Tennessee presents a splendid destination for family outings, providing a plethora of activities that appeal to all age groups and hobbies. The state offers everything from outdoor escapades and engaging museums to historic sites and exciting amusement parks, ensuring there’s something for all to enjoy.
So, after researching your travel options to Tennessee, here are some suggestions for family-oriented exploration 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 provides an excellent backdrop for family excursions, offering an array of family-friendly hiking trails, such as the Laurel Falls Trail. This trail, well-suited for families and beginners, offers a relatively straightforward hike culminating in a breathtaking waterfall.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile one-way loop can be traveled by car, bike, or on foot. It provides stunning views, fascinating architecture, and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
Children have the chance to join the Junior Ranger Program, where they can partake in various activities to earn their Junior Ranger Badge. Additionally, the park offers the ideal setting for camping, picnicking, and horseback riding, making it a multi-faceted location for outdoor pursuits.
Discover Adventure in Chattanooga
It’s easy to see why Chattanooga is known as a family-friendly city, with a plethora of activities and sights that cater to all age groups.
Those who love animals should make the Tennessee Aquarium their first stop. This aquarium houses a wide variety of animals, ranging from otters and penguins to tiger sharks and butterflies, along with countless marine creatures. In addition to the diverse wildlife, the aquarium features numerous interactive exhibits and educational programs. It even has an iMax to ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience for its visitors.
Next, we move to Lookout Mountain, a place full of discoveries. You can ascend to the summit of Lover’s Leap in Rock City to enjoy breath-taking panoramic views, or venture 145 feet below the ground to witness the awe-inspiring Ruby Falls, a waterfall located underground.
Finally, board the Incline Railway for stunning views on one of the world’s most steeply inclined passenger railways.
Thrills and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
A trip to Pigeon Forge isn’t complete without experiencing Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s own take on Disneyland! For those daring enough, hop on an exhilarating ride, or simply sit back and enjoy live shows while basking in the vibrant ambiance. On a sweltering day, Dollywood’s Splash Country is the ideal spot. This Dolly-themed waterpark boasts waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
The Island, an entertainment complex with a variety of shops, eateries, and attractions, is another key feature of the area that is suitable for families. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel, offers the best views of the area. For those who prefer more active pursuits, a high-ropes course, an arcade, and a mirror maze are also available. There’s truly no room for boredom!
Leap Back in Time in Franklin
Heading to a historic town like Franklin, situated just south of Nashville, is one of the best ways to make history engaging and enjoyable, as it feels like stepping back in time. It meets the criteria perfectly.
The Carter House and Carnton Plantation are both notable Civil War sites that provide guided tours and insight into the experiences of those who survived the Battle of Franklin. They offer a hands-on approach to understanding the courage and tenacity of those involved.
Main Street, with its charm, is adorned with boutiques, antique shops, and cafes. The Franklin Theatre provides 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 massive playground, zip line, and picnic areas. Conversely, you could bring your picnic to Centennial Park for a meal before boarding a paddle boat or visiting the full-size replica of the Parthenon and its accompanying 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.
The Knoxville Museum of Art, with its extensive displays and dedicated children’s area, is an excellent venue for your budding artists. Children are even encouraged to try their hand at creating art themselves!
Make your way to Zoo Knoxville to greet a variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes, and red pandas. You might even get the chance to assist in feeding them if you’re fortunate. Lastly, for an outdoor experience, the Ijams Nature Center provides adventures in the great outdoors with hiking trails, a treetop adventure course, and the chance to canoe and paddle board on the river.
Tennessee is a treasure trove of adventures and experiences ideal for family holidays. From engaging in interactive museums and exploring the vast outdoors, to delighting in theme parks, there’s something for each family member to enjoy in Tennessee.
