Things To Do with Kids Around Cedar Creek Lake
No more “I’m bored”—this summer is full of moments they'll talk about all year.
At Cedar Creek Lake, it’s easy to keep the whole family happy — with water fun, creative camps, live events, and laid-back food spots made for making memories. Here’s your go-to guide for summer adventures with kids — all close to home.
☀️ Beat the Heat - Indoor Fun at the lake
It’s 98° and your kids are bouncing off the walls
Whether it’s pouring rain or pushing triple digits, these indoor spots will save your sanity (and your furniture). Bounce zones, bowling alleys, gaming lounges — all AC.
Indoor Escapes
Race go-karts, zoom around in bumper cars, and battle it out in laser tag at Whatz-Up Family Fun Park — with mini golf and paintball too, it’s non-stop fun for active kids who need something exciting today.
Hit the lanes and bowl a few frames (with bumpers, of course) at Tip Top Lanes in Seven Points — cool, casual, and great for all ages, even on a rainy day.
Grab a controller, play a board game, or just chill with pizza at Freelancers Café in Athens — the cozy gaming lounge hosts Nintendo tournaments, family events, and the best pizza in Athens by Slice Pizza. Bonus: free WiFi and a packed event calendar worth checking often.
Tumble, Bounce, and Flip
A safe, structured space where kids burn energy and parents get a well-earned breather.
Impact Athletics
Daytime Playtime (Ages: Babies – Grade School)
Jump, bounce, and explore! This Thursday morning drop-in play session is perfect for little ones to burn energy while parents connect.
Thursdays · 10 AM–12 PM ·
🐣 Toddler Time (Ages: 4 & Under)
Let your littlest ones run wild in a safe, soft play space with mats and a bounce house. A great way to wind down the week!
Fridays · 4 PM–8:30 PM
🎉 Fun Friday (Ages: 5 & Up)
Big kids get their turn with bounce houses, snacks, and nonstop fun every Friday night. It’s the perfect parent’s night out!
Fridays · 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
Bounce It Out is open for public play Monday through Friday from 11 AM–5 PM. It's a fun, air-conditioned way to wear them out and keep the summer fun rolling.
Hours may vary, check their page before you go!
East Texas Twisters Canton
Flip, tumble, and bounce through open gym or Parents’ Night Out at East Texas Twisters in Canton — a safe, structured space where kids stay active and parents get a much-needed break. From beginner cartwheels to full-on flips, it’s a fun way to end the week.
Snow Cone Run!
Sometimes the best part of the day is a simple “yes” to a snow cone. Sticky fingers, rainbow tongues, and happy kids cooling off after a big day of play.
Swing by LouLou’s in Seven Points for snow cones right on the water.
Or stop at Caribbean Ice for classic shaved ice after a day at the park.
Feed exotic animals right from your car — just 15 minutes from Canton. No long road trip required.
Lake Play & Swim Stops
Lake Play
Tom Finley Park - Shallow sandy beach, shaded picnic tables, and big open spaces to play. Easy access and perfect for lake days with littles.
Purtis Creek State Park
A peaceful, protected swim area with plenty of shade, nearby playgrounds, picnic tables, and grills. A great spot for families who want to swim and stay cool all day.Log Cabin City Park
A hidden gem for swimming, sun-soaking, and spotting wildlife. Weekdays are quieter with less boat traffic, but weekends still offer a great family swim scene.
Swim Spots
Cool off at Whatz-Up Water Park — from splash zones to slides, this spot is built for all-day summer fun. Perfect for little swimmers, thrill-seekers, and sun-loving parents alike.
Splash around at Kiwanis Park in Athens — shaded seating, a toddler-safe layout, and zero stress for you while your little one runs, giggles, and soaks up the fun.
Toddler-Friendly
Mommy & Me at the Farm offers hands-on sensory play, water fun, and weekly outdoor adventures for ages 1–4—first class free!
🗓️ Plan your Perfect Day at Cedar Creek Lake. Explore tips, itineraries, and family-friendly ideas on our local blog.
Plan Your Day💸 Free Things To Do with Kids Around Cedar Creek Lake
Free doesn’t mean boring. These options deliver major fun without spending a dime.
🎬 Free Summer Movies at Hometown Cinemas – Gun Barrel City
Yes, free! Hometown Cinemas is bringing the big screen to little ones with its Summer Movie Camp—a lineup of family-friendly films showing weekday mornings all summer long. It’s the perfect way to stay cool, grab some popcorn (optional!), and enjoy a movie without spending a dime.
