Summer always goes by so quickly, but you’ve still got plenty of time to plan a fun-filled adventure or two before school starts back. If you’re desperate to get the kids off their phones and out of the house for some quality time together, we’re here to help! We’re fortunate to have so much history, art, and culture on our doorstep here in Knoxville, with plenty for families to do and see. Our Langford Orthodontics team has put together a list featuring some of our favorite things to do around Knoxville during the warmer months in the summer, so take a look below for inspiration!
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive
Knoxville, TN 37914
With over 900 different animals spread throughout the grounds, Zoo Knoxville is one of the premiere zoological experiences in the southeast. Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy exploring acres of creative habitats. The tagline “wildly fun” is accurate! Not only are there are a great mixture of animals to learn about, the zoo also features interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes, camel rides, and even a large splash pad where parents can take a breather while the kids cool down.
Be sure to check out the 360-degree monkey exhibit with a full jungle gym for them to play on, as well as the Animal Encounters that occur daily. Each one teaches visitors about a specific animal, including information on its diet, habitat, status in the wild, and more. You can view the summer calendar here.
2915 Island Home Ave
Knoxville, TN 37920
Rated as the #1 Outdoor Activity in Knoxville by TripAdvisor, Navitat is a tree-based adventure park in Ijams Nature Center. The Center has been around for over 100 years, and the 300-acre bird sanctuary is one of the top environmental sanctuaries in the U.S. is designed to thrill, educate, and inspire! With Navitat, you and your family can explore all that Ijams has to offer via ziplines, bridges, nets, tunnels, and more! For those who prefer their feet a little closer to the ground, there are multiple trails, creeks, and climbing areas to keep you busy. For something truly special, try Navitat at Night: you and your family can wander among the treetops under a blanket of stars and thousands of twinkling nights.
The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain
418 S Gay St
Knoxville, TN 37902
The Phoenix is a real pharmacy that specializes in compounding, and also offers free delivery to your home or office. But what we come for is the ice cream! You can get super fresh, super premium small-batch ice cream here, along with many other homemade specialty desserts and authentic soda fountain favorites. The retro look and feel of the Phoenix makes it a great place to kick back and relax on a hot summer day. From the music and food to the personalized service, this is a shop everyone in the community can enjoy.
516 N Beaman St
Knoxville, TN 37914
This may be billed as a children’s museum, but we think visitors of all ages will love it!
This 4,000 square-foot museum is packed full of fun art and science exhibits. Immerse yourself in one of the many interactive exhibits that range from physical science to construction and beyond, and be sure to check out the planetarium shows while you’re there. There’s even a giant hamster track to explore! There are so many opportunities for children and adults to learn and play here. It’s a great way to escape some of the heat and humidity during the summer.
963 World’s Fair Park Dr
Knoxville, TN 37916
Right in the heart of downtown, the World’s Fair Park has something for everyone! There’s a huge splash pad to keep kids cool, and a playground that’s open all year long. It’s also home to the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater, the only structures remaining from when Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair in 1982. The Sunsphere’s observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the city and beyond, which can be really exciting, especially for kids. There are paved walking trails throughout the park, and you should keep an eye out for the special performances and events that the park showcases during the warmer months.
Keep your child’s smile in shape this summer
Whatever you and your family are planning this summer, we want our orthodontic patients to have fun without losing sight of their treatment plan. That means keeping up with caring for their braces or aligners so that treatment isn’t interrupted, even if your regular routine is!
To help your child get through the summer with their braces and treatment schedule intact, all you need is a little thinking ahead and a few helpful recommendations like:
- Keep an orthodontic kit with you for braces care on the go, and include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a little orthodontic wax
- Put our phone numbers and email address in your phone or write it down somewhere, so we can walk you through any unexpected emergencies that may occur while you’re out and about
- If your child is in braces, make sure they stick to treats that are orthodontist-approved, and avoid offering anything that’s too crunchy or chewy
- Be sure your child’s dental hygiene routine is maintained and that they are brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed
By following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can make the most of the summer without sacrificing your child’s smile! And remember, you can always count on our expert team for trusted support and advice if you ever have any questions or concerns. Langford Orthodontics is here to help your child achieve a healthy smile all year long!
- Dr. Langford
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