Tennessee For Kids: Where To Go and What To Do

Featured in this Article:

Aquariums in Tennessee
Kid-Friendly Waterparks in Tennessee
Things to Do in Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee Zoos
Children's Museums in Tennessee
Popular Family-Friendly Tennessee Attractions
Farm Fun in Tennessee
Family-Friendly Seasonal Events in Tennessee

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.

Kid-Reviewed Attractions in Tennessee

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

• Located on the Chattanooga Riverfront 

• Special events each day include diver chats, feedings and stingray touch experiences

• To help manag the number of people in buildings, tickets are sold in 30-minute entry blocks

• A typical visit takes about 2.5 hours for both Aquarium buildings

• Accessibility: Manual wheelchairs are avialable complimentary on a first-come, first-served basis, ADA certified dogs or miniature horses are welcome (all must be vetted in the River Place Ticketing Center). Full accessibility and family resources can be found on the Tennessee Aquarium website

• Parking: Several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater. A free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg

• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is guaranteed to wow even teens

• Home to more than 10,000 creatures

• Shark tunnel with a moving walkway

• Special events include dive shows, mermaids, penguin parade and animal feedings 

• Accessibility: Ramps, wider cooridors and elevators accommodate guests with different abilities. Restrooms are equipped with hand rails and grab bars.

• Parking: Located nearby and in many other lots and garages in downtown Gatlinburg

Soaky Mountain Waterpark – Sevierville

• At Soaky Mountain Waterpark is one of the most fun activities for kids when you're in East Tennessee

• First-of-its-kind water coaster, the Avalaunch is a 2-person tube ride full of turns, hills and valleys with a heart-pumpking wall climb

• Rainbow Revenge is a 6-person raft ride that starts at roughly eight stories high and spans 825 feet with a speed of 19 mph

• Race your friends and family on the Edge Dueling Watercoaster featuring AquaLucent rings in the tube segments, parallel walls and a zero-G hump

• Cabanas and lockers are available for rent

• Accessibility: The wave pool, Boomer’s Bay, and The Hive (children’s play feature) have zero-depth entries, and Coyote Springs pool has a lift.

• Parking: Daily parking passes can be purchased online or onsite

Wilderness at the Smokies – Sevierville

• Year-round fun at Wilderness at the Smokies makes this one of the best places to go with kids

• Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark at River Lodge now has more cabanas and more rides. 

• Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River is an immersive tunnel where the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounds your senses

• Ridge Runner Water Coaster is the world's first slide with Reverse AquaLucenter, colorful patterns and special effects. It's a three-story water coaster with three steep drops, uphill blasts and high speeds

• Lookout Lagoon is a new rooftop pool, bar and grill

• Magnolia Grove Indoor and Outdoor Hot Spa is the new spa heated to 101 degrees with loads of jets to ease aches, pains and fully relax you and your family

• Accessibility: Includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators and designated family restrooms. For specific requests, please contact the resort.

• Parking: Free for resort guests

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland – Nashville

• SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland is a great choice for those searching for fun things to do for kids nearby that combine thrills with music and lights

• Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland is an upscale indoor/outdoor resort water attraction

• Energetic rides, winding wave pools and immersive music make this a Nashville destination for all ages

• Indoor/outdoor adult-only areas

• Restaurants and dining

• Gift stores and sundries

• Crowd Surfer - Nashville's only double Flowrider 

• Up Tempo Rapids River - 36" rapid river with waterfalls and spray features

• Quarter Note Cove is designed for young children

• Private cabana rentals indoors and outdoors are available

• Lockers may be rented for a nominal fee

• Accessibility: The facility and attractions are ADA compliant. Water slides are exempt from ADA requirements.

• Parking: Self-parking is $37 plus tax; valet parking is $55 plus tax

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort – Hermitage

• Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is a fun kids attraction near downtown Nashville

• A lakeside paradise on the shores of Percy Priest Lake

• Nashville's biggest waterpark 

• Rides, beaches and boat rentals

• Riptide Racer - newest attraction which is a 5-story, mat racing slide 

• 10 thrilling water slides

• Kowabunga Beach is a massive water treehouse and playground

• Lazy river

• 100 RV sites with 20/30/50 amp service, full hook-ups, pull-thru sites, concrete pads, playground and dog park

• 24 lakeside cabins and 8 hillside cabins for rent

• Accessibility: The park is level to gently-rolling, making it wheelchair accessible. ScooterBug rentals available as well as wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first serve basis. 

