Hello! Thanks for coming to check out our blog. We are Sarah and Stephanie. We both live in the Smoky Mountains but we can’t wait to start sharing our favorite things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. Knoxville isn’t to far away from the Smoky Mountains and is a a great place we love to go. There is so much shopping and things to do with the kids.
There are several reasons you may find yourself in Knoxville, such as for a Vols Games, Doctor appointment, passing through, visiting family or maybe it is worked related. We have our friends ask us all the time.. “What is there to do with our kids in Knoxville?” The answer is SO MUCH!
I am out in Knoxville a lot I feel like, mostly because traffic in Pigeon Forge can get insane and if I need to do something with the kids or get some shopping done, I am more than likely going to Knoxville. So whatever your reason to being in Knoxville, even if you live here, We hope this blog post can help you think of some things you can do with your kids while in the area.
This list is always growing so if we left anything out, please leave us a comment and let us know what to add.
South Knoxville
Knoxville Art Museum
If your child is into the Arts, then go and take them to the FREE Knoxville Art Museum. Spend as long as you like looking at all the art pieces. They have different events and exhibits all year long so check out their site and see if they have anything going on you may be interested in seeing.
Fort Kid Playground
Since you are at the Art Museum, right across the street is Fort Kid Playground. This new playground got a beautiful remodel in 2023 and is so much fun for kids. We love their huge slide, climbing walls, toddler area play spot and merry go round. If you are in the area, this is a fun stop for sure.
Located at
1050 World’s Fair Park
Knoxville, TN 37916
Knoxville Sun Sphere Observation Tower
Walking distance from the Knoxville Art Museum and Fort Kid Playground is The Knoxville Sunsphere Observation Tower. Buy your tickets online. $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are just $1. You can go up to the 4th floor and get a 360 view of downtown Knoxville. This is a 30 minute stay but it is so cool.
Tennessee Riverboat Cruise
Come and gather the family and take a fun Tennessee riverboat cruise. You can have lunch or dinner on the cruise or just buy a sightseeing ticket. All boat rides last an hour and a half and depending on what style of ticket you purchase depends on the time. They have themed nights and bands that perform. If you decide to do a lunch or dinner cruise, the food is delicious and once you are done, you can go to the top deck to look around and enjoy your time.
Volunteer Princess Cruises
Volunteer Princess Cruises is on a luxury yacht that offers 90 min river cruises. They offer special events for kids, lunch, sunset and dinner cruises. The Prices range from $25-$60 depending on the theme, time of day and season. Go to their site and see all the fun themes they have for kids all year long.
Three Rivers Rambler
Three Rivers Rambler is a fun 11 mile train ride that last around 2 hours. They offer Spring/ Summer Rides as well as Christmas rides in Nov/Dec. They have several train cars you can sit in as well as an open air train that is fun to explore. Kids of all ages will enjoy this fun and unique experience.
Maple Hall Bowling Alley
Maple Hall Bowling Alley is located in downtown Knoxville and is a spirited bowling alley which means they serve alcohol. They turn into an adult only bar on weekends after 9pm but during the day this is a super fun place to go bowling with your kids and relax. The bowling area is downstairs and has a very laid back atmosphere. We love the brick walls, leather couches to sit on and the many TVs you can watch while bowling. As of now on their site it’s $25 per hour on the bowling lane.
Market Square
Market Square is Knoxville’s downtown area and has so much going on to events, scavenger hunts, shopping and restaurants. Grab some ice cream, go shopping, look for fun murals, see a movie or go see a show! There are so many businesses out all around Market Square that is sure to keep the parents and kids happy. Be sure to check out their website and if there are in fun events going on to see or do.
Ijams Nature Center
(pronounced I ams the J is silent) I mispronounced it wrong for years LOL
You won’t believe the forest and nature that South Knoxville offers. The first time I stumbled upon Ijams. I had no idea this kind of place existed. Ijams has walking trails, swimming holes, boat rentals, biking trails and play areas. You can do so much here. We have explored their Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve Area, went swimming in Mead’s Quarry and have done some hiking. Check out Ijams website for all the fun things they offer.
Navitat Canopy
We have never done this experience but this looks like so much fun. Navitat Canopy Adventures is a fun zipline you can do day or night. They both give you a whole different experience. This would be for kids 7 and up. They have 6 different ways you can go around and can do all 6 within the 2 hours or your favorite over and over.
Safety City
This place is so cute! It is a kid size town with working red lights. They have the place designed to be a replica of the City of Knoxville. You will find real cops walking around and making sure the kids stay safe. Bring your bikes, scooters, tricycles or balance bikes! Be sure to bring a helmet and enjoy this free park. They are only open for a few weeks during the summer and a few weeks before Christmas. They stay closed to the public for most weeks due to hosting school field trips.
