There are many things to do in Knoxville, TN with kids. The city offers plenty of fun for a great day making memories to kids and other members of the family. Plan your next family vacation to Knoxville and enjoy all the entertainment opportunities including tons of kid-friendly attractions, activities, museums, art and culture!
Here is a full list of kid-friendly things to do when you enjoy Knoxville with the family. Make new memories, educate your kiddos in any of the museums’ educational programs, explore the city and the Tennessee River in a unique way through a riverboat, or simply plan a relaxing day-out in Knoxville’s any natural landscape.
1. Muse Knoxville
Address: 516 N Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone: (865) 594-1494
Hours: Open every day, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Muse Knoxville, a popular children’s science museum in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a great place to take your kids where they can learn while having fun. The children’s museum offers multiple activities and hands-on exhibits to distract your little ones from the electronic gadgets.
Spend some relaxing time with family and kids in the planetarium of the Muse Knoxville, also, let your kids allow to make some memories in the designated play spaces. Moreover, the facility is popular with conducting programs related to diversified genres including arts, health and wellness.
So, it’s for sure, Muse Knoxville is one of the best places for your kids to learn, play and enjoy through many activities which will ultimately help them unleash their creativity.
You Might Also Like: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit in Nashville, TN.
2. Zoo Knoxville
Address: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone: (865) 637-5331
Hours: Open every day 9 am through 5 pm.
Animals are always dear to kids. And that’s the reason, you must visit this popular Knoxville attraction with your kids and other members of the family. Spreading across 53-acres of area and housing about 1,200 animals, Zoo Knoxville receives over 585,000 visitors each year.
So, must include this attraction in your list of best things to do in Knoxville, TN with your kids. The zoo is divided into two halves, East Zoo and West Zoo. Both places feature large and naturalistic outdoor habitats for many of their animal residents, including some smaller indoor exhibits.
The best part is, Zoo Knoxville has been world famous for its successful breeding of endangered species, especially, red pandas, African elephants and white rhinos. Other animal habitants include giraffe, American black bears, Malayan tigers, white-naped cranes and so many!
You Might Also Like: Best Places To Take Your Kids in Nashville, Tennessee.
3. Main Event Knoxville
Address: 9081 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: (865) 351-5000
Hours: Open every day. Monday 10 am through 1 am; Tuesday through Thursday 10 am to 12 am; Friday 10 am through 2 am; Saturday 9 am through 2 am; Sunday 9 am through 2 am.
Main Event Knoxville is a dining and entertainment destination and it’s a wonderful place that offers the activities to connect all the members of the family! Also, the facility is very good for watching sports. So, get ready to have the most fun you can have with your kids under one roof.
There are plenty of areas for kids to run and play, and many things for the family fun. Attractions include state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, an arcade games gallery featuring more than 100 of the latest interactive video games and more!
For dining experience, order their famous and super delicious oven-baked artisan pizza, or wings. So, don’t miss Main Event Knoxville, it has something for everyone, no matter what your kids and you are into.
4. World’s Fair Park
Address: 525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-1158
Hours: Open every day, from 6 am to 12 am.
Exploring World’s Fair Park with your little ones is some of the best and free kid-friendly things to do in Knoxville TN. Located in the downtown of the city, World’s Fair Park sits on the former fairgrounds of the 1982 World’s Fair, hosted in Knoxville.
Home to the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater, this public park boasts a 5-acre festival lawn, a small lake, beautiful fountains, perfect for a family getaway for an entire day. The park is actually divided into three sections— a festival lawn, a performance lawn and a lake area.
The large green space of the park offers beautiful views and peaceful ambience, and creates a wonderful landscape for recreation, festivals, and performances. Among kids, the favorite corner is where the Court of Flags Fountain is located, which offers a perfect water play area for kids, and the facility is operative from March to October.
Also Read: Popular Parks You Must Visit in Memphis, Tennessee.
You Might Also Like: Best Parks You Must Visit in Nashville, TN.
5. Sunsphere Tower
Address: 810 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 314-0660
Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 am to 1:30 pm, and again from 2:30 to 5 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, and again from 2:30 to 5 pm; Sunday from 12 to 4 pm.
