things to do in tennessee with kids
Tennessee is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, offering a mix of outdoor activities, educational attractions, and entertainment options that are sure to delight kids of all ages. Here are some things to do in Tennessee with kids:
Outdoor Activities:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and streams of this national park, which offers many kid-friendly hiking trails and scenic drives.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park: Visit this park for stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and a lake for swimming and fishing.
- Reelfoot Lake: Take a boat tour or rent kayaks to explore this beautiful lake and its surrounding wetlands.
Educational Attractions:
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville): Learn about the history of country music and its legends.
- Tennessee State Museum (Nashville): Discover the state’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Pink Palace Museum (Memphis): Explore a museum featuring exhibits on science, history, and culture, including a planetarium and IMAX theater.
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge): Take a guided tour to learn about the lab’s history and scientific research.
Entertainment Options:
- Dollywood (Pigeon Forge): Dolly Parton’s theme park offers roller coasters, live music, and craft demonstrations.
- Dixie Stampede (Pigeon Forge): Enjoy a dinner show featuring horse riding, music, and comedy.
- Memphis Zoo: Home to over 3,500 animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and elephants.
- Nashville Shores Waterpark: Cool off during the summer months at this waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Other Attractions:
- The Island at Pigeon Forge: An entertainment complex with a giant Ferris wheel, haunted house, and arcade games.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg): Get up close and personal with marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Grand Ole Opry (Nashville): Attend a live music show featuring country, bluegrass, and Americana performances.
- Sun Studio (Memphis): Visit the legendary recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other music legends recorded their hits.
Seasonal Events:
- Tennessee State Fair (Nashville): Held annually in September, featuring live music, rides, and agricultural exhibits.
- Memphis in May: A month-long celebration of music, food, and culture, including the Beale Street Music Festival.
- Gatlinburg Winterfest: A festive event with holiday lights, parades, and skiing, held from mid-November to mid-February.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Tennessee with kids. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and exciting attractions, the Volunteer State is an ideal destination for a family vacation.