# Free things to do with kids in Knoxville this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Knoxville this week: we found 21 free outings, including Nature Nuggets at Ijams, 22 Days of Halloween Crafts (South Knoxville) and Saturday Stories & Songs: KSO Musical Storytime (Cedar Bluff), plus 15 library programs. Eight free days and events are coming up, including one museum or zoo free day, each with its date. And six places never charge admission.

- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 21 free outings this week; 8 free days and events coming up; 6 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Zoo Knoxville and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Knoxville. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is free with the card on Saturdays only. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Christmas at Chilhowee tree lighting** at Chilhowee Park Bandstand, Enter at 401 Lakeside Street, Knoxville, TN. When: Fri Nov 20, 2026. Time: 6 p.m. Price: Free. Official page: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/1005/Christmas-at-Chilhowee (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Christmas at Chilhowee (free Santa photos)** at Chilhowee Park Bandstand, Enter at 401 Lakeside Street, Knoxville, TN. When: Fri Nov 20, 2026. Time: 6–9 p.m. (tree lit at 6). Price: Free; free parking. City of Knoxville event: tree lighting, crafts, free Santa photos, hot cocoa and a holiday Touch-A-Truck. Official page: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/1005/Christmas-at-Chilhowee (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Light the Park** at Founders Park / Campbell Station Road, Campbell Station Rd, Farragut, TN 37934. When: Nightly from Nov 24, 2026. Time: Dusk–10 p.m. (listed 6–10 p.m.); restrooms until 9 p.m. except Dec 25. Price: Free. Letters-to-Santa mailbox, nightly giveaways. Town of Farragut. Official page: https://visitfarragut.org/events/light-the-park/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Regal Celebration of Lights** at Krutch Park Extension and Market Square, Market Square, Knoxville, TN. When: Fri, Nov 27, 2026. Time: 5:15–9 p.m.; tree lighting at 6 p.m. Price: Free. Lighting of the 42-foot Christmas in the City tree, kids' crafts on Market Street, a miniature train set and food trucks. Holidays on Ice opens the same day. City garages are free. Official page: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/1008/Regal-Celebration-of-Lights (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Tour de Lights** at Covenant Health Park, Knoxville, TN. When: Sat Dec 12, 2026. Time: 3:30–7:30 p.m.; ride starts 6 p.m. Price: Free. Watch decorated bikes roll through Old City, Fourth and Gill and downtown. Official page: https://www.visitknoxville.com/tour-de-lights/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Santa Brunch (free breakfast & photos)** at Christ United Methodist Church, 7535 Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37938. When: Sat Dec 12, 2026. Time: 10 a.m.–noon. Price: Free. Free breakfast cooked by the United Methodist Men, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus; open to the public. Official page: https://www.christumcknox.com/santa-brunch (checked 2026-10-18)
- **New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere** at World's Fair Park, World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: Evening; silent disco and live music from 9 p.m., ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight. Price: Free. Holidays on Ice skating is open until 9 p.m. nearby. Bring chairs (no tents). Free parking in all city garages. Rain or shine. Official page: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/1007/New-Years-Eve-at-the-Sunsphere (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free this week