The 266-foot-high hexagonal steel truss structure is located in World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The Sunsphere is used as a symbol of the city of Knoxville, and the tower is designed with huge 75 ft gold colored glass sphere which served as the symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair.
The Sunsphere is an iconic attraction and each city visitor surely explore this family-friendly attraction. It showcases the history, and culture of the city. The fun fact is the Sunsphere stands 26 stories tall, and each pane of glass is made with 24-karat gold, giving the sphere its reflective gold color.
The Sunsphere is truly one of its kind. And no one should miss this unique attraction when they are visiting the city.
6. East Tennessee Historic Center
Address: 601 S. Gay St., P. O. Box 1629, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-8824
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday 1 to 5 pm.
East Tennessee Historic Center allows its visitors to dive into the world of Knoxville’s past. Also, the museum is packed with ever-changing, award-winning exhibits that tell the history of the people, places and events that shaped this region of the city.
The museum captures the interest of a wide range of audiences, and your kids will love this attraction, too. There are many things to discover through the museum’s fantastic collection of original artifacts and signature exhibitions.
You Might Also Like: Free Things You Must Do in Nashville, TN This Weekend.
7. Third Creek Greenway Park
Address: 3110 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: (865) 215-2000
Hours: Open dawn to dusk, every day.
Third Creek Greenway Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, could be your kids’ next favorite family outing destination where they can enjoy 39 acres of natural preserve area and many shaded trees and local animals.
Third Creek is just minutes from the bustle of Kingston Pike. And the Greenway begins in Bearden on Forest Park Blvd. The best part is, Third Creek Greenway connects another beautiful 3.0-mile Neyland Greenway at the mouth of Third Creek on the Tennessee River.
Families could enjoy picnic in the mid-portion of the Third Creek Greenway which bisects the 26-acre Tyson Park. Tyson Park is also popular for its multi amenities that include a large playground, tennis courts and the Knoxville skatepark.
Opportunities are endless for both kids and families. So, must include this attraction is your list of must-to-do things in Knoxville with kids.
8. Knoxville Museum of Art
Address: 1050 World’s Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Phone: (865) 525-6101
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1 to 5 pm; closed on Monday.
Founded in 1961, Knoxville Museum of Art in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a free art museum, and the mission of the museum is to celebrate the rich and diverse culture and history of East Tennessee through the museum’s collection of historical and contemporary artworks.
The museum is great for kids to learn art, new ideas and many interesting things through the museum’s community-based education programs. Though the museum offers opportunities to participate and create to all ages.
So, this family-friendly attraction could be your great stop to enjoy museum tours, family activities, workshops, outreach programs, lectures, concerts and many more!
9. Beck Cultural Exchange Center
Address: 1927 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Phone: (865) 524-8461
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 3 pm; closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center, a museum in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the best places to know the history and culture of the Black families in East Tennessee. The museum is a non-profit organization that was established in 1975, and the name of the museum is such to honor James G. & Ethel B. Beck.
A visit to this museum is one of the best ways to make memories while exploring the African American history and culture. The Center’s collection includes more than fifty thousand artifacts, and a 2022 expansion into the Delaney Museum.
10. Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Address: Knoxville, TN 37920
Hours: Open every day for 24 hours.
Knoxville Urban Wilderness must be in your list of top things to do in Knoxville with kids. The wilderness is a great place to connect with nature and local wildlife. Also, the attraction offers one of the best ways to make memories in Tennessee’s wild, natural landscape.
Knoxville Urban Wilderness is loved by both kids and kids at heart! So, get ready to spend an entire day with your little ones through Tennessee’s some of the best natural landscape. Choose your own adventure in this spectacular outdoor adventure area.
Popular activities include hiking, biking, climbing, paddling or just walking around the woods. The best part is, the urban wilderness connects you to some historic sites, pristine lakes, kids-friendly playgrounds, a beautiful nature center and even a 600-acre wildlife area through the 60 miles of trail system.
So, be sure to check out this fantastic outdoor destination that sits within the heart of the city.
11. Cherokee Caverns
Address: 8524 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: (865) 275-5196
The historic Cherokee Caverns is a unique historical landmark in Knox County, Tennessee. Truly a hidden treasure, Cherokee Caverns is a beautiful cave that took 300 million years in its making. The cave looks very beautiful and it’s full of geological wonders and a rich history.
