Indoor Winter Activities in Tennessee

More than 40 new films and 260 historic pieces the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis guides visitors through 500 years of history from slavery to the start of the Civil Rights Movement and the events that inspired the world to stand up for equality. The Lorraine Motel’s Rooms 306 and 307 have been preserved and tell the story of Dr. Martin Luther King’s last hours April 4, 1968. On average, two hours or more are spent at the museum. 

• Parking Information: Free parking is available for museum guests. To enter the visitor lot, turn north on Mulberry Street from G.E. Patterson Avenue.
   
• Accessibility Options: With at least two weeks’ notice, the museum offers complimentary tour guide and sign-language interpretation for hearing-impaired guests. With 48-hours’ notice, the museum offers complimentary tour guide interpretation for visually-impaired guests.
   
• Operational Hours: The museum is open everyday, except for Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Timed tickets are sold online only with the last ticket sold at 4:15 p.m.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Adult tickets are 20$ with discounts offered for certain eligible guests.
   
• Seasonal Highlights: The museum hosts an array of annual events that celebrate holidays such as MLK Day and Juneteenth. Explore the museum's event calendar for more indoor activities near Memphis and celebrations during winter in Tennessee.

Get some serious air at the Urban Air Trampoline Park to burn some energy flipping and bouncing through courses, climbing walls and playing Ultimate Dodgeball in Cordova, about 24 miles outside of downtown Memphis. Have fun at the Slam Dunk Zone, The DROPZONE, the APEX, tumble track and much more. There’s also an arcade, cafe and indoor ropes course. This variety of offerings makes the park one the best things to do in Tennessee in February. Guests typically enjoy two to three hours of play each visit.

• Operational Hours: Urban Air is open 7 days a week. Explore holiday closures and play hours which differ daily.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Short visit tickets start at $11.99, while the ultimate package is $25.99 per guest. The purchase of Urban Air Socks is required. 

Dive into the rich history of Jackson, Tennessee at Legends of Tennessee Music Museum, about 87 miles east of Memphis making it a great day trip from the city. Ideal for adults, you'll find a rich mixture of blues, country music and rock as Jackson was the site of the first rock music ever heard on earth. Learn about the songwriters and famous musicians who were born here and played here while standing at ground zero for the birth of rock n' roll. Plan to spend about 1-2 hours for the museum. Your ticket includes a guided tour and complete access to all rooms and displays. 

• Parking Information: Parking is available on-site.
   
• Operational hours: The Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
   
• Ticket Pricing:  Tickets are $10 each (children 16 and under free) & $5 for seniors and military.

Discovery Park of America is a world-class attraction in rural Union City, Tennessee, located 113 miles north of Memphis, that adults and kids can enjoy. Home to more than 70,000 square feet of galleries covering subjects like history, art, science and nature, Discovery Park has indoor and outdoor activities, which makes it a great day trip from Memphis. Fun is around every corner form the dinosaurs and the 60-foot replica of a human body with a 30-foot slide to the Tower Room and a theater simulation of the 1811-12 earthquakes of the region. You can find hours and directions as well as ticket prices on their website.

• Accessibility Options: Discovery Park of America provides an accessible experience for all ages and abilities. Trained service animals are welcome at the museum; restaurants, attractions and retail spaces are wheelchair accessible; and, for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities, some sections of Discovery Park can be made available for a visit before or after hours with advance notice. Visit their website for more accessibility details.
   
• Operational Hours: Discovery Park of America is open Tuesday through Sunday until 4 PM.
   
• Ticket Pricing: General admission tickets are $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children 4-17.
   
• Seasonal Highlights: Discovery Park hosts a plethora of indoor events all winter in Tennessee. Workshops, winter light shows, and free admission day for children - are all listed on their event's calendar.

Hands-on science, accessible exhibits keep kids of all ages entertained for hours at Adventure Science Center. Nanoscience, physics and vortexes are explored with interactive elements. Learn the science behind space through the Star Walk, an imaginary galaxy, and see what it’s like to walk on the moon with Moon Walker. Have a full-dome, immersive outer space experience by catching a show at the Sudekum Planetarium. What's not to love about this educational and adventurous indoor activity in Nashville?

• Parking & Accessibility: On-Site Parking is free for Science Center guests. Explore the ways that the Adventure Science Center is implementing accessibility.
   
