Tennessee is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities to cater to all ages and interests. From outdoor adventures and interactive museums to historical landmarks and thrilling theme parks, there really is something for everyone.
So, once you’ve researched your travel options to Tennessee, here are some ideas for exploring Tennessee as a family.
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 families seek out airfare to Tennessee!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a perfect setting for family adventures, as it offers a wide range of hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the Laurel Falls Trail. This is ideal for families and/or beginners, as it is a relatively easy hike that rewards you with a stunning waterfall.
For something a little different, try the Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way loop, that can be enjoyed via car, bike, or hiking and offers breathtaking views, interesting architecture, and engaging wildlife sightings.
Children can enroll in the Junior Ranger Program, which gives them the opportunity to complete activities to achieve their Junior Ranger Badge. The park is also perfect for camping, picnicking, and horseback riding, making it a versatile destination for outdoor adventure.
Discover Adventure in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is known as a family-friendly city and it’s easy to see why, with plenty to see and do to appeal to all ages.
Animal lovers will want to head straight to the Tennessee Aquarium which is home to a diverse array of animals from otters and penguins to tiger sharks and butterflies – not to mention all the marine life too numerous to name. The aquarium has several interactive exhibits, educational programs, and even an iMax to engage and delight their visitors.
Next, look out at Lookout Mountain, where there is so much to discover. Climb to the top of Lover’s Leap in Rock City for stunning panoramic views, or head 145 feet beneath the ground to behold Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall.
Finally, hop on the Incline Railway for breathtaking views of one of the world’s steepest passenger railways.
Thrills and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
No visit to Pigeon Forge would be complete without spending some time in Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s version of Disneyland! If you’re feeling brave, jump on some thrilling rides or just relax in the shade, watching the live shows and soaking up the amazing atmosphere. On a hot day, there’s nowhere better than Dollywood’s Splash Country, a Dolly-themed waterpark complete with waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Another family-friendly highlight of the area is The Island – an entertainment complex that boasts a whole array of shops, eateries, and attractions. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that gives you the best views of the area, or for those who like to be a bit more active, you’ll find a high-ropes course, as well as an arcade and mirror maze – there really is no excuse to be bored!
Leap Back in Time in Franklin
One of the best ways to make history fun and engaging is to head to a historic town where you can feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, and Franklin, located just south of Nashville, meets the criteria perfectly.
Both the Carter House and Carnton Plantation are significant Civil War sites that offer guided tours and insight to those who lived through the Battle of Franklin and are a great hands-on way of appreciating the bravery and resilience of those involved.
The charming Main Street is lined with boutiques, antique shops, and cafes, while the Franklin Theatre offers live performances and movies to entertain the whole family.
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 is home to over 2700 animals, not to mention a huge playground, zip line, and picnic spaces. Alternatively, take your picnic to Centennial Park and enjoy a bite to eat before jumping on a paddle boat or visiting the full-scale replica of the Parthenon 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 have budding artists, the Knoxville Museum of Art has plenty to see and enjoy, as well as a dedicated children’s area where kids are encouraged to give it a try themselves!
Head over to Zoo Knoxville to say hello to a plethora of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and red pandas, and if you’re lucky, get the opportunity to help feed them. And finally, for some outdoor adventure, the Ijams Nature Center offers outdoor adventures with hiking trails, a treetop adventure course, and opportunities for canoeing and paddle boarding on the river.
Tennessee offers a wealth of adventures and experiences that are perfect for family vacations. Whether you’re playing and learning in interactive museums, exploring the great outdoors, or enjoying a theme park, Tennessee has something to offer every member of the family.
