Fun Things To Do In Tennessee With Family

Visit Dollys Hometown Of Pigeon Forge

As the jewel of this beautiful mountain town, Dolly Parton has poured her heart into Dollywood, a theme park with superb roller-coasters and live entertainment shows. Dollywood also has Splash Country, a water utopia including 23 slides and water rides, and two childrens playgrounds for the little ones.

Visit during the holiday season and experience Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas with four million holiday lights and extravagant holiday decorations

Trekaroo families also love Dolly Partons Stampede show and dinner. Watch the North versus the South in a friendly competition, be amazed by horse riding stunts, and feast on a four-course meal while listening to some great bluegrass music.

Also in Pigeon Forge is popular Titanic Museum and Wonderworks which has 100 hands-on exhibits including an indoor ropes course, earthquake and hurricane simulations, and the chance to find oneself inside a bubble!

Get Outside At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photo by SeanPavonePhoto

Family-friendly hikes abound in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

One of the most popular is a 2.6 -mile hike to the 80-foot high Laurel Falls. Try the 1.4-mile hike to Grotto Falls where you can go behind a waterfall without getting wet! The Metcalf Bottoms Trail is an easy 1.4-mile nature walk that ends at the Little Greenbrier School, built in 1882.

For a more moderate hike and a spectacular view, the 1.3-miles to the Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. Although the last half-mile is very steep, the tower at the top offers a 360-degree view of the Smokies.

The lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains is Newfound Gap at 5,046 feet. The trees along the Newfound Gap Road are similar to the New England forests. Ideal leaf-peeping happens mid-October to early-November.

Cades Cove is an 11-mile driving loop that passes the churches, barns, and homesteads of the original settlers. There are 159 campsites along this route and wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer, abound.

To see nature in her full glory, plan your trip in June to witness the Synchronous fireflies. Tens of thousands of fireflies blink their lights at dusk in synchronized patterns.This mating ritual lasts for about two weeks.

A reservation system controls the large crowds trying to get into the park to see it, but if youre willing to walk, hike into Cades Cove to see the magical night show.

Experience The Sun Studio Tour

There are locations across the globe that give fans an immediate insight into the music landscape and everything that comes with it but the Sun Studio really does take the biscuit.

This 1950s studio was home to some of the true greats and if you dont believe us, go and check out what Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash got up to there.

• Sun Studio tours in Memphis

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More East Tn Family Fun

At the end of each of our articles, you will find a section labeled More East TN Family Fun. Here you will find hand-picked articles that are somehow related to the article you just read.

This section helps you find more of what you need, without the tedious work of searching for it. See it in action below.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

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Rating: 4.7

Entry ticket: ticket prices depend on the type of show

Address: 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243

• It is in the James K. Polk Cultural Center
• It is a performing arts theater

Why you should go: The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to include on the cool of things to do in Nashville if you would like to enjoy theatre performances including, the famous Broadway shows.

The theatre has three stages, each named after three former American Presidents from Tennessee, the Andrew Johnson Theater, the Andrew Jackson Theater, and the James K. Polk Theater.

Things to do: Book your ticket to watch an evening show after a day spent exploring the city.

A live performance show is an ideal evening plan.

• It is 18 minutes from the Nashville International Airport.

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Why We Recommend This Activity

Learn all you need to know about Eastern Tennessee through a plethora of interactive exhibits, fascinating objects and authentic pieces of artifacts thatll give you a glimpse of the past.

When looking for cheap family-fun, you can never go wrong by paying a visit to this museum for the ultimate throwback with the whole tribe.

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

wikipedia.org

Entry ticket: $10 per person

Address: 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419

• Botanical garden.
• It opened in 1956.
• Non-profit institution.

Why you should go: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Garden is a nature center in Chattanooga with a botanical garden, hiking trails, woodland gardens, and ponds.

It sits on 317 acres of land and boasts over 150 tree species and over 1,000 plant species.

The center focuses on the study and preservation of plant and tree species.

It is one of the most serene places in Chattanooga to have a nature walk and get lost in lush green woods.

Things to do: If you are an outdoors and nature lover, this botanical garden will blow your mind. It has over 15 miles of hiking trails.

Its tree and plant population creates an ambiance that ensures your hike is enjoyable and comfortable.

For those who love driving in the woods, the center boasts a 3-mile driving loop. Take an early morning or evening drive to enjoy views of sunrise or sunset rays as they seep through the tall trees.