After you play and ride. They do have a huge playground and most days have a shaved Ice truck out front in the summer. Be sure to check them out on Facebook
Go To A Game
Knoxville UT College has so many sports you can go watch such as UT Football games at Neyland Stadium or Basketball games at Thompson Bowling Arena as well as Ice Bears Hockey Games at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum . You can always find something going on your kids will love to see and enjoy.
UT Gardens
UT gardens is one of my kids favorites. There is a small play area, tons of flowers to see and enjoy. We love to walk around and enjoy all the plants and flowers. There is also a greenway if you wanted to bring bikes and scooters to ride down. It is located close to the university in the South Knoxville area.
Located at 2518 Jacob Drive Knoxville, TN 37996
Volunteer Landing
This large park runs along the Tennessee River. We like to park down by Calhouns in the large parking lot and let the kids, run or ride their bikes all along the walkway. There are splash pads to play on in the summer months and so much to look at. The walkway connects to a couple of other parks such as James White Greenway.
East Knoxville
The Muse
The Muse is one of our favorite stops when in Knoxville. This place I would recommend for 8 and under. You can spend 2-4 hours exploring this children’s museum. There is so much to do. They have an arts and crafts area that my kids love to be in. A huge area with glue, paper, glitter, any and everything craft. They have a pretend kitchen, doctor’s office, planetarium show and outdoor playground. There is so much for them to do, see and learn. Just the interactive museum can take 3-4 hours but on certain days they have some interactive art classes, they have story time and fun STEM classes that are all included in your admission. You can pay admission or a yearly membership if you plan to go back multiple times.
The Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville zoo is open all year long and has so much for kids to do from splash pads in the summer, sand area, petting zoo, a playground and of course going to see all the animals. We easily spend half the day here. There are so many animals here to see. It is a must stop in Knoxville.
In the Fall they have Boo At The Zoo so if you are in the area for Halloween, this is a fun event.
Roller skate
Take your kids roller skating at Skate Town in Fountain City or The Change Center in East Knoxville area. You will be taken back to the 80s with their neon decor and fun games we played as a kid.
Go to each of their websites to see their hours and ticket prices. Most are open in the late evenings and weekends but there are always special events.
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
The Knoxville Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 44 acre garden to walk around and explore. We like to bring a small picnic and enjoy all the pretty spots. If you do bring some snacks please clean up and then enjoy a walk in nature with some pretty flowers and lots of stone walls and structures all over the place. It is free admission and open everyday 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, but the visitor center is open M-F 9-5
West Knoxville
Smart Books and Toys
Smart Books and Toys is a toy store for kids. They have all kinds of toys and books but my kids favorite is the indoor playground. You do have to reserve a time to play so it doesn’t get over crowded. They offer times from 10-12, 1-3 or 4-6pm. The 10-12 spot fills up the quickest. It does cost around $10 for the first kid and siblings $7. They also offer art classes that are an extra charge and Kindermusik classes for toddlers
It is free to go inside and look at all the toys after all it is a Toy Store. They also have a Free fun sensory room open to everyone with coloring pages, blocks and different things for fun sensory play.
Chuck E. Cheese
Every kid loves Chuck E Cheese, Let them play some age appropriate games, eat pizza and see Chuck E himself. We know this is ultimately everywhere over the US but going to different ones are fun and sometimes you can find new games to play.
Ice skate
Head over to Ice Chalet and try ice skating even in the summer months. If your kid is not the best skater they do have ride assist items for your kids to sit or hold on to. They are open most every day and you can book a public session to go skating for a 2 hour or so time block. They offer lessons, group ratings and parties there.
Putt Putt
Knoxville isn’t flooded with Putt Putt courses like Pigeon Forge but there are 2 great ones to choose from Farragut Golf and Games and Sir Gooneys.
Sir Gooney’s Family Fun Center offers more than just Putt putt but also paintball, water slides and go carts. They were built in the 80s and the putt putt course brings back lots of memories when the courses looked big, fun and whimsical. If you wanted to spend a full day here they offer a lot to keep your kids entertained and having fun. Their prices are good and reasonable.
Farragut Golf and Games offers a couple of putt putt courses and a fun indoor arcade your kids can have fun in as well.
Top Golf
Top Golf is definitely fun for adults but kids of all ages can join you while playing some golf. Eat some great food and try to play all kinds of games on their virtual screens. They have block party and angry birds that kids love to play.
Pelican Snow
We love stopping at Pelican Snow and getting some shaved Ice. They have so many flavors of syrup to choose from. We love that they have an area you can sit outside and play some lawn games as we enjoy our cold treat. They are located at 5900 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. They are open from Spring to late Fall. Go to their Facebook page to read all they have going on.
