Tennessee is packed with activities for kids of all ages, from theme parks and interactive museums to outdoor adventures. Here’s where to have fun with the kids in Pigeon Forge, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Memphis and Nashville
Highlights:
- Top theme parks and attractions: Dollywood, Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium and Hillbilly Golf offer diverse entertainment.
- Natural and outdoor fun: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingman’s Dome and scenic hikes for adventurous families.
- City favorites: Tennessee Aquarium, Memphis Zoo, Nashville Zoo and, of course, Graceland.
Things to Do with Kids Across the State
If Tennessee isn’t already on your radar for a family vacation, let me be the one to nudge you. I’ve found the Volunteer State delivers for families traveling with young kids, teens or a mix of ages.
Some of my favorite trips with my own kids have been here, thanks to how easy it is to pair outdoor adventure with can’t-miss attractions. From scenic trails and historic sites to zoos, aquariums, roller coasters, and meals everyone loves, Tennessee makes family travel feel doable – and genuinely fun.
Tennessee with kids = core memories. I highly recommend.
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
Things To Do In Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is one of the family-friendliest spots in Tennessee, and there’s a long list of things to do. The listed activities just scratch the surface of what’s available in Pigeon Forge.
1. Dollywood
Dollywood just might be the most effortless theme park for family fun. It truly has something for everyone, from gentle rides to the fastest wooden roller coaster in the U.S., all set in a surprisingly tranquil, garden-like setting filled with Dolly Parton stories and nostalgia. My favorite part? You can buy a ticket, show up, and enjoy with no mastering an app or plotting every move (I’m looking at you, Disney). Dollywood Splash Country adds wave pools, slides, and a lazy river, and it’s easy to move between both parks.
2. Titanic Museum
Although the real Titanic sank far from Tennessee, this extensive museum will make you feel like you’re walking through the halls of the fated ship. You can even get your picture taken on the grand staircase replica.
The museum contains artifacts from the Titanic. Kid-friendly features include interactive, hands-on stations and walking on a sloped floor that simulates the ship’s angle as it sank.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
There are accommodations available at all price points in and around Pigeon Forge. If you plan to visit Dollywood, consider staying at Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort and Spa or in one of Dollywood’s cabins. Both offer perks for park visitors, such as early admission and free transportation to the parks.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge is another excellent choice. It’s an obvious pick if you’re an RVer, but the lodge has comfortable rooms and many amenities. The King Deluxe Family Room offers ample space and privacy, plus a cute indoor “tent” for the kids.
Things To Do In Chattanooga
Chattanooga sits on the Tennessee–Georgia border and feels like a small city made for families. Its walkable downtown (with a free shuttle if you’d rather ride) pairs easily with outdoor adventures, from riverfront strolls to nearby trails that appeal to a wide range of ages.
The city also packs in history and culture. Chattanooga played a key role in the Civil War and military history as the birthplace of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Families can explore museums, including an excellent children’s museum or visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. Train lovers should add a stop at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
3. Rock City
Rock City is a nature center with rock gardens at the top of Lookout Mountain. You’ll find moderately easy walking paths and panoramic views across seven states.
Fun fact: Despite being located six miles from downtown Chattanooga in Georgia, Rock City is still considered one of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Add a ride on the incline railway to your visit to Rock City. You’ll be able to hear the train when you’re exploring Rock City.
4. Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga has two riverfront buildings: Ocean Adventure and River Adventure. One admission ticket grants entry to both exhibits.
5. Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls, a waterfall located deep inside Lookout Mountain, offers guided cavern tours lasting about an hour. For a treetop view of the scenery, add on ziplining.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Cavern tours fill up quickly. To ensure you get to do the tour you want on the day you visit, buy your tickets in advance.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga
The Read House in the heart of downtown Chattanooga has an elegant vibe, but the rooms are comfortable and kid-friendly. The hotel also has an indoor pool for year-round swimming, an on-site restaurant and a Starbucks. The restaurant might initially seem unapproachable, but it’s actually very chill and kid-friendly.
Things To Do In Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a destination of its own (see below). Here’s what to do in Gatlinburg:
6. Hillbilly Golf
There are many places to play mini golf throughout Tennessee (both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have lots of options), but check out Gatlinburg’s unique Hillbilly Golf. An incline train takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll choose between two courses and play your way back down. Getting to the first hole in such an unusual way adds to the fun.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium
Although landlocked Tennessee might be the last place you’d expect to find extensive insight into life under the sea, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more. A fun add-on: a glass-bottomed boat ride that glides over Shark Lagoon.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Gatlinburg offers the state’s only in-state ski resort, Ober Mountain, something to remember when planning a winter vacation.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg stands out as an excellent place to stay. Despite the name, the resort caters to families, with a lively pool and waterpark area, outdoor games, and a seemingly endless supply of “frozen concoctions” for those who want to indulge in a frosty adult beverage.
