Jul 17, 2025
Afterschool Activities on the Peaceful Side
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is home to three of Tennessee’s top public school systems and two distinguished private institutions, but excellence here extends far beyond the classroom. This fall, choose from a variety of fun, active and educational afterschool programs for your child or teen.
Located at the Crawford House on the Maryville College campus, Mountain Challenge offers family-friendly outdoor programming throughout the school year.
At Camp 4, held every Wednesday afternoon, your family can climb the 60-ft Alpine Tower, stretch out on the Yoga Deck or go for a guided walk in the woods—all for just $10 per person. No prior registration is required; simply fill out a waiver when you arrive.
The program kicks off for the school year on Sept. 3, weather permitting. Keep an eye on their social media for schedule updates.
Blount County Parks & Rec provides a wide range of recreational programs for kids and teens, from sports to the arts. Here’s a preview of this semester’s offerings:
Sports:
- Gymnastics, Movement, Music & More (Ages 3–5)
- Tumbling Gymnastics (Ages 5–10)
- Advanced Tumbling/Back Handsprings (Ages 6–12)
- Basic Fly Rod Casting (Ages 12 & Up)
- Karate (Ages 7–12) and (Ages 12+)
- Tennis Instruction (Ages 6–17)
- Youth T-Ball, Baseball, & Softball (Ages 4–13 depending on the league)
- Youth Disc Golf Clinic (Ages 5–16)
Arts:
- Make a Scene (Ages 10–12)
- Kids in Clay Pottery Classes (Ages 6–10)
- Beginner Guitar (Ages 9–15)
- Musical Theater (Ages 12–15)
- Fairy Tale Theater (Ages 6–9)
- Dance Stars by: Stretch-N-Grow (Ages 3–8)
Fees vary by program. Learn more and register on the Blount County Parks & Rec website. If your child enjoys these programs, they might also like dance classes at Artistic Dance Unlimited or music classes at the Rock and Metal Academy.
Gymnastics Counts offers dynamic classes that combine fitness, fun and focus. Led by certified instructors, these programs are designed to build strength, coordination and confidence in a supportive environment.
- Tumbling Class (Ages 5–13)
Perfect for cheerleaders or beginners, this class focuses on technique, strength training and safe skill progression in floor gymnastics. - Ninja Class (Ages 6–12)
Combining obstacle training, martial arts and gymnastics, this fast-paced class challenges kids to master jumps, flips and agility courses while building discipline and focus. - Gymnastics Classes (Ages 6–12)
These recreational classes are offered at multiple levels and emphasize core gymnastics skills, flexibility and confidence through fun, structured routines.
Learn more and register on the Gymnastics Counts website.
The Blount County Public Library (BCPL) hosts free afterschool programs for tweens and teens:
- Afterschool Program for Teens & Tweens: Create art, play video games and hang out with friends.
- Teens (Ages 13–17): Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
- Tweens (Ages 9–12): Fridays, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
- Teen Anime Club (Ages 13–17): Watch anime, talk about the latest manga and enjoy Japanese snacks.
- First and second Thursdays of the month at 4 p.m.
- Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 13+):
- Tuesdays, 5:30–8 p.m.
- Chess Club (All ages): Play or learn to play chess in a supportive environment.
- Saturdays, 12–2 p.m.
- Unrated Chess Tournaments: Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn more about these programs on the BCPL website.
Boys & Girls Club of Blount County
The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of afterschool programs designed to help kids and teens excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives. Free transportation to the Blount County chapter is available from most area schools. Learn more and register on their website.
The Blount County Youth Court offers teens the unique opportunity to decide the sentence of teens who committed a first-time, non-violent offense. In this volunteer program, youth jurors learn about the judicial system and make a difference in their community, helping reduce the teen recidivism rate in Blount County. Students can apply to be jurors on their website. The organization awards a scholarship to one graduating senior each year.
Reminder: Most schools on the Peaceful Side have afterschool programs of their own. You can explore these offerings on the school’s website.
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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.