Lake Shore Park / Huey Woodland Playground
The Huey Woodland Playground is new to Lakeshore Park and it so cute and different. All the playground equipment is made of everything of nature. Check out the swings, tree house, balance walkways, climbing area and the fun slide. This is every 90s kids dream by playing with your imagination and making things out of sticks and being in nature is so good for kids.
Be sure to bring and wear bug spray due to this being in a very wooded area.
While at Lakeshore park check out their other fun playgrounds that just got a remodel. They also have walking trails and picnic tables so take your time and explore the area.
Located at
5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Strike and Spare Bowling
Looking for a place to take the kids bowling? Then go check out Strike and Spare Bowling off Western Ave in Knoxville. Play a fun game of bowling with the kids and they even have a bar and grill inside. Be sure to check out their website for any specials going on.
Main Event
Main Event is one place to go where you can play Bowling, Laser Tag, VR Rides, Billiards, Putt Putt, Escape Rooms and A Ropes Course. They have all kinds of different prices if you want to do just 1 activity or everything. This place is fun for all ages. You could spend half a day here for sure and have a great time!
North Knoxville
Knoxville Children’s Theater
The Knoxville Children’s Theater puts on shows once a month and has some really good ones your kids may be interested in seeing. Go to their site and check to see what is coming up and get some tickets Ticket prices range from $12-$15
Karns All Inclusive Playground
This large playground is perfect for all kids and is handicap accessible. It is so big and the fun slides are huge and tall. There is plenty of shade and areas to watch your kids.
Located at 6618 Beaver Ridge Road Knoxville, TN
Cherokee Caverns
Cherokee Caverns is only open to special events so they don’t do private tours any more but if you know when you will be in the area at a certain time, they do have a fun movies in the cave showing different movies all year long. This is fun to check out and a new way to watch a movie with the family.
Located at
8524 Oak Ridge Highway Knoxville, TN 37931
Outside of Knoxville
Backyard Bouncers
Backyard Bouncers is a fun place that rents out bounce houses for private birthday parties and also offer birthday parties at their indoor location but for $10 you can jump at their “Backyard” for 1 hour on Wednesdays from 11am to 6pm and Saturday mornings they have a few times. They have over 2,000 square foot “Backyard” to play in with a 20 ft slide, obstacle courses, a toddler area and 2 inflatable climbing walls. Adults can join as well if needed.
This location is outside of Knoxville but I think it worth mentioning.
Located at 795 N. Main Street, Clinton TN
Kidz Zone
Kidz Zone is an indoor playground and is located in Powell but right outside of Knoxville. You can pay to play on their 3 story climbing gym and slides. They have a cute little town for some pretend play and lots of seating for the adults to sit and watch. They are currently at $12 for the first child and $10 for siblings play by the hour We have went to this indoor playground and the kids loved it. The hour went by so fast!
Located at 3043 Clinton Highway Powell, TN
Little Ponderosa Farm and Rescue
Little Ponderosa Zoo is a non profit rescue animal center for exotic animals. This place is located in Clinton but not far from Knoxville. Bring your kids to check out all their animals and maybe do a pony ride while you are there. Here is their website for more information but their Facebook has more photos and up to date events posted.
Located at 629 Granite Rd, Clinton, Tennessee
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
This museum is located inside an old elementary school with each classroom showing something different. They have cabins, birds, trains and boats. It is a mixture of all things you can learn about but that is what keeps it interesting. Your kids can go to this museum over and over and find new things to learn about. They also have a playground close by to end your day at the museum or to take a nice lunch break.
The Museum is located in Oak Ridge, but it is not a far drive. It is a fun educational place your kids will love to explore. Here is Our full review and guide to going to Oak Ridge Children’s Museum
**Coming Soon**
Little Valley Play Cafe
This cute little indoor playground is coming soon to Knoxville. It features themed play areas for kids 7 and under and parents can watch their kids play with access to wifi, coffee and bakery goods! Check out their Facebook to see more details
We Rock The Spectrum- Knoxville Location
We Rock The Spectrum is another fun indoor area for kids to play in with zip lines for the older kids, play houses, toys and swings. I feel like this is more of a huge play room with lots to keep the kids entertained. They will be in the West Knoxville area very close to Smart Books and Toys in the Franklin Square.
Play Palz
Play Palz has a location in Chattanooga and is now bringing a location to Knoxville. They haven’t announced a date of opening yet but are coming in 2025. Their Chattanooga location is a huge 3 story playground with a fun ball pit, slides and lots of things for kids to do. Keep up with their progress on their Facebook page.