Whether taking a cool dip in the river on a warm summer day, or meandering down a snowy hiking trail, there are so many wonderful things to do in Maryville TN and throughout Blount County.
In addition to outdoor adventure, the county offers are variety of fun indoor playgrounds, museums, arts and crafts venues, and much more!
For your convenience, the activities are grouped by interest, including outdoor activities, indoor fun, and museums, arts, and culture. As always, you can click on any blue business link to verify the information provided or get additional details.
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Outdoor Things to Do in Maryville TN
Blount County Greenways
Feed the ducks and enjoy a variety of wildlife as you meander over 9 miles of paved walking trails that wind through Maryville and Alcoa. The trails are shaded and welcome both bikes and dogs (bring your own poop bags). View the Greenway map for info on parking and restrooms.
Maryville College Woods Hiking Trails
These hiking trails are well-traveled by community members of all ages. While the trails are short and at times close to the road, they are very scenic and offer a great option close to town. The trails are also popular for dog walking.
Greenback Hiking Trails
Greenback offers several different hiking trails with a variety of scenic features like pedestrian bridges and lake views. Though technically in Loudon County, these trails are only about a 25-minute drive from Maryville center.
Shadows of the Past Trail in Townsend
This is a paved walking and biking trail in Townsend, with informative historical markers along the route. The trail does run parallel to the main parkway, so this attraction is best for families with older kids.
Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails
While GSMNP is expansive, there are several easy trails, in the Townsend/Walland area, that are just 30 – 40 minutes from Maryville center, including the popular Schoolhouse Gap, and Metcalf Bottoms.
Fort Loudon Hiking Trails and Historic Fort
While not exactly in Blount County, this awesome state park is close to home and boasts a large picnic area with scenic lake views, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and more.
The main attraction is a large colonial British fort that hosts FREE living history reenactments throughout the year. This state park is about 30 minutes from Maryville center.
Dark Island Swinging Bridge, Townsend
Located behind the iconic railroad museum, this swinging bridge is great for scenic photos. The bridge is temporarily closed for maintenance.
Little River Tubing or Kayaking
Enjoy a scenic float down the river. If you don’t have your own tubes, there are a variety of companies offering all-day tubing and transportation for $10 or less per day.
Little River Boat Rentals
- Location: Point Park, Louisville, TN
Grab your friends and family to enjoy a little time on the water. Rentals include paddle boards and kayaks.
Swimming at the Townsend Y
Pack a picnic lunch and take a cooling dip in at this fresh-water swimming hole located where 411 forks towards either Cades Cove or Gatlinburg. The small parking lot connected to the swimming area is located just before the fork on the left-hand side if coming from Townsend. This is a natural setting and there is no lifeguard on duty.
Fishing the Little River
This popular river runs through Townsend and Walland. It’s easy to find a quiet spot away from the crowds to fish for trout, crappie, bass, and more!
Fishing, Kyaking, and Boating on Tellico Lake
this popular lake is an excellent spot for fishing and water sports. There are several lake-side restaurants, boat launches, and marinas for your convenience. While Tellico doesn’t have a designated swimming area, you can swim from your boat or kayak.
Fishing the Alcoa Duck Pond
This 7.7-acre man-made pond is a popular fishing spot, especially if you have kids. The fish are abundant, which means the kiddos are likely to reel one in. There is also a nice picnic area if you want to pack a lunch. The pond also neighbors the Springbrook public pool.
Louisville Pointe Park
Take in the gorgeous view and you enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and more. Although there is no designated area, swimming is permitted at this location. There is also a nice playground and a variety of picnic areas with grills.
Springbrook Community Pool
This community pool features a wide water slide, diving boards, on-site concessions, and themed community events throughout the summer. This pool is right next to the Alcoa duck pond.
John Sevier Community Pool
This public swimming pool boasts a brand-new waterside, concessions, and an on-site playground.
Sandy Springs Park
Located along the Greenway, this popular park offers 3 different playgrounds to accommodate a variety of age groups. The park also boasts picnic areas, a party pavilion, indoor restrooms, and a variety of ball fields/courts.
