School is back in session, but there is no shortage of ways for kids and teens to get out, get active and have fun. This week brings the final days of the Tennessee Valley Fair, live theater, hands-on history, nature programs and family activities at local libraries.

Here is a guide to youth-friendly happenings from Wednesday, Sept. 16, through Tuesday, Sept. 22. Check each organizer’s link before leaving home; prices, registration requirements and schedules can change.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

  • Tennessee Valley Fair and Demolition Derby — The fair continues at Chilhowee Park with animal exhibits, the AgVenture Scavenger Hunt, racing pigs, circus performances and other attractions. Wednesday’s Demolition Derby starts at 7 p.m. Families bringing two nonperishable food items can receive a Food City Food Drive admission discount from 5-10 p.m. Fair schedule and tickets
  • Library storytimes — Knox County Public Library offers Baby Bookworms and toddler or preschool storytimes at several branches, including Norwood, Lawson McGhee, Bearden, Powell, Farragut and South Knoxville. Wednesday library listings

Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17-18

  • Charlotte’s Web — Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents E.B. White’s beloved story at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 747 World’s Fair Park Drive. Penny4Arts tickets are available for up to three children with a paying adult on Thursday and Friday; advance arrangements are required. Penny4Arts details
  • Gershwin’s An American in Paris — The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. both nights at the Tennessee Theatre. Penny4Arts seats are available for up to three children per paying adult, with advance reservations required. Ticket instructions
  • Movies Under the Stars — Ijams Nature Center screens The Lord of the Rings on Friday evening. Families with older children and teens should check the organizer’s page for the movie, start time, tickets and weather updates. Event information

Saturday, Sept. 19

  • Sevier Day at Marble Springs — Spend the day with historic blacksmithing, pottery and other family activities at Marble Springs State Historic Site. Confirm the day’s schedule before attending. Sevier Day information
  • Talk Like a Pirate Day — Children, teens and adults can stop by the Powell Branch Library from 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. for pirate-themed fun. Library event listing

Sunday, Sept. 20

  • The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen — Lightwire Theater brings its glowing, music-filled continuation of Aesop’s fable to the Bijou Theatre at 2:30 p.m. The show follows the famous racers and their children through a new adventure shaped by smartphones, video games and unexpected challenges. A limited number of Penny4Arts seats are available with advance reservations. Show and ticket details
  • Final day of the Tennessee Valley Fair — Sunday’s closing-day schedule includes Lil’ Larry’s Birthday Party, La Fiesta Latina and Volunteer Championship Wrestling, along with the fair’s regular attractions. Fair events

Monday, Sept. 21

Pigments and Pages — Teens and adults can discover how plants and science create natural pigments while dyeing paper from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Cedar Bluff Branch Library. Space is limited; call 865-470-7033 to register. Library listing

Tuesday, Sept. 22

  • Animals Up Close with Ijams Nature Center — Meet live animal ambassadors and learn about wildlife from 11 a.m.-noon at the Bearden Branch Library. The program welcomes preschoolers, elementary-age children and teens. Tuesday library calendar
  • Hobbit Day Party — Celebrate Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ birthdays with Hobbit-themed activities and crafts from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the South Knoxville Branch Library. Ages 2 and older are welcome. Tuesday library calendar
  • Family Game Night and BINGO for Books — Powell Branch hosts family games from 5-7 p.m.; registration is required. Cedar Bluff Branch offers BINGO for Books from 6-7:30 p.m., with books as prizes and refreshments for all ages. Tuesday library calendar

Any day this week

  • Muse Knoxville is an interactive children’s museum with daily sessions.
  • Zoo Knoxville is open daily; check for animal encounters, feedings and special programs.
  • Fort Kid at World’s Fair Park offers an imaginative outdoor play area.
  • Knox County Public Library offers storytimes, crafts, clubs and teen programs across its branches.
  • Outdoor Knoxville maintains a calendar of outdoor events compiled by Legacy Parks Foundation.
  • This weekly column provides opportunities for youth in Knoxville, Knox County and surrounding areas.

Please send your youth activities to news@knoxtntoday.com

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