Whether you stay at home with your kids full time, have a flexible work schedule, or are another caregiver looking for something to do with the littles, this article is for you! Getting time with your young kids can be such a gift, but of course, there are also lots of challenges with it too—less interaction with other adults, a messy house, and more. You may also be worried about your child’s socialization as well. That’s where finding some activities to do with your toddler can be really helpful, and you might be surprised at all the local options. All the options included in this article are an hour or less away from Tifton.
Local Libraries
One of my favorite options for toddler activities is your local library! Many of the libraries around here offer a free story time for ages 0-5 each week. The libraries included in the Coastal Plains Regional Library System’s story time include:
- Tifton-Tift County Public Library’s story time every Thursday at 10:00 am (starting August 21st) as well as Let’s Play once a month
- Victoria Evans Memorial Library’s (Ashburn) story time every Tuesday at 10:30 am (starting August 12th)
- Irwin County Library’s story time every Tuesday at 10:30 am
- Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library’s (Nashville) story time every Monday at 10:30 am
- Cook County Library’s story time every Tuesday at 11:00 am
- Fitzgerald Ben Hill County Library’s story time every Thursday at 10:30 am (starting August 21st)
If you don’t regularly go to any of these libraries, check your local library’s Facebook page. They probably have a story time and/or other toddler activities.
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Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A in Tifton also does a story time periodically, and while this one technically is free, your child will probably want some chicken minis ;). The next scheduled story time is August 19th. After that, you can check their Facebook page or our calendar for updated times.
Hive and Home Homestead and Apiary
Hive and Home offers a social group for ages 0-5 twice a month for only $5 a class. The group will have an outdoor story time, crafts, and nature play. The first Thursday of the month, they will hold the group from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, and the third Thursday of the month, the group will take place from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, so you can choose whichever option works best for you and your little’s nap schedule. You can find all their dates and complete your registration here.
The Arts Center of Moultrie
The Arts Center of Moultrie will host a free toddler time every Friday at 9:30 am beginning the first Friday in September.
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Albany Museum of Art
The Albany Museum of Art hosts a “Toddler Takeover” on the first Tuesday of the month running September through May from 10:30-11:00 am. The cost is $7 per session or $5 for artist guild donors. This program is designed to facilitate creative play, foster friendships and social skills, and help littles develop their cognitive and visual skills through colors, shapes, and textures. Sessions include creative playtime in AMAzing Space, storytime, a gallery visit, and a hands-on art project.
Flint RiverQuarium
The Flint RiverQuarium in downtown Albany has “Tadpole Time” the second Friday of each month at 10:00 am. Parents and pre-schoolers can visit the RiverQuarium for a special sharing time that includes story-time, an activity and a closer look at the animals at the RiverQuarium. It’s FREE with your RiverQuarium membership or with regular admission. Participants are welcome to enjoy the RiverQuarium on their own after the session.
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Thronateeska Heritage Center
The Thronateeska Heritage Center, also in downtown Albany, has a Tricera-Tots program the third Friday of the month at 10:00 am. Tricera-Tots includes a story, a craft, and a special science lesson/exhibit visit geared to 3-4 year-olds, although all ages are welcome to join in! Tricera-Tots is included with admission and FREE to Thronateeska members.
Chehaw
Chehaw Park and Zoo in Albany has a Cubs Program on the first Friday of every month from 10:00-11:00 am. The program is intended for children ages 3-4. Programs include story time, a craft or activity, meeting an Ambassador Animal up close, and a trip into the Zoo to meet another animal. As always, Cubs programs are included with Zoo admission and free to members. You can check out a free pass to Chehaw from your local library as well.
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Thomasville Center for the Arts
The Thomasville Center for the Arts has Imagine Studio classes for ages 2-5. The classes meet weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00-11:00 am, and the cost is $125 per month/$550 for a semester for members and $150 per month/$700 per semester for non-members. Imagine Studio is a thoughtfully curated experience designed to jumpstart your child’s journey with the Center for the Arts. In this gentle next step toward independence, children explore creativity, nature-based play, and hands-on art making through joyful, collaborative learning. Guided by an experienced facilitator, students build confidence, community, and wonder.
Other Toddler Activity Ideas
Looking for more ideas of things to do with your toddler? Besides special programs, there are lots of other fun things to do with your little one locally. Some ideas include:
- Play at a local playground, indoor or outdoor!
- Visiting Wild Adventures (with a Pre-K Free Kid’s Season Pass for children 3-5).
- Spend time outdoors at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel.
- Take advantage of $10 Homeschool Happy Hour at Recoil Trampoline Park in Valdosta on Fridays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Tifton Moms is a resource dedicated to the moms and families of Tifton, Georgia and beyond to help them find the information they need about events in Tifton and Southwest Georgia, resources in Tifton and beyond, educational tips, and so much more. We are passionate about all things parenting and our community, and we want to connect you to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss events, and each other! Find more helpful articles at https://tiftonmoms.com/blog/.
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