School’s out and you might be wondering how you can help keep your kids occupied and entertained without relying too much on the television or phone. Thankfully, the Knox County Public Libraries have you covered and are offering a wide array of fun, family-friendly activities to keep kids busy and reading during the break.
Each of these individual programs are part of a larger event: the 2016 Summer Library Club. The aim is to keep children of all ages working their intellectual muscles while out of school by encouraging regular reading and storytime. The library offers printable reading and listening logs with blocks that can be colored in whenever your child reads a book, listens to a story, or completes other, alternative activities, such as visiting the local library or taking part in one of the library’s many free programs.
You can find more detailed information about the dates, times and locations of these events at the Knoxville library’s event calendar. For a quick break down of their most exciting programs, read on.
1. Chemistry Magic with Dr. Al Hazari
The University of Tennessee’s own Dr. Hazari will visit many Knoxville library branches this summer, including Farragut, Bearden, and Lawson McGee, to amaze children with wonderful scientific displays and experiments.
2. Magic Shows with Michael Messing
Speaking of amazing feats, local magician Michael Messing will be visiting many library branches as well. We all know that magic shows are a great time for kids, especially when they come with Michael’s unique brand of family-friendly humor.
3. The Knoxville Zoomobile
A fantastic animal show on the road, the Knoxville Zoomobile brings their “animal ambassadors” to points all over Knoxville, including many local libraries. Small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians will be on display for you and your children to learn about and enjoy.
4. Arts and Crafts Galore!
The Knoxville libraries are offering a variety of different arts and crafts projects throughout the summer season. On July 6th, for example, you can bring your children to the Halls branch for chalk art at 11:30, to the Farragut branch for wind sock crafting at 2:00, or to the Lawson McGee Library for a fantastic Craft and Play Field Day at 3:00. Crafting activities involving kites, spirit shakers, splatter art, and tie-dye will also be available throughout the summer, offering you a chance to not only get your children working hands-on, but also meeting lots of new friends!
5. Musical Performances
For your little music lovers, two different musical acts will be performing at Knoxville libraries this summer. Chuck and Terri, a brother and sister duo, will be performing their light-hearted and family-friendly songs at the Karns branch on June 28th and at the Bearden branch on July 14th. Guitarist Sean McCollough will also be performing at the Karns branch on July 7th, presenting an educational, humorous performance and playing “song games.”
6. Kids and Family Dance Parties!
Open to ages 2-10, the June 21st dance party at the Howard Pinkston branch and the June 22nd dance party at Lawson McGee Library are a great way to keep your kids active and having fun with their friends to the sound of their favorite tunes.
7. Fantastical Puppet Show
On July 13th, the Farragut branch will be hosting family-friendly puppet show, “The Princess and the Dragon.” With food, drink, and crafts afterward, what better way could your child spend a summer afternoon?
8. Shakespeare for Kids
Starting in mid-June, many Knoxville library branches will be hosting the Tennessee Stage Company’s presentation of “Shakespeare for Kids.” This fun and engaging event will include interactive workshops that aim to get children involved with Shakespeare’s works.
9. Wheels on the Bus Storytime
For those interested in a fun storytime for their younger children, Knox Area Transit’s Anne Victoria will be donning her bus driver’s outfit and reading fantastic stories while educating parents and children about the KAT system.
10. Quidditch Match for Kids!
On June 8th, the Lawson McGee Library will host an afternoon Quidditch match for children, including pre-schoolers. This is your child’s big chance to dress up as their favorite character from the Harry Potter books and meet plenty of new friends along the way.
With so many options to keep your children interested, time will fly by until the new school year. Not only will they hone their reading skills while completing their logs, but they’ll end the summer with plenty of great memories.
At My Family Dentistry, we share Knoxville’s interest in the wellbeing of your children, offering tools like our free activity book to keep them entertained. Contact us if you have any questions about the services we offer for children of any age.