Cheap fun for kids in Farragut

Wendy SmithFarragut, Our Town Outdoors, The Farragut Insider

Yes, it’s time for the annual review of cheap stuff to do in Farragut. It’s a challenge to find affordable ways to keep the kids busy during the summer, especially when the cost of gas rivals the price of college tuition. The good news is there’s plenty of fun right here in Farragut that won’t break the bank – or drain the gas tank. Here are a few suggestions:

Gym fun at the Farragut Community Center. Kids up to age five can enjoy indoor playtime from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and ages 8-13 can play games in the gym from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through July 27. The cost for toddlers is $2 each; “tweens” pay $4 each. Learn more about these guardian-supervised events at farragutparksandrec.org/programsandevents.

Summer Movie Express at Regal Pinnacle. When the days are warm, nothing beats a cool, dark theatre, especially when movies are just $2. Learn more at regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx. The Summer Movie Express offers favorite family films at noon. Check the Pinnacle site for each week’s movies. (The theatre’s not technically in Farragut, but the deal is so good we wanted to share it.)

Get wet at the splashpad. McFee Park boasts the largest splashpad in Knox County, as well as a fabulous playground. Kids can run, play, splash, repeat. Don’t forget the swim diapers and the sunscreen!

Get lost in the Great Lawn. If you haven’t checked out the new section of McFee Park, now is the time. The Great Lawn offers a sea of open space – perfect for throwing a frisbee, playing catch or just catching rays. If you need a break from the sun, set up a camp chair in the new special event pavilion. It’s open to the public unless reserved for a special event. Older kids can enjoy the basketball court and tennis/pickleball courts. Learn more and reserve courts here: farragutparksandrec.org/tennis

Take a deep dive into a book. Knox County Public Library’s Dive in Deep Summer Challenge runs through Aug. 7. Kids and teens earn prizes by diving into any subject that interests them. Learn more at knoxcountylibrary.org/summer-library-club. The Farragut Branch Library offers other fun activities, like crafts, story time and magic from Michael Messing.

Take a walk in the woods at Founders Park. If you can get the kids out of the creek, a beautiful walking trail (some of it unpaved) winds through trees and wildflowers. It’s a terrific little urban wilderness.

Ride a bike. Farragut has miles of greenway trails. Drive to Anchor Park or McFee Park to take advantage of flat trails that are perfect for young riders.

Free live music. The Lawn Chair Concert Series kicks off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Founders Park. In addition to music, families can enjoy kids’ activities and dinner from food trucks. See the lineup here: facebook.com/lawnchairconcertseries. Musicfest at West End is two days of country, rock and blues performances at West End Shopping Center on July 8 and 9. Learn more here: farragutbusiness.com/musicfestatwestend.html

Don’t forget to add Farragut’s Annual Independence Day Parade and Fun with Farragut’s Fleet to the summer calendar. The parade, which proceeds down Kingston Pike from Farragut High School to Boring Road, begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 4. Fun with the Fleet is 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Mayor Bob Leonard Park.

Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.

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