Tennessee Adventures Before Heading Back to School

Featured in this Article:

Indoor Fun in Tennessee
Outdoor Excursions in Tennessee
Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee

As summer winds down and school bells are ready to ring, soak in the last precious moments of the season with these summer vacation spots in Tennessee. Hike through strikingly beautiful scenery; camp in a luxury tree house; and meet some of the world’s most iconic artists. Family memories are just waiting to be made in Tennessee. 

Indoor Fun in Tennessee

Children's Museum of Memphis - Memphis

• The world-renowned wax attraction Madame Tussauds, which has been producing life-size, life-like wax figures for 250 years, has put roots down at Opry Mills in Nashville, the city’s No. 1 shopping destination.

• Madame Tussauds is known for its interactive wax experience where guests can take photos with their favorite celebrities, and is a great stop on summer trips for families.

• Madame Tussauds Nashville plays hosts to guests’ favorite musicians including Justin Timberlake, Minnie Pearl, Bruno Mars and Johnny Cash among many others.

Maple Hall - Knoxville

• Summer trips with kids can be intimidating, but enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and let your competitive side show at the boutique Maple Hall.

• This 11-lane bowling alley has leather couches to unwind in and serves small plates like chicken tenders, burgers, hot chicken and mac and cheese.

• Have a family-friendly game - or several - of bowling until 9 p.m.

• A two-lane private room is available as well as plenty of areas to lounge and watch the one of many surrounding HD TVs. 

Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga

• Chattanooga one of the most incredible vacation spots in the US and is North America’s first National Park City, sparking wonder and amazement from riverfront to mountaintops.

• Begin in downtown Chattanooga, where your eyes will be drawn to the iconic peaks of the nationally recognized Tennessee Aquarium, featuring freshwater and saltwater buildings, plus an IMAX theater.

• With more than 13,000 animals across 700+ species, you and your family can marvel at the colorful fish (big and small), river otters, penguins, sharks, turtles, and so much more.

• The Aquarium has daily programs and hands-on experiences, like touching a Stingray or Lake Sturgeon, all while learning about the importance of water and wildlife in a fun and unforgettable way.

• Discover why Chattanooga is the best answer for trading textbooks for Aquarium fish and carpool lines for riverfront strolls. 

Outdoor Excursions in Tennessee

Cumberland Caverns - McMinnville

• Explore America’s largest underground lake at The Lost Sea in Sweetwater.

• Start off with a guided tour of the caverns and learn the fascinating history of the area.

• Make your way to the bottom of the cave where you’ll board a glass-bottom boat to set sail on the Lost Sea.

• After the tour, explore the general store, Cavern Kitchen Cafe, gem mine and glassblower.

South Cumberland State Park - Monteagle

• Journey to South Cumberland State Park in Monteagle that stretches across four counties: Sequatchie, Grundy, Franklin and Marion.

• The Savage Gulf and Stone Door areas offer 55 miles of hiking.

• On the last day of summer vacation, take your family on this Tennessee adventure to experience waterfalls, historic locations like Stage Coach Road and the beautiful vistas.

• Stone Door gets its name from a crack in a cliff that looks like a door left open.

Tennessee Safari Park - Alamo

• See exotic animals up close at Tennessee Safari Park, a drive-thru experience where you can safely feed the animals from your car.

• Point out animals such as zebras, kangaroos, ostrich, Sika deer, Springbok, Tapir, Warthogs, Wildebeast and camels along the 5.5-mile drive.

• There's even a walk-through zoo where you can see squirrel monkeys, lemurs, Nigerian dwarf goats, cotton-top tamarins and more.

Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee

Camp LeConte - Gatlinburg

• The Airstream Glamper at Stillwaters Farm in Henderson is, as they say, “for the rustic hippie in us all.”

• Have a glamping experience in the Airstream which houses a full-sized bed, queen-sized bed and a twin bed at the collapsible dinette booth.

• It has high-efficiency heat and air conditioning, new laminate floors and access to the outdoor bathhouse.

• The bathhouse has a composting toilet, clawfoot tub, LED lighting and tankless water heater.

• Do laundry at the cottage easily as Stillwaters Farm has basic laundry soap made on-site.

• Linens, dishes, soap, cookware and appliances are also provided.

Hike, explore, learn something new and, most importantly, enjoy special family moments together. Explore more family-friendly attractions and destinations in Tennessee.