8 Top Family-Friendly Activities in Knoxville

Entertaining the whole family is always a challenge. Kids have endless energy and specialized interests, so finding an activity to engage their body and mind is a parents’ priority. Luckily, Knoxville packs in family activities, from interactive museums to outdoor adrenaline-pumping amusement. Our list of hand-picked, family-friendly attractions is sure to have something that appeals to every family member. Check out the things to do in Knoxville with kids.

Zoo Knoxville

Come face-to-face with exotic and native animals at Zoo Knoxville. Watch the gibbons playfully swinging in their enclosure. Or, let the kids get closer by hand-feeding giraffes or riding a camel. All the habitats are designed to mimic what these animals would have in their native homes. 

During the day, the zookeepers and friendly staff educate zoo visitors about wildlife conservation. Keeper talks take place at various habitats daily, so check the schedule. Little ones will especially delight in the sea lions’ antics at their show.

The Knoxville Zoo adds energy-busting fun activities to its animal habitats. Cool off during those humid Tennessee summers at the Zoo’s splash pad. Feel the wind through your hair as you rush down the zipline. Smaller kids will delight in the train ride and carousel. Just be aware that these attractions are seasonal and weather-dependent. Check the Zoo website for information on admission & parking.

Ijams Nature Center

The perks of Knoxville living are its incredible outdoors. The heart of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness encourages residents to enjoy it. Ijams Nature Center is a one-stop urban park with an incredible list of available outdoor activities. Not only is it a family-friendly attraction, it’s one of Knoxville’s best parks.

In the summers, Ijams Nature Center offers a variety of water activities, from swimming in an old rock quarry to paddling in the river. The park also provides rentals for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, allowing families to explore the water in a new and exciting way.

At Navitat Knoxville, you can go climbing at any time of year. This unique canopy adventure includes a zip line. Ride mountain bikes or hike the 12-plus miles of trails. These enchanting trails wind through dense forests, around the quarry, and by the river.

Ijams has education programs and a nature-themed kids’ play area. Cool activities include twilight bat walks or wildflower hikes. Meanwhile, the Natural Playscape encourages imagination across its five acres of diverse landscapes. Children are encouraged to engage in free-flowing play and explore the beautiful parks’ creeks, boulders, and trees. If you want more physical challenge, try the Ijams Primal Playground, which has themed sections designed for fitness.

With over 300 acres to explore, Ijams is an oasis of tranquility and thrills in the city. It is connected to the city’s miles of trails, so you can reach it from downtown Knoxville or other Urban Wilderness Parks.

McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

Do you have a family member who loves dinosaurs? Or does someone love learning about history? Step back in time at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture. The exhibitions document regional history, ancient civilizations, and the natural world. Its extensive fossil collection will astonish and delight budding paleontologists. The captivating museum is perfect for curious minds of all ages!

The Museum is part of the University of Tennessee, so some exhibitions are also related to research ventures by scholars. Educator-led programs for homeschoolers and field trips for public schools encourage engagement. Visit on one of the annual free Family Days, which occur throughout the year with special kid crafts and activities. Pre-registration is requested, but parking and admission are free.

Muse Knoxville

A world of discovery awaits at Muse Knoxville, a colorful children’s science museum in Chilowee Park. From exploring space to unleashing creativity in the maker space, budding scientists and artists will want to keep coming back. One of the best family-friendly attractions in Knoxville, Muse’s mission is to empower children through play and inquiry. Its interactive exhibits and kids activities include:

• A Planetarium, whose shows take you beyond the sun and back again
• A STEM station where kids experience electricity and play with physics
• A Sound Garden to play with, making noise and tunes in nature
• The A-Mazing Airways for kids to manipulate air tubes
• Playground to move their bodies and be active outdoors

Check the website for updated ticket prices.  Members get free guest passes, special member-only days, and discounts on entry tickets for special events.