Remember, the cave is not open for daily tours, and visitors could access this beautiful cave in special events only. So, be sure to check out if the attraction is open to the public during your visit to the city.
Protected and maintained by volunteers, the cave is open to the public 4 to 6 times per year during special events. Private tours in a group are also available. The cave’s charm is so much that it welcomes thousands of visitors each year from across the globe.
You Might Also Like: Unique Things You Must Do In Knoxville, Tennessee.
12. Market Square
Address: Downtown Knoxville
Hours: Open every day for 24 hours.
The historic Market Square is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville. It’s a must-do for any city visitor, and the place offers affordable, kid-friendly fun and adventure to kids and tons of entertainment, shopping and dining options for all ages in and around the Market Square.
It’s a lively and fun place to shop, work, play, eat, drink and live, and you’ll be amazed after visiting the place. It’s operative since 1860s, and it’s been Knoxville’s some of the most popular places for the ultimate family fun.
The Market Square features two water play fountains, sure to please your kids. Also, there is a scenic park, named Krutch Park that is located close to the Square. The park is also quite popular among kids and families.
Moreover, there are lots of fine local restaurants, and hotels, and some other attractions including the University of Tennessee Campus, which are scattered around the famous Market Square.
13. Maple Hall
Address: 414 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 249-8454
Hours: Monday through Thursday 4 to 11 pm; Friday 4 pm to 1:30 am; Saturday 11 am to 1:30 am; Sunday 11 am to 11 pm.
Maple Hall in downtown Knoxville is a family-friendly bowling alley that also serves locally-sourced menu, and upstairs cocktail lounge. The facility welcomes guests of all ages from Sunday through Thursday. And, for adults, there are fun things available on Friday and Saturday after 9:00 pm.
Maple Hall features 11 lanes equipped with leather couches, HD TVs from every angle, and relaxing lounge areas. To enhance your kids’ experience, have some incredible fun games with your kids, then enjoy delicious food in the cozy lounge areas. Though, the facility has plenty of places to eat or just hang out.
14. Krutch Park
Address: 504 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-4248
Hours: Open every day for 24 hours.
Charles Krutch Park, popularly known as Krutch Park, is a small but serene park in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s a nice place to take your kids where they can enjoy fresh air, open space, a green area with huge trees and fun places to run, play and walk around.
Located directly downtown on Union Avenue, and adjacent to Market Square, the easy-to-access location makes the park quite popular among families to picnic, enjoy natural scenery, explore a small but beautiful pond with stream, two water play fountains with their family members including kids.
Also, the park could be anyone’s worth catching out spot for afternoon run, morning play spot with kids and a weekend picnic destination, off course.
Also Read: Best Places To Take Your Kids To Memphis, TN.
15. Lakeshore Park
Address: 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: (865) 215-1722
Hours: Open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.
Lakeshore Park is a beautiful city park and it should be in your list of best places to take your kids in Knoxville. The attraction has something for everyone no matter what your kids are into. There are many activities for the little ones to distract them from electronic stuffs and into natural landscape.
There are 3 miles of walking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, athletic fields and many open fields inside the 185-acre Lakeshore Park. The best part is, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains form this popular recreational park. You could also access nice views of the Tennessee River.
The interesting fact is the park is home to a great diversity of trees including some that are more than one hundred years old. Let your kids allow to learn new and unknown trees in a fun way from the individual trees inside the park.
Lakeshore Park is the most utilized public green space in Knoxville, and it’s loved by locals and visitors alike. There are paved trails, four baseball fields with lights, four soccer fields, a concession stand and some restrooms, perfect to plan a family getaway in any weekend.
16. Thompson-Boling Arena
Address: 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way #202, Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-0953
Located in University of Tennessee, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is a multi-purpose arena that was opened on December 3, 1987. The facility has the seating capacity of 21,678 visitors. It is home to the Tennessee Volunteers (men) and Lady Vols (women) basketball teams.
If your kids are highly energetic when it comes to sports, it’s a must-to-go place for you in the city. The arena has been named after B. Ray Thompson and former university president Edward J. Boling.