• Operational Hours: The museum is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 
   
• Ticket Pricing: Tickets include access to all exhibit galleries, with Sudekum Planetarium and Max Flight Full Motion Simulator tickets sold separately. An adult ticket is $22 and a youth ticket is $18.

Perfect for snowy days, the indoor-outdoor luxury water experience that is SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort elevates the waterpark experience for kids and adults. Book an overnight Soundwaves Experience package to enjoy this ideal indoor winter activity in Nashville. Open year-round, the 111,000-square feet of upscale water attractions include Stage Dive, a body sliding adventure; two lazy rivers; a multi-level play structure called Half Note Cove that has spray features, small and medium slides and shallow water; and Record Launch which features two experiences - a tubing bowl with 16 LED lights and four music speakers; and a two-person serpentine water ride. Dining, shopping and virtual reality games can also be enjoyed-- completing an entire day of indoor activities in Nashville.

Do something creative for a fun indoor activity for adults and families alike near Nashville. ArtLink in Clarksville, about 50 miles north of Nashville, is a creative arts program that provides adults and kids of all artistic skills to learn and explore various art mediums through creative classes and workshops. It's a great place to go if you're looking for winter activities for kids, too. Sign up for one of the many workshops highlighting stained glass, candle making, macrame, watercolor, crochet and painting among others hosted throughout the year. Walk-ins are welcome with no membership required. Check out the upcoming events for workshops and classes that include individual pricing and hours.

• Parking Information:  Park in the Commerce & 1st Street Garage — just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge to Franklin Street and you’re steps from ArtLink.

If you're looking for things to do inside in Chattanooga, get some exercise at Chattanooga's High Point Climbing & Fitness with sport climbing, bouldering and auto belays. The Kid Zone includes 3,000 square ft. of climbing fun including 15 auto belays and a 10-foot kid’s boulder area. Climbing classes are available and recommended for beginners, which covers climbing technique and practice. Yoga and fitness classes are also hosted throughout the year. Day passes and 7-day passes are available with tickets that include climbing gear also offered. Chattanooga has two High Point locations in downtown, Riverside, and Cleveland so check out the most convenient location for you. 

• Ticket Pricing: Day passes start at $24 for adults and $22 for children. Gear can be rented on site for $7.

Take a deep dive under oceans and Tennessee rivers to see the creatures that call these waters home for a fun thing to do inside in Chattanooga. At the Tennessee Aquarium, enjoy the playfulness of otters and lemurs, marvel at the colorful fish like Midas Cichlid, flashlight fish and the Tennessee Dace. Learn the importance of conservation and get even closer to sea creatures, constellations and more in the IMAX Theater with tickets at $9.95 for adults and children ages 5-17. 

• Parking Information: There are several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater and a free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga.
   
• Accessibility Options: At the No. 1 aquarium in the U.S. for overall guest satisfaction, accessibility is important which is why all exhibit galleries are wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Family restrooms and nursing mother/quiet rooms are available for those who prefer more privacy or who need a sensory break.
   
• Operation Hours: The Aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Be sure to check before your visit for special holiday hours.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Tickets are $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids ages 5-17. Children 4 and under visit free. 

Did you know the U.S. towing industry began in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Step inside the International Towing & Recovery Museum for a deeper look into this fascinating industry including the first towing and recovery vehicle, a 1913 Cadillac, that is on display. The museum is an ideal Chattanooga indoor activity in winter for adults and families. Towing equipment ranging from 1913 to 2002 are in the showroom that'll excite history lovers and automobile enthusiasts.

• Operational Hours: Visit the museum 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 
   
• Ticket Pricing: Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for adults 55 and older, $8 for children 6-14 and children under 5 are admitted free.

A day of art and culture can be spent at Knoxville Museum of Art that hosts nationally-known artistic works. This indoor winter activity is free to experience and is one of the best indoor things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. Take a few moments to fully enjoy Cycle of Life, a Richard Jolley installation which is one of the largest glass-and-steel artwork in the world. Facets of Modern and Contemporary Glass will stun with the exquisite colors and composition while "Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee" and its dreamy landscapes of the state will keep you entertained. You'll also love all the contemporary art including sculpture work and photography found in the exhibit "Currents: Contemporary Art from the KMA Collection." The Thorne Rooms, created in the 1930s and 1940s are some of the most well-known miniatures in the U.S. and are inspired by Europe’s museums, historic homes and castles. Deepen your visit by looking for the headphones icon on labels near works of art and hear stories behind the art on your mobile device. 

