Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services
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 It's right outside your door — It's nature!

Naturalist's Walk
Join naturalists as we discover the beauty of spring. Bring binoculars, a camera, and a sense of adventure. Ages: All (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult). Dates: August 2 Times: 10-11 AM Fee: free Creek Walk: Take a walk in Sandy Creek for a cooling hike. Participants must wear closed toed shoes-no sandals and no crocs.
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Creek Walk 
N/A N/A Sa  08/02/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Walker Hall Complex 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

Babies and Beasties
Babies & Beasties Series Join us for a series of classes structured for toddlers and their guardians. Explore nature, learn about animals, go on hikes and make nature crafts. Ages: 18 months - 2 years, with accompanying adult. Dates: Winter: February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Spring: May 1, 8, 15, 22 Time: 10:00 - 10:45am Fee: Preregistration required two days before start of series. $12/ACC resident; $18/Non-resident; SCNC Members get 10% discount
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Babies and Beasties Spring 2025 
1y 6m - 2y 11m N/A Th  05/01/2025 - 05/22/2025
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Classroom #1 		$12.00 Res, $18.00 Non-Res
An adult must attend with registered child.

Journey Through the Stars
Join us for our planetarium program in the Sky Center. We will journey through the night sky, exploring the great beyond. Ages: Ages 5 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Anyone under 5 will not be admitted into the program. Children must be able to sit in the dark through the program portion. Pre-registration is required. Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Fee: $5/ACC resident, $8/Non-resident. This program is not scholarship eligible. February 15 “Animals of the Sky” View a variety of animals found in the constellations. After the program, meet one of the resident animals. Dates: March 15 “Constellations from Around the Globe” When we look in the sky at night and recognize constellations, do people around the world see the same ones? We see Scorpius the Scorpion but if you lived in the Pacific Islands, you may see Maui’s Fishing Hook. We see the big dipper but in England the plough. Learn about constellations from around the world and compare myths of the star stories. April 19 “Spring Skies” We’ll discover what is visible this spring in the night sky. May 17 “Star Light, Star Bright” What is a star? We’ll talk about the stars closest to us and why we see different sizes and colors. After the show, we will demonstrate how stars make energy.
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April "Spring Skies" 
5y and up N/A Sa  04/19/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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March "Constellations from Around the Globe" 
5y and up N/A Sa  03/15/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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August "Cookies in Space" 
5y and up N/A Sa  08/16/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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July "Wonders of Day and Night" 
5y and up N/A Sa  07/19/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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June "Summer Skies" 
5y and up N/A Sa  06/21/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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May "Star Light, Star Bright" 
5y and up N/A Sa  05/17/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium 		$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.

Celebrate Mud Day
Celebrate Mud Day Come play in the mud with us and appreciate all the benefits of mud. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and closed toe shoes that will stay on your feet in the sticky mud. No crocs, flip flops or open toed sandals. Must have shoes-no bare feet! Drop in for a few minutes or play the entire time. We will have a wash station to use before getting in your car. Ages: Anyone that likes to play in the mud Date: June 21 Time: 2:00-4:00pm Fee: Free
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  No Registration Required
Mud Day 
N/A N/A Sa  06/21/2025
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Outdoor Classroom 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

ORLT Butterfly Walk
Join retired UGA Entomology Professor Jim Porter on a butterfly walk in Tallassee Forest hosted by Oconee River Land Trust. We’ll start by taking a look at Professor Porter’s impressive butterfly collection and then head into the woods, walking towards the Middle Oconee River as we look for butterflies. Along the way we will gain an understanding of how conservation efforts in Tallassee Forest is helping protect biodiversity on this property.
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ORLT Butterfly Walk Tallassee Forest 
10y - 100y N/A Sa  06/28/2025
09:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Tallassee Forest 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for hiking. Bring a water bottle. An adult must accompany minors.

First Saturday Park Play
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  06/07/2025
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Ben Burton Park - Field 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must
 
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First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  07/05/2025
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Ben Burton Park - Field 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must
 
   Log In
First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  08/02/2025
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Ben Burton Park - Field 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must

Fish On!
Join Middle Oconee Parks staff as you learn how to make a traditional cane pole, spot different kinds of fish, and practice catch-and-release fishing, all while staying nice and dry. In this exciting game, you’ll use magnets instead of hooks, colorful paper fish instead of the real ones, and play on dry land instead of in the water. It’s a perfect way to discover the joys of fishing without getting messy!
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Fish On! 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  05/17/2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Sandy Creek Park - Garden 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
There is a $2 per person fee to get into Sandy Creek Park. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Nature Play Day
Nature Play Day is fun and educational outdoor program designed to connect children and families with the natural beauty of our local parks. This collaboration between Trails and Open Space and Middle Oconee River Parks offers a fun-filled morning of hands-on exploration, physical activity, and environmental learning. The event encourages children to engage in unstructured outdoor play while fostering a deep appreciation for nature.
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Nature Play Day at Dudley Park 
N/A Sa  07/12/2025
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Dudley Park 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

Pollinator Census
Help us participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Participants will count how many different species of insects visit a particular flower in 15 minutes. We’ll share resources to make your home more pollinator friendly and have a few activity stations. Ages: All ages. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult Date: August 23 Time: 10am Fee: Free. Registration not required.
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  No Registration Required
Pollinator Census 
N/A N/A Sa  08/23/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sandy Creek Nature Center - Foyer 		$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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