Tennessee is one of those rare states where adventure, history, and natural beauty collide in the most unforgettable ways.
From mountain trails to music-filled streets, there is something here that sparks wonder in kids of every age.
Whether you are planning a big summer road trip or a quick weekend getaway, the Volunteer State delivers memories that stick long after the trip ends.
Get ready to explore 14 experiences your family will be talking about for years to come.
Climb the Smoky Mountains at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Every kid deserves at least one morning standing at the edge of a misty mountain, watching the clouds roll through ancient peaks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park for a very good reason — it is absolutely spectacular.
Trails wind past thundering waterfalls, peaceful meadows, and forests that seem to go on forever.
Kids can spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys along the way, turning every hike into a real-life wildlife adventure. The Junior Ranger program is a huge hit, giving children a hands-on mission to complete as they explore.
Rangers hand out badges when kids finish, and trust us — those badges become serious treasures.
Families can choose trails based on age and ability, from short, flat walks near Clingmans Dome to longer treks toward Alum Cave. Admission is free, which makes it even better.
Pack snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and plan to stay longer than you think you will, because the Smokies have a way of making time disappear in the best possible way.
Ride the Coasters at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge
Named after the one and only Dolly Parton, Dollywood is not just a theme park — it is a full-blown celebration of Appalachian culture, craftsmanship, and pure, screaming fun. The roller coasters here are legendary, with rides like Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle delivering jaw-dropping thrills that kids will replay in their heads for months.
Beyond the coasters, Dollywood surprises families with live musical performances, artisan craft demonstrations, and some of the best theme park food in the South. Fresh-baked cinnamon bread?
Yes, that is a real thing here, and the line is always worth it. The park’s attention to detail makes every corner feel like a new discovery.
Younger kids have their own dedicated areas with gentler rides and character meet-and-greets, so nobody feels left out. Seasonal events like Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas take the experience to a whole new level.
Families who visit once almost always come back, because Dollywood has a warmth and charm that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Explore the Interactive Museums in Chattanooga
Chattanooga might just be the most underrated family destination in all of Tennessee. Packed into this riverside city are some of the most engaging, hands-on museums in the entire Southeast.
The Tennessee Aquarium alone is worth the drive, featuring stunning freshwater and ocean galleries that bring aquatic life right to eye level for curious kids.
Right next door, the Creative Discovery Museum is a playground for young minds. Kids can dig for fossils, build towering structures, create music, and splash in a rooftop water feature all in one afternoon.
The museum is thoughtfully designed so that children learn without even realizing it — which is honestly the best kind of learning.
Chattanooga also offers the impressive Hunter Museum of American Art and the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train hotel that kids find endlessly fascinating. Strolling the riverfront between stops makes the whole day feel like a proper urban adventure.
Families who spend a full weekend here are rarely disappointed. The city moves at a comfortable pace, the scenery along the Tennessee River is gorgeous, and the options for family fun seem almost endless no matter the season.
Float Down the River on a Tubing Adventure
Hot Tennessee summers and lazy river floats were practically made for each other. Grabbing an inner tube and drifting downstream is one of those simple, screen-free joys that kids remember long into adulthood.
The Little Pigeon River near Gatlinburg and the Hiwassee River in the Cherokee National Forest are both popular spots that offer calm, family-friendly stretches perfect for first-timers.
The Ocoee River is better suited for older kids and teens who want something with a little more splash and excitement. Whitewater rafting outfitters in the area offer guided trips with safety gear and experienced guides, making the experience thrilling without being reckless.
The scenery along these rivers is jaw-dropping, with forested ridgelines and rocky banks that feel worlds away from everyday life.
Most tubing rental companies provide everything you need, including tubes, life jackets, and shuttle rides back to the starting point. All families really need to bring is sunscreen, water shoes, and a sense of adventure.
Plan for a few hours at minimum, because once kids hit the water, getting them back out again becomes a very different challenge altogether.
Discover History at the Hermitage in Nashville
Andrew Jackson was one of the most colorful and controversial figures in American history, and his home outside Nashville tells that story in a way that textbooks simply cannot. The Hermitage is a beautifully preserved 1,000-acre estate where kids can walk through the same rooms, gardens, and fields that Jackson himself once called home.
History feels surprisingly alive here.
The on-site museum does a remarkable job of presenting the full picture of life at the Hermitage, including the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. This honest approach to history sparks important conversations between parents and children, turning the visit into something genuinely meaningful beyond just sightseeing.
Farm animals roam parts of the property, and costumed interpreters bring frontier-era life to vivid reality. Kids can try hands-on activities and pick up a self-guided tour booklet designed just for younger visitors.