• Parking: Daily parking at the gate and online is $18.

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 more at Memphis Zoo

• Home to over 3,500 animals

• Fun attractions include Zoomazing Race: Predator vs Predator Ziplines, a dual zip line ride; Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation Splash Park; carousel, farm train, kiddie rides, The Bear Factory

• Special events include the annual Zoo Rendezvous, Halloween-themed Zoo Boo, and Zoo Lights that will sparkle your Christmas season

• Accessibility: Most attractions, exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair accessible

• Parking: $10 in main lot. Accessible parking is available in the main parking lot on a first-come, first-serve basis

Nashville Zoo - Nashville

• Pet kangaroos, feed lorikeets and soar on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line at the Nashville Zoo

• Adventure 4D Theater featuring multi-sensory effects that vary by film. Shows two films throughout the day

• Wild Animal Carousel with 29 brightly-colored, wooden animals by Zsolt Hormay, master carver who helped create Disney's Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom

• Wilderness Express Train ideal for children up to age 5

• 66,000-square-foot Jungle Gym featuring a section of the gym with equipment for all types of disabilities

• Newest and most immersive exhibit at Nashville Zoo, Leopard Forest has four new species and the return of giraffes

• Accessibility: Rentable wheelchairs or electric scooters starting at $11; audio tour guide, Keeper Chat translations available; Zooper Packs that contain resources to aid in a stress-free day at the Zoo include a visual schedule, sensory-friendly map, fidget toys, earplugs, ID bracelets and more

• Parking: Parking lot and new massive parking garage. Parking is $10 per vehicle

Zoo Knoxville - Knoxville

• Zoo Knoxville is known for red pandas and expansive animal habitats

• Daily animal encounters 

• Paid animal experiences include up-close interaction with rhinos, giraffes, tortoise and, 250 budgies and 50 parakeets

• Indoor playground, the Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure is a wild adventure for preschool and elementary-aged kids. Navigate throug hthe playground to see Slim the Komodo Dragon, Dolly the python and other reptiles

• Kids Cove is inspired by a 19th-century Appalachian farm with hands-on experiences like meeting goats and sheep, sandbox, carousel and the Clayton Cabin

• Seasonal fun can be had at Safari Splash, a safari-themed water play area with life-sized giraffes, water hoops and sprays

• Accessibility: KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Wheelchairs and scooters are for rent, Sensory Bags are available at Admissions, Quiet Zones are located at the Barn Loft and Painted Dog viewing area. Headphone Zones are located at Kid's Cove, Wee Play and Safari Splash. Find the full accessibility features of Zoo Knoxville on their website

• Parking: $5 and available onsite

Chattanooga Zoo - Chattanooga

Chattanooga Zoo offers close-up views of chimpanzees, jaguars and more

Over 500 animals representing more than 150 species

Giraffe feedings offered

30-minute private zoo tours of carnivores, primates or reptiles 

WILD Encounters include red pandas, meerkats, komodo dragon, giant anteater and porcupine

Cape of Africa expansion features servals, warthogs and porcupines, new larger giraffe yard and a peaceful stream meandering through the expansion

Accessibility: JultureCity Sensory Inclusive Facility. Pathways, facilities and exhibits across the majority of the park are wheelchair accessiblity. Wheelchair accessible restrooms, wheelchair access on the ZooChoo Train and reserved handicap parking spaces 

Parking: Free onsite

Brights Zoo - Limestone

Brights Zoo made headlines for a spotless baby giraffe, one of the rarest in the world

Endangered and rare species include addax, bongo and scimitar-horne oyrx

Red kangaroos, spider monkeys, pandas and zebras can also be seen

Behind-the-scenes penguin encounter

Experiences include gem mining, sandbox and Brights Zoo Express that takes you out on the safari section of the zoo

Accessibility: Wheelchairs and ECV's are rentable on a first-come, first serve basis

Parking: Available onsite

Creative Discovery Museum - Chattanooga

• Dig for dinosaur bones, experiment with water flow and electricity, and explore hands-on STEM exhibits at Creative Discovery Museum.

