Friends and Family Activities in Augusta

Friends and Family Activities in Augusta…

MJ Albright, Faculty

1. Adventure crossing-this is a great place for little children (as well as teenagers) with kiddie rides, go-Karts, water bumper boats, 2 miniature golf courses, as well as indoor games. You can purchase a funpass and play all day for one low price.

2. Greenjackets baseball-features family night when they have individuals dressed up as cartoon characters, and 1/2 price kids tix.

3. Stevie B's-Pizza buffet and indoor gaming facility. A great place to go after a baseball game and on Thursday night 1/2 the proceeds from sales goes to support the elementary schools.

4. Brunswick Bowl-discount coupons for families, and cosmic bowling on the weekends. They have lessons for the kids at a nominal cost.

5. Music-throughout the year, there are features such as the popular Sunset Music Series, where you can grab a blanket and a picnic basket and listen to live music under the stars at the new outdoor ColumbiaCounty Amphitheatre. In addition, the Augusta Symphony frequently hasmusicians that present hands-on demonstrationsto the children, followed by a mini-concert; and children will have the opportunity to try out brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments as well as create their own musical crafts.

6. Movies-"Screen on the Green" features children's movies shown on a large inflatable screen at the ColumbiaCounty Amphitheatre. Concession stands with snacks and ice cream vendors are on hand, or you can bring your own dinner.

7. Plays and Shows-every year, the Augusta Ballet puts on a fantastic performance of the Nutcracker. The Augusta players perform "A Christmas Carol" yearly as well.

8. Fairs and special events-there's a very kid friendly St. Patrick's Day celebration in Augusta, beginning with a parade down Broad Street, with cloggers and authentic Irish food. Parade participants throw toys, beads and candy to the crowd of onlookers. There's also an annual Renaissance Fair, with castle mazes, kid games, exhibitions, and arts and crafts.

9. The ColumbiaCounty Public Library-holds story times quarterly on Mondays for 2-year-olds Wednesday morning for those ages 3-5 and Wed. afternoon for ages 6 and up.

10. AugustaCanal Boat Tours-enjoy a one-hour narrated tour along the canal during the week, with Saturday Sunset Cruises at 5 p.m.

11. Hiking and biking trails-up and down the AugustaCanal near the Savannah rapids, with picnic sites and large outdoor playground.

12. PhinizySwampNaturePark-The academy’s trained volunteers lead free 2 1/2-mile hikes through PhinizySwampNaturePark. Don’t miss a walk past wetlands and swamps, over picturesque trails and scenic outlooks.

13. Augusta Ice Sports Center-features an indoor ice-skating ring

14. Inflatable Jumping Venues-there are three in town, JumpCity, Monkey Joes and 4 J's inflatable. A good opportunity to drop off the kids, and let them get their Yah-Yah's out, while you get a spa manicure/pedicure.

In addition, there's a Planetarium in Aiken (30 minutes away) and a very nice Zoo in Columbia, S.C. (1 hour drive). My daughter is involved in Brownies (they have a very active troop and participate in overnight camping activities, trips to Carowinds, etc), my son is a boy scout (again, lots of camping trips, volunteer community activities). There are multiple Karate and Dance studios, and Hayden's Gymnastics in Evans has trained some world class gymnasts. First Tee of Augusta gets children involved in golf, and also promotes character development through the game of golf. I can't speak for RichmondCounty, but every school in ColumbiaCounty has a baseball, football and soccer team, most have basketball, some also have swim, golf and field hockey.