Summer is here and temperatures are steadily rising. Before we know it, the humidity will have our shades all fogged up and our hair lookin’ like Don King. I love summer and I love being outside, but there are some summer days that being out in the wild blue yonder just ain’t going to happen for this mama. Heat and humidity magically morph my attitude from calm, cool and collected to cranky and irritable in about one second flat.
So keep your cool, load up the kids and pick one of these awesome A/C friendly summer hangouts. You’ll probably see me there!
The Muse: The Muse Knoxville is a newly re-imagined space designed for kids from 1-101! With almost 4,000 square feet of exhibit and play space, you are sure to find something that will inspire the love of learning in you! See website for hours of operation and ticket information.
Jump Jam: An indoor trampoline park that is sure to wear your kids out and provide a peaceful nap time. Sign waivers and buy tickets online to save time and hassle!
Wee Play Adventure at the Knoxville Zoo: Bust out your Knoxville Zoo membership and high tail it to the indoor play place. It’s fun for kiddos to run around inside and there are lots of interesting creatures to look at.
Bowling: Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is 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. There are three participating bowling alleys in the Knoxville area!
Ripley’s Aquarium: If you’re up for a little trip up to the mountains, Ripley’s Aquarium is totally worth the drive. Make a day of it AND save money by purchasing combo passes to see more than one attraction.
Summer Dollar Movies: Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all movies start at 10am. See the Summer Kid Movie Post for more information.
Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s Play Structure: Lunch out of the house, no dishes to clean up and a way for the kids to burn off extra energy. Sounds like a big WIN to me!
Chuck E Cheese: Save money by eating lunch at home and taking the kids to play a few games and play in their play structure. $10 usually buys my kiddos over an hour of entertainment. Check online to print coupons!
Library Story Time: Knoxville area libraries provide FREE story times for children throughout the year. These are wonderful for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. See library website for more information regarding times and locations.
Ice Skating: They are currently renovating their ice floor at Ice Chalet but they should be up and running again by mid June! Cool Sports offers weekly public skate times. What a great way to keep cool, burn energy and learn new skills.
Laser Quest: Laser Quest combines hide-and-seek and tag with a high tech twist. Their multi-level arenas have swirling fog, energetic music and fun waiting around every corner!
Onsight Rock Gym: Over 12,00 square feet of wall surface to climb! A great work out and fun for the entire family! Sign the online waiver before you leave to save time and hassle.
Oak Ridge Children’s Museum: A little Oak Ridge history combined with a lot of fun activities for children of all ages. Highlights include: The life size doll house and the train area.
Gym Bugs: Trampolines, tunnels, slides, ball pits and more. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30am-11:30am. $5 per child.
East TN Historical Museum: Learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped our region through the award-winning exhibits housed at the Museum of East Tennessee History. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, and FREE for children 16 and under. Admission is FREE each Sunday.
McClung Museum: Exhibits at the museum showcase the geologic, historical, and artistic past of Tennessee, as well as cultures from around the globe. Admission is FREE!
Barnes and Nobel Story Time: FREE storytimes for children of all ages. Check the Barnes and Nobel calendar for events near you. Sometimes they offer bilingual story times!
Rain Forest Adventures: Nestled away in the Smoky Mountains, Rain Forest Adventures features over 600 live animals, representing over 130 species. It is home to unique and beautiful creatures from the Rain Forests of the world.
Imagination Forest: A fun place for kids age 1- 8 to explore, pretend, create and imagine! Your child will experience creative and active play, socialization and learning. $5 per child for ages 1 & up. Adults are free.
West Town Mall Play Place: Grab yourself a Starbucks and unleash your kids in the play place while you sip on your iced latte. I do not take responsibility for children throwing tantrums and wanting to go into the Disney Store or Build-a-Bear. HA!
Tatarus: Trampolines, blow up slides, balance bars and MORE. This is a great way to get those extra wiggles out of your kids that are climbing the walls at home. Open Gym Mon-Fri 9am-4pm!
Liza Moz Pottery Painting: Embrace your inner artist and enjoy painting pottery with your kids. More information and pricing located on their website.
Knoxville Museum of Art: Enjoy a nice stroll through the art museum or enroll your child in an art camp! Admission to the museum is FREE Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm!
What are your favorite A/C friendly summer hangouts? Share with us in the comments and we will be sure to add them to this list!