- **Preschool Storytime (Farragut)** at Knox County Public Library – Farragut, 417 N. Campbell Station Rd., Knoxville, TN 37934. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A half-hour Monday morning storytime for preschoolers. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-storytime-42623 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **22 Days of Halloween Crafts (South Knoxville)** at Knox County Public Library – South Knoxville, 4500 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 4–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–12. A different spooky craft every afternoon in the countdown to Halloween, for ages 2–12. Runs 4–5pm on weekday afternoons this week. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/22-days-halloween-42605 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Bookworms (Cedar Bluff)** at Knox County Public Library – Cedar Bluff, 9045 Cross Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A short storytime made for babies and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/baby-bookworms-34857 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Ready, Set, K Storytime (Farragut)** at Knox County Public Library – Farragut, 417 N. Campbell Station Rd., Knoxville, TN 37934. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11:15am. Price: Free. Ages: 4–5. A longer storytime aimed at kids getting ready for kindergarten. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/ready-set-k-42632 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Afternoon Preschool Storytime (Carter)** at Knox County Public Library – Carter, 9036 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 1:30–2pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–5. An early-afternoon storytime in East Knox County for preschoolers and younger siblings. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-storytime-40026 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Afterschool Storytime (South Knoxville)** at Knox County Public Library – South Knoxville, 4500 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 3:30–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. A 3:30 storytime for families with a little one and an older sibling coming home from school. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/afterschool-storytime-42586 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Lawson McGhee (Downtown))** at Knox County Public Library – Lawson McGhee (Downtown), 500 W. Church Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10–10:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. A toddler storytime at the main downtown library. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/toddler-storytime-35787 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Bookworms (Powell)** at Knox County Public Library – Powell, 330 W. Emory Rd, Powell, TN 37849. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A short storytime for babies and caregivers in Powell. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/baby-bookworms-35338 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Halls)** at Knox County Public Library – Halls, 4518 E. Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN 37938. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. A half-hour toddler storytime in Halls. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/toddler-storytime-36663 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Howard Pinkston)** at Knox County Public Library – Howard Pinkston, 7732 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A preschool storytime at the South Knox branch on Martin Mill Pike. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-storytime-42481 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (North Knoxville)** at Knox County Public Library – North Knoxville, 2901 Ocoee Trail, Knoxville, TN 37917. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 11–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A late-morning preschool storytime on Ocoee Trail. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-story-time-24472 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Sequoyah)** at Knox County Public Library – Sequoyah, 1140 Southgate Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A Thursday preschool storytime in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-storytime-37805 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Nature Nuggets at Ijams** at Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave., Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10–11am. Price: Free; parking $5 (free for members). Ages: 1–5. A Wednesday outdoor program for 18 months through preschool, with nature play and time to meet other caregivers. Younger siblings are welcome in strollers. Ijams asks families to register. Official page: https://www.ijams.org/calendar-of-events (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Fountain City)** at Knox County Public Library – Fountain City, 5300 Stanton Rd., Knoxville, TN 37918. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:15–10:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. Stories and activities designed for ages 3 to 5. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/preschool-storytime-38775 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Bookworms (Bearden)** at Knox County Public Library – Bearden, 100 Golf Club Rd., Knoxville, TN 37919. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. A lap-time program for infants to age 2 and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/copy-baby-bookworms-37895 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Bookworms (Halls)** at Knox County Public Library – Halls, 4518 E. Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN 37938. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. A lap-time program for infants to age 2 and their grown-ups. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/baby-bookworms-36613 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **22 Days of Halloween Crafts (South Knoxville)** at Knox County Public Library – South Knoxville, 4500 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 4–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–12. A different spooky craft each afternoon in the countdown to Halloween, for ages 2 to 12. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/22-days-halloween-42609 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Saturday Stories & Songs: KSO Musical Storytime (Cedar Bluff)** at Knox County Public Library – Cedar Bluff, 9045 Cross Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–8. Musicians from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra bring stories to life with live music, for babies through elementary age. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/saturday-stories-songs-knoxville-symphony-orchestra-musical-storytime-42410 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Trick or Treat at the Library (Cedar Bluff)** at Knox County Public Library – Cedar Bluff, 9045 Cross Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 2–4pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Stories, crafts and Halloween treats at the library; come in costume. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/event/trick-or-treat-library-42527 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Storytime at the Ijams Nature Playscape: Fairytales** at Ijams Nature Center – Nature Playscape, 3518 Island Home Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10am–12pm. Price: Free; parking $5 (free for members). Ages: 0–5. Volunteer storytellers read fairy tales in the woods at Mead’s Quarry, followed by a themed craft and time on the playscape. Bring a blanket or chair. Official page: https://www.ijams.org/event-details/storytime-at-jos-grove-fairytales (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Farragut Harvest Fest** at Village Green Shopping Center, 11525 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. When: Sun Oct 25. Time: 1–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–99. A free fall festival with trick-or-treating, costume contests at 2 and 4pm, live music, food trucks and 30-plus vendors. Official page: https://www.shopfarragut.com/events/harvest-fest/ (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture**, UT campus. A natural history and culture museum on the University of Tennessee campus. Admission and parking are free. Official page: https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Museum of East Tennessee History**, Downtown. Regional history on the first floor of the East Tennessee History Center. Official page: https://www.easttnhistory.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Lawson McGhee Library**, Downtown. The main branch of the Knox County library, with free children’s programs on the calendar. Official page: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/about/hours-and-locations/lawson-mcghee-library (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Ijams Nature Center**, South Knoxville. A nonprofit nature center with trails, storytimes and toddler programs. Official page: https://www.ijams.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **World’s Fair Park**, Downtown. The Festival Lawn, splash pads in summer, and the Sunsphere overhead. Official page: https://www.worldsfairpark.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum**, East Knoxville. 44 acres of display gardens, stone walls and walking trails, with old stone roundhouses to find. Official page: https://www.knoxgarden.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free library storytimes

- **Knox County Public Library**: Weekly at 15 locations; Monday–Friday, mostly mornings. Free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at Lawson McGhee and branches across the county. Calendar: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Knoxville this weekend?
This week we found 21 free outings for ages 0–6, including Nature Nuggets at Ijams, 22 Days of Halloween Crafts (South Knoxville), Saturday Stories & Songs: KSO Musical Storytime (Cedar Bluff) and Trick or Treat at the Library (Cedar Bluff). See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Knoxville?
Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Knoxville?
Christmas at Chilhowee tree lighting, Christmas at Chilhowee (free Santa photos), Light the Park, Regal Celebration of Lights and Tour de Lights and 2 more are free this season. Dates and times are on each card under [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Knoxville?
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Museum of East Tennessee History, Lawson McGhee Library, Ijams Nature Center and World’s Fair Park and 1 more don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Is there free indoor play in Knoxville?
Yes: McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture and Lawson McGhee Library. See all of them on [indoor play places in Knoxville](https://littlesweekly.com/knoxville/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free in Knoxville?
Yes. Knox County Public Library runs free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).