📍 Located in Gun Barrel City, this is one of the easiest free outings for parents looking to mix a little quiet time with some screen-time joy. Check the theater’s website or lobby for the current schedule.
Join us every Tuesday morning at the new Tool Park for a casual mommy and me meetup. It’s a great way to let the little ones run, climb, and connect while you meet other local families.
Weather permitting.
Cast a line, swing under the trees, or stroll the dog park at Gun Barrel City Park — it's laid-back, shady, and perfect for kids who love to explore (with room for the family pup, too).
Drop in and roll at Jake’s Skate Park + GBC Skate Park — whether they’re just starting out or ready to show off tricks, there’s space to move and freedom to fly.
Get creative at Cedar Creek Library — with free crafts, STEM kits, and cozy storytime corners, your little learner stays entertained (and you don’t spend a dime).
☀️ PLAY! Group (Ages 0–4)
Weekly meetups for little ones and their grownups to play, connect, and unwind together.
Join the GroupTot-friendly activities - parent-to-parent support - just show up and PLAY
🌙 Kid-Friendly Things To Do at Night
Evenings that feel like a bonus, not a bedtime countdown
From night hikes and telescope events to outdoor shows and snow cone runs, here’s how to stretch the day a little longer — and make it count.
Stargazing, night hikes, and telescope time at Purtis Creek State Park — perfect for curious kids who love the stars, flashlights, and a little adventure after dark.
Watch a family-friendly show in the cool A/C at Henderson County Performing Arts Center (HCPAC) — a great pick for kids who love costumes, characters, and parents who love a comfy seat.
🏕️ Camps Parents Should Know About for 2025
East Texas Arboretum (Athens)
Nature trails, hands-on discovery, and outdoor adventures for curious kids ages 5–12. A week at this camp means muddy shoes, big smiles, and a deeper love for the wild.
Silver Spur Resort (Canton)
Pizza Camp, Art Camp, Firefighter Camp, Survival Skills, Music & Cooking Camps — all in a rural setting where creativity meets teamwork.
Canton Art Co-Op (Downtown Canton)
From experimenting with textures to learning color theory, the focus is on hands-on fun, self-expression, and confidence-building—with guidance from artists who genuinely care.
Teen Art Workshops: A chill, creative space for teens to explore and grow.
Watercolor Wednesdays: Open to all ages, no experience required.
We found so many amazing local camps, we had to give them their own page.
View Now🧁 Kid-Friendly Eats: Treats & Relaxed Vibes
Kid-friendly eats that don’t feel like a compromise
From lakeside patios to food truck yards with space to run, these spots make it easy to enjoy a good meal — where kids can be themselves.
Let the kids play while you enjoy lake views and comfort food at Vernon’s Lakeside — the outdoor kid zone keeps little ones happy while you kick back to wide open lake views and a nice patio breeze.
Mix, match, and explore a ton of flavors at the Mabank Food Truck Yard — from The Sandwich King’s smoked banana pudding to The Yummy Bus’s healthy bowls, it’s family-friendly, open-air, and easy to please even picky eaters.
Play skee-ball, shuffleboard, and virtual golf while enjoying BBQ and food truck favorites at Fig’s Backyard in Tool — indoor/outdoor seating and a kid-friendly menu make it a win for the whole crew.
Pair gaming with pizza at Slice Pizza inside Freelancers Café in Athens — a family-friendly hangout where kids can play, snack, and chill. With video games, board games, and hot pizza by the slice, it’s a win for everyone.
Enjoy brick oven pizza on a peaceful farm patio at 6 Forks Farm — rustic seating, space for kids to explore, and what many locals call the best pizza on the lake.
✨ Summer at Cedar Creek Lake
It’s not something you plan — it’s something you live.
Whether it’s a quick snow cone stop or a week at art camp, there’s something unforgettable for every family just minutes away. From spontaneous fun to structured events, we’ve rounded up all the best kid-friendly things to do this season.
🏡 Stay & Play with Lakefront Rentals
Want to turn your day trip into a full-on getaway?
Cedar Creek Lake has dozens of lakefront rental homes — many with private docks, swimming access, and sunset views. Whether you're planning a family weekend or a full summer escape, we've got a stay you'll love.
