For kids age five or 15 – these family-friendly things to do will leave everyone smiling. Whether you're searching for kids attractions near you or planning ahead, read on for places to go with kids in Tennessee on your next family vacation.
Several popular family destinations across the state have been “Kid Reviewed” by children, who have voiced their opinions about what they liked best about a particular attraction. These places for kids were even tested with a Laugh Tracker device, which gauged both excitement and laughter at each stop.
Note that several of these kid-friendly attractions are also sensory-friendly. For more information, visit belikebuddy.com/tennessee.
Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga
Watch river otters play and penguins waddle at the Tennessee Aquarium on the Chattanooga Riverfront. This is one of the best places to visit with kids who love marine life.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg
Home to more than 10,000 creatures, including a cool shark tunnel with a moving walkway — guaranteed to wow even the most unimpressed teens.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark – Sevierville
Rides like the Avalaunch water coaster and Rainbow Revenge make this one of the most fun activities for kids when you're in East Tennessee.
Wilderness at the Smokies – Sevierville
Year-round fun with three distinct water parks.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland – Nashville
A great pick for those searching for fun things to do for kids nearby that combine thrills with music and lights.
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort – Hermitage
A lakeside paradise with rides, beaches, and boat rentals.
Tennessee State Parks have been protecting natural, cultural and historic resources since 1937. Explore mountains, rivers, lakes and historic landmarks at one Tennessee’s incredible state parks, many of which offer overnight lodging in cabins, lodges or campgrounds. If you're looking for a scenic hike or a fun kids activity near you, rock climbing, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, birding, paddling and horseback riding are all popular outdoor activities at the state’s network of parks.
Memphis Zoo - Memphis
See sea lions, feed giraffes, and spot giant pandas — one of only three zoos in the U.S. with these rare bears. Established in 1906, it’s home to over 3,500 animals.
Nashville Zoo - Nashville
Pet kangaroos, feed lorikeets, and soar on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. Other highlights include Critter Encounter and a playful jungle gym.
Zoo Knoxville - Knoxville
Known for its red pandas and expansive animal habitats.
Chattanooga Zoo - Chattanooga
Offers close-up views of chimpanzees, jaguars and more.
Brights Zoo - Limestone
Recently made headlines for welcoming a spotless giraffe — one of the rarest in the world.
Creative Discovery Museum - Chattanooga
Dig for dinosaur bones, experiment with water flow and electricity, and explore hands-on STEM exhibits.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring - Murfreesboro
Zoom down the 2.5-story super slide, explore a pretend farmers market, and unleash creativity at Creation Station.
Children’s Museum of Memphis - Memphis
Pretend to be a pilot in a full-size FedEx cockpit, splash in the 40-sprayer water park, or ride the 1909 Grand Carousel.
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge
Encourages learning through roleplay and discovery.
Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site - Gray
Offers exciting, science-based exhibits on paleontology and more.
