100 + Incredible Things to Do in Knoxville TN With Kids

Whether you just want to keep the kids entertained or you’re hoping for a little family bonding, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable mini-adventure right here. This huge resource for things to do in Knoxville with kids is jam-packed with easy and simple excursions that will make planning a day on the town easy as pie.

The best part is, towards the middle of this list, you’ll find tons of options for totally free things to do in Knoxville with kids. This means your family fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Whew!

Knoxville TN has a wide variety of choices for both indoor and outdoor kids’ activities to keep your family active no matter what mother nature has to offer.

Fun Things to Do in Knoxville with Kids

1. Knoxville Museum of Art

In addition to their regular exhibits, the Knoxville Museum of Art hosts monthly family-fun days throughout the year. These events include music, face painting, and tons of arts and crafts stations for kids.

2. Liza Moz

Get creative at this paint-your-own pottery studio. Cost varies per piece. Pieces starting at $15. Birthday parties are also available.

3. Board and brush

This unique wood crafting studio offers fun parent-and-child classes where you can work together to create your masterpiece.

4. Mighty Mud 

Kids will enjoy fun pottery classes that allow them to craft their own items by hand or on the wheel.

5. Creative Arts with Miss Shelly

Miss Shelly teaches fun 1/2 hour art classes designed specifically for little learners. Projects are available in a variety of age ranges, including preschool.

6. Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center

This art center offers a variety of 1-day and multi-day art classes for kids.

7. Home Depot Kids DIY Workshops

Kids can take free hands-on woodworking workshops on the first Saturday of each month. All of the needed supplies are provided.

8. Michaels

This craft store offers a variety of seasonal and themed crafting classes for children. They are typically held on Saturdays.

9. Jo-Ann Fabric

Jo-Ann’s offers a variety of kids’ sewing and crafting classes in-store and online.

10. Knoxville Children’s Theatre

This children’s theatre company puts on 9 different shows per year. All shows are geared towards young audience members and are also performed by local children.

11. Imagination Series at the Bijou Theatre

This series presents fun and educational children’s plays designed to captivate the attention of children in grades K-3 or 5-12.

12. Kindermusik 

Kids love these fun and interactive music classes for a variety of age ranges.

13. Flour Power

This entire cooking studio is completely dedicated to kids! Choose from easy themed and seasonal classes throughout the year.

14. The Cutting edge Classroom

The Cutting Edge classroom is an all-ages cooking studio that offers tons of different classes for kids including baking, knife skills classes, and more!

15. Williams-Sonoma Junior Chef Classes

Located in West Town Mall, Williams-Sonoma hosts hands-on cooking activities for kids periodically throughout the year. Some classes are designed to teach basic cooking skills, while others, like egg/cookie decorating, are just for fun.

16. Story Thyme at Knoxville Botanical Garden

Enjoy a scenic outdoor storytime in the garden. There is a suggested donation of $5 for this event.

17. Storytime at The Muse

Story hours are offered at both their main location and their smaller satellite location in West Town Mall. Regular admission fees are required.

18. Smart Toys and Books

The best part of this store is its huge interactive playground, complete with a pirate ship, slides tunnels, and more! They also host storytime and crafting events throughout the year.

19. West Town Mall Indoor Soft Play Area

20. All Bounce Events

This bounce house playground has open play hours several days a week. Birthday parties are also available.

21. Urban Air Trampoline park

Let your kids bounce and play to their hearts’ content.

22. Defy Knoxville

This expansive indoor trampoline park is a great choice for Knoxville family fun. In addition to trampolines, it also boasts a ninja obstacle course which means even parents will have a great time!

23. The Little Gym

This facility hosts interactive gymnastics and tumbling classes for toddlers and preschoolers, including mommy-and-me sessions.

24. Gym Bugs

Open gym time includes trampolines, a mini roller coaster, a ball pit, slides, tunnels, balance beams, mats, and preschool gymnastics equipment. This play area is geared towards kids ages 3-6.

25. Chuck E. Cheese

At this fun center, kids can enjoy a large indoor playground, a variety of arcade games, and small rides. It’s not just for birthday parties. You can go anytime!

26. Skatetown

Kids can release all their extra energy with a few laps around this indoor rollerskating rink.

27. Cool Sports

Ice skating fun for the whole family!

28. The Ice Chalet 

This public ice skating rink has open skate hours throughout the week.

29. Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice 

Treat the kids to a few laps at this open-air ice skating rink in the center of Market Square that is open from late-November to mid-January.

30. Onsight Rock Gym

This is Tennessee’s largest indoor rock climbing facility. It boasts a separate children’s climbing area and mommy-and-me toddler hours.

31. The Climbing Center

This rock climbing center offers a variety of fun beginner classes.

32. Blooming Youth Wellness

These children’s yoga classes are held at a variety of locations throughout Knoxville. The classes aim to help kids to grow in expression, awareness, and peace. 

33. Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville is open year-round. In addition to viewing the animals, the zoo also offers a wonderful opportunity to feed the giraffes and educational classes for a variety of ages.

34. Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue

A local animal rescue for large and exotic animals.

35. The Muse Knoxville

This hands-on children’s discovery museum is one of the best Knoxville attractions for kids. It provides tons of space for kids to play, explore, and create.

36. Muse at the Mall

This mini version of the area’s most popular children’s museum is located inside WestTown Mall.

37. American Museum of Science and Energy

This is an interactive children’s museum focused on science and engineering concepts.

38. Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

A hands-on children’s museum with themed rooms including birds, waterworks, nature, trains, and more!

39. Three Rivers Rambler 

Enjoy scenic train rides throughout the city including themed children’s events for various holidays.

40. Star of Knoxville Riverboat 

These scenic boast tours may include a meal depending on the package you choose. In addition to normal tours, they offer Santa cruises, Easter bunny cruises, and more!

41. Aerial Arts Lessons

This is one of the most unique things for kids to do in Knoxville. From circus silks to trapeze, this aerial arts studio has it all!

42. Strike and Spare Family Fun Center

A regional chain for bowling games, leagues, and parties.

43. Fun Center Putt Putt 

Take the kids out for a rousing game of mini-golf.

44. Sir Goonie’s Fun Center

This facility features miniature golf, go-karts, paintball, and water slides. The Fun Center is open year-round.

45. AMC Movies 7

Save big bucks at this discount movie theater. It shows new movies that have already left the traditional theaters but haven’t yet made it to DVD.

46. Museum of Appalachia

One of the most popular museums in the area, the Museum of Appalachia is filled with living history demonstrations and hands-on activities for kids.

47. Lenoir Museum

Discover a historic grist mill and a collection of artifacts that span over 60 years and depict life in historical Appalachia. 

48. Museum of East Tennessee History

This TN history museum offers a variety of hands-on experiences for kids. In addition to educational programs, the museum also hosts events throughout the year with kids’ activities, like crafts and interactive history demonstrations.

49. Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

Celebrate women in sports!

50. Mabry Hazen House

This historic home housed both Union and Confederate soldiers during the civil war.  In addition to mansion tours, they also hold living history events throughout the year, complete with actors, firing demonstrations, and more.

51. Blount Mansion 

Blount Mansion offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year with fun living history demonstrations and activities for kids, such as writing with ink and quill pens.

52. James White Fort 

One of their most fun events of the year is Jr. Docent day where local kids act as living history actors and give tours of the James White Fort.

53. Knoxville Community Pools

When the kids need a place to cool off this summer, these fun public pools really fit the bill.

54. Crescent Bend House and Gardens 

Children will enjoy meandering through Crescent Bend’s stunning gardens in springtime, especially the popular tulip beds. This stunning home also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.

55. Strawberry Picking

Our delicious strawberries start to ripen in early spring. Check out the full list of strawberry farms here.

56. Blueberry Picking

Strawberry season leads right into the blueberry season, which is an equally popular picking crop. Check out the full list of Knoxville blueberry farms here.

57. Pumpkin Picking

This fun fall activity is an annual favorite. Check out the full list of pumpkin farms here.

58. Apple Orchards

A trip to the apple orchard is another one of the most popular fall activities.

59. Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey

Enjoy the fast-paced thrill of a professional minor-league hockey game.

60. TN Smokies Baseball Game

Our local minor-league baseball team hosts a variety of family nights with fun themes throughout the season.

61. Knoxville Holstons Vintage Baseball

Step back in time at these vintage baseball games.

Free Things to Do in Knoxville With Kids

62. Knoxville Splash Pads

These amazing splash pads boast a variety of sprayers and water features. These attractions are geared towards small children.  Some of the most popular are the ones located in

63. The Cove At Concord Park

Take a dip in the scenic lake and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many tables provided. After you prune up, you take the kids over to the playground to continue the fun.

64. Big Ridge State Park Swim Beach

Soak up the sun at this scenic lake beach and state park. Concessions are sold in season.

65. Indian Boundry Recreation Area

This breathtaking swim lake is nestled in the mountains and offers stunning scenic views. There are also a variety of nearby hiking and biking trails to help you extend the fun. It’s located just outside of Knoxville in Cherokee National Forest.

66. Knoxville’s Safety City

This self-guided miniature city aims to teach children safe vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian skills. 

67. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

This history museum features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, including dinosaurs! They also host family fun activities throughout the year including stroller tours, hands-on kids’ activity days, and more.

68. Sunsphere 

Your kids will love taking the elevator to the top of this towering sphere. At the top of the Sunsphere, you will enjoy spectacular 360° aerial views of Knoxville from inside the Sunsphere.

You can also expand your Knoxville knowledge with the informative plaques and photos that depict the past and present of K-Town.

69. Beck Cultural Exchange Center

The museum centers around African-American history and features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits. 

70. Musical Storytime With the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra works with the Knox County public library system to provide free musical storytimes at various branches throughout the year.

