Families will find Tennessee an incredible destination, as it provides an extensive array of activities tailored to suit all ages and preferences. The state boasts outdoor expeditions, engaging museums, historical sites, and exciting amusement parks, ensuring something for everyone.
Thus, after researching 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 serves as an ideal location for family excursions, providing an array of hiking trails appropriate for all ages, such as the Laurel Falls Trail. This trail is particularly suitable for families or novice hikers, due to its relative ease and the rewarding view of a breathtaking waterfall at the end.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider the Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile, one-way loop can be explored by car, bike, or on foot, and features stunning scenery, fascinating architecture, and captivating wildlife encounters.
Kids have the chance to join the Junior Ranger Program, allowing them to participate in activities to earn their Junior Ranger Badge. Additionally, the park is an excellent spot for outdoor activities like camping, picnicking, and horseback riding, making it a multifaceted location for outdoor fun.
Discover Adventure in Chattanooga
It’s easy to see why Chattanooga is recognized as a family-friendly city, offering a wide array of activities and attractions that cater to all age groups.
If you’re an animal enthusiast, make a beeline for the Tennessee Aquarium. This incredible location houses a wide variety of animals, ranging from otters and penguins to tiger sharks and butterflies. And that’s not to mention the countless marine life species. The aquarium also offers numerous interactive exhibits, educational programs, and even an iMax theater to captivate and entertain its visitors.
Next, visit Lookout Mountain where a plethora of discoveries await. Ascend to the pinnacle of Lover’s Leap in Rock City for breathtaking panoramic vistas, or descend 145 feet under the earth to marvel at Ruby Falls, a subterranean waterfall.
Lastly, embark on the Incline Railway journey for stunning vistas on one of the world’s most steep passenger railways.
Thrills and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
A trip to Pigeon Forge isn’t truly fulfilled without spending time in Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s own take on Disneyland! If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, take a whirl on the exciting rides, or simply unwind in the shade, enjoying live performances and absorbing the phenomenal ambiance. On a sweltering day, nothing beats Dollywood’s Splash Country, a Dolly-themed waterpark featuring waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Another notable feature of the region suitable for families is The Island – a thriving entertainment hub teeming with shops, food joints, and attractions. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel, offers a stunning view of the area. For those who prefer more physical activities, there is a high-ropes course, an arcade, and a mirror maze. Thus, there’s absolutely no reason for anyone to feel bored!
Leap Back in Time in Franklin
Heading to a historic town is one of the most enjoyable and engaging ways to experience history, and Franklin, situated just south of Nashville, fits the bill perfectly. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Carter House and Carnton Plantation are both important Civil War sites. They offer guided tours and insights into the lives of those who experienced the Battle of Franklin. These visits provide a fantastic, interactive opportunity to appreciate the courage and tenacity of those involved.
Main Street, with its charming allure, is adorned with boutiques, antique shops, and cafes. Meanwhile, the Franklin Theatre provides live performances and films, offering entertainment for all family members.
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 over 2700 animals and also features a large playground, zip line, and picnic areas. Alternatively, you can enjoy your picnic at Centennial Park before embarking on a paddle boat ride, or visiting 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 are raising potential artists, the Knoxville Museum of Art is a must-visit. It’s filled with numerous fascinating sights to feast on and enjoy. Plus, it features a special area for children where they are motivated to try their hand at art themselves!
Visit Zoo Knoxville to greet a variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes, and red pandas. If you’re fortunate, you might even get a chance to assist in feeding them. For an outdoor escapade, explore the Ijams Nature Center. It provides several outdoor activities including hiking trails, a treetop adventure course, and canoeing and paddle boarding on the river.
Tennessee provides a plethora of experiences and adventures ideal for family holidays. From engaging and educational interactive museums to exciting outdoor explorations and thrilling theme parks, Tennessee caters to the interests of all family members.