Looking for some family-friendly activities in Knoxville? Look no further! This article highlights a variety of exciting things to do with your children in this vibrant city. From exploring the interactive exhibits at the Knoxville Museum of Art to taking a stroll through the beautiful Knoxville Botanical Garden, there is no shortage of fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages. So pack your bags, gather the little ones, and get ready for a memorable adventure in Knoxville!
Museum Visits
Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is a great place to visit with your kids. It offers a wide range of exhibits that cater to all age groups. From contemporary art displays to historical artifacts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The museum also offers interactive activities and workshops that allow children to explore their creative side. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this cultural gem in Knoxville.
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
If your child is interested in history and natural sciences, a visit to the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a must. This museum houses a vast collection of fossils, ancient artifacts, and cultural exhibits. The interactive displays provide a fun and educational experience for children. They can learn about various cultures from around the world and get hands-on with the museum’s many interactive exhibits.
The Muse Knoxville
The Muse Knoxville is a science and discovery center that offers a fun-filled experience for kids of all ages. With its interactive exhibits and educational programs, this museum is a great place for children to learn and have fun at the same time. From the waterworks area to the maker’s workshop, there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. The Muse Knoxville also hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar for upcoming activities.
Outdoor Activities
Ijams Nature Center
If you’re looking to spend some quality time outdoors with your kids, Ijams Nature Center is the perfect place to go. With over 300 acres of natural beauty, this park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a river front. You and your family can explore the various habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The nature center also offers educational programs and guided tours, allowing kids to learn about the local flora and fauna.
World’s Fair Park
World’s Fair Park is a popular destination for families in Knoxville. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including playgrounds, splash pads, and even a fountain for kids to cool off in during the summer months. The park also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, providing endless entertainment options for families. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events and make the most of your visit.
Parks and Playgrounds
Knoxville is home to numerous parks and playgrounds that provide a fun and safe environment for kids to play and explore. From large community parks to small neighborhood playgrounds, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from. These parks often feature play structures, swings, slides, and open green spaces for children to enjoy. Pack a picnic and spend a day outdoors with your little ones at one of Knoxville’s many parks and playgrounds.
Animal Encounters
Zoo Knoxville
A visit to Zoo Knoxville is a thrilling experience for kids of all ages. With over 900 animals spread across 53 acres of land, this zoo offers a variety of animal encounters and educational exhibits. From elephants to red pandas, there’s something for everyone to marvel at. The zoo also hosts special events and shows that provide a great opportunity to learn more about the animal kingdom. Don’t forget to check out the zoo’s feeding demonstrations and interactive experiences.
Circle G Ranch
Circle G Ranch is a unique animal encounter opportunity in Knoxville. This working farm allows children to get up close and personal with various farm animals, including cows, horses, goats, and more. Kids can learn about the animals and their care through interactive experiences and feeding sessions. The ranch also offers pony rides and wagon rides, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.
Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue
Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals. A visit to this zoo provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about wildlife conservation and animal care. From lions and tigers to lemurs and kangaroos, the zoo is home to a wide variety of animals. Kids can participate in hands-on experiences like feeding lorikeets and petting baby goats, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
Entertainment and Recreation
Children’s Theater
The Children’s Theater in Knoxville offers a diverse range of performances that are entertaining for the whole family. From classic fairy tales to original productions, the theater provides an immersive and engaging theater experience for kids. Watching a live performance can ignite your child’s imagination and foster a love for arts and culture.
Fort Kid
Fort Kid is a beloved playground in Knoxville that offers a unique play experience for children. The playground is designed like a fort, complete with towers, bridges, and slides. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they explore the various play structures. The park also features picnic areas and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
Adventure Action Park
Adventure Action Park is an exciting entertainment venue that offers a wide range of activities for kids and families. From go-kart racing to miniature golf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids can challenge themselves with rope courses and zip lines, or cool off in the water park during the summer months. The park also offers arcade games and batting cages, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Educational Experiences
East Tennessee Discovery Center
The East Tennessee Discovery Center is a hands-on science and technology museum that provides a fun and interactive learning experience for children. Kids can engage in various STEM activities and experiments that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The museum also offers educational workshops and camps, allowing children to dive deeper into various scientific disciplines.
Knoxville Children’s Science Museum
The Knoxville Children’s Science Museum is another fantastic educational destination for kids. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that cover a wide range of scientific principles and concepts. From life sciences to physics, children can learn about various scientific disciplines in a fun and engaging manner. The museum also hosts workshops and camps that encourage hands-on learning and exploration.
Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Knoxville Urban Wilderness offers endless opportunities for outdoor education and exploration. Covering over 1,000 acres of land, this urban wilderness area features hiking and biking trails, as well as educational programs and guided tours. Kids can learn about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and cultural history while enjoying the beauty of nature. Whether you’re interested in bird-watching or discovering hidden gems, Knoxville Urban Wilderness has it all.
Sports and Games
Tennessee Smokies Baseball
If your family is a fan of baseball, catching a Tennessee Smokies game is a must. The Smokies are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Watching a live game can be an exciting and memorable experience for kids, with the chance to see future major league players in action.
Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey
For a different sporting experience, consider attending a Knoxville Ice Bears hockey game. The Ice Bears are a professional hockey team that competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The fast-paced nature of the sport, combined with passionate fans, creates an electrifying atmosphere that your kids are sure to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventure Centers
Outdoor adventure centers in Knoxville offer a variety of thrilling activities for kids of all ages. From zip-lining and rock climbing to ropes courses and obstacle challenges, these centers provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply have fun, these adventure centers are the perfect destination.
Aquatic Fun
Tennessee Aquatic Project
The Tennessee Aquatic Project is a great place for kids to learn swimming and water safety skills. The project offers swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels, ensuring that your child receives the necessary training to be safe in the water. In addition to swimming lessons, the project also offers lifeguard certification courses and other aquatic programs.
Knoxville Splash Pads
Splash pads are a fantastic way for kids to cool off and have fun during the hot summer months. Knoxville is home to several splash pads that offer interactive water play features. Kids can run through sprinklers, splash in fountains, and enjoy water slides, providing hours of entertainment and relief from the heat.
Pools and Water Parks
Knoxville has a variety of pools and water parks that provide a fun and refreshing experience for families. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely swim or thrilling water slides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Many parks also offer swimming lessons and water aerobics classes, catering to all age groups and skill levels.
Historical Sites
James White’s Fort
James White’s Fort is a historic site that offers a glimpse into Knoxville’s early history. Built in 1786, this log cabin served as a home, trading post, and defensive structure. The fort now operates as a museum, showcasing artifacts and providing guided tours. Kids can learn about the pioneers who settled in the area and discover the challenges they faced in the early days of Knoxville.
Blount Mansion
Blount Mansion is another significant historical site in Knoxville. Built in 1792, this mansion served as the residence of William Blount, one of the signers of the United States Constitution. The mansion now operates as a museum, offering guided tours that provide insight into the life and times of early Knoxville. Kids can learn about the history of the region, as well as the role it played in the formation of the United States.
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich African American history and culture in Knoxville. The center features exhibits that highlight the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the community. Kids can learn about the struggles and triumphs of individuals who made a significant impact on Knoxville’s history, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Arts and Crafts
The Basement Community Art Studio
The Basement Community Art Studio offers art classes and workshops for children of all ages. Kids can explore various art mediums and techniques, allowing their creativity to flourish. The studio also hosts art exhibitions and events, providing a platform for children to showcase their work and interact with other young artists.
KidzArt Knoxville
KidzArt Knoxville offers a range of art programs and camps that inspire creativity in children. From drawing and painting to sculpting and mixed media, there’s something for every young artist to explore. The programs focus on developing artistic skills while encouraging self-expression and confidence.
Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine is a pottery painting studio that allows kids to unleash their creativity. Children can choose from a variety of ceramic pieces and paint them using a wide range of colors and techniques. The studio provides a fun and relaxing environment where kids can create unique masterpieces to take home and cherish.
Indoor Play Spaces
JumpJam Inflatable Park
JumpJam Inflatable Park is a paradise for kids who love bouncing and playing. The park features a wide array of inflatable structures, including slides, obstacle courses, and bounce houses. Kids can jump, slide, and bounce their way to endless fun and laughter. The park also offers party packages, making it an ideal location for birthdays and special occasions.
Pump It Up
Pump It Up is an indoor play center that offers a variety of inflatable play structures for kids to enjoy. From giant slides to obstacle courses, children can have a blast in a safe and controlled environment. The play center also features arcade games and party rooms, making it a popular spot for birthday celebrations.
Monkey Joes
Monkey Joes is an indoor play center that provides a jungle-themed adventure for kids. The facility offers inflatable play structures, slides, and obstacle courses that cater to different age groups. Kids can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content, while parents can relax in the designated seating areas. Monkey Joes also hosts private events and parties, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