Springbrook Park
Enjoy 2 great playgrounds, walking trails, ball courts, a workout area, and more!
Click here to view ALL of the many Blount County parks.
Wildwood Farm
The farm hosts a variety of hands-on learning experiences for school classes, birthday parties, team-building exercises, and more. Topics include sustainable farming, animal husbandry, conservation, and more!
Rutherford Farm
Pick your own mouth-watering strawberries, broccoli, and more! Crops and prices vary by season.
Falls Blueberry Farm
Pick your own plump ripe blueberries. Pay for blueberries by weight at the end of your trip.
Maple Lane Farms
This farm hosts a variety of seasonal farm activities including a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Liles Acres Organic Farm
Enjoy various educational programs centered around all aspects of organic farm life.
Horseback Trail Riding
- Davy Crockett Riding Stables, Townsend
- Mountain Meadows Equestrian Center, Maryville
Maryville Farmers Market
Located across from the Vienna Coffee House, this quaint market features a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, farm-fresh meats and eggs, vibrant flowers, herbs, and artisan crafts. The market also typically features live entertainment. It’s free to walk around, but product prices vary by vendor.
Movies and Concerts in the Park
- Location: Springbrook Park, Alcoa
During the summer, enjoy free outdoor movies and concerts along the greenway. Feel free to bring blankets, chairs, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass allowed.
Parkway Drive-in
Open in spring, summer, and early fall. Enjoy 2 movies for the price of 1. The theater will usually show a kids’ movie 1st and an adult movie 2nd. Concessions are available for an additional cost.
Indoor Fun
Strong Minds
- Location: Foothills Mall, Maryville
This is a fun drop-off learning and play zone for kids. While here, kids will particiapte in various hands-on STEM, art, and educational activities.
Rocky Top Rage Room
- Location: 212 S Calderwood St, Alcoa
At this rage room, guests will grab a sledgehammer and have fun smashing old appliances, electronics, and more! What better way to blow off some steam?
Smoky Mountain Axe House
- Location: 113 N Calderwood St, Alcoa
Come on out and try your hand at axe throwing! Responsible children are also welcome to throw.
Roller Arena Party Zone
- Location: 2801 E Broadway Ave, Maryville
Indoor roller skating with both day and evening hours. Cost varies by date and time of entrance.
Maryville’s Play Station
- Location: Foothills Mall, Maryville
This fantastic indoor playground is geared towards young kids and features a variety of games and climbing structures.
Crest Bowling Lanes
- Location: 330 Whitecrest Dr, Maryville
Enjoy a regular game of bowling or cosmic bowling after dark. Adults and youth bowling leagues are also available.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
- Location: 825 Cavern Rd, Townsend
At the gorgeous Tuckaleechee Caverns, guests will discover a variety of cave formations and the tallest subterranean waterfall in the US.
Foothills Gymnastics
- Location: 919 Cherokee St, Maryville
In addition to regular classes, the center offers open gym sessions where kids can tumble and play, parents’ night outs, special seasonal events, and birthday parties. Costs vary per event.
Painting Around
- Location: Foothills Mall, Maryville
Get creative at painting around where you can choose from a variety of painting projects. Options include canvas art, splatter painting, seasonal projects, and more!
Smoky Mountain Gymnastics Open Tumble
- Location:1452 E Brown School Rd, Maryville,
In addition to regular classes, the center offers open gym nights where kids can tumble and play. Birthday party packages are also available.
Blount County Public Library
- Location: 508 N Cusick St #5714, Maryville
The library offers a variety of storytime hours for toddlers and preschoolers. They also offer a variety of educational activities and clubs throughout the year for all ages, including a LEGO club, STEAM club, symphony performances, and more.
Classes Through Blount County Parks and Rec
Parks and Rec offer a variety of adult and kids’ classes, including cooking, art, dance, sewing, swimming, and many more. They also host various family fun festivals throughout the year.
Program costs range from free to inexpensive. Some activities are held indoors and others are held outside.