The Hermitage is located only about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it an easy addition to any Music City itinerary. For families who want their kids to connect with American history in a tangible, unforgettable way, this estate delivers every single time.
Catch Live Music on Broadway in Nashville
There is nowhere else on Earth quite like Lower Broadway in Nashville. The street pulses with live music practically around the clock, pouring out of honky-tonks and music venues in a joyful, chaotic wave of sound.
For kids who have never experienced live music in this way, the first walk down Broadway tends to produce wide eyes and instant excitement.
Many of the bars along Broadway are open to families during daytime hours, so parents can introduce younger children to the magic without worrying about late-night crowds. Street performers add another layer of energy, with musicians of every genre setting up along the sidewalks.
Country, blues, rock, and bluegrass all share the same few blocks in a way that feels completely unique to Nashville.
Beyond the music, Broadway offers great people-watching, souvenir shops, and classic Nashville eats like hot chicken and banana pudding. Kids who play instruments or love music often leave Broadway feeling genuinely inspired.
The experience is loud, colorful, and a little overwhelming in the best possible way. Families who visit Nashville and skip Broadway are missing the heartbeat of the entire city — and that is not something worth missing.
Experience Underground Adventure at Ruby Falls
Somewhere deep inside Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, a waterfall has been flowing in total darkness for millions of years. Ruby Falls is that waterfall, and seeing it for the first time is genuinely one of the most jaw-dropping moments a family can share.
The 145-foot underground cascade is the tallest and deepest commercially accessible waterfall in the United States.
Getting there is half the adventure. Visitors ride an elevator more than 260 feet underground, then walk through winding cave passages lined with extraordinary rock formations.
Stalactites hang like chandeliers overhead, and the air grows cool and mysterious with every step. Kids who love adventure stories will feel like they have stepped straight into one.
Colorful lights illuminate the falls dramatically when you finally reach them, creating a moment that draws genuine gasps from visitors of every age. Guides share fascinating geological facts along the way, making the tour both exciting and educational.
The whole experience lasts about an hour and is accessible enough for most ages. Ruby Falls has been welcoming visitors since 1930, and after nearly a century, it still manages to astonish everyone who makes the journey underground.
Few Tennessee experiences match its sheer, breathtaking drama.
Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Legendary Home
Even kids who have never heard an Elvis Presley song tend to leave Graceland completely fascinated. There is something magnetic about stepping inside the actual home of rock and roll’s most iconic figure, surrounded by the very furniture, clothing, and personal belongings he touched every day.
Memphis is lucky to have one of the most compelling celebrity museums in the entire world.
The mansion tour is self-guided via tablet, with audio narrations that bring each room to life in vivid detail. The Jungle Room, with its green shag carpet and wild decor, tends to be a particular favorite with kids.
The trophy room, filled wall-to-wall with gold records, awards, and memorabilia, is genuinely staggering in its scale and variety.
Elvis’s private planes, custom cars, and wardrobe collections are housed in separate exhibit buildings across the property. Teens especially tend to connect with the story of a young, scrappy kid from Tupelo who changed American music forever.
Graceland also sits in a Memphis neighborhood with excellent barbecue spots nearby, making it easy to turn the visit into a full cultural day. For any family even remotely curious about American music history, Graceland is an absolute must-see stop.
Stargaze at Big Cypress Tree Trail in the Tennessee River Gorge
Not all memorable Tennessee moments happen in crowded theme parks or busy city streets. Some of the most powerful experiences happen in the quiet places, where ancient trees stretch overhead and the night sky opens up without a single streetlight in sight.
The Tennessee River Gorge and surrounding natural areas offer families a rare chance to slow down and truly connect with the natural world.
Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area in western Tennessee preserves some of the oldest and largest bald cypress trees in the country. Walking among these giants, some estimated to be over a thousand years old, creates a humbling sense of perspective that kids carry with them long after the visit.
The trails are accessible and peaceful, making them ideal for families with younger children.
After sunset, the lack of light pollution in these rural Tennessee areas transforms the sky into something extraordinary. Spreading out a blanket and identifying constellations together is an experience that costs nothing but creates a genuine sense of wonder.
Packing a simple star map or downloading a stargazing app adds an educational layer kids actually enjoy. Moments like these remind families that some of nature’s greatest shows require no ticket at all.
Splash Around at Nashville Shores Waterpark
When Tennessee summer heat hits full force, waterparks become the most beloved places on the planet. Nashville Shores on Percy Priest Lake combines the classic thrills of a waterpark with the rare bonus of actual lakefront access, giving families more ways to cool off than almost any other park in the region.
Kids can ride slides, float lazy rivers, and swim in the open lake all in one visit.
The wave pool is always a crowd favorite, with kids jumping and tumbling through the manufactured surf for hours on end. Younger children have their own splash zones with gentler water features designed for toddlers and early elementary-age kids.
