Swimming, camp and many ways to play: it must be summer in Knoxville! 

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department goes into high gear this Memorial Day weekend to launch into the first of many ways families can stay active and creative this season. 


Outdoor pools open

The City’s outdoor pools -- Ed Cothren Pool, 1737 Reynolds St., and Inskip Pool, 4204 Bruhin Road – open for the season Saturday, May 23, 2026. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person with splash passes and group rates available. 

New this summer: Starting May 26, Ed Cothren Pool will be open 8 -10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for adults-only lap swimming. Admission is $5 per person. 

Part-time jobs are available as lifeguards and/or water safety instructors. Contact Knoxville Aquatics staff at [email protected] to learn more.

For more information on the City’s pools and programming, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/Aquatics. 


Still time to register for Summer Camps

Know a young person who needs to stay engaged and entertained this summer? Space for kids ages 6-12 is still available in eight of nine KORE Summer Camp locations, and youth ages 12-15 are invited to register for the Aspire Teen Camp at Cal Johnson Community Center. More info on all camp options and prices at www.SummerCampKnoxville.com. 

Art camps in a variety of media and age ranges will be held all summer at the Knoxville Art Center. Learn more at www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/KAC. 



Public hours at Safety City 

Safety City – the miniature Knoxville where second graders learn about safety – will have regular public hours this summer starting with a kickoff event on Friday, May 29, 2026, 5 - 8 p.m. 

Families with children and their non-motorized vehicles and helmets are welcome on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays June 2 thru July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Safety City will also be open June 3 and July 29 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays, June 27 and July 18, 9 a.m. to noon. 


Kid A'Riffic starts June 3

Parks and Recreation invites families to the free Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park events hosted by the City’s Office of Special Events on Wednesdays in June and July at different parks across the city. 

The first event is June 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chilhowee Park, with more than 20 partner groups providing games, activities, giveaways and treats – plus a touch-a-truck area with emergency vehicles, big trucks and more.