• Parking information:  Free parking is available in the large lot on the north side of the staff parking lot, as well as at the lot across the street from the museum.
   
• Accessibility Options: Audio Description is available for vision-impaired visitors and is available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. 
   
• Operational Hours: The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 
   
• Ticket Pricing: Admission to the Knoxville Museum of Art is free. Explore more free or low-cost indoor activities in Knoxville, Tennessee.
   
• Seasonal Highlights: Enjoy unforgettable music moments with "Soundscapes at the KMA" monthly in December, January, February, and March. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Muse Knoxville is where you can let your children have fun as an indoor winter activity in Knoxville or during a rainy day while also learning about science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Your children will have a blast learning of the world around them in exhibits. Learn about the important roles of healthy eating, play with rainbow-colored lights in the Illumination Station and more. Finally, take a trip around the universe in the Planetarium. 

• Parking Information: There is free parking available near the museum in Chilhowee Park.
   
• Accessibility Options: Muse Knoxville proudly strives to be as accessible as possible. Visit their website to learn more about their accessibility initiatives. 
   
• Operational Hours: The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Spend the whole day exploring indoor things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee
   
• Ticket Pricing: Tickets are priced at $12 for ages 1-64. Admission is $6 for adults 65 and older, Tennessee educators with valid ID, and military members, their spouses and dependents. 

Science and history come alive. The American Museum of Science and Energy explores Oak Ridge’s history of the Manhattan Project and how it changed the world. Located about 24 miles west of Knoxville, AMSE’s family-friendly science and exhibits highlight smartphone technology, 3D printing, super-computing and life-saving cancer treatments through interactive, hands-on exhibits and special events. 

• Operational Hours: The Museum is open every day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-17, adults 65 years old and older and active military. Children ages 5 and under are free.

America's first indoor snow tubing park is in Pigeon Forge. Bring your family and friends to Pigeon Forge Snow and experience the snow tubing hills and snow play area. Race each other down the hills, build snowmen and snow forts all year long. The facility is always 60-70 degrees inside, so you don't have to stay bundled up for winter fun. It's one of the best things to do inside in Pigeon Forge, offering a memorable indoor snow activity. For adults, you can skip the line, sign the online waiver and head to the slopes. 

• Parking Information: Parking is available on-site for guests of Pigeon Forge Snow.
   
• Operational Hours: Pigeon Forge Snow opens daily at 10 AM.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Snow play tickets are $9.99 and a 1-hour of tubing ticket is $29.99. Combo tickets are available for purchase for $36.99, Enjoy both winter activities for a deal.

Entertainment and technology collide at Beyond the Lens!, home to FlyRide. FlyRide is a sensory experience that gives you an immersive feeling of flight as you soar above 22 national landmarks. You could spend hours playing interactive games, trivia, virtual reality games, an augmented reality scavenger hunt and 2-minute escape rooms. Hunt for Bigfoot and dive into an alien egg ball pit. Take endless selfies in the Selfie Gallery and at other photo-op areas including a press briefing room in the White House. Cross Beyond the Lens! off your bucket list of the best things to do in Tennessee in February, January, or any chilly month for that matter. 

• Parking information:  There is ample parking on-site for cars, vans and buses. Handicap parking is also available.
   
• Operational Hours: Beyond the Lens! opens daily at 10 AM.
   
• Ticket Pricing: Get a combo ticket to experience the techno-tainment museum and FlyRide for $36.99 for adults and $24.99 for children. 

XPERIA: Ocean Journey is a new attraction in Sevierville and already making waves as a great indoor winter activity for adults and for kids. A hyper-real experience you will never forget, XPERIA: Ocean Journey is part hyper-real animal interactions, self-guided exploration and cinematic masterpiece all in one. Through digital technologies and immersive storytelling, adults and children can dive under the sea to explore areas of the ocean and interact with some of the most amazing underwater creatures without a wetsuit.

• Operational Hours: XPERIA is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Wednesday
   
• Ticket Pricing: Adult tickets are $24.99 and child tickets are $19.99. Tickets are on sale now.