Families looking for fresh ways to entertain kids will find that the city is packed with interactive museums, sprawling parks, and wild outdoor adventures waiting just outside the door. Whether your crew loves creative art studios, nature explorations along wooded trails, or hands-on science experiments, there’s no shortage of options here to keep everyone busy and smiling.
Let’s get to it.
Ijams Nature Center
Tucked into Knoxville’s east side, Ijams Nature Center spans 300 acres of trails, ponds and riverfront. It’s a year-round playground for hikers, paddlers and wildlife watchers. You can join guided bird-watching walks in the fall, wildflower outings in spring or nighttime paddles under meteor showers.
They offer programs for every age: preschool nature classes, summer camps, spring break sessions and adult workshops. If you prefer indoors, sign up for an animal ambassador tour or Nature Preschool session. Most workshops cost between $15 and $335, but exploring the trails is always free.
Accessibility is taken seriously—staff coordinate in advance to make sure paths and activities work for everyone. There’s first-aid–trained personnel on site and life jackets for river adventures. You won’t get stranded without support, and safety gear is top notch. Ijams feels like a hometown gem that invites you to learn, explore and unwind among the trees.
Lakeshore Park
Knoxville’s Lakeshore Park offers a bit of everything across more than 200 acres of green space. You’ll find four unique playgrounds—toddler swings, a woodland play zone, climbing towers and even an integrated fitness area. Parents love the variety, and kids can burn off energy in views that stretch across the lake.
If you’d rather stick to flat ground, a paved greenway circles the park and a marsh boardwalk lets you watch ducks, herons and the occasional turtle. The Hank Rappé Playground is fully accessible, so children of all abilities can join the fun.
Entry is free for walking, running or just relaxing on the lawn. Big group picnics and sports fields require a reservation, so plan ahead if you’re rounding up a crew for baseball or grilling. While most areas aren’t staffed, the open design and clear sightlines make it easy for parents to keep an eye on everyone.
UT Gardens Knoxville
Out at UT Gardens Knoxville, you’ll find a blend of lab-style plant research and relaxed garden paths. It’s mostly outdoors—perfect for sunscreen—and includes the South Greenhouse for special workshops. Strolling the formal beds and themed zones is free, but camps and classes carry a fee.
Kids ages six to twelve flock to summer camps focused on nature art, fantasy crafts and “critter camp,” where they learn about bugs and local wildlife. Teens can sign up for Sow to Grow, a multi-week program covering horticultural therapy and hands-on planting projects.
The Children’s Garden steals the show with a treehouse pole slide, a green-roof playhouse and rolling grassy mounds built for running and tumbling. All pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and staff oversee drop-off and pick-up to keep things smooth. Beginners and experienced gardeners alike feel right at home.
World’s Fair Park
Right in the heart of Knoxville, World’s Fair Park is a free, 24-acre expanse anchored by the golden Sunsphere. Wide lawns—bigger than two football fields—invite picnics, frisbee tosses and scooter races.
The splash pad runs April through October for kids ages two to twelve. There’s no lifeguard on duty, so supervising adults are a must, but the water jets and shallow pools are a hit on hot days. ADA-compliant paths weave between restrooms and grassy areas, making every corner easy to reach.
You can wander from dawn until well after sunset, and occasional paid events like observation-deck climbs or live concerts won’t break the bank. Summer weekends bring festivals, craft markets and outdoor movie nights, while daily fountain sprays keep everyone cool. It’s a community hub designed for families, friends and anyone craving a simple outdoor hangout.
Knoxville Museum of Art
When you step into Knoxville Museum of Art, you quickly notice this place welcomes every age, even those kids who claim the only art they like involves your living room wallpaper. The highlight is Aubrey Jaye’s Art Play, where a giant light board, drawing easels, colorful sensory tiles, and a fun digital art station let everyone create without any pressure. It’s open-ended, so both grown-ups and little ones find something to tinker with.
If you want a breather from paint-covered fingers or from explaining why abstract paintings have value, stroll past the Thorne Rooms. These tiny, detailed miniatures are surprisingly absorbing. Or head over to the windows for a quiet moment staring at the Sunsphere.
Admission is wallet-friendly. Second Sunday Art Activity days and Family Fun Days are totally free for anyone, not just members. Summer art camps are pricier but stay in small groups led by real instructors. Rotating exhibitions upstairs offer a fresh mix of contemporary and regional pieces. Overall, Knoxville Museum of Art feels like a local gem that proves creativity can be fun and approachable.
East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum
Right when you walk into the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum, you realize history isn’t just something you read in a book. Exhibits cover regional stories from early settlements to modern times, so visitors get a full picture of East Tennessee’s past. The History Headquarters area is perfect for little hands that need to stack blocks, sort artifacts, or tackle simple puzzles. Meanwhile, older kids and teens can head to the weaving loom or try out the stop-motion station to create their own little Civil War puppet show.
Another highlight is Story Forest, a small stage filled with props where families pick characters and improvise short tales. Nearby, an interactive mirror lets you see yourself in digital period clothing without needing a costume. If your group loves a challenge, ask about the QR-code scavenger hunts or reserve a history-themed escape adventure.
Admission runs on a sliding scale, and discounts are available with a library card or military ID. Everything is indoors, climate controlled, and designed to be touched. The staff is always on hand to answer questions, making this museum both welcoming and engaging.
