Knox County Schools are out this week, and parents and kids alike will be deliriously happy to have free time – right up until the moment when a kid asks, “What are we going to do today?” They don’t respond well to “clean the bathrooms.” I know; I’ve tried it.
Experienced parents know it’s important to occasionally interrupt free time with structured activities that stimulate young bodies and minds. And since most of us don’t have a magic fairy that drops summer spending money into our laps, inexpensive activities are best.
Good news. We’ve got free fun in Farragut. Here’s some entertainment that will satisfy the kids without straining the wallet:
Fish at Anchor Park. The pond at Anchor Park was recently stocked for the Bob Watt Fishing Rodeo, and it’s a safe bet that a few of the fish got away. Grab a pole and some bait (I’ve heard corn works well) and try your luck.
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.
Get wet at the splash pad. McFee Park boasts the largest splash pad in Knox County, as well as a fabulous playground. Kids can run, play, splash, repeat. Don’t forget the swim diapers and the sunscreen!
Kick a ball around. What kid doesn’t want to play catch or kick a ball on a grass field? While many town of Farragut fields are reserved for team practice, no reservations are required for the field behind the sand-volleyball courts at Mayor Bob Leonard Park. On weekends, the same is true of the rectangle field at Anchor Park. These fields are not available for large-group use but are perfect for families.
Read a book. Knox County Public Library’s Summer Library Club, which runs through July 31, lets kids earn prizes through reading or listening. The Farragut branch library has other fun activities, like Family Pajama Story Time and a space slime craft, on its summer calendar.
Ride a bike. Summers are made for bike rides. Drive to McFee Park and take the kids for a spin on the McFee Greenway, or start at Anchor Park for a ride with a lake view along the Turkey Creek Greenway.
Take a swim at The Cove. Nope, it’s not technically in Farragut, but The Cove offers a sand beach on Fort Loudoun Lake, a playground and picnic facilities. If you don’t mind dropping a few bucks, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from River Sports.
Listen to live music. The town of Farragut hosts two free outdoor concert series – The Lawn Chair Concert Series at Founders Park and Sounds of Summer near the men’s Belk in Turkey Creek Shopping Center. A new Shop Farragut event, Musicfest at West End, will feature country and blues on July 11 and 12, respectively, at West End Shopping Center. Music starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 11, and 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12.
Don’t forget to add Farragut’s Annual Independence Day Parade to the summer calendar. It begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 4!
Wendy Smith is public relations and marketing coordinator for the town of Farragut and writes The Farragut Insider for the town’s website.