Ice-skating at Cool Sports

Whether it’s winter outside or a hot summer day, ice skating is always on point at Cool Sports. The entire family can participate at Knoxville’s #1 indoor ice rink. Lace up and glide together for memories that will last a lifetime at a public skate session. The facility also has a hockey league, freestyle skiing lessons, and learn-to-skate programs grouped by age.

Cool Sports’ facilities include turf sports courts. These are used for indoor soccer leagues and lessons.

American Museum of Science and Energy

Delve into the fascinating world of science and technology at the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE). A short jaunt away in Oak Ridge, this Smithsonian-affiliated Museum’s emphasis on energy science differs from the other Knoxville modern museums. 

Oak Ridge was part of the Manhattan Project. Shortly after the war, the Department of Energy founded this STEM-focused Museum. Its mission was to document the Project’s lasting impact while promoting energy, engineering, and science and technology differs. Not only will visitors learn about the Project, but all the exhibits encourage you to get hands-on learning about big science concepts. 

Your future scientist and engineer will love it, and adults are guaranteed to learn something, too. Explore energy, the environment, and the basic principles of science. Learn about atomic energy and its applications, safety, and logistics. See how cell phones and nanotechnology advances happened. The exhibits are updated to keep up with the fast-paced changes in technology.

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

Education meets play at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, where kids can discover and learn through interactive exhibits. It’s a place that ignites curiosity and encourages learning by doing. Among the Museum’s permanent kids activities are:

• A Rainforest Room: Climb into an observation deck in a rainforest canopy, complete with sound effects
• Model Train Room: This mock-up of Lloydstown is one of the most popular rooms
• The Doll House: Play in a life-size dollhouse; dress in costumes for more pretend play!
• International Hall: Discover traditions from around the world
• A Century of Toys: Literally, a room full of toys to play with dates back to the 1900s.
• Children’s Garden: Learn about growing your own food while playing outdoors

The Children’s Museum runs specialty programs all year to complement its exhibits. There’s a scavenger hunt for Girl Scouts, a Wednesday crafting program, musical mornings, toddler play, and more fun activities on its calendar. Check the schedule to see what activity for kids is coming and ticket prices.

A Day at Dollywood

Need to get away? Try an action-packed day at the Dollywood theme park in East Tennessee. Named after its founder, the iconic Dolly Parton, this exciting adventure park is a top-rated attraction in the Smokies.

Family members will definitely remember a day spent here on its 50 and counting rides. There are child-friendly merry-go-round-style rides, twisting and roaring roller coasters, and big water flume drops.

Besides the adrenaline-pumping and fun rides, Dollywood is a celebration of Appalachia. It promotes the traditions of the Smoky Mountains, from its music to the vendors. Award-winning music in multiple genres is on stage every day. The twangy folk and bluegrass songs echo through the air, even if you miss a show. Local artisans demonstrate traditional arts and crafts at stations throughout Dollywood. The park hosts special events during the year, like the three-day “I Will Always Love You” songwriting festival and the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration.

Few theme parks have the same blend of entertainment and culture as Dollywood. This iconic destination near Pigeon Forge changes its decor and shows with the seasons, so keep returning for a fun day.

Splash Pads Galore

Temperatures average 87F in their July peak, but the humidity can make it feel even sticker. Beat the East Tennessee heat and splash at one of Knoxville’s many splash pads. These aquatic playgrounds are perfect for small children and parents alike. Pack a picnic and soak up fun under the sun at these splash pads:

• Carl Cowan Park: Multiple fountains encourage water play
• New Harvest Park Splash Pad: With jets shooting out of the payment, the features here appeal to smaller kids
• Powell Station: Fountains bubble and spray from the ground
• World’s Fair Park Foundation: Jets spray high into the sky in alternating flows

Knoxville’s splash pads and water fountains run daily from May through September, pending the weather. Most start at 10 a.m. and run until 8 p.m.

Family Activities in Knoxville

Make cherished moments at these top Knoxville family-friendly attractions. It’s just a tiny sampling of what to do in this fun, southern city. So, pack your bags, gather the kids, and prepare for an adventure-filled day!

New to the city? Learn more about what awaits living in Knoxville.

Updated July 2024