Top 10 Ways to Beat the Heat

Summer gets pretty scorching in K-town. Here are some ideas to beat the summer heat:

1. Books & Blooms at the UT Gardens.

At 10.30am every Thursday in July. Listen to stories and do nature crafts projects. Brownbag lunch and let them run through the sprinklers at around 11am. Free.

2. Neighborhood pools.

Join for the summer for around $200 for the whole gang. Look for signs near your home or go to Mom Talk for suggestions.

3. Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool.

Spring water-fed, large grassed beach area and a brand new toddler wading pool for the 2008 season. Kids $1.50, under 4 free. More info 865-425-3450

4. Play fountains.

Always a fave at World’s Fair Park, Volunteer Landing and Market Square. Free.

5. City outdoor pools.

Ed Cothren Pool (865-544-7840) has a baby pool with a shaded pavilion next to it. Just a $1 per person, per visit. Inskip Pool (865-687-9919) has shade within a short walk of the baby pool. $3 per person per visit, non-walking infants free.

6. Dollywood Splash Country.

This place is not just for thrill seeker, tots can cool off in shallow water at Little Creek Falls, a children’s pool with fun slides and an activity center. Plenty of shady umbrellas and lifeguards on duty make this a safe, special outing. More info 1-865-428-9488

7. Find a river.

It’s always cooler in the mountains, Greenbrier near Highway 321 from Gatlinburg and Little River in Townsend are great for pint-sized paddlers.

8. Splash pads.

Find them at Carl Cowen, Powell and now New Harvest Park are a quick way to cool down.

9. Super Saturday Shows at Burlington Library

Movies based on classic children's books. Best for ages 3-10. More info 865-525-5431

10. Parks in the evening.

Moms on Knoxmoms.com like to head to the park in the early evening, take dinner and let the kids play when the sun isn’t so scorching.

Ali James is the moderator and Head Mom for knoxmoms.com.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2009 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.