The more working parents I meet, the more I realize that most of us feel like we’re in limbo when it comes to spending times with our kids in the evenings and weekends. When you work 9 to 5, it’s impossible to make the weekday playgroups or open gym times of most businesses. So what’s a working momma to do? In order to make it a little easier, I’ve put together a list of all the activities that my kids and I do frequently. If you are a working parent or stay-at-home parent that has free time during the weekdays, I highly recommend checking out our list of Free & Inexpensive Indoor Activities.
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge: adults $8, kids 3 and up $5, kids under 3 are free; Tuesday-Thursday 9am – 5pm; Friday 9am-8pm; Saturdays 9am – 5pm; Sundays 1 – 5pm. Closed: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Chuck E Cheese: admission is free, games are one token each. Check website for times and location and coupons for pizza/token combos.
Defy: 6 and under: $11 for 1 hour; $15 for 1.5 hours; Additional hour $8. 7 and over: $15 for 1 hour, $20 for 1.5 hours, Additional hour $8. Check website for open days/times.
Ijams – Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm; free but donations are accepted
Main Event – Monday 10am to midnight, Tuesday through Thursday 10am to 11pm; Friday 10am to 1am, Saturday 9am to 1am, Sunday 10am to 11pm; Attractions include bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and ropes course
Splash Pads – Carl Cowan Park, McFee Park, New Harvest Park & World’s Fair Park, Lenoir City, hours vary, FREE
Tataru’s – Open play: 10am – 4pm Monday through Friday & Saturday 1pm-7pm. Parents’ Night Out Friday and Saturday 7pm – 10pm.
Muse – Designed for ages 1-12 (all ages welcome); Admission $10; Seniors, Teachers and military with ID are $5; Babies 12 months and under are free; Open every day 9:00am – 4:30pm; See website for current updates and changes.
Smart Toys & Books – Call (865) 394-6060 to book open play sessions and workshops. Cost: $8.00 for first child and $5 for additional kids in group. No charge for children under 2 with paid sibling. If bringing only one child under 2 the cost is only $5.00
Onsight Rock Gym: Day Pass: Adult (13+) $16, Youth (6-12) $14, Tot (5 & under) $6. Weekdays 11am – 10pm,Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Knoxville Ice Bears: take the family to watch a hockey game! Tickets as low as $9. Check website for schedule and times.
Family Bowl Strike and Spare: Game rates: Monday-Friday 11am – 6pm ($3.40), Sunday-Thursday, 6pm – close ($4.75), Friday-Sunday, 6pm – close ($4.90). Shoe rental: $3.95
What activities do you do with your children outside of work hours?
