Activities and Recreation

Following is a selection of programs and agencies that offer activities for seniors. Some are free, others vary by cost. Some health and fitness clubs charge initial enrollment and monthly fees; others have an annual fee or charge by the class. Some offer senior discounts.

Some churches offer senior fitness classes and activities, open to the public. For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer activities exclusively for seniors, see Senior Centers.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center: 524-8461

1927 Dandridge Avenue, 37915
Oral history projects, reminiscence writing, exhibits. Tues.-Sat., 10 am- 6 pm. Free; donations accepted. BECKCenter.net.

Covenant Health Bodyworks: 531-5063

Group fitness program with low-cost classes for seniors; low-impact aerobics, toning and flexibility exercises. Classes throughout Knox and other counties. Call for locations and schedules.

East District Tennessee Senior Olympics: 436-4990

Gatlinburg Community Center, 156 Proffitt Rd., Gatlinburg, 37738 Olympic-style athletic event for adults age 50+, including golf, tennis, track and field, bowling, swimming, and others. District events held annually; winners qualify for state competition. Preregistration required. tnseniorolympics.com

Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center: 531-5000

270 Fort Sanders West Boulevard, 37922
Indoor and outdoor pools. Senior Fitness classes offer toning, flexibility, cardiovascular activity, and floor work. Classes include Aqua aerobics, Feldenkrais (mindful movement), Go Low, Jointercize, Parkinson’s Peddlers, Rock Steady Parkinson’s boxing program, Tai Chi, yoga, tennis, pickleball, strength and cardio equipment, weight management and full fitness floor.

Humana’s Guidance Center: 329-8892

4438 Western Avenue, 37921
Fitness classes such as Silver Sneakers and Tai Chi, health and wellness seminars, social activities, and customer support; information about Humana plans. Mon.-Fri., 9 am-4 pm.

Knox County Recreation Department: 215-6600

2447 Sutherland Avenue, 37919 Free or low-cost activities.

Knoxville City Parks and Recreation: 215-4311

Main office: Lakeshore Admin. Building, 5930 Lyons View Pike, 37919
Recreation and Senior Centers offer activities that include exercise programs, community outings, arts and crafts, and dances at various locations. Indoor pools are located at South Knoxville and Knoxville Adaptive centers. Most activities free or low cost.

Jewish Family Services: 690-6343

6800 Deane Hill Drive, 37919
Regular programs, including speakers, luncheons, classes. Nonmembers welcome. Information and referrals for individual and family counseling available; eldercare consultations. jewishknoxville.org

National Park Passes: 1-888-275-8747

National Park passes for seniors and persons with disabilities offer entrance to most federal parks that charge entrance fees, and discounts for some park amenities. Annual and lifetime passes are available for seniors (62+) to purchase with proof of age and residency. Free lifetime access passes are available for persons with documentation of permanent disability. Passes may be purchased at participating parks or online for an additional shipping charge. More information available at nps.gov.

SAIL–Stay Active & Independent for Life: 215-5175

Knox County Health Department 140 Dameron Avenue, 37917
Strength and balance exercises to help prevent falls; offered at area senior centers and other venues in Knox and surrounding counties.

Senior Centers

For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer activities just for seniors, see Senior Centers.

Seniors for Creative Learning: 974-0150

Partnership between O’Connor Senior Center and UT Department of Professional and Personal Development. Organization of seniors (50+) dedicated to learning and sharing their love of learning with others. Courses are lecture-based and sessions are offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Call for information regarding Membership fees.

Silver Sneakers: 1-888-423-4632

Fitness program provided at no cost by more than 60 health plans nationwide. Classes designed for all abilities led by certified instructors at multiple fitness facilities throughout Knox and surrounding counties. Contact your health care provider or visit SilverSneakers.com to check your eligibility and find fitness classes.

Tennova Health & Fitness Center: 859-7900

Member of Tennova Healthcare 7540 Dannaher Drive, Powell, 37849
Fitness program for people of all ages. Community health education, exercise classes (some senior-only), walking groups, and exercise equipment available. Membership fees apply. A special senior rate with no extended contract is available.

Wesley House: 524-5494

1719 Reynolds Street, 37921
Luncheons, activities, and trips for adults 62+. Low cost.

YMCA

Recreation; informal education. Branches offer level- appropriate fitness classes, including cardio, water, and low-impact aerobics. Payment options, scholarships available. ymcaknoxville.org.

Cansler Y: 637-9622

616 Jessamine Street, 37917
Water aerobics, Senior Classic Yoga, Senior Circuit, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Strength & Movement.

Davis Y: 777-9622

12133 S. Northshore Drive, 37922
Water Aerobics, Chair Yoga, GoLo, Senior Water Aerobics, Line Dancing, Yoga, Potluck Lunches, Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s, Liveh3.

Downtown Y: 522-9622

605 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902
Water Aerobics, Yoga, Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s.

North Side Y: 922-9622

7609 Maynardville Highway, 37938
Movin’ & Groovin’, LeBarre, Senior Classic, Zumba, Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s, Potluck Lunches.

West Side Y: 690-9622

400 N. Winston Road, 37909
Spin, Senior Yoga, Senior Circuit, Line Dancing, Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s, Potluck Lunches.

YWCA

Recreation, informal education, exercise classes.

Downtown: 523-6126

420 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902

Phyllis Wheatley: 546-0651

124 S. Cruze Street, 37915
Community garden rental space and volunteer opportunities.