This wonderful collection of over 4,000 annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses is recognized as the official botanical gardens of the state of Tennessee. Many of the plants in the garden attract a variety of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The garden is also a TN Certified Arboreta. This botanical garden is open all year and is free to the public.
These fun STEM camps are geared towards kids in grades K – 6th. The camps are hosted by a variety of elementary schools throughout the local area and each camp last 1 week. These camps incorporate science, technology, engineering and math through fun, hands-on, group activities. Locations include Knoxville, Maryville, and Oak Ridge
This museum features a variety of exhibits depicting the life of Christ.
In addition to an outstanding educational program, this academy offers themed 4 day summer day camps. Themes include cooking, soccer, lacrosse, and football. Each camp is 4 days long. Age requirements vary by theme, but camps are available for grades k – 8.
Play games and win prizes!
featuring entertainers, floats, music and food!
This wonderful museum ,located inside of the historic Beck Mansion, focuses on preserving African American history and culture.
FREE admission
With a goal of promoting Appalachian arts, this studio offers a wide variety of classes suitable for both children and adults. Classes include painting, pottery, weaving, and more. Birthday parties and school groups are welcome!
This museum features a variety of hands-on exhibits that detail the history of The Great Smoky Mountains, dating back to early Cherokee settlers. There are also a variety of historical buildings on site, educational programs, and concerts throughout the year.
Average dinner/lunch prices $11/general food, $21/pizza
This locally owned East Tennessee chain is another local favorite. With a family sports bar atmosphere this tasty restaurant serves up all of your American favorites including burgers, wings, gourmet salads, and delicious pizza! As a brewery, they also have a variety of signature brews on tap, and spirits!
Admission to this festival includes a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited samples of various flavors of beer and bourbon. There will also be live entertainment throughout the day. $35/general admission, $49/VIP admission
BBQ vendors will also be on-site, but food is not included in the admission price.
FREE outdoor splash pad in Knoxville, open spring through fall.
Creative Art Classes, Art Parties, and Summer Art Camps for Preschool, Homeschool, and Elementary age Kids in West Knoxville!
This full rock climbing gym offers a variety of climbing experiences to meet the needs of all age and ability levels. The facility is also handicap accessible. Birthday parties, team building experiences, troop climbs (for scouts), and lock-in experiences are available. Child care available on certain days.
This facility also offers a variety of summer day camps to keep your kids moving during the school break! Each camp last for one week and each week offers a unique theme.
This comprehensive art studio offers classes in drawing, painting, print making, clay, and jewelry making. Classes are available for both children and adults.
This FREE family event, at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, features activities, story time, crafts, tours and more! The theme for this event is: the role of museums in the community.
This dog park is located inside Victor Ashe Park and is Knoxville’s first ever dog park. Although it does not offer separate sections for small and large dogs, there is some puppy playground equipment on site, such as tunnels and hill structures.
Come our and celebrate the rich history of Cades Cove at this FREE event.
This amazing dog park features a large swim lake. Yes, a swim lake! The lake also includes a jump dock for all of those aspiring dock divers, who need to practice. Of course this fancy schmancy park also includes separate locations for small and large dogs, a doggy water fountain, waste stations, and a restroom for humans.
This fun and quirky museum is the world’s only museum of its kind!
These 1/2 day camps include themes such as various sports, dance, cheer, science, math, essay writing, and more!
This elegant historical house was built in 1858 and served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces.
FREE/children under 18
This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the early settlers of Cades Cove.
FREE admission
In addition to hosting permanent and rotating art exhibits, this museum hosts hands-on,family-family art programs all throughout the year. The goal of the Knoxville Museum of Art is to celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, present new art and new ideas, and educate a diverse public.
This museum also offers a summer art academy designed to increase your child’s art skills, creativity, and self-confidence. Morning classes are offered for kids ages 3 – 12 and afternoon classes are offered for kids ages 13 and up.
General admission to this museum is completely FREE!
This sports center offers both indoor and outdoor practice facilities, as well as competitive team sports. Competitive sports include, baseball, softball, football, flag football, rugby, basketball, golf, and track and field. Summer camps for competitive sports are also available.
This is a joint venture between the Townsend Artisan Guild and Cades Cove Cellars.
This FREE opera inspired street festival features a variety of food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and opera performances.
This roaring event will feature classic cars, parts and accessories vendors, music and food vendors.
This homeschool co-op offers a variety of parent led classes, field trips, and social opportunities for members. They also offer a fun and educational summer camp for both members and non-members.
This expansive crime museum features exhibits from a variety of historical and modern crimes. There are also a few interactive portions of the museum, which are geared towards older school aged children and adults.
Parking is at The Island.
This FREE indoor foam play area is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, especially when the weather leads to cabin fever!
This facility, owned by the United Methodist Church, offers opportunities for outdoor education, overnight summer camps, and retreats.
Educational Programs: This center offers a variety of hands-on nature programs throughout the year. topics include boating, interactive hiking, Native American history, stream ecology, wilderness survival, and much more! Programs are perfect for field trips and your group will receive a custom schedule. Educational experiences can last from 1/2 day up to a full week. Secular and faith based options available.
Summer Camp: This faith centered overnight camp combines opportunities for worship and spiritual growth with good old fashioned fun and outdoor recreation. Camp is for kids in 1st-12th grade. A special needs camp is also available for kids ages 12-22.
Retreats: Overnight retreat facilities are also available. The per-person price include meals. Prices vary based on chosen accommodations.