• Farmhouse designed for children ages 5 and under

• The Weather Pod welcomes you to make and record observations

• The Make It Workshop always has new, staff-led activities for kids to try

• STEM Zone includes robotics, energy galleries and more

• Lookout Tower

• Buzz Alley follows the pollinating job of a honeybee 

• Accessibility: Sensory nights hosted throughout the year, entire museum is wheelchair accessible except for the Tower on the second floor, universal changing table available in the First Aid room, headphones available for those with auditory sensitivities, quiet space available in the Discovery Library

• Parking: Several paid lots in close proxmity to the museum. A free electric shuttle runs daily throughout downtown Chattanooga with a stop a block away from the museum

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring - Murfreesboro

• Discovery Center at Murfree Spring has indoor and outdoor educational fun for children

• Zoom down the 2.5-story super slide

• Explore a pretend farmers market

• Unleash creativity at the Creation Station

• Wetland Walks is a nature experience through the onsite wetland habitat, full of birds, turtles and insects

• Accessibility: Assistive technology available onsite includes noise-reducing headphones, transition timers, weighted vests, Easi-Grip Loop scissors and triangular crayons, a sensory calm-down space, ADA restrooms, accessible parking, elevators, benches and wheelchair acccess throughout the museum and wetlands walkways

• Parking: Free and available onsite

Children’s Museum of Memphis - Memphis

• A full day of fun can be had at Children's Museum of Memphis

• Pretend to be a pilot in a full-size FedEx cockpit

• Splash in the 40-sprayer water park

• Ride the 1909 Grand Carousel

• Special programs include story time, ARTivities, sensory play, literacy games and more

• Accessibility: Sensory bags are available upon request. For more accessibility details, please contact the Museum

• Parking: $4

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge

• The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge encourages learning through discovery

• Simulated Amazon rainforest

• Model trains donated by Oak Ridge railroader Milton Lloyd

• Cabins, crafts and musical instruments can be seen in the At Home in Appalachia exhibit

• Hands-on flume demonstrates the Tennessee River's lock system

• 1930s school room

• Accessibility: ADA compliant, includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms and an elevator

• Parking: Free and onsite

Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site - Gray

Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site offers exciting, science-based exhibits on paleontology and more

Tesla Experience shows

Paleo tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Discovery Garden

Kids can play in the Topobox to create mountains, valleys and flood plains

Race air cars and build your own air rocket

Everbright - large-scale interactive light wall, inspired by the classic Lite-Brite toy

Bionic skeleton

Tot Spots - a space designed for children ages infant to age 3

Accessibility: Fully accessible, licensed service animals welcome

Parking: Free and on-site

• What to Expect: Great Smoky Mountains views, whimsical villages, garden strolls, ziplines, and a mountain coaster.

• Additional Experiences: BirdVenture play zone, Astra Lumina nighttime light walk, live music, and seasonal events.

• Access/Transportation: Ride the scenic Chondola or hop aboard the Ridge Rambler from downtown Gatlinburg.

• Reservations & Tickets: General admission available online or onsite; some experiences may require timed entry.

• Accessibility: Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs for your ride to the summit. Wheelchair accessible areas inclue Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Black Bear Village and scenic viewing platforms. Treetop Skywalk, AstraLumina and AnaVista Tower are not accessible by wheelchair

• Parking: Paid paking available near the Chondola ride. Two city parking garages: across the street at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and at Traffic Light #3

Dollywood - Pigeon Forge

• What to Expect: More than 60 rides and attractions, live entertainment, artisan demonstrations, and Southern-style dining.

• Additional Experiences: Wildwood Grove with interactive play areas, seasonal festivals like the Flower & Food Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

• Access/Transportation: Easily accessible from downtown Pigeon Forge with parking and shuttle service available.

• Reservations & Tickets: Admission available online or at the gate; lodging packages available at DreamMore Resort and Smoky Mountain Cabins.

• Accessibility: Check out Dollywood's Accessibility Guides for both the theme park and the water park. Dollywood's Splash Country now has Aquatic Transfer wheelchairs for the Downbound Float Trip, Mountain Waves, Little Creek Falls, Bear Mountain Fire Tower and Cascades 

• Parking: $25 for all cars and motorcycles

Discovery Park of America - Union City

• What to Expect: A 100,000-square-foot museum and a 50-acre outdoor heritage park with interactive exhibits for all ages.