Parents who prefer to relax can rent shaded cabanas while keeping a watchful eye on all the action nearby.
Food options at Nashville Shores range from classic waterpark staples like funnel cakes and corn dogs to heartier meals at the lakeside restaurant. The park’s atmosphere is friendly and festive, with a staff that genuinely seems to enjoy the chaos.
Arriving early on weekends helps families beat the crowds and claim prime spots near the water. For a full day of laughter, friendly competition, and pure summer joy, Nashville Shores delivers reliably every single time.
Go Back in Time at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
Shaped like the actual ship rising from the earth, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge announces itself dramatically before visitors even walk through the door. Every family member receives a boarding pass with the name of a real Titanic passenger, and at the end of the tour, you find out whether your person survived.
That simple detail turns history into something deeply personal and emotional.
Inside, more than 400 authentic artifacts are displayed across 20 themed galleries, each recreating a different section of the ship. Kids can touch an actual iceberg replica, feel the freezing water temperature, and walk the sloping decks just as passengers once did.
The attention to historical accuracy is impressive without ever feeling dry or overwhelming for younger visitors.
The museum does an outstanding job of telling individual human stories within the larger historical tragedy, helping kids understand history through real people rather than just facts and dates. Guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the interactive elements keep energy levels high throughout the tour.
Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge near Dollywood, the Titanic Museum fits easily into a broader Smoky Mountain family trip. Very few museums anywhere manage to be this engaging, emotional, and educational all at once.
Cruise the Cumberland River on an Authentic Paddleboat
Something about a classic paddleboat gliding along a wide river just feels like stepping into a different century. The General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River in Nashville has been carrying families past the city skyline for decades, combining scenic river views with live entertainment in a way that feels genuinely timeless.
Kids who might otherwise resist a boat ride tend to get completely swept up in the whole experience.
The onboard shows feature talented performers covering country music, comedy, and theatrical productions that hold attention spans across all age groups. Watching Nashville’s skyline drift past from the water provides a perspective on the city that no bus tour or rooftop bar can replicate.
The river itself has a calm, almost meditative quality that makes the whole cruise feel unhurried and relaxing.
Dining packages are available for families who want to make the cruise a full dinner experience, complete with Southern comfort food and desserts. Daytime lunch cruises are a great option for families with younger children who may not be up for evening outings.
The combination of history, scenery, live music, and great food makes this riverboat cruise one of Nashville’s most distinctive and memorable family activities, standing apart from everything else the city has to offer.
Feed and Pet the Animals at a Working Farm or Petting Zoo
City kids and suburban kids alike tend to light up the moment a goat nudges their hand looking for food. Tennessee is home to dozens of working farms, petting zoos, and agritourism destinations that welcome families for hands-on animal experiences that are hard to replicate anywhere else.
Places like Walden’s Farm and Hillside Farms offer encounters with goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, and more.
Many of these farms also incorporate seasonal activities like strawberry picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hayrides that make repeat visits feel fresh and exciting throughout the year. Kids who help gather eggs, brush a horse, or feed a baby lamb develop a genuine connection to where food comes from and how animals are cared for.
That kind of hands-on learning sticks in ways that classroom lessons simply cannot match.
Farm visits are also wonderfully low-pressure experiences for families. There are no strict schedules, no long lines, and no need to rush from one attraction to the next.
The pace is relaxed, the air is fresh, and the photo opportunities are absolutely endless. For parents looking to balance the bigger, louder Tennessee attractions with something quieter and more intimate, a morning at a working farm is always a wonderful choice that kids genuinely cherish.
Attend a Tennessee Vols Game or High-School Friday Night Lights
There are roughly 102,000 seats inside Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, and on game day, almost every single one of them is filled with fans dressed in brilliant Tennessee orange. Walking into that stadium for the first time is one of those moments kids simply never forget.
The roar of the crowd, the smell of stadium food, and the electric anticipation before kickoff create a sensory experience unlike anything else.
Even families without strong football loyalties tend to get swept up in the communal joy of a Tennessee Vols game. Tailgating culture around Neyland is legendary, with fans arriving hours early to share food, music, and team spirit in a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
The Vol Navy, a fleet of fan boats that arrives via the Tennessee River, is one of college football’s most unique and beloved traditions.
Smaller-town Friday night high school games offer a different but equally powerful version of Tennessee football culture. These local games are intimate, affordable, and deeply community-rooted, where the whole town shows up and everyone knows everyone.
Kids who experience that kind of community pride often carry it with them for life. Whether it is a massive college stadium or a small-town field under bright lights, Tennessee football has a way of getting into your heart and staying there permanently.