The kid-friendly attraction also comes with multiple events that are hosted throughout the year and are loved by all ages. So, the vibrant place could easily be anyone’s great stop to enjoy few breathtaking hours!
17. Fort Dickerson Park
Address: 3000 Fort Dickerson Rd SW, Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 215-4311
Hours: Open every day, from dawn till dusk.
Fort Dickerson Park is another beautiful city park that expands 1,000 acres of area and features well-kept hiking trails, a swimming quarry & Civil War sites. The highlight of the park is Fort Dickerson, one of the best-preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era.
There are more than four miles of multi-use natural trails, two shelters, picnic areas, and nice walking and playing space for kids.
The park has two parking areas. The upper entrance off Chapman Highway is closest to the Fort, and the lower entrance at Augusta Avenue could be a nice entrance if you want to access the lake easily. The place gets most crowded during summer months, when visitors deeply enjoy swimming in the lake. Paddling is another fun activity that will surely please your little ones.
18. Volunteer Landing Park
Address: 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2246
Hours: Open every day, dawn to dusk.
Volunteer Landing Park could be your kids’ favorite place in the city. The family-fun outdoor destination has riverwalk along the Tennessee River in Knoxville, TN. It’s a public park and is located just below the Gay Street Bridge.
Encompassing 13 acres, Volunteer Landing Park connects James White Greenway and Neyland Greenway. The most engaging activities kids are sure to love include fishing, paddling, walking, running, and a one mile long well-maintained walkable path that features several attractions such as train rides, riverboat cruises, restaurants, and a marina.
Mostly oversubscribed in weekends, the park is popular among locals and visitors alike. The park is a perfect place to escape for an entire day. The wonderful park has everything to bring kids and families together.
There is also a playground, splash pads, a shelter, picnic areas, and restrooms available to make your day trip more comfortable and memorable! So, to enjoy all these unique things, a visit to Volunteer Landing Park is some of the best things to do in Knoxville, TN with kids.
19. Star of Knoxville Riverboat
Address: 300 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 525-7827
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm; closed on Sunday.
The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is a boat tour agency in Knoxville, Tennessee. A river-cruise tour is undoubtedly loved and enjoyed by all age groups. So, be sure to check out the facility with all the members of your family for ultimate family fun.
Enjoy the scenic Tennessee River in a very unique way. And let’s add cherry on the top through a variety of other entertaining facilities including lunch, dinner and charming party ambience. Through the tour visitors can see Knoxville in a different way like no one else can!
This authentic paddlewheel riverboat can serve 325 passengers in a single tour. So, fill your list of things to do with kids in Knoxville, TN with an amazing riverboat tour and gift endless adventure to your little explorer.
You Might Also Like: Popular Beaches You Must Explore in Nashville, Tennessee.
Also Read: Best Waterfall Hikes Near Nashville, TN You Must Explore This Weekend.
20. Marble Springs
Address: 1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 573-5508
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 12 to 5 pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Once home to John Sevier, a Revolutionary War and frontier militia commander and later the first governor of Tennessee, the Gov. John Sevier Home, or popularly known as Marble Springs, the attraction is a state historic site.
A self-guided tour of the historic site could be a great way for kids to learn many new and interesting facts related to history. Also, the site is a certified wildlife habitat and has served as a significant educational resource for thousands of school children for more than 50 years.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Marble Springs could also be a great stop for your kids if they love exploring rich history, and old culture.
FAQs
1. Is Knoxville good for kids?
The vibrant city Knoxville could be a great vacation spot for families including their little ones. Presenting multiple fun opportunities, Knoxville offers free outdoor fun, family activities, seasonal festivals and activities, interesting landmarks, educational museums and multiple open green spaces where your kids can run, play and enjoy the natural fresh air, all without leaving the city.
2. Is Knoxville, TN worth visiting?
Knoxville in Tennessee is a popular getaway destination, and the best part is the city’s vibrant landscape matches the interest of all ages! It’s a wonderful place to bring kids and families, and the city also offers a romantic and unforgettable experience to couples, as well. Few popular attractions include Zoo Knoxville, World’s Fair Park, The Sunsphere, the University of Tennessee Campus, Knoxville Museum of Art and many more!