71. Storytime at Barnes & Noble

Enjoy a fun storytime every Saturday at 11 AM.

72. Clubs and Storytimes at Knox County Public Library

The library provides fun storytime events for kids ages 0-5 and afterschool clubs and events for kids in elementary school.

73. IJAMS Nature Center

This nature center boasts natural hiking trails, an indoor nature center with reptiles and fish, and an injured bird aviary. A variety of educational programs are offered throughout the year. 

74. Norris Dam Grist Mill

After exploring the historic mill, you and your kids can splash in the neighboring creek and enjoy a delicious lunch on the grassy bank.

75. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Pack a picnic and take a leisurely stroll through the scenic gardens or participate in one of the many educational programs.

76. UT Gardens

These gorgeous gardens are free to visit. Educational programs are also offered.

77. Sunflower Fields

The Knoxville area is blessed to have several gorgeous sunflower fields. The largest sunflower field stretches as far as the eye can see!

78. Knoxville City Parks and Playgrounds

Knoxville has a vast system of parks that offers a variety of playgrounds, walking and hiking trails, picnic areas, ball courts/fields, fishing, and water sports.

79. Knoxville Disc Golf Courses

Disc golf, which is a mix between frisbee and golf, is the hottest outdoor game you’ve probably never played. There’s no time like the present to give it a try.

80. Storybook Trails

These adorable storybook trails are cropping up all throughout the region. As families walk along the trail they stop at visual stations to read the next page of the book.

81. Seven Islands Birding Park

This outdoor wonderland is known for its large population of wild birds. It’s a great place for kids to test out their binoculars.

82. Hawridge Park

A trail system for hiking and mountain biking.  

83. Fort Loudon

This popular lake-side attraction boasts hiking trails, a picnic area, a fishing pier, an indoor museum, and a large historic fort that hosts living history demonstrations throughout the year.

84. Krutch Park

Here you can marvel at the large scale outdoor art sculptures and eat a picnic lunch next to the stream.

85. House Mountain State Natural Area

This natural area boasts hiking trails with spectacular views. 

86. Knox County Greenways and Trails

Enjoy the fresh air and foster a healthy lifestyle by walking, jogging or biking along one of Knoxville’s many greenways and paved trails.

87. Knoxville City Blueways 

These waterways are perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. 

88. Erin Meadow Herb Farm

Attend a free event or take a free class to learn about herbs. Of course, you can also buy a variety of farm-fresh herbs at this location.

89. Volunteer Beardsley Community Farm

At this community food farm, you can learn all about gardening and help to grow food that will be distributed to community members in need.

90. Visit Kings Hydro Farm

If your kid is interested in the environment, Kings Hydro Farm teaches classes about hydro-farming. They also offer a variety of u-pick crops.

Kid-Friendly Events in Knoxville TN

91. Chalk Walk

Adults and kids of all ages are invited to participate in this beloved chalk drawing competition. Whether you just want to show up and peruse the artwork or you want to join in the contest yourself, it’s completely free!

92. Children’s Festival of Reading

This fun annual literacy festival is packed full of fun activities for kids, including arts and crafts, train rides, face painting, character appearances, free and cheap books, and more!

93. Knoxville Kite Festival

This bring-your-own-kite event is a wonderland of neon colors soaring across the blue sky. It happens in sprng each year.

94. Weekly Market Square Farmers’ Market

Enjoy live music as you help your kids cultivate a love of shopping small. The farmers’ market will be filled with a variety of farm-fresh offerings including meats, produce, flowers, herbs, and baked goods. A variety of artisan crafts are also available.

95. Mardi Growl

This fundraiser for the local shelter brings hundreds of costumed dogs into the streets of downtown Knoxville for a huge pup parade that your kids will love!

96. Morristown Fly-in

This annual airplane festival allows kids to see and even sit in a variety of airplanes and service vehicles. A variety of kids’ crafts and aviation science activities are also located throughout the festival.

97. Touch-a-Truck Events

At these popular events kids can sit in firetrucks, helicopters, police cars, construction trucks, and more!

98. Free Fishing Day

Held annually on the Saturday of the first full week in June, this special day allows all people, of any age, to fish without a license.

During the week that immediately follows free fishing day, all kids 15 and under can continue to fish for free on public waters. Children under 12 can always fish for free.

99. Kids’ Fishing Derbies

Throughout the warmer months, our region offers many fishing derbies for kids. These events are typically for kids 15 and under and do not require a fishing license. Of course, there are a variety of prizes up for grabs!

100. Soap Box Derbies

Our regional soap box derby is held annually in Athens, TN.

101. Free Outdoor Movies

Throughout the warm weather months, you can enjoy a variety of family-friendly outdoor movies for free on Market Square. Visit a local restaurant or bring your own snacks to complete the experience.

102. Free Outdoor Concerts

Warm weather marks the beginning of multiple free concert series throughout the region.

103. Blue Plate Special

Enjoy free concerts at the Knoxville Visitors Center 5 days a week!

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