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do with kids in Tennessee, don’t skip this popular national park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 384 miles of mostly paved roads, making it a great national park to tour by car. The best and most scenic spots to drive include Cades Cove Loop Road, Newfound Gap Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
One Park, Two States: Tennessee and North Carolina
A portion of the park is in North Carolina, so consult the National Park Service website to determine which entry point works best for you. If you’re coming from Gatlinburg, you’ll enter the park via Sugarlands Visitor Center. The center has interactive exhibits, and you can check the availability of ranger-led programs and grab a map.
8. Kuwhoi (Formerly Known as Clingman’s Dome)
Kuwohi Kuwohi, which sits along the Appalachian Trail, ranks as the highest point in Tennessee. A half-mile paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower. The climb is quite steep, but the views from the top reward the effort.
If you’re interested in camping or other hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check the park’s website for more information, and make sure you’re up to speed on bear safety.
Where to Stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you don’t want to camp in the park or reserve space in one of the in-park lodges, check out the ‘Where to Stay’ sections for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You can also look at lodging options in Sevierville. All of these locations are within an easy drive of the park.
Things to Do in Memphis
9. Visit Graceland
No visit to Memphis is complete without a stop to see Elvis’ home! Graceland offers several tour options. The Elvis Experience Tour provides the best value, giving a look inside the mansion along with access to Elvis’ custom jets, cars, and more. More extensive backstage-access tours cater to visitors with extra time and budget, although let’s be real: this tour probably holds little interest for most kids.
10. Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo features a wide range of wildlife, including pandas, penguins, and a Komodo dragon. An interactive planning tool on the zoo’s website helps visitors map out their day by arrival time and length of stay. Explore on foot or opt for a guided tram tour for a more relaxed visit.
In addition to visiting with the animals, the Memphis Zoo has a farm train and children’s rides. Sensory-sensitive people can download the free Kulturecity app, which provides a zoo preview and a map of sensory-friendly activities. Check the website for special events.
11. Go Ape Zipline Park
Go Ape Zipline Park is the perfect outdoor activity for adventurous tweens and teens. Climb and zipline through the treetops at this adventure park, suitable for kids 10 and up.
Where to Stay in Memphis
The ultimate place to stay in Memphis is the famous Peabody Hotel. Known for the daily duck parade through the lobby, the hotel offers upscale accommodations at surprisingly affordable rates.
Things to Do in Nashville
Music-loving families will find plenty to love about Nashville (AKA Music City and downtown Nashville’s many bars and music clubs make it a popular adult nightlife destination. Rowdy open-top party buses take regular cruises down the street. Do what you will with that info, whether that means avoiding the downtown area or carving out an adults-only night on the town.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit downtown earlier in the day for a more family-friendly vibe, but fair warning: those party buses get started early!
12. Country Music Hall of Fame
See artifacts and memorabilia from the genre’s biggest superstars over several decades. From country music pioneers to current favorites, there’s something for everyone here. And you don’t have to be a country music superfan to enjoy this. The exhibits are very well done, and there’s a lot of outside space to move around.
13. The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry offers Nashville’s premier music experience. Check the website to plan your visit. From catching a live show to picking up souvenirs in the gift shop, the venue provides plenty of opportunities to create memories with the kids.
14. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Carve out a full day to explore the Nashville Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including spider monkeys, white rhinoceros, Masai giraffe and clouded leopards.
The Nashville Zoo has special programs like backstage tours and other enhanced experiences, such as Zoolumination, the annual holiday lights extravaganza that runs through early February.
15. Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum displays a variety of art in its galleries, featuring both static and rotating exhibits so repeat visitors always find something new. The museum ranks among the most family-friendly in the country, with interactive exhibits and free admission for anyone under 18 — a definite win for family travelers.
Other Things to Do in Nashville
Adventure Science Center has a ton of interactive things to do. And don’t forget to check out the Parthenon. This Nashville landmark stands proudly at Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park.
Where to Stay in Nashville
There are many hotels in Nashville, but if you want a family-friendly splurge, check out the Gaylord Opryland and its upscale Sound Waves Water Park.
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