• Additional Experiences: Dinosaur and space exhibits, Earthquake Simulator, Children’s Discovery Garden, and historical village.

• Access/Transportation: Conveniently located in Union City with on-site parking.

• Reservations & Tickets: Tickets available year-round with special programming and events throughout the year.

• Accessibility: Exhibits, restaurants, attractions and retail spaces are wheelchair accessible

• Parking: Free, on-site

Rock City & Ruby Falls – Lookout Mountain

• What to Expect: Scenic trails, rock formations, and panoramic views from Lover’s Leap and the suspension bridge.

• Additional Experiences: Ruby Falls underground waterfall tour, seasonal light displays, and Fairyland Caverns.

• Access/Transportation: Drive up Lookout Mountain; on-site parking available for both attractions.

• Reservations & Tickets: Entry tickets can be purchased online or at the gate; combo passes often available.

• Rock City Accessibility: Partially accessible. The Gardens Gateway entrance leads to an ADA ramp to Legacy Lane of the Enchanted Trail. Guests can enjoy the overlook at Lover's Leap and the Seven States Flag Court. Total round trip distance is about a 1/2 mile

• Ruby Falls Accessibility: While the cavern isn't wheelchair accessible due to narrow passages and natural formations, the Blue Heron Overlook, Blue Heron Overlook, Village Plaza, Ticket Atrium, Village Gift Shop, Back Porch Dining, Restrooms, Castle Café, and the Castle Front Porch are wheelchair accessible. Ruby Falls offers a Low Sensory Cave Walk

• Rock City Parking: Free

• Ruby Falls Parking: Free

Elvis Presley's Graceland - Memphis

• What to Expect: Tours of Elvis Presley’s mansion, gardens, personal jets, and car collection.

• Additional Experiences: Elvis Presley’s Memphis campus with immersive exhibits, restaurants, and gift shops.

• Access/Transportation: Located just south of downtown Memphis with ample visitor parking.

• Reservations & Tickets: Multiple ticket packages available; advance reservations encouraged during peak times.

• Accessibility: Shuttle service available for those in wheelchairs or scooters, all rooms in the Graceland Mansion are wheelchair accessible except for two basement rooms. There are photos and a TV monitor that shows what the two basement rooms, the TV room and the pool room, look like for those guests who cannot view them in person. All areas of Elvis Presley's Memphis are wheelchair accessible. The iPad tour is fully captioned

• Parking: Available at Elvis Presley's Memphis. Available in a secured, gated lot for $10 for standard vehicles and $15 for oversized vehicles such as RVs

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid - Memphis

• What to Expect: America’s tallest freestanding elevator, 360-degree views, and an immersive Bass Pro Shops experience.

• Additional Experiences: Indoor bowling alley, wildlife exhibits, dining options, and the Big Cypress Lodge hotel.

• Access/Transportation: Located along the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis with parking and public transit access.

• Reservations & Tickets: Entry to most experiences is walk-in; some activities may require separate admission.

• Accessibility: For accessibility details, please call Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

• Parking: Free, on-site. Parking garages are also nearby

Lorenzen Flower Farm - Dayton

• You-pick flowers beginning each March through July include tulips, wildflowers, sunflowers and more 

• $10 per person

• Pre-order bulbs for your own garden

Falcon Ridge Farm - Toone 

• The West Tennessee farm hosts an annual fall festival

• Tractor-drawn wagon rides, pony rides and giant slides

• Take a shot at the corn cannon

• Visit the pumpkin patch

Honeysuckle Hill Farm - Springfield

• Annual fall festival

• Kids can zip line, play on the Airplane Fortress and roast marshmallows at the bonfire pits

• Take a hayride

• Pick a pumpkin

• Make your way through the country music-themed corn maze

• Smoky Mountain Winterfest - Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge

• Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Nashville

• ODDtober at Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga 

• Museum of Appalachia Fall Heritage Days - Clinton

• Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade – Paris

• Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade - Leiper's Fork

• Christmas at Gaylord Opryland - Nashville