Ijams Nature Center

06/20/2026

Are you ready for a night of big laughs, bold choices, and completely unscripted comedy?! If so, then come out on June 24th as Manatee Vanity Comedy Improv hosts three unique improv teams that will take the stage, each bringing their own style, energy, and surprises. Join in the fun for the official debut of the Casual Fridays as they take the stage along side the UTK improv group, Cumberland Strip Tease, and Pretend Friends will headline with the accompaniment of Michael Ray on keys.

Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 7pm.

Check out: https://www.ijams.org/event-details/special-event-improv-in-the-wild-with-manatee-vanity-improv-june-24 for more information!

06/20/2026

There are lots of fun things coming up over the next week at Ijams! Check out our Calendar of Events to see all of the events that you could bring your family or friends to. On top of all these events, it is a great time to hit the trails, have a picnic, go for a swim, or watch the kids play at the playscape. Hope to see you all at Ijams soon!

06/18/2026

Rediscover your inner camper from August 21-23! ☀🛶

Re-Discovery Camp brings all the fun of summer camp—minus the kids! This three-day adventure is designed for adults ages 18+ who want to relive the magic of childhood summer through a new lens, complete with outdoor activities like kayaking & hiking, nature exploration, and an optional overnight camping experience and ropes course. Bring a partner or a friend and make new connections while immersing yourself in the beauty of Ijams Nature Center.

To learn more and register, visit ijams.org/rediscoverycamp. See you out there!

06/18/2026

Are you leading a youth program, summer camp, daycare, or community group this July? 🌿

Good news! Ijams Nature Center has opened a limited number of July field trip opportunities for youth groups looking to get outside and explore nature with us.

Field trips include guided hikes, themed hands-on inquiry-based learning activities, and live animal encounters designed to connect participants with the natural world.

Interested? Visit ijams.org/field-trips to learn more about our field trip offerings and submit a request.

06/17/2026

Read, Roar, and Play with Ijams and the Knox County Public Library! Throughout the summer, Ijams will be partnering with the Knox County Public Library to support "The Read City USA Roar Into a Story" summer reading program!

Join us every Saturday from 10am–12pm for a story time for both young kiddos and young dinos. The event is located at Ijams Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve at 3518 Island Home Pike, Knoxville TN.

To register visit: https://shorturl.at/WmJJn

06/16/2026

Ijams has a busy weekend full of educational and conservation-based programming! Read about the programs below and join us out in nature this weekend!

🐦 During Bird Banding, participants will have the chance to observe the process of bird banding, go on a net runs with staff, and potentially help release the birds we catch!

🌼 The Ijams W**d Warriors Native Landscape Certification program is geared toward folks who want to learn about invasive plant species and the impact they have on our ecosystem. We will learn identification and removal techniques of four different invasive species common in the area. You then get to take that knowledge back to your own yard and create a beautiful native landscape to support local native plants and wildlife!

🌳 Summer Tree ID is a beginner course focusing on the identification of common trees in our area. Participants will hike around Ijams while learning all the tricks and tips of identifying tree species in the Summer!

Interested in joining? Register for Ijams programs at ijams.org/calendar-of-events

06/15/2026

Celebrate all things wings at the 2026 Ijams Hummingbird Festival Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited Knoxville! Join Ijams on August 15th for flying fun, from animal ambassador encounters and bird banding, to activities and educational experiences for all ages, a bird-themed marketplace, and more!
Details at https://www.ijams.org/ijams-hummingbird-festival.

Special thanks to , , and for making this event possible!

06/12/2026

06/09/2026

Just giving everyone a heads up for this weekend- All Ijams parking lots will be closed to the general public this Sunday, June 14 for our Fleurish fundraiser. The trails will be open for those that would like to bike or hike in, but all lots will be closed all day Sunday.

06/05/2026

Looking for an unforgettable summer experience for your teen?

Our 13-15-year-old campers are having an incredible week at Ijams Wilderness Camp --exploring streams, discovering wildlife, tackling challenges, and building friendships in the great outdoors. 🌿🐸🔍

There’s still space available in our remaining June sessions!

Mighty Metamorphosis (June 8-12)
Eco Engineers (June 15-19)
Macroinvertebrate Mayhem (June 22-26)

If your teen loves science, nature, creativity, and hands-on adventure, Wilderness Camp is the place to be this summer.

Spots are limited! Register today! https://www.ijams.org/camps