You can choose to take a walk around the garden to admire the massive flora and educate yourself on plant species.

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

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Top 8 Fun Things To Do In Knoxville With Kids

A thriving college town with a historic district offering museums, galleries, and restaurants, there are many exciting and unique things to do in Knoxville with kids. You will find outdoor fun and adventure at the Ijams Nature Center, including hiking trails and zip line courses, or take the elevator to the top of the Sunsphere to see the city from the top looking down.

If you prefer indoor activities, the Tennessee Theater may be at the top of your to-do list. There are many activities and events always taking place in Knoxville, TN making it a top destination stop for families.

Our list of the top 8 things to do in Knoxville with kids will keep you entertained and having fun throughout the city! Explore the city of Knoxville and be sure to grab a bite to eat while there. The kids will love having an old-fashioned ice cream soda float at The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain in downtown Knoxville.

Discover Tennessees Amazing Musical Past And Present

Photo by Poznyakov

Tennessee is famous for its music. These days it is known widely known as the epicenter of Country Music but Rock n Roll was born here and even The King, Elvis Presley, called Tennessee home.

Graceland in Memphis is certainly the most notorious home of a music legend. and over a half million people make the pilgrimage each year to tour his home.

At Sun Studios, also in Memphis, take a tour of where Johnny Cash and Elvis began their careers. The studio has been turned into a one-of-a-kind museum with almost all the original equipment used back in the 1950s, including the microphone!

Discover all the best things to to in Memphis with kids, including where to eat some classic Memphis barbecue.

A collection of Johnny Cashs guitars, handwritten lyrics, awards, and pieces of his former home are on display in Nashville at the Johnny Cash Museum, a must for any fan of The Man in Black.

Also in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame. There are exhibits focusing on oral traditions, still images, and country music artifacts.

Past exhibits have included a wide range of women in country music from Taylor Swift to Tammy Wynette. Several times throughout the year, the Hall offers the Musical Petting Zoo, where children can try out different instruments used in country music!

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Old Town Trolley Tours Of Nashville

This hop-on hop-off tour has 14 stops and you have unlimited use of the Nashville Old Town Trolley. Or stay on the trolley for the whole 90 minutes for a live narrated tour of the top sights of Music City!

Visit Music Row, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, Broadway and more! The trolley is an open air vehicle which makes it great for taking pictures and video.

Things To Do In Tennessee With Kids

Music, mountains, and history – must be Tennessee! This amazing state is so family friendly, and a place that kids just fall in love with! From the rich history of the Civil War and the Plantation homes, to historic and cultural sites, to amazing adventures A true Southern experience for the whole family.

Tennessee is known for its breathtaking mountains and incredible music, and rightly so. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must see, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum takes kids on a journey of the countrys most popular music genre, and well, theres Graceland. And icon in itself. But Tennessee is filled to the brim with other fun places to go with kids. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, Lucky Ladd Farms and Tennessee Safari Park are unique ways for kids to experience wonderful animals.Why not take to the family out onto the rivers with companies like Chattanooga Riverboat Company? Incredible ways to see the state from a different angle.And history loving kids..you just wait! Relive history at the Belle Meade Plantation, learn of the civil war with Fort Donelson Historic Battlefield, or let your imagination run wild with the dinosaurs at Coon Creek Science Center!Oh yes.did we mention Dollyworld? Certainly a one-of-a-kind adventure for the family!

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Frist Center For The Visual Arts Nashville

Sure, this doesnt exactly sound like something the kids would dig, but wait till they try out the interactive activities on offer.

Visitors to the Frist Center can easily end up spending hours herethe art section features a brilliant photography collection that mom and dad will enjoy, whereas the tots may not want to leave the kids section!

The kids section offers an array of interactive kids activities based on fine art and building, such as sketching, building, water-color painting, and even stop animation.

Tots can unleash their inner Picassos and the whole family can make art together!

Belle Meade Historic Site And Winery

Its Fall Yall! Cant wait to see everyone today ???? | Facebook

Rating: 4.6

Entry ticket: $26$150 depending on the type of tour

Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

• It is over 30 acres in size
• It was originally built in 1807

Why you should go: The Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery or the Belle Meade Plantation is a historic mansion that serves as a museum, winery, and restaurant.

The attraction site was once a plantation of over 5,400 acres in size.

It was home to over one hundred slaves.

Today, the museum is dedicated to telling the history and stories of African-Americans enslaved on the farm.

