Knoxville is one of the most interesting cities in the state. They’ve got the VOLS, great food, the downtown area is full of life, culture, and amazing food. Not to mention, Knoxville is family friendly, and you could literally spend a week here and not see everything. Here are our recommendations for things you absolutely must see.
World’s Fair Park
The World’s Fair Park holds festivals, craft fairs, and, when the sun is out, it’s so beautiful to see. It’s near the UT Campus, and offers you the chance to see the Sunsphere. It’s historically significant, and it’s the best place to come and have a picnic with the family. You’ll also see streams, waterfalls, and beautiful flowers everywhere. The best part? It’s totally free!
Ijams Nature Center
This is an amazing area to add to your list. It offers natural beauty, and you can hike, bike, paddle, climb, and if you have children, you can play at the playscape, and Jo’s Grove lets your kids explore. The nature center has the legacy of the Ijams family and they put a great focus on conservation.
Navitat
So if your family likes climbing and they’re into ziplines, this is the area for you. There are six family-friendly adventure trails to choose from, and each trail offers between eight and twelve elements that include zip lines. There are also nets, climbing, swings, and more. Throughout the course, you’ll see staff ready to help, and you’ll be wearing full-body harnesses to ensure your safety at all times.
The Muse
This is the best museum for children. It’s a non-profit STEAM museum, and children of all ages can have fun here. There is a planetarium and a wonderful show about how the sun discovers that he has planets (he asks why he doesn’t have stars). The exhibits are innovative and engaging with children, and they have party options. They also have a little library out front and a gift shop. Once you’re done inside, go to the park onsite and have a great time.
The Zoo
The zoo is incredible, and it also places importance on conservation. There are over fifteen hundred animals here, and two hundred different species. They have a turtle area, butterfly habitat, and great interactive activities for families. One of the things people love is that you can rent an animal scooter and ride around the park if you get tired of walking. They also have a petting zoo, a zipline, a train, and a splash area. It’s a great way for your children to have a great time.
Knoxville Botanical Garden And Arboretum
Another nonprofit option to visit is a forty-four-acre area. There are walking trails, beautiful historic horticulture, and the most lovely gardens you’ll ever see. It’s located near the downtown area and is open to the public all year. They also offer a bamboo forest that is a must see. I would also recommend the Danae Garden and the family garden. Both are beautiful and educational.
Ancient Lore Village
Ancient Lore Village is stunning, and it’s truly magical. I’ve gotten to experience one of their events firsthand and it was a delightful experience. The look is reminiscent of The Hobbit, and each visit offers dining, activities, and a great opportunity for stunning pictures. Not going to lie, this is a bit more expensive, but they do offer passes to do the tours, axe throwing, archery, lunch, and more.
The Cherokee Caverns
Only open at certain times of the year, this cave is beautiful and full of natural wonder. If you come at Halloween or during the Christmas season, they decorate the cave, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. They go all out and make sure that everyone has the best time. Pro tip: The opening to the cave is downhill, so it’s quite steep. Be careful walking and use the rail.
Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame
Knoxville has a unique facility dedicated to women’s basketball. Its seventeen-foot statue of the late Pat Summitt, a great coach, symbolizes its desire to honor the past and promote the future of basketball. This is an extremely affordable way to spend an afternoon. Not only can you see the prestigious exhibits, but you can also test your basketball skills. It’s also home to the world’s largest basketball, measuring thirty feet tall and weighing over ten tons!
Mural Walk
Also known as the graffiti walk to the locals, this is a walk that allows you to see the city in a beautiful new way. Stop by the visitors center, and they’ll give you some insight on where you need to go. The walk is beautiful with murals taking up the stairways, walls, and more. It enhances the natural beauty of the city. The fan favorites of this area include Dolly Parton, the swimming koi fish, the postcard, and the Victoria Walls for women.
Tennessee Theater
Opened in 1928, this theater is absolutely lovely and the best place to take in a show. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s definitely worth seeing. They hold wonderful shows here, including the Nutcracker and Moulin Rouge. You’ll find Broadway shows and classical music, and you will be on the edge of your seat when you come here. Not to mention that the entire staff and performers are all passionate about what they do.
East Tennessee Historical Society
Another affordable way to spend an afternoon is to go to the heart of downtown, and you’ll see historic attractions. The museum was created to ensure that people who were interested in history could see it. There are interactive displays, including hearing first-person accounts of what life was like, and you see beautiful historic images. Another plus? It’s free to come on Sundays. However, they do welcome donations.
Old City
In the northeast area of downtown Knoxville, you’ll find Old City. This is a historic neighborhood that has art galleries, shopping, great food, music, and coffee, and that’s just a start. In the early nineteen hundreds, there was drama with the saloons; it was a wholesale food district, and eventually became what it is now. If you love architecture, you’ll see some of the best Victorian-style buildings. Stop here and get a great meal and some pictures, and enjoy the history.
McClung Museum Of Natural History And Culture
This is a more general museum. It has collections of great archaeology, local history, natural history, anthropology, and more. It’s a free museum, and the parking is free as well, making it a great way to get to some great sights without breaking the bank. They do ask that you register in advance, but if you can’t, walk-ins are welcome. They also do guided group tours, but ask that you register two weeks in advance so they can make sure you have the best experience possible.
Neyland Stadium
Celebrating more than a century of VOLS football, this stadium is where legacies live on. A variety of sports are played here. To be here for an event is truly a wondrous experience because you feel yourself being completely immersed in the experience. The tickets are decently priced, and seeing the VOLS fight against the other teams is always worth watching.
Come To Knoxville
Knoxville has so much to offer, and there are many attractions just outside it, including Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. When you come to the city, you can eat, drink, and have a great time seeing the local history and sights. Be sure to check out these hotspots to give yourself and your family the best vacation.
