list? Please tell us in the comments 

 

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