Tennessee is full of surprises — and family getaways here are some of the best. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full week away, there are plenty of kid-friendly destinations in Tennessee for family vacations the whole crew will love. From waterfall hikes to world-class aquariums, there’s adventure and fun around every bend. We’ve put together some of the best places to visit with kids, so planning your Tennessee trip just got a little easier. Let’s go explore.
Why TN is Perfect for Families
One of the best things about a family trip to Tennessee is the variety. There are so many family friendly things to do in Tennessee — outdoor fun, world-class aquariums, Dollywood, and hands-on museums kids never want to leave.Great food, fun spots, and things to do for every age. No matter where you go, there’s something for the whole crew.
Best Kid-Friendly Destinations in Tennessee
Ready to start planning? Here are five Tennessee destinations families come back to again and again. Each one offers something a little different, so you can find the best fit for your Tennessee family vacation.
1. Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Townsend)
The Smokies have a little of everything. That’s exactly why families love them. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are packed with nonstop attractions. Townsend offers peaceful trails and a slower pace. Together they make up some of the best places to visit in Tennessee with kids. First visit or return trip — there’s always something new to find.
Top Things to Do with Kids
Dollywood — A bucket-