Elementary Activities
23 adventure, skill-building, and screen-free activities for school-age kids rated and reviewed by families.
Kiesel Park is Auburn's premier family destination, offering something for every age with its multiple playgrounds, refreshing splash pad, and wide open spaces perfect for active play. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 800 families, this beloved park combines excellent facilities with plenty of room to spread out, and best of all, it won't cost you a dime to enjoy a full day of outdoor fun.
Kreher Preserve & Nature Center offers 120 acres of natural wonder where kids can explore wooded trails, spot wildlife, and participate in hands-on environmental education programs. This free Auburn gem combines the adventure of hiking with interactive learning experiences that make science and nature come alive for children of all ages.
Toomer's Corner is Auburn's most beloved landmark, offering families a quintessential Southern college town experience. Kids will love the famous oak trees, sweet treats at Toomer's Drugs lemonade stand, and the vibrant street atmosphere where locals gather to celebrate. It is an easy, budget-friendly stop that combines history, local culture, and delicious ice cream all in one walkable location.
Auburn Public Library is a welcoming, modern facility that goes beyond books to offer interactive displays, hands-on activities, and engaging story time programs specifically designed for young learners. With its dedicated children's section and family-friendly atmosphere, this highly-rated library provides a comfortable, air-conditioned space where kids can explore, learn, and develop a love of reading without spending a dime.
Parkway Farmers Market in Opelika offers families a wonderful opportunity to explore local agriculture while enjoying live entertainment and hands-on activities. Kids can sample fresh produce, watch local artisans at work, and participate in seasonal family events that make shopping feel like an adventure. With its welcoming atmosphere and educational opportunities, this market turns a simple outing into a memorable learning experience about where food comes from.
Town Creek Park is a spacious community park in Auburn that offers everything active families need for a fun outdoor day. With well-maintained playgrounds suitable for various ages, shaded picnic areas perfect for family lunches, and easy walking trails that even little legs can handle, this highly-rated park delivers quality recreation without costing a dime.
Plainsman Park is a massive 605-acre outdoor playground in Auburn that offers families endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. While home to Auburn University's baseball stadium, the expansive grounds feature walking trails, open grassy spaces for running and playing, and shaded picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
Chewacla State Park offers families a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation just minutes from Auburn. With its picturesque 26-acre lake, sandy beach area, and well-maintained hiking trails, this state park provides endless opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and nature exploration that will keep kids entertained for hours.
Auburn University offers families a chance to explore a stunning Southern campus featuring wide open spaces perfect for running around, beautiful architecture to admire, and an educational atmosphere that inspires curiosity. With free admission and plenty of walking paths, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely family outing where kids can experience college life while parents enjoy the picturesque grounds and frequent family-friendly campus events.
Buck's Pocket State Park offers families a chance to explore stunning canyon landscapes without spending a dime. With kid-friendly hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of open space for picnicking and exploring, this hidden gem near Fort Payne provides an authentic outdoor adventure that keeps children engaged with nature's wonders.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art offers a welcoming introduction to the art world for young minds with rotating exhibits, hands-on activities, and specially designed family programs. This university museum combines impressive collections with an accessible, educational atmosphere that encourages kids to engage with art rather than just observe. With free admission and a compact layout perfect for shorter attention spans, it's an ideal rainy day destination or cultural stop for families exploring Auburn.
Creekline Trail in Opelika offers families an easy, accessible introduction to nature exploration without leaving the city. This peaceful preserve features well-maintained walking trails perfect for little legs, abundant wildlife spotting opportunities (bring binoculars!), and serene natural spaces where kids can burn energy while learning about local ecosystems.