Top Family Vacation Spots in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1. Dollywood
A popular theme park featuring thrilling rides and unique shows based on country music legend Dolly Parton.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages
- Live Shows and Entertainment: Features numerous live performances throughout the day
- Authentic Southern Cuisine: Offers a wide selection of traditional southern food options
2. Knoxville Zoo
Home to over 900 animals representing more than 165 species. Offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs.
- Animal Encounters: Offers animal encounters and feedings throughout the day
- Conservation Efforts: Actively involved in conservation efforts for endangered species
- Kid-Friendly Exhibits: Features exhibits designed specifically for children
3. Knoxville Museum of Art
A museum dedicated to the visual arts of East Tennessee and beyond. Offers a variety of exhibitions and educational programs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities for kids in addition to art exhibits
- Community Engagement: Engages with the local community through events and programs
- Art Education: Provides art education resources for all ages
4. Ijams Nature Center
A 315-acre nature preserve offering hiking trails, a riverfront and educational programs.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing
- Environmental Education: Provides educational programs about local ecosystems and wildlife
- Nature Photography Opportunities: Offers scenic photo opportunities throughout the preserve
5. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
A 47-acre garden featuring a variety of plants, gardens, and educational programs.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about botany and gardening
- Wedding Venue: Serves as a popular wedding venue for outdoor ceremonies
- Seasonal Displays: Features seasonal displays of blooming flowers and plants
6. World's Fair Park
A large park featuring the Sunsphere, an iconic symbol of the 1982 World's Fair.
- Iconic Landmark: Features the Sunsphere, a symbol of Knoxville and the 1982 World's Fair
- Outdoor Concert Venue: Serves as an outdoor concert venue during the summer months
- Green Space: Offers a large green space for picnics, walks, and games
7. Knoxville Cave and Mine Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of mining in East Tennessee. Offers guided tours of the cave and mine.
- Underground Adventure: Provides an underground adventure through a guided tour of the cave and mine
- Local History: Offers insights into the local history of mining in East Tennessee
- Unique Experience: Provides a unique and educational experience for the whole family
8. McGhee Tyson Airport Observation Park
A park located at McGhee Tyson Airport offering views of planes taking off and landing.
- Airplane Enthusiast Destination: Popular destination for airplane enthusiasts
- Free Admission: Admission is free to the public
- Photo Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities of planes taking off and landing
9. University of Tennessee Gardens
A series of gardens on the University of Tennessee campus open to the public.
- Botanical Education: Provides botanical education through guided tours and workshops
- Scenic Walking Trails: Offers scenic walking trails throughout the gardens
- Seasonal Displays: Features seasonal displays of blooming flowers and plants
10. Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey Games
A professional hockey team playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Offers family-friendly entertainment during games
- Community Involvement: Involved in various community initiatives and charitable events
- Exciting Atmosphere: Provides an exciting atmosphere during games with music, food, and giveaways
11. Blake's Farm
A farm offering pick-your-own produce, hayrides, and a corn maze during the fall season.
- Seasonal Fun: Offers seasonal fun with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a corn maze
- Fresh Produce: Allows visitors to pick their own fresh produce straight from the farm
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational opportunities about farming and agriculture
12. Knoxville Mariner's Museum and Park
A maritime museum featuring exhibits about the history of navigation and exploration.
- Maritime History: Offers insights into the history of navigation and exploration
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about maritime history
- Scenic Riverfront Location: Located on the scenic Tennessee River
13. Zoo Knoxville's Wilderness Discovery Zoo
A zoo exhibit featuring a walking trail through an African savannah habitat.
- Immersive Experience: Offers an immersive experience as visitors walk through the African savannah habitat
- Endangered Species Conservation: Focuses on the conservation of endangered species in collaboration with zoos worldwide
- Up-Close Animal Encounters: Provides up-close animal encounters and feedings throughout the exhibit
14. Knoxville's Market Square Farmer's Market
A farmer's market offering fresh local produce, crafts, and food trucks.
- Local Produce: Offers fresh local produce direct from area farmers
- Crafts and Artisans: Features crafts and artisans selling their creations
- Food Trucks: Offers a variety of food trucks serving a range of cuisines
15. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (Day Trip)
A world-class aquarium located in nearby Chattanooga. Offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs.
- Marine Life: Features a wide variety of marine life from around the world
- Conservation Efforts: Actively involved in conservation efforts for endangered species
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about marine ecosystems and conservation