Camps, Programs & Events
Ijams programs offer almost endless opportunities to get outdoors and experience nature. Education has played a central role at Ijams since HP and Alice Ijams encouraged people from across the community to enjoy the bird sanctuary they created on their original 20-acre homesite.
Ijams’ programs cater to all ages. From adult programs like Tennessee Naturalist and the Ijams Hiking Club for adults to Nature Preschool and day camps for children, Ijams has it all. Visit Ijams' new E-Learning Station for stay-at-home ways to learn and have fun!
Nature Preschool
Ijams Nature Preschool (INP) is a unique learning experience that takes inquiry and discovery into the outdoors! This full-time, licensed program gets kids outside 60% of the time and focuses on child-led, age-appropriate, and experiential learning for children ages 3-5.
Field Trips & Outreach
Ijams offers schools and other groups a truly unique outdoor education experience. Ijams is the only facility in Knoxville that immerses students in nature on hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows, and along creeks and streams.
Nature Play Club
The Ijams Nature Play Club is a part-time program for children ages 3-5 in which they spend 100% of their time outdoors! Like INP, the Nature Play Club offers a hands-on, experiential approach to learning based on the needs and curiosity of young children.
Adult Programs
At Ijams, nature education doesn’t end when school does. Fun adult programs promise to teach you something new while having a great time!
Camps
Exciting explorations, awesome adventures, and delightful discoveries await your child at Ijams! Let Ijams camp counselors share their knowledge of science, animals, and the outdoors with your child during each exciting nature adventure.
Special Events
Ijams hosts a series of events, from fundraisers and community cleanups to music festivals and movie nights. New activities are added all the time, so visit the Calendar of Events to see what's happening at Ijams!
Family Programs
From monthly Nature Nuggets programs to seasonal night hikes and family events, Ijams has dozens of fun and engaging ways for families to get outside and discover nature together!
Kids Birthday Parties
Birthdays at Ijams allow children to explore and have fun in nature with their friends! There are so many options: meet an Ijams animal ambassador, dipnet in the pond, take a nature walk with an Ijams naturalist, and more!
E-Learning Station
Looking for things to do at home or around your neighborhood? You'll find information and activities for adults, children, and families on the new Ijams E-Learning Station page!
What are parents saying about Nature Preschool?
"Since attending Nature Preschool, my child is more outgoing. He is more observant of the world around him, and more eager to learn."