Foothills Mall Indoor Playground
- Location: 197 Foothills Mall Dr, Maryville
Climb, skip, and slide with old or new friends in the cushioned play area. Perfect for days when the weather is less than desirable
Chick-fil-A Indoor Playground
- Location: 1031 Hunters Crossing, Alcoa, TN
Climb, skip, and slide with old or new friends. Perfect for days when the weather is less than desirable. Chick-fil-A also holds free special events throughout the year with free food and children’s activities.
Southern Grace Coffee Co.
- Location: 312 Tedford St, Maryville
This coffee house is built inside a historic old home. As a special treat for moms, they have transformed one of the rooms into a kid-friendly meeting area with a play kitchen and various toys. Of course, there is also plenty of seating for parents as well.
Vienna Coffee House
- Location: 212 College St, Maryville
This coffee house hosts a variety of free events including board game nights, open mic nights, storytime hours for kids, and more!
AMC Cinemas
- Location: 134 Foothills Mall Dr, Maryville
This is a modern movie theatre with stadium seating. They also have a fun discounted summer movie program for kids!
Museums, Arts, and Culture
Sam Houston Historic School House and Museum
- Location: 3650 Sam Houston Lane, Maryville
At this museum, visitors will explore historic Appalachian artifacts from throughout the years. Educational activities are held both indoors and outdoors. Price varies by individual program. See the website for more details.
Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
- Location: 7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend
Enjoy touring a variety of historic trains, buildings, and artifacts. Hours vary by month. Visit the website to confirm availability.
Blount County Historical Museum
- Location: 1006 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville
At this inexpensive history museum, you can explore a variety of local artifacts, including an awesome classic firetruck.
Cades Cove / Thompson-Brown House Museum
- Location: 1004 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville
Explore the historic homestead while you delve into the rich history of Cades Cove.
Cades Cover Driving Loop and Visitor’s Center
- Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Enjoy a meandering ride along the scenic driving loop, while looking for bears, dear, elk, coyotes, turkeys, and other wildlife. You can also stop and visit a variety of historic homes, and churches along the loop.
Picnic areas and restrooms are available at the visitor’s center. The visitor’s center also boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits depicting the historical mountain life.
Hiking trails are scattered throughout the loop. Various ranger-led programs are also available at this location. Contact the visitors center for more details.
Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
- Location: 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend
The museum hosts both permanent and traveling exhibits depicting Appalachian history, including historic log buildings and a variety of hands-on exhibits.
The museum also has a wealth of information on Native American history.
Special family fun events are also offered throughout the year, including concerts, a Christmas train garden, art shows, and more.
Primary Players Children’s Group
- Location: performances held at Clayton Center for the Arts
This is a non-profit children’s theatre group. They have several child-friendly performances throughout the year. You can also sign your child up to perform.
Clayton Center for the Arts
- Location: Maryville College
Enjoy free rotating art exhibits and stage performances including both amateur and professional shows. . The Arts Center is located on the Maryville college campus. This activity is most appropriate for older kids in middle or high school.
Studio 212 Arts
- Location: 934 E Broadway Ave, Maryville
This studio offers a variety of semester-long art classes using various media. Classes are offered for a variety of age ranges. They also offer 1-time craft classes on weekends throughout the year.
Michaels Craft Store
- Location: 111 Hamilton Crossing Dr, Alcoa
The store hosts hands-on craft classes for kids and adults every weekend. They also sometimes hold recurring classes on weeknights. Typical cost $5 or less per class.
Home Depot Workshops
- Location: 943 Foothills Mall Dr, Maryville
On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot hosts FREE hands-on craft workshops for kids ages 5-12. The workshops aim to help kids develop basic DIY skills, including using hand tools and various painting techniques.
They also offer adult workshops, which are more in-depth.
Lowes Workshops
- Location: 1098 Hunters Crossing Drive, Alcoa
Learn fun new building and painting techniques for your next DIY project. The workshops are currently only for adults, but they will be adding kids’ workshops in the future, through the Build and Grow program.
More East TN Family Fun
Check put CHANDLIER FARMS it is technically Maryville address its off of 411 between Maryville and Seymour. They have 3 trains for kids to ride. Animals to feed and various other activities WE LOVED IT.
I can’t find any contact information for this farm. If you have any, please let me know so I can verify the info. Thanks!