Muse Knoxville
Stepping into Muse Knoxville feels like entering a giant workshop where every station invites you to dive in. Tiny toddlers can explore a soft play area while preschoolers tackle simple science experiments. For older kids, there’s a full grocery store setup where they can practice being junior cashiers, plus Tech Play stations for engineering challenges. One highlight is the planetarium—some shows lean grown-up, but most focus on stars and comets to thrill elementary-aged explorers. If the hustle gets intense, grab a quiet moment in the sensory room or head outside to Space PLAYce and the Science Garden.
Tickets are $12 for general admission, with discounts for seniors, military members, and income-qualified families. Membership options make it even more affordable if you plan multiple visits. Muse also hosts sensory-friendly nights for a lower-sensory experience and random pop-up programs in summer. Rotating exhibits cover topics from weather patterns to pollinators, so there’s always something fresh. Staff here actually seem to enjoy interacting, which makes the whole place feel welcoming.
Check for any hands-on workshops on the calendar. Crawling around on the floor with your kiddo can be a blast.
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture
If you wander into McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture at UT Knoxville, you might be surprised how lively a free museum can be. Everything happens indoors, so rain won’t spoil your visit. Little ones have Museum Sprouts for sensory play, and dino-obsessed kids can dig into Jurassic Kids programs. Older children and teens can join camps or tours led by museum educators who really know their stuff.
Family Days pop up each season, offering themed activities like fossil digs, mussel science demos, or Silk Road art projects. Those interactive stations invite beginners and young experts alike. Entry is always free, which is hard to beat these days. Most programs just ask for advance sign-up, and the staff are happy to share tips or help you find accessible options.
Parents are encouraged to stay nearby for younger visitors but can step aside once kids get more independent. Between hands-on activities and rotating special exhibits, McClung Museum shows that learning about culture and science can really be a blast.
Check the calendar before you go to catch the next Family Day event.
Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville really goes the extra mile to keep visitors engaged beyond the usual animal viewing. Sure, you’ll spot lions and tigers, but you can also book Breakfast with the Giraffe or join twilight tours for a peek at nocturnal behaviors. Kids can drop into the Education Center for craft projects while teens (and the young at heart) quietly geek out over the reptile house.
Inside and outdoor spaces are balanced, so a passing shower isn’t a deal breaker. Wide paths and shaded spots around the park make it easy to stroll at your own pace. If you want more interaction, sign up for keeper chats or behind-the-scenes experiences. Just reserve in advance.
For families, camps during summer and spring break are top-notch but fill up fast. They keep groups small and led by experienced educators. Admission isn’t free, but membership packages pay off quickly if you plan to return. The staff are friendly and visible throughout the zoo, keeping everyone safe and on track. Overall, Zoo Knoxville feels like a well-planned adventure for all ages.
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
If you’re searching for a spot that actually invites you to get your hands dirty, Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is it. Spread across 47 acres of gardens and winding trails, it also offers real activities that both kids and grownups love. Every Tuesday during the warmer months, families head to Story Thyme in the Every Child Outdoors Garden. There’s digging, seed-planting, books, crafts, a hint of dirt under your nails, and garden educators who bring story time to life… rain or shine.
For slightly older kids, Flora Friends feels like a nature club rather than a class. They do poetry and painting among the blooms, explore textures in sensory sessions, and even keep outdoor journals. Local students get in on the fun, too, with field trips that send them hunting through the Bamboo Forest or Secret Garden while tackling scavenger hunts and writing short poems with enthusiastic guides.
You don’t need a guided activity to enjoy the place. The ECO Garden has 18 raised beds full of veggies and compost, open from dawn to dusk. It’s totally free to wander, dig, sample, and see where those carrots actually come from.
Navitat Knoxville
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual weekend routine, Navitat Knoxville at Ijams Nature Center delivers. Picture six different aerial courses packed with zip lines, rope bridges, swings, nets and more—perfect for anyone over seven who wants a bit of adventure. Trails range from easy “I got this” levels to advanced lines that even gym buffs brag about.
Everyone’s welcome as long as you weigh between 30 and 265 pounds and can reach 66 inches. You’ll suit up in a full-body harness with a continuous belay system and have guides nearby at all times. They’ll help you climb, clip in, and get unstuck if you pause on a platform. Families love it—kids ages seven to nine need an adult partner, and teens just need a parent close enough to shout directions.
Navitat stays open year-round, rain or shine, unless weather gets really wild. The glow-lit night tours feel like floating fireflies overhead, and group packages or annual memberships trim the cost. For a mix of safety, thrills, and unforgettable treetop views, this is hard to beat.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Over at Sky Zone Trampoline Park near Knoxville, you’ll find gym-class energy mixed with birthday-party excitement, but cooled by air conditioning, padded walls, and clear safety rules. Everything’s indoors, so you never worry about sweaty afternoons or sudden rainstorms. If you’ve got a preschooler, the Little Leapers sessions let the tiny jumpers bounce without speeding teens zooming by.
The main court area features dodgeball, foam pits for those epic wipe-outs, a SkySlam dunk zone, climbing walls, ninja-style obstacle courses, and something called SkyJoust (foam lances included, if you dare). Kids under 13 need a parent or guardian on the sidelines, and you can even grab a parent membership if you plan to hang out often. Staff members patrol constantly, keeping things safe and enforcing the rule of mandatory grip socks.
Rates start around $27 for 90 minutes of jumping or $40 for an unlimited day-pass, with membership plans for regular flyers. They run special summer deals and the whole facility is set up to welcome wheelchair users too.
