The first place to start is Athens City Parks and Recreation. The department organizes a number of educational and recreational programs throughout the year. Educational offerings include a preschool program, after school programs, a program for kindergarten students, and a day camp during the summer. Recreation-wise, the department offers instructional leagues for baseball, basketball, martial arts, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling, divided into age-appropriate groups. Swimming instruction sessions based on skill level are held at the Athens City Pool, located on East State Street, adjacent to the department.

     The 48,000-square foot Athens Community Center. opened in the fall of 2000, and was designed to meet the recreational needs of all community residents, from preschoolers to senior citizens. The building includes gymnasiums, an indoor-elevated track, aerobics room, fitness room, arts and crafts center, daycare rooms, and a seniors area. Information on memberships, programs, and classes can be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation department.

     Ohio University also offers a variety of programming for children. Kidsfest is held at the University's Convocation Center each spring. More than 1,000 area children participate annually in this festival of fun and games dedicated to children, and staffed by university volunteers.

     Kids on Campus is a Community Partnership Initiative administered by the university's College of Health and Human Service. It is an out-of-school educational enrichment and nutrition program for 360 underserved elementary school children that was initiated in the summer of 1996.

     The children participate in hands-on learning activities in reading, writing, mathematics, science, computers, fine arts, swimming, and sports. In addition, they participate in peaceful problem solving, conflict resolution, and healthy decision-making learning experiences. During a six-week summer session, the program is held on the campuses of Ohio University and Hocking College. During the school year, several programs involving teachers, parents, and children are conducted at local elementary schools. These school sessions provide reinforcement, continuity, and encouragement of learning and personal growth between the summer sessions and the curriculum taught during the academic year.

     Two additonal activities occur annually as part of the community partnership. Project Challenge is held annually in June for elementary-age children and offers indoor and outdoor educational projects and recreational activities led by adult instructors. Communiversity is a multi-faceted program that offers a variety of classes in mid-February.