Engaging Family Activities in Knoxville This Week

Knoxville TN, September 21, 2025

News Summary

This week in Knoxville, TN, families can enjoy a variety of activities including museum visits, outdoor adventures, community events, and entertaining classes. With over 75 fun options available, both residents and visitors can find something enjoyable. Key venues include the McClung Museum, Zoo Knoxville, and community fairs, making it easy to engage in family-friendly experiences throughout the city.

Knoxville, TN, offers families a plethora of engaging activities this week, including museum visits, outdoor adventures, community events, and entertaining classes. With over 75 fun options available, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Museums and Cultural Experiences

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission and parking are free, though advance booking is required. The museum features stroller tours and family fun days. It is closed on January 1, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, December 24, and 25.

Another option for families is Muse Knoxville, offering general admission at $12.00 for ages 1 to 64, and $6.00 for seniors, Tennessee educators, and military personnel with ID. Members and children under 1 can enter for free. Open daily during summer months from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the museum also provides free planetarium shows with paid admission.

The Knoxville Museum of Art is another cultural highlight, providing free admission Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Families can also visit the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, which is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission costs $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for youth and seniors, while children under 5 can enter for free. The museum is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day.

Outdoor Activities and Local Events

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Ijams Nature Center, which offers hiking trails, a zipline course, and playgrounds, along with the free 47 acres of gardens at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Additionally, the Zoo Knoxville is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, featuring seasonal events like “Boo at the Zoo” and “Bedtime with the Beasts.”

This week, families can also partake in the Anderson County Fair, which runs daily through Saturday, July 19, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The fair offers a variety of activities, supports local businesses, and encourages community engagement while featuring numerous food vendors.

Family-Friendly Classes and Entertainment

Culinary classes are available at The Cutting Edge Classroom and Cook n Craft Academy in nearby Loudon, offering hands-on experiences for families. Additionally, local libraries host story times, and various children’s theater performances are scheduled throughout summer and fall.

For sports enthusiasts, local events include watching the University of Tennessee athletics and the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey games. With so many options available this week, families can find endless entertainment in Knoxville, TN.

Public Transport and Accessibility

The Downtown Connector Bus operates every 15 minutes through downtown Knoxville, with tickets priced at $1.00, free for children under four, making it easy for families to navigate the city.

Summary

From museums and outdoor activities to local fairs and sports events, Knoxville, TN, presents abundant opportunities for family entertainment this week. Residents and visitors alike can explore cultural experiences, nature adventures, and community engagement events designed for all ages.

FAQ

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Chart of Key Features

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Additional Resources

• Knoxville Moms: 75 Fun Family Activities
• Kidding Around Greenville: Fall Events in Knoxville
• WATE: Anderson County Fair Offers Family Fun
• Knox News: Easter Egg Hunts in Knoxville 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville, Tennessee

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.