Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services and local partners have organized a slate of fall programs for toddlers and preschoolers designed to give caregivers dependable, age-appropriate options after school or during morning hours.
Programs, times and who they serve
The offerings include outdoor storytimes, guided short hikes, indoor play sessions and arts-and-crafts workshops. Most events are free; a few require a small fee for residents and nonresidents.
- Storytime in the Park — Dudley Park pavilion, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.; recommended for children 5 and under; no registration required; free.
- Tiny Trek — Memorial Park (Birchmore Trail), Sept. 29 and Oct. 27 at 10 a.m.; children ages 3–6; short, modified hikes; strollers not permitted; free.
- Jumping Gym — Howard Park & Community Center, Sept. 22 and Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; open to children under 5; features bounce-house play; free.
- Inventors Club — Memorial Park Recreation Hall, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 at 10 a.m.; for ages 3–7; themed craft projects with option to donate creations to Bear Hollow Zoo; $3 for Athens-Clarke County residents, $5 for nonresidents.
- 123 Toddler and Me! — Lay Park & Community Center, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.; for 2–5-year-olds; parent-child activities include arts and crafts, gym games and cooking projects; registration required; prices start at $3 for Athens-Clarke County residents.
What parents should bring and prepare for
Event organizers advise families attending outdoor storytimes to arrive a few minutes early and bring a blanket, bug spray and sunscreen for their children. Some activities are designed to be hands-on and may include simple craft materials. Strollers are not permitted on the Tiny Trek hikes, and Recreation Hall and community center spaces may have limited capacity, so caregivers should check registration requirements for sessions that ask for them.
"Introduce toddlers to the magic of reading with stories, songs and rhyming activities."
Why these programs matter locally
These programs serve multiple local needs: they provide low-cost early childhood enrichment, create safe settings for active play, and offer structured social interaction for young children ahead of kindergarten. Partnering venues — including the Athens Regional Library, Bear Hollow Zoo and multiple ACC community centers and parks — leverage public facilities already familiar to many residents.
| Program | Location | Date(s) | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storytime in the Park | Dudley Park pavilion | Sept. 18, Sept. 25 | Up to 5 | Free |
| Tiny Trek | Memorial Park (Birchmore Trail) | Sept. 29, Oct. 27 | 3–6 | Free |
| Jumping Gym | Howard Park & Community Center | Sept. 22, Oct. 13 | Under 5 | Free |
| Inventors Club | Memorial Park Recreation Hall | Oct. 20, Nov. 17 | 3–7 | $3 (ACC), $5 (nonres.) |
| 123 Toddler and Me! | Lay Park & Community Center | Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Nov. 5, Nov. 19 | 2–5 | From $3 (ACC residents) |
Caregivers who need after-preschool, morning or weekend programming should consider these options as no-cost or low-fee ways to engage children in learning, socialization and outdoor activity. For events requiring registration or a small fee, families are encouraged to contact Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services or the hosting community center ahead of time to confirm space and any materials participants should bring.
Additional information, including registration details for programs that require it, is available through Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services and the Athens Regional Library.