Things to do: History lovers will love exploring this facility.

Even if you are not into history, visiting the museum will teach you more about African-Americans and increase your understanding and knowledge of black culture.

You can visit the winery to have a taste of the wine produced in Nashville.

There are gift shops, walking trails, outdoor game courts, among other amenities.

• It is 32 minutes from the Nashville International Airport.

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Bluff View Art District

Bluff View Art District Chattanooga Tn | Shutterstock

4.6

Address: 411 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

• Located in Downtown Chattanooga.
• Perfect for a days visit.

Why you should go: This district is a small neighborhood that sits on a bluff that overlooks the Tennessee River.

Here you will find three forms of art: landscape, culinary, and visual arts.

Bluff View Art District is very small in size but is home to some of the most notable attractions in Chattanooga.

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, Hunter Museum of American Art, and The River Gallery are all located in this lovely neighborhood.

Famous eateries like Trattoria, Tonys Pasta Shop, and Rembrandts Coffee are all found here.

Things to do: Thanks to its small size, most of the attraction places in the Bluff View District are in proximity to each other.

You can easily walk from one place to the other. Owing to its size, you will only need a day to explore the district.

In your schedule for things to do in Chattanooga, dedicate a full-day tour to Bluff View Art District.

Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art to explore its art exhibits which display a permanent collection of photography, sculptures, and paintings.

For a unique art experience, you can visit the River Gallery, which boasts a lovely sculpture garden.

You can have a taste of Chattanoogas cuisine in any of the eateries mentioned above.

It is a beautiful experience.

• It is 17 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

S To Planning Our Tennessee Road Trip

First we decided we were going to add Tennessee to our list of states we want to visit. At first our plan was to visit Memphis, Nashville, and the Great Smoky Mountains but we changed it as we started researching.

We typically have about 8-10 days for a road trip and try to balance driving with exploring a location. We knew we wouldnt have time to visit all three destinations and stop along our route. I always take a bit of time to do some searching about where we want to visit and what family destinations are out there. Take the time to search about where you want to go and then make a plan.

We decided to make our final destination Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and spend 5 days there before continuing our road trip back to Rochester. If we had a few days longer I would have added Memphis and Nashville to our trip.

A few years ago we decided to make the journey of a road trip part of the fun. We research roadside attractions and places to visit along our rout. Our first trip we did this was during our road trip to Myrtle Beach. It was one of our best trips and some of the stops became some of our most cherished memories.

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Pucketts Grocery & Restaurant

You bring the company, well do the cookin! Let us fill your table with Southern goodness this year! ??? | Facebook

Rating: 4.4

Address: 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219

• Grocery shop and eatery
• Dates back to the 1950s

Why you should go: Pucketts Grocery and Restaurant is an ideal place to have on your entertaining things to do in Nashville if you plan on staying in an apartment during your vacation here.

The grocery shop sells fresh farm produce sourced from local farmers in the area.

It is also a perfect eatery for when you dont feel like cooking or just want to experience Nashvilles culinary scene.

Things to do: Visit the grocery and restaurant to see the type of farm products produced in Nashville.

It is also an ideal place to meet and interact with the locals.

• It is 21 minutes from the Nashville International Airport.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga, Tennessee, It is billed as one of the worlds steepest passenger railways | Shutterstock

4.4

Entry ticket: $15 for adults $7 for children

Address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Why you should go: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is renowned for being the steepest passenger railway in the world.

It takes visitors up the famous Lookout Mountain and has been doing so since the 1800s.

It is a convenient and exciting way to access the mountains top as you enjoy the inclined journey as well as the surrounding scenic landscape.

A breathtaking view and various attractions await you at the top of the mountain.

Things to do: If you would like to explore the attractions on top of Lookout Mountain like Ruby Falls you should take this exciting ride.

The trip to the top is one mile long with a promise of beautiful views along the way and a breathtaking view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River from the mountains summit.

Children and adults will enjoy this famous ride alike.

• It is 19 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

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Classic Arcade Pinball Museum

5.0

Entry ticket: $20 for adults , $16 for children

Address: 409 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Why you should go: The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is an interactive facility that offers pinball and other classic games.

It is an all-you-can-play kind of museum that is dedicated to the history of pinball and other games.

Things to do: This is a family-friendly attraction. You can visit with your children for a fun-filled day. Enjoy the wide range of games available as well as go down memory lane as you explore the various classic pinball machines on the site.

• It is 16 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.