Summer is in full swing in Knoxville, and there’s no shortage of ways for kids and teens to get out, get active, and have fun! School is also about to start and school supply events are here.
Here are the major free school supply events taking place in Knox County this week.
School Mania 2026
Friday, July 24, 3–6 p.m., Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia Ave., Knoxville
This annual drive-through/community event provides free backpacks and school supplies for students while supplies last. Families can also connect with community organizations and enjoy activities. The event is organized through Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ office with numerous community partners.
Saturday, July 25, According to Knox County’s announcement, these churches are participating in the School Supply Slam with free school supplies and additional family resources from 9-11 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
North Knox County
- Black Oak Heights Baptist Church
- City Hills Church – Emory Road Campus
East Knox County
- Lyons Creek Baptist Church
- Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church
South Knox County
- Sevier Heights
West Knox County
- City Hills Church – Papermill Campus
- Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church
- Faith Promise Church – West End Campus
- Parkwest Church – Middlebrook Campus
Downtown Knoxville
- Children of God Church of God in Christ
- Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church
The county is encouraging families to attend the location closest to their home.
Knoxville Dream Center Community Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, July 25, 9–11 a.m. (event activities begin earlier), Knoxville Dream Center
Families can receive free backpacks and school supplies while participating in a community event with activities and resources.
Here’s a guide to the best youth-friendly happenings in the area from Wednesday, July 22, through Tuesday, July 28, 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 July at different parks across the city. 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 July 22– July 28. 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. 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 the surrounding areas.
Please send your youth activities to news@knoxtntoday.com
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