Families will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on farm life and agriculture activities this summer. Image courtesy of TGA.

KNOXVILLE — Families have an opportunity to learn about agriculture with free hands-on activities this summer. Every Saturday in July, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum is offering Summer Saturdays which will spotlight Tennessee farm life and agriculture.

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. visitors can participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from gardening to spinning, to blacksmithing to sheep shearing, and plenty of farm animals, contests, and opportunities to learn.

On Saturday, July 11 you can Horse Around. Pet the horses on display and watch as the Metro Police Department Mounted Patrol demonstrates their skills. The sweet sounds of the Grand Old Dulcimer Club will fill the air as you enjoy a wagon ride or compete in a stick horse race.

On July 18, visit Old MacDonald’s Farm. Kids will have the opportunity to ride a miniature donkey and feed and groom farm animals. After you test your skills on the weaving loom, the sound of buzzing bees will lead you to a lesson about how honey is made. You also might want to stop by the gristmill to take home some freshly ground cornmeal.

July 25 is Goats Galore Saturday. All are welcome to pet and help milk and feed the goats. While parents check out the soaps and lotions made from goat’s milk, children will be able to participate in an adventurous scavenger hunt and watch the sheep shearing under the shade tree.

For more information, visit the Tennessee Agricultural Museum’s website www.tnagmuseum.org/summer.html.