If you love all things spring, you’re sure to love Knoxville in April. From vibrant pink dogwood trees to family-friendly festivals, the city is bursting with beauty and fun all month long.
Related Read: Family Fun in Knoxville TN
Things to Do in Knoxville in April
Strawberry Picking
Strawberries are one of the earliest crops in East Tennessee. Most of the u-pick farms have berries available beginning in April.
Our local strawberry farms are super popular, so you don’t want to postpone your visit. I’ve gone late in the season before and pickin’s were slim.
Baxter Garden
This stunning Knoxville botanical garden is owned by a private estate and only opens for 1 month each year. The expansive garden is sectioned into various themed areas.
Some of the most enchanting garden attractions include a fantastic hedge maze and a gigantic pond stepping stone that let you feel like you are walking on water. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Events
With the Easter Bunny planning his annual visit, the local area is always brimming with tons of fantastic egg hunt options. You can find an egg hunt near you right here.
The article also lists other fun event ideas like Easter-themed art classes, cooking classes, and more.
Local Botanical Gardens
Beginning in April, our local botanical gardens spring to life with vibrant colors.
One of the most popular is UT Gardens, which is located on the UT Knoxville Campus. This gorgeous garden has a fantastic children’s garden, playground, water features, sculptures, and more!
Free visitors’ parking is limited, so be sure to get there early in the day.
Story Thyme
Wednesday Mornings in April 2024
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
$5 per person
Preschoolers and kindergartners can enjoy a delightful read-aloud in gardens. Of course, guests can stay and explore the grounds after the storytime is over.
Chalk Walk
April 6, 2024
Market Square Knoxville
FREE Admission
This stunning artist competition features tons of sidewalk chalk murals done by both professional and amateur artists. The completion is split into different age groups and anyone can enter.
Chalk Walk lasts almost the entire day because it takes the artists a while to complete their drawings. Coming to the festival in the evening is a great way to see completed works. It’s also the best way to beat the heat.
Since this festival is right in the heart of downtown, there are plenty of restaurants nearby for a scrumptious dinner.
Big Night Hike
April 12, 2024
IJAMS Nature Center
$15 Per Person
Take a guided hike to explore IJAMS after dark. Guest will be searching for a variety of nighttime creatures including salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians that are just waking up from their winter slumber. This activity is reserved for ages 10 and up.
Guided Wildflower Hike
April 6-7, 2024
Norris Dam State Park
FREE Admission, Donations Are Encouraged
Kick off the spring season with a fun guided wildflower hike.
More Knoxville April Events
Babe the Sheep Pig
April 5-21, 2024 (select dates)
Knoxville Children’s Theater: 109 E Churchwell Ave, Knoxville
$15/Adults, $12/Children
In this endearing children’s play, Babe seeks to find his purpose in life. With the help of a motherly sheep-dog, he trains to become the first-ever “sheep-pig.”
DIY Mini Lattice Planter
April 6, 2024
Home Depot (All Locations)
FREE
Kids will use real tools to make their very own planter project that can actually hold a plant. This event is free and all supplies are included. Pre-registration encouraged.
Spring Parent and Me Cooking Classes
April 7, 13 and 20, 2024
Cutting Edge Classroom, Knoxville
Cost varies by class
At Cutting Edge, parents and kids can work together to make a delicious meal or spring-themed dessert from scratch. April’s classes include sushi, donuts, and a spring explosion cake filled with sprinkles.
Museum Sprouts
April 9, 2024
McClung Museum, Knoxville
FREE Admission
This tiny tots history program is specifically designed for kids 4 years old and under. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the museum and family-friendly activities. Parent participation is required.
Spring Craft Fair
April 13, 2024
Marble Springs State Historic Site
FREE Admission
Support local artisans by shopping small at Marble Spring’s April Craft Fair. In addition to arts and craft vendors, there will also be live music, food trucks, historic building tours, and more.
Crimescene Investigator Immersive Murder Mystery Event
April 13, 2024
Downtown Knoxville
$24-$80 per team
The streets of Downtown Knoxville will be transformed into an outdoor immersive CSI game. To play the game, guests solve puzzles, interrogate witnesses, and look for clues to solve the crime. Costumes are encouraged.
Team tickets allow entry for up to 6 adults. Kids play free.
Garrison Weekend at Fort Loudon
April 13, 2024
Fort Loudon State Historic Site
FREE Admission
Fort Loudon is a colonial-era British fort that was used during the French and Indian War. Garrison weekends are living history reenactments featuring a variety of costumed performers.
Guests will be able to tour the fort, which is mostly outdoors. There will also be demonstrations of blacksmithing, medical care, traditional fabric dying, cannon firings, and more.
The fort also has a nice indoor museum, a fishing pier, and plenty of picnic tables to help you extend the fun.
Kids Club Art Activities
April 13 & 27, 2024
Michael’s Craft Stores (All Locations)
FREE Admission
This month kids can make an adorable paper flower collage and friendship bracelets to share. These events are free and all supplies are included.
DIY Garden Cart Planter
April 20, 2024
Lowes (All Locations)
FREE
Kids will use real tools to create an adorable garden cart planter project. This event is free and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required.
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 26-28, 2024
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
FREE Admission
Always a family favorite, the Dogwood Arts Festival features over 100 local and regional arts and crafts vendors. There will also be food trucks, kids’ activities, games, live music, and artist demonstrations.
The different types of art you will see at this event are endless. Some favorites include handmade pottery, blown glass, paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, mixed media, woodworking projects, metal art, and more.
Did we miss one of your favorite things to do in Knoxville in April? Please send us the details so we can add it to the list.
More East TN Family Fun
Cool Spots to Splash Down This Spring
Erica has lived in East TN for over 9 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!
Hi! Is it possible to have our Healthy Taste Vegfest Kids program added to this list? On April 30 at 1130am, we will have a free kids’ program at the Knoxville Expo Center where we talk about plants/growing food/health and let the kids plant a seed/share a cookung demo and recipe with them.