School is in full swing, but there are plenty of reasons for kids and teens to put down the homework and get out for a little fun.

Here’s a guide to youth-friendly happenings in Knoxville and the surrounding area from Wednesday, Sept. 9, through Tuesday, Sept. 15.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Family Fuel Night with One Knox SC, 4-6 p.m., Clean Eatz Bearden and Farragut. One Knox SC first-team players will be at both locations to meet young fans and take photos. The event is free to attend, and anyone age 18 or younger wearing a soccer jersey receives a free dessert. Ten percent of event proceeds will benefit the Collective Scholarship Fund, which supports opportunities for local youth soccer players.
  • Thursday, Sept. 10 — Construction Junction: Building for Young Engineers, 4-5 p.m., Halls Branch Library. Elementary-age students can put their building skills to work in this STEM program featuring construction sets along with books about engineering and building.
  • Saturday, Sept. 12 — Nourish Kids, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Market Square Farmers Market. Children ages 2-12 can participate in this free program that includes an activity, a sample of locally grown produce and $5 in Produce Bucks to spend at the market.
  • Saturday, Sept. 12 — Teen Craft Club: Sculpey Clay, 3-4 p.m., Powell Branch Library. Young artists can try beginner sculpting with Sculpey clay. Materials are provided, along with instructions for baking creations at home. The program is open to elementary-age children, teens and adults.
  • Monday, Sept. 14 — LEGO Club, 5-7 p.m., Burlington Branch Library. Children in grades K-5 can build alongside other LEGO fans and put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work. LEGOs are provided by the library.
  • Monday, Sept. 14 — Turtle Talk with Little River Wildlife, 6-7 p.m., Sequoyah Branch Library. Learn about Tennessee’s native reptiles and amphibians from a local wildlife rehabilitator — with a special turtle guest joining the program. The event is appropriate for elementary-age children, teens and adults.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Afterschool Storytime, 3:30-4 p.m., South Knoxville Branch Library. Children ages 3-8 can listen to stories and complete a related guided craft or activity.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 15 — LEGO Club for Kids and Teens, 5:30-7 p.m., Powell Branch Library. Preschoolers, elementary-age children and teens can create with LEGOs and have their designs displayed at the library. Registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Animals Up Close with Ijams Nature Center, 6-7 p.m., Halls Branch Library. Ijams Nature Center brings live animal ambassadors to the library for an up-close wildlife experience for preschoolers, elementary-age children and teens.

Ongoing all week, Sept. 9-15: These Knoxville-area destinations offer additional options for families. Check the links for current hours, programs, admission and schedule changes.

Outdoor Knoxville: Looking for something outdoors? The Outdoor Knoxville Guide from Legacy Parks Foundation maintains a comprehensive calendar of local outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, paddling, running and other opportunities. See the Outdoor Knoxville events calendar

This weekly column provides opportunities for youth in Knoxville, Knox County and the surrounding areas.

Please send your youth activities to news@knoxtntoday.com.

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