Looking for things to do this summer with the kids? Add any or all of these fun summer activities to your to see, do, and explore list!
Summer In Knoxville: 10 Kid Activities
Story Time
This experience is tailored for preschool aged children, but big siblings also interested in gardening might benefit from the opportunity. This summer, you can join the weekly preschool program at the Botanical Gardens every Tuesday at 10am (and once a month on Saturdays) which features engaging stories, nature exploration, hands-on gardening, crafts and other activities that nurture the youngest gardeners and their grownups.
The garden programming and books are tailored for preschool students, but they welcome garden explorers of all ages (from babies to grandparents!). The adventure begins with garden activities at the Every Child Outdoors Garden.
And this year, it’s free thanks to the support from the Natalie Leach Haslam Fund of the East Tennessee Foundation. You can register here.
Splash Pads
There’s nothing that spells summer quite like water play fun. Starting in May, these parks offer wonderful splash pad zones for kids to cool off from the summer heat and enjoy no matter what part of town you’re in: McFee Park, Carl Cowan, New Harvest, Powell Station, and my favorite, Knoxville Zoo.
If you want to take things up a notch, there are a few water parks within a one-hour drive from Knoxville that are definitely worth exploring. You’ll love Dollywood’s Splash Country and Soaky Mountain Water Park.
You Pick Farms
Looking for something to do with your kids that’s out in nature? Pay a visit to a local you-pick farm. Starting in late April through the start of June, you can do some strawberry picking at local farms. Then, in June and July, visit a you-pick blackberry or blueberry farm. Just bring a bucket and boots when picking strawberries, and a bag if picking blueberries. The kids will love the “farm to table” concept and you’ll come out saving money when comparing pricing at grocery stores because of the low cost you pay per pound.
$2 Kids Movie Days
If you didn’t already know, you can make plans to catch Regal’s Saturday Morning Kids Flicks which offers your favorite family movies like the Super Mario Bros. Movie or Harry Potter movie for just $2 a ticket at the first showtime of the day.
Or, if you’re feeling up to a little bit of a drive (or happen to be in the area for something else), you can also catch the Free Summer Movies series at the Forge Cinemas in Pigeon Forge every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting in June until school starts back in August.
Safety City
Safety City is only open to the public in June and July, so if you want to go, now is the time to put it in your summer plans. Families are invited to bring their own bicycles, push scooters, battery-operated cars, doll buggies and the like for a ride throughout the miniature city. It’s a pretty cool place for a slower paced adventure for kids to enjoy. So, pack a lunch and light refreshments, and plan to stay a while. Check their calendar before heading out because they’re only open certain days and times throughout the week.
Kids Bowl Free
All summer long at participating locations, kids registered for the Kids Bowl Free Program can receive two free games of bowling each day. It’s a nationwide program designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. You’ll want to go ahead and get the family pass so you can all go (adults included) and have a good time. More info here.
Kid A ‘Riffic Fun in the Park
This is probably one of my favorite kid experiences to look forward to every Wednesday from 10am-1pm in the summer. Imagine the field day for small kids where there are arts and craft activities, bubbles, and various other forms of outdoor play. Is also a chance to venture out into a plugger you probably never been to or haven’t visited in a while. I’d say this is best for kids under 12 years old, so if you have littles within this age range, this is something you can look forward to doing for free every week starting in June. Check here for the full schedule.
Knoxville’s Largest Kids’ Party
While this event happens only once a year, it definitely could be a highlight of the summer. This big event is made for kids of all ages and families alike. This year, Knoxville’s Largest Kids’ Party is on Saturday, June 1st from 10am – 5pm on the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn. Join the non-stop fun with exciting kids’ activities, appearances by your favorite princesses and superheroes, an 80-foot obstacle course, water slide, entertainment, the ultimate kids’ menu and more! Mark your calendars for the most unforgettable day of the year!
Read City Explorer Pass
Did you know that the Read City Explorer Pass program allows Knox County Public Library cardholders to book a visit to an area museum or cultural institution for free or reduced admission? (This requires an adult card in good standing.)
Explorer Pass partners include:
- Clarence Brown Theatre
- Historic House Museums of Knoxville
- Knoxville Children’s Theatre
- Knoxville Opera
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- Muse Knoxville
- Museum of Appalachia
- Museum of East Tennessee History
- Sunsphere
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
- Zoo Knoxville
So cash in on the special privileges you can access through your library card for an extra way to fill your days with the kids this summer. Register for an explore pass here.
Mommy and Me Classes
Of course, there are tons of activities you can sign the kids up for all summer long like summer camps and various other sporting activities and the like. Swim lessons fill up fast, so if you haven’t already gotten signed up, you’ll want to do that quickly. If you have babies or toddlers, I like doing mommy and me music classes or baby and me gymnastics. There are SO many options to explore!
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Did we miss something that is your favorite? Would love to know in the comments! Overall, my hope is that you use this list as inspiration to get out and explore all that Knoxville and surrounding areas have to offer!
