Summer is in full swing (even though not officially) in Knoxville, and there’s no shortage of ways for kids and teens to get out, get active, and have fun! From hands-on arts activities to exciting outdoor events and family-friendly races, this week offers something for every young adventurer.
Whether your child loves animals, science, or sports, Knoxville’s lineup of youth events has plenty of opportunities to inspire creativity, stay active, and connect with the community.
Here’s a guide to the best youth-friendly happenings in the area from Wednesday, June 3, through Tuesday, June 9, and more.
Art camps in a variety of media and age ranges will be held all summer at the Knoxville Art Center. Learn more here.
City’s pools and programming, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/Aquatics.
Emerald Youth Foundation youth events here.
Farragut Museum produces two Kids’ scavenger hunts: These ongoing scavenger hunts, “If the Trees Could Talk” and “Find Admiral Farragut,” are both available at the museum. “If the Trees Could Talk” can also be picked up at the Farragut Community Center and the Campbell Station Inn.
Kid A’Riffic – The city’s Office of Special Events will host activities in June and July at different parks across the city. The first event is June 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chilhowee Park, with more than 20 partner groups providing games, activities, giveaways and treats – plus a touch-a-truck area with emergency vehicles, big trucks and more. Learn more at https://www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/KidARiffic.
Knox County Parks & Recreation: There are activities all summer, so check out the links here.
Ongoing all week of June 3– June 9 While not scheduled at fixed times for youth groups (unless you check individual organizations), these places are great options any day of the week — call ahead for specific hours & classes:
- Muse Knoxville is an interactive children’s museum with daily sessions.
- Zoo Knoxville is open daily; special feeds/talks may have times posted onsite.
- Fort Kid @ World’s Fair Park is a play area with general hours of operation.
- Knox County Public Library often has weekly story times, LEGO clubs, craft sessions, and teen gaming nights. Check their weekly calendar.
Outdoor Knoxville: A calendar produced by Legacy Parks Foundation has a comprehensive list of upcoming local outdoor events. Find it here.
Slither into downtown: Twelve unique, locally designed bronze sculptures have been integrated into the Downtown Knoxville landscape as part of a permanent outdoor scavenger hunt called Newts in Knoxville. The art installation recognizes that the Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World,” boasting more salamander species than any other location on Earth. A Downtown Knoxville Alliance representative can preview this fun adventure for children and adults alike. https://knoxnewts.com/
Summer events in Downtown Knoxville: The Downtown Knoxville Alliance offers a preview of all the summer events happening in our city center. Favorites like the Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt and returning festivals, plus new events that are on the way! https://www.downtownknoxville.org/waldo/
Safety City – the miniature Knoxville where second graders learn about safety – will have regular public hours this summer, starting with a kickoff event on Friday, May 29, 5-8 p.m. Learn more at www.knoxvilletn.gov/safetycity. Summer camps for kids, visit www.SummerCampKnoxville.com.
This weekly column will provide opportunities for all youth in Knoxville, Knox County, and surrounding areas.
Please send your youth activities to news@knoxtntoday.com
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