You don’t have to spend a fortune for the family to have a day of fun. In fact, you don’t have to spend a dime. Just pack a picnic lunch, pile into the mini-van and keep going until you hit the James G. Atkinson Park. Formerly known as Bethel Mill Park, Atkinson Park is 66 acres of all-ages outdoor fun.

Spread out over 66 acres, you’ll find two playgrounds equipped with all the latest apparatus for climbing, swinging, dangling, sliding and swaying. Sportsters can get their game on during the day or evening at the fully-lit ball courts. And with eight tennis courts, two basketball courts, three fields for softball, soccer or football (as well as another field without lighting), everyone will get a chance to score a point or two.

The Park is laced with a trail that winds around for more than a mile and can be used for biking, jogging or a lazy walk. If you want to challenge yourself, test your strength and stamina on the exercise course. Follow the walking path over to the Millennium Plaza, park yourself in one of the benches and just enjoy the peace and quiet . . . or just pass the time watching the shadows change on the sundials. 

Listen closely during the summer months and you’ll hear all kinds of things going on at the amphitheater. Bring your lawn chair or blankets and settle in for an evening of family entertainment, usually live music or popular family-friendly movies.

Picnic pavilions are available for large groups. You just have to call ahead to reserve the space.