KIWANIS PARK AND SPLASH PAD: Kiwanis Park offers a variety of playground equipment for children and is the location of the Kiwanis Park Splash Pad, open 10 a. m. to 7 p. m. during the summer. The park also has restrooms, a picnic pavilion and soccer fields.
Location is 406 S Prairieville St. in Athens. For information call 903-675-5131 or visit athenstx. gov.
LAKE ATHENS MARINA & RV PARK: The 1,799 acre spring-fed Lake Athens is a pleasant setting for recreational boating, fishing, picnicking, dining or RV camping. Lake Athens Marina features an RV Park, shoreline and picnic area with playground equipment. A general store and bait shop sells fishing supplies, while the Boathouse Bar & Grill offers lovely views of the lake.
Location is 5401 Marina Drive in Athens. For information call 903-675-7275 or visit lakeathensmarina. com.
NEW YORK, TEXAS, ZIPLINE ADVENTURES: Ziplining is a great
way to beat the summer heat while enjoying natural beauty from the highest point in the region at New York Texas, ZipLine Adventures. Each tour, available for participants ages 5 and above, requires reservations.
Packages include a six-line tour of 90 minutes, a nine-line tour lasting two hours, or a monthly six-line full-moon tour. Picnic lunches and charcuterie boards are available for outdoor dining, and group events and tent camping are welcome. Some hiking between platforms is required.
The address is 7290 CR 4328 LaRue, Texas. For information call 903-681-3791 or visit goziptexas. com.
ROCKY RIDGE DRIVE THROUGH SAFARI: Rocky Ridge Drive Through Safari is a short 15-minute drive south of Canton at 3350 FM 1256 in Eustace that offers a 200 acre animal oasis to experience up-close and intimate encounters with over 25 species through the diverse terrain of Rocky Ridge. You can grab a snack or safari themed souvenir from the Safari Center. They have T-shirts, plush animals and other items. Each ticket includes parking and a pound of feed for the animals on the self guided tour. You can enjoy scenic views and photograph the wildlife from your vehicle. The prices range from $ 19.95 for adults, $ 17.95 for seniors, $ 15.95 for children and kids two and younger are free. For more information, call 903-502-2100.
SELAH. PLACE: Selah. Place is a dog-friendly retreat offering modern casitas, king-size beds and outdoor adventure at 11103 FM 753 in Athens. They have a fire pit with two chairs at each Casita with fishing, walking paths and a country road to explore. There are four major lakes nearby and Canton First Monday Trades Day is 32-miles away. For more information, call 903-778-1228 or email info @ Selah. Place.
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHERIES CENTER: Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers an aquarium with indoor and outdoor tanks, outdoor hatchery tours by tram, a wetlands walking trail and catch and release fishing for all ages. Classes and workshops are also available.
“ Fireworks at the Fisheries,” an outdoor July 4 fireworks display over the hatchery ponds, is provided by the City of Athens. Admission is free after 5 p. m. on July 4.
Entry fees are $ 5.50 for adults, $ 4.50 for seniors and $ 3.50 for children 12 and younger. Parking is free. Location is 5550 F. M. 2495 in Athens. Hours are 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p. m. Sunday. For information call 903-676-2277 or visit tpwdtexas. gov.
YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS AND ADULT PROGRAMS: Summer youth camps are available at the Cain Center YMCA, Henderson County Performing Arts Center, the Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts and area churches.
The Cain Center YMCA offers a Day Camp for kids ages 4 to 12 Monday through Friday that includes a variety of activities. Swim and karate lessons and sports camps are also available. Adults can participate in pickleball clinics, karate lessons, yoga, personal training, Silver Sneakers and a variety of other fitness classes.
YES!( Youth Excellence on Stage) Summer Camp at HPCAC is from 1 to 4 p. m., June 8 to 20, for ages 7 to 14. The camp includes two performances of“ Charlotte’ s Web” at 6 p. m. on June 19 and 2 p. m. on June 20. Tuition is $ 150 per student.
Another non-profit theater organization, SNAPA, offers two youth programs this summer. Junior Troupers offers free coaching classes at 9 a. m. on Saturdays for ages 6 to 12. A two-week performance camp for ages 6 to 13 is from 1 to 4 p. m., June 15 to 26. Tuition is $ 175 per student, which includes performances of“ The Aristocats Kids” at 5 p. m. June 26 and at 2 and 5 p. m. June 27.
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