Things to Do with Kids in Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee is a great place to visit with kids. With its vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and many family-friendly attractions, it’s no surprise that Knoxville is a top destination for families. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or an educational and cultural experience, there’s something for everyone in Knoxville. Here are some of the top things to do with kids in Knoxville.

1. Visit the Knoxville Zoo

The Knoxville Zoo is a popular destination for families. It’s home to over 800 animals, from big cats to African elephants, as well as numerous exhibits and activities. Kids will love exploring the zoo’s rainforest, African savanna, and Asian jungle. The zoo also offers educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours. During the summer, the zoo hosts a variety of special events such as concerts, animal demonstrations, and more.

Kids can cool off in the Splash Pad, play in the Zoo’s playground, and feed the goats in the petting zoo. The Knoxville Zoo is a great place to spend the day with the family and learn something new.

2. Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art is a great place to take the kids for an educational and cultural experience. The museum has a variety of collections and exhibitions, from classic to contemporary art. The museum also has a variety of programs and activities for kids, including art classes, workshops, and family days. Kids will love exploring the interactive exhibits and learning about art and history.

The museum also has a library and a gift shop. Kids can take a break from the museum and play in the outdoor courtyard, which features a sculpture garden and a playground. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a great place for kids to explore and learn.

3. Visit the Ijams Nature Center

The Ijams Nature Center is a great place to explore the outdoors with the family. The center offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours, as well as opportunities to explore the natural habitats of the area. Kids can learn about native plants and animals, and explore the hiking trails, canoeing, and kayaking. The center also has a children’s garden and a variety of interactive exhibits.

Kids can also take part in the center’s wildlife programming, which includes bird watching, animal tracking, and more. The Ijams Nature Center is a great place to explore the outdoors and learn something new.

4. Visit the Knoxville Children’s Museum

The Knoxville Children’s Museum is a great place to take the kids for some hands-on fun. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including a climbing wall, a water play area, and an art studio. Kids can explore the museum’s three floors of exhibits, from the science lab to the art studio. The museum also offers a variety of programs and activities for kids, such as story time and workshops.

The museum also has a café and a gift shop, where kids can take a break from the museum and grab a snack or souvenir. The Knoxville Children’s Museum is a great place for kids to explore and have fun.

5. Visit the Tennessee Valley Fair

The Tennessee Valley Fair is a great place to take the kids for a fun day out. The fair features rides, games, and live entertainment. Kids will love exploring the carnival rides, playing games, and watching the live performances. The fair also offers a variety of food and drinks, from classic fair food to local favorites.

The fair also has a variety of educational exhibits and activities, such as the “Little Farmers” exhibit, which teaches kids about agriculture and sustainability. The Tennessee Valley Fair is a great place for the whole family to have a fun day out.

6. Take a Tour of the Historic Downtown

Take a tour of the historic downtown and explore some of Knoxville’s most famous landmarks. Kids will love exploring Market Square, the Old City, and the many historic buildings. The downtown also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other attractions. Kids can also take part in guided tours and learn about the history of the city.

The downtown also has a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, from music festivals to food festivals. The historic downtown is a great place to explore the city and learn something new.

7. Visit the Knoxville Museum of History

The Knoxville Museum of History is a great place to take the kids for an educational experience. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, from interactive displays to hands-on activities. Kids can learn about the history of Knoxville and explore the museum’s collections. The museum also offers a variety of special programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and family days.

The museum also has a café and a gift shop, where kids can take a break from the museum and grab a snack or souvenir. The Knoxville Museum of History is a great place for kids to explore and learn something new.

8. Visit the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a great place to explore the outdoors with the family. The garden features a variety of plant species, from wildflowers to trees, as well as a variety of wildlife. Kids can explore the garden’s trails, ponds, and streams, and learn about the plants and animals of the area. The garden also has a variety of programs and activities, such as guided tours, workshops, and family days.

The garden also has a café and a gift shop, where kids can take a break from the garden and grab a snack or souvenir. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a great place for kids to explore and learn something new.

9. Take a Cruise on the Tennessee River

Take a cruise on the Tennessee River and explore Knoxville from the water. Kids will love exploring the river, from its lush forests to its calm waters. During the cruise, kids can learn about the area’s history and wildlife, and explore the many islands and coves along the river. The cruise also offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The cruise also has a variety of programs and activities, such as guided tours, workshops, and family days. The Tennessee River cruise is a great way to explore the area and have a fun day out with the family.

10. Visit the University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee is a great place to take the kids for an educational experience. The university has a variety of attractions, from the planetarium to the campus museum. Kids can explore the campus and learn about the university’s history and culture. The university also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, such as lectures, workshops, and family days.

The university also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other attractions. The University of Tennessee is a great place to explore the city and learn something new.

11. Visit the Knoxville Civic Coliseum

The Knoxville Civic Coliseum is a great place to take the kids for some family fun. The coliseum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts to sporting events. Kids can explore the coliseum and watch a variety of performances. The coliseum also offers a variety of activities, such as interactive games and activities, as well as food and drinks.

The coliseum also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other attractions. The Knoxville Civic Coliseum is a great place for kids to explore and have fun.

12. Visit the World’s Fair Park

The World’s Fair Park is a great place to take the kids for a fun day out. The park has a variety of attractions, from the Sunsphere to the Knoxville Museum of Art. Kids can explore the park and take part in a variety of activities, such as the climbing wall, the playground, and the interactive exhibits. The park also offers a variety of programs and activities, such as workshops, family days, and more.

The park also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other attractions. The World’s Fair Park is a great place for kids to explore and have fun.

Knoxville is a great place to visit with kids. With its vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and many family-friendly attractions, it’s no surprise that Knoxville is a top destination for families. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or an educational and cultural experience, there’s something for everyone in Knoxville. From the Knoxville Zoo to the World’s Fair Park, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Knoxville.