Tennessee serves as an excellent vacation spot for families, providing a variety of activities suitable for all age groups and preferences. Whether it’s outdoor escapades, engaging museums, historical sites, or exciting theme parks, it ensures there’s something for every individual.
Once you’ve researched your travel options to Tennessee, here are some suggestions for family adventures in the state.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Parks have much to offer families, and for little explorers, being out in nature can create many special memories. The incredible scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature are just one of the many reasons to book flights for the family to Tennessee.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal location for family adventures, providing a variety of hiking trails suitable for families, such as the Laurel Falls Trail. Suitable for families and beginners, this moderate hike offers a beautiful waterfall as a reward.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider the Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile one-way loop road can be explored by car, bike, or on foot. It features stunning views, fascinating architecture, and exciting wildlife sightings.
The Junior Ranger Program, offering children the chance to earn their Junior Ranger Badge through various activities, is open for enrollment. Additionally, the park is an ideal spot for camping, picnicking, and horseback riding, making it a multifaceted locale for outdoor excitement.
Discover Adventure in Chattanooga
With plenty to offer for all ages, it’s clear why Chattanooga is recognized as a family-friendly city.
If you’re an animal enthusiast, don’t miss visiting the Tennessee Aquarium. It houses a wide variety of animals, ranging from otters and penguins to tiger sharks and butterflies, along with countless marine species. The aquarium offers numerous interactive exhibits and educational programs to keep visitors engaged and entertained. They also have an iMax for an enhanced visitor experience.
Next, we move on to Lookout Mountain, a place filled with numerous discoveries. Ascend to the peak of Lover’s Leap in Rock City for breathtaking panoramic views. Alternatively, descend 145 feet below the ground to witness the spectacle of Ruby Falls, a waterfall located underground.
Lastly, ride the Incline Railway for stunning views aboard one of the world’s steepest passenger railways.
Thrills and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
Your trip to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be fulfilled without spending a bit of time in Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s own take on Disneyland! For the adventurous types, there are exciting rides to hop on. If you prefer a laid-back atmosphere, you can just unwind under the shade, enjoy live shows and immerse yourself in the remarkable ambiance. If the weather is hot, Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect spot. This Dolly-themed waterpark has all you need – waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
The Island, a family-friendly entertainment complex in the area, is a significant attraction that offers a variety of shops, places to eat, and entertainment options. It features the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel that provides stunning views of the surrounding area. For those seeking a more active experience, there’s a high-ropes course, an arcade, and a mirror maze. The Island ensures that there’s never a dull moment!
Leap Back in Time in Franklin
Heading to a historic town is one of the best ways to make history fun and engaging. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Franklin, situated just south of Nashville, fits this description perfectly.
The Carter House and Carnton Plantation are both notable Civil War sites. They offer guided tours and provide valuable insights about the lives of those who experienced the Battle of Franklin. These sites present a tangible way to appreciate the courage and tenacity of those involved in the conflict.
The delightful Main Street, adorned with boutiques, antique stores, and cafes, provides a picturesque setting. On the other hand, the Franklin Theatre offers a variety of live performances and movies for family entertainment.
Get Hands-On at the Discovery Park of America
Over in Union City, the Discovery Park of America is a heritage park and interactive museum that features exhibits on natural history, space, art, technology, transportation, and more. Each area allows children (and their adults!) to get totally hands-on and really experience the exhibitions, from walking through an enormous model of a heart to digging for dinosaur bones, there is so much fun (and learning!) to be had.
Adventure in Nashville
The heart of country music has a softer side too, with plenty of family-friendly offerings. For those who love space, biology, or physics, the Adventure Science Center is a fun, interactive center that will leave you in awe. Be sure to check out the Sudekum Planetarium for some breathtaking shows to make you feel as though you are flying through the stars.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere houses more than 2700 animals, along with a vast playground, zip line, and picnic areas. You could also opt to bring your picnic to Centennial Park. Enjoy a meal before hopping onto a paddle boat, or exploring the full-scale Parthenon replica and art museum.
Educational Fun in Knoxville
If there is one thing Tennessee knows how to do, it’s to engage children in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). First up is Muse Knoxville, a children’s museum that is bursting at the seams with inquiry-based exhibits and adventure, all aiming to empower children through play.
If you’re raising budding artists, the Knoxville Museum of Art is filled with enjoyable sights, including a dedicated area for children where they are motivated to try creating art themselves!
Make your way to Zoo Knoxville to greet a variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes, and red pandas. You may even get the chance to participate in feeding them if you’re fortunate. Then, for those seeking an outdoor thrill, the Ijams Nature Center provides outdoor activities including hiking trails, a treetop adventure course, as well as canoeing and paddle boarding on the river.
Tennessee provides a plethora of adventures and experiences ideal for family holidays. From playing and gaining knowledge in interactive museums to exploring the great outdoors or having fun in a theme park, Tennessee has something to delight every family member.