Summer is winding down in Knoxville, but 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.
Today, July 29: Baseball and wildlife will come together Wednesday as Zoo Knoxville hosts Smokies Day at the Zoo from 10 a.m. to noon. The special event will feature appearances by Jackson, the Knoxville Smokies mascot, along with Smokies players, giving families a chance to enjoy baseball-themed fun while visiting the zoo.
Here’s a guide to the best youth-friendly happenings in the area from Wednesday, July 29, through Tuesday, August 4, and more.
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.
Knox County Parks & Recreation: There are activities all summer, so check out the links here.
Ongoing all week of July 29– August 4. 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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