Family Activities in Knoxville – Things to Do
Knoxville shines as a top spot for families. It’s jam-packed with fun for both kids and grown-ups. With its walkable downtown, everyone will find something they love. Think arts, eats, and kid spots like the zoo. Families have a blast at Zoo Knoxville, Muse Knoxville, and Ijams Nature Center. Places like the East Tennessee History Center mix learning with fun. Don’t miss the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and Knoxville Museum of Art too.
Looking for fun that won’t empty your wallet? Knoxville has you covered. Catch free tunes at the WDVX Blue Plate Special. Ride the trolley for free and park without paying at select times. Knoxville offers tons of cheap thrills that families will love. For even more great ideas, grab the free Knoxville family activities guide.
Key Takeaways
- Experience various child-friendly places like Zoo Knoxville and Muse Knoxville.
- Explore educational attractions such as the East Tennessee History Center and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
- Enjoy free activities including the WDVX Blue Plate Special and free Knoxville trolley rides.
- Take advantage of the free parking in multiple downtown garages and lots on weeknights and weekends.
- Discover the natural beauty of the Knoxville Botanical Gardens with its 47 acres of walking trails.
Exploring Knoxville’s Outdoor Wonders
Knoxville is a haven for those who love the outdoors. It has a variety of activities perfect for families. From Ijams Nature Center to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, and the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plenty of top-rated spots await family adventurers. We will look into some of the most inviting outdoor places in Knoxville. They offer adventure, learning, and family bonding.
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center stands out in Knoxville’s outdoor scene. It boasts over 10 miles of trails for hiking, bird watching, and walks. Canoeing and paddleboarding are hit activities here, making Ijams a favorite amongst families for outdoor fun.
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
If you love plants, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum is a must-see. It spans 47 acres and showcases many plants and themed gardens. It ranks as one of the best free outdoor places in Knoxville. Families can spend a serene day here enjoying nature.
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness spans a huge 1,000-acre area, just 3 miles from downtown. It has more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and more. It’s a key spot for adventure and peace for families in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A visit to Knoxville isn’t complete without a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its stunning variety of life, the park has many outdoor activities. Hiking, camping, and watching wildlife are just some options. Entry is free, making it a top outdoor spot for exploring the amazing Smoky Mountains.
| Location | Activities |
|---|---|
| Ijams Nature Center | Hiking, Birding, Canoeing, Paddleboarding |
| Knoxville Botanical Gardens | Gardening, Picnicking |
| Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness | Hiking, Biking, Trail Running, Birding |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hiking, Camping, Wildlife Viewing |
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
Knoxville is a top choice for family trips, filled with fun places to visit. You can find thrilling rides or educational spots. Knoxville is a great family vacation choice.
The Knoxville Zoo is a favorite, with exotic animals and fun exhibits. It’s seen as one of Knoxville’s best family spots. The city has over 18 family-friendly attractions, perfect for everyone.
The Muse Knoxville is great for learning. Tickets are $12.00 for most, but there are discounts. It’s a fun place for kids in Knoxville that mixes learning with fun.
The Knoxville Sunsphere offers great views for $5.00, kids under 12 get in for $1.00. It’s a key spot in Knoxville that combines history with fun.
For creative fun, visit Main Event. Passes start at $10.00. Sky Zone Knoxville has trampoline adventures for $25.99 for 90 minutes. These places guarantee laughs and active fun.
The East Tennessee History Center is great for learning about the area’s past. It’s a top spot in Knoxville for family fun that mixes culture and enjoyment.
- Knoxville Zoo – Animal Exhibits
- Muse Knoxville – Interactive Educational Activities
- Knoxville Sunsphere – Panoramic City Views
- Main Event – Indoor Games
- Sky Zone Knoxville – Trampoline Park
- East Tennessee History Center – Historical Exhibits
Places like the Ijams Nature Center and the University of Tennessee Gardens have no entry fee. These are great options for free family fun in Knoxville. The city aims to offer exciting options for all families.
Interactive Museums and Educational Centers
Knoxville offers interactive museum experiences and educational centers. These places combine fun with learning. They are great for families and visitors.
Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville is at 516 North Beaman Street. It’s a top spot with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. Families in need can get memberships at a lower price.
It also has Free Family Nights and summer camps. These camps teach about science, arts, and more.
Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is downtown. It’s free to visit. The museum has art shows and a play area for kids.
They also have art classes in the summer. Scholarships are available for those classes.
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a top educational center in Knoxville. It has exhibits on archaeology and Tennessee’s history. Both adults and kids can learn a lot here.
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge makes learning fun. Kids can try out activities and look at exhibits. It’s more than just looking at displays.
East Tennessee History Center
The East Tennessee History Center tells Knoxville’s history. The place has many stories of the area’s past. Admission is free, making it easy to learn a lot.
Visiting these places is not only fun but also educational. Families can enjoy and learn from the diverse experiences.
| Museum | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Muse Knoxville | Planetarium, Interactive Exhibits, Summer Camps | 516 North Beaman Street |
| Knoxville Museum of Art | Creative Corner, 2nd Sunday Art Activity Days | 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive |
| McClung Museum | Natural History, Archaeology Exhibits | 1327 Circle Park Drive |
| Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge | Hands-On Activities, Educational Exhibits | 461 West Outer Drive |
| East Tennessee History Center | Regional History, Engaging Artifacts | 601 South Gay Street |
Indoor Entertainment Spots for Families
Knoxville is full of fun indoor places, perfect for any weather. These places are great for families to enjoy together. They offer activities everyone can love.
Main Event has many games like bowling and laser tag. It’s a great spot for fun and team-building. At Muse Knoxville, kids from 1-12 can explore interactive exhibits. It only costs $12.00 per person, a great deal for family fun.
Cool Sports lets you ice-skate for $13.00 per person. There’s a $5.00 fee for skate rental. Want something sporty? Foothills Gymnastics/Tumble Bears is only $6.00 per child for sessions. It makes indoor play affordable and exciting.
“Come to Cool Sports’ public sessions for ice skating fun. Families truly enjoy the atmosphere and activities regardless of the weather!”
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is free. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can learn about Knoxville’s history there. The American Museum of Science and Energy is fun too. It costs $10 for adults and has discounts for kids.
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is perfect for mixing play with learning. Adults pay $10.00 and kids aged 3-17 pay $8.00. It’s great for indoor fun that’s educational too.
| Venue | Activity | Age Group | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Bowling, Laser Tag | All Ages | Varies |
| Muse Knoxville | Interactive Exhibits | 1-12 years | $12.00 |
| Cool Sports | Ice Skating | All Ages | $13.00 + $5.00 skate rental |
| Foothills Gymnastics | Training Session | Children | $6.00 |
| McClung Museum | Historic Exhibits | All Ages | Free |
Knoxville’s indoor spots are perfect for family fun. There’s something for everyone, making the city a top choice. Knoxville offers countless family activities, no matter the weather. Families are sure to find fun indoor options they all can enjoy.
Family Activities in Knoxville
Knoxville is a lively city full of fun activities for families. It offers both educational and exciting experiences for everyone. You can meet exotic animals or explore historical spots. Here are some of the best family activities in Knoxville.
Zoo Knoxville
Visit Zoo Knoxville for an unforgettable trip to the animal world. It’s a great place with lots of exotic animals and focuses on saving them. Watching big cats or playful monkeys is both fun and educational.
Knoxville Adventure Collective
The Knoxville Adventure Collective offers awesome outdoor fun. They have many adventures, like paddleboarding and tours on beautiful waterways. These activities are not only enjoyable but also keep you fit.
Knoxville Sunsphere
The Knoxville Sunsphere is an amazing structure from the 1982 World’s Fair. It provides stunning views of the city. Families can learn about the fair’s history while enjoying the scenery.
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Explore the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame to learn about women’s basketball. It has fun exhibits and stories that inspire. It’s a great place to celebrate the achievements of female athletes.
Three Rivers Rambler
Take a ride on the Three Rivers Rambler for a journey back in time. This steam train offers beautiful trips along rivers. It’s a perfect blend of history and natural beauty for families.
| Activity | Details | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Knoxville | Exotic species and conservation efforts | $19.95 for adults |
| Knoxville Adventure Collective | Outdoor water-based adventures | Varies by activity |
| Knoxville Sunsphere | Panoramic city views, historical insights | Free admission |
| Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame | Interactive exhibits, history of women’s basketball | $8.95 for adults |
| Three Rivers Rambler | Scenic steam engine trips | $16.00 for adults |
Knoxville is perfect for families looking for fun and learning. It has many activities that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our journey through Knoxville, we see it’s a place full of fun family activities. It offers a mix of nature, learning, and entertainment. This balance makes Knoxville a vibrant spot for families of every age.
There are museums for those who love history and learning, with prices friendly to all. For example, The Muse Knoxville is free for little kids and its members. If history is your thing, Blount Mansion and Mabry-Hazen House have lots to explore at low costs.
Looking for indoor fun? Check out Main Event and Sky Zone Knoxville for games starting at $10.00. Tataru’s Gymnastics and Cool Sports are great for active families, with prices beginning at $7.00. Nature lovers aren’t left out, with free spots like Ijams Nature Center and the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum.
Knoxville has something for everyone, making family trips memorable. From beer tasting on the Ale Trail to farmers’ markets and riverboat rides, the city is full of variety. It’s clear Knoxville values families, offering endless options for fun and bonding.
