Fall Break 2026 in Maryville: Your Complete Guide
Fall Break is October 5-9, 2026 for both Blount County Schools and Maryville City Schools. That is a full week in the middle of October when your kids are off and the leaves are just starting to turn. Here is everything verified and current for that week.
When Is Fall Break?
Blount County Schools: Monday, October 5 - Friday, October 9, 2026
Maryville City Schools: Also October 5-9, 2026 (both districts follow the same schedule this year)
Fall Break Camp at Blount County Parks & Rec - Pumpkin Power
When: October 7-9, 2026 (Wednesday-Friday) Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour) or 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (5-hour) Where: Springbrook Recreation Center, 1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa Cost: $110 for the 3-day 3-hour session, $165 for the 5-hour session Ages: 3-8, all campers must be fully potty-trained Drop-off camp with obstacle courses, gymnastics challenges, and ninja-style adventures
Registration: In-person at the Parks & Rec office (316 S. Everett High Rd, Maryville) or online at parksrec.com/recreation-program/summer-day-camps. Call (865) 983-9244 if you have questions.
This is one of the affordable options during break and it actually sounds fun - not another daycare disguised as a camp.
Blount County Library - Fall Break Programs
The Blount County Public Library (508 N. Cusick St, Maryville) runs free fall break activities. Check the library website at blounttn.gov/library for specific times, as the fall break schedule may vary from week to week.
They also have regular fall programs: - Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 13+, Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 PM, Kelly Teen Room) - Parties run full, so fill out their Google Form to get on the waiting list - Chess Club (Saturdays 12:00-2:00 PM drop-in, Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 PM tournaments) - Free, all skill levels - Afterschool Program for Teens & Tweens (Teens Wed/Thurs 3:30-6:30/7:00 PM, Tweens Fri 3:00-5:00 PM) - Free, no registration for most programs
Muse Knoxville
Where: Historic Chilhowee Park, 516 N. Beaman St, Knoxville Hours (school year): Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM, Saturday & Sunday 9 AM-4 PM, CLOSED Mondays starting Sept 14, 2026 Admission: $12 for ages 1-64, reduced-cost for seniors/educators/military, free for children under 1 and members Phone: (865) 594-1494 Website: themuseknoxville.org
Knoxville's only children's STEAM museum. Interactive exhibits, Knoxville's only public-access planetarium (included with admission), sensory-inclusive nights, and free monthly Family Nights. The museum is undertaking a major expansion from 10,000 to 57,000 square feet - still open during construction. They also offer seasonal camps, birthday parties, and homeschool programs.
Zoo Knoxville
Where: 1750 Zoo Drive, Knoxville Website: zooknoxville.org
200 species, over 1,500 animals. KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Admission and hours vary by season - check their website for fall pricing before you go. The zoo is typically less crowded during the school week in October, making fall break a good time to visit if you want to avoid weekends.
The Blount County Fair - It Falls During Fall Break!
When: Tuesday, September 16 - Saturday, September 20, 2026 Where: Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Drive, Maryville Website: blountcountyfair.com
The fair runs the week before Fall Break, but many families plan to go during or right after break when kids are off. Each evening includes a Children's Event at 7:00 PM. The fair is a working agricultural fair - expect livestock shows, tractor displays, and ALFA Demo Kitchen cooking demos alongside the carnival-style fun.
Dollywood in the Fall
Dollywood typically opens its fall season (Dollywood's Festival of Lights usually starts late October). Check dollywood.com for exact fall break dates and pricing. If your kids are into roller coasters, the Fall at Dollywood season has shorter lines during the school week.
Outdoor Ideas
- Newfound Gap Road (Great Smoky Mountains): The drive from Townsend to Clingmans Dome is open through October and the fall color peaks vary year to year. The Smokies website (nps.gov/grsm) posts current conditions.
- Mount LeConte & Cades Cove: Both are accessible from Maryville. Cades Cove is flat and stroller-friendly. Pack layers - mountain mornings get cold by October.
- Maryville Greenway: Easy walk or bike ride, especially nice in the fall mornings.
What Not to Miss
- Founders Square Farmers Market still runs on Saturdays through November 14, 2026. It's the perfect Saturday morning activity during fall break.
- Camp Tipton (933 Walker School Rd, Maryville) - if you need a day or two of supervision, check their fall program schedule.
- The Blount County Courthouse square itself is worth a stroll. The downtown area has a lot of charm in the fall.
Quick Tips
- Many fall programs and camps require advance registration - don't wait until the week before.
- October weather in East Tennessee can swing from 80 degrees F to 50 degrees F in a single day. Dress in layers.
- If you are heading into the Smokies, check road conditions before you leave. Mountain roads close quickly when weather turns.
- Most of the Parks & Rec offices require in-person registration for some programs. Call ahead to confirm what you can do online.
I will update this post as more fall break programming gets announced. Bookmark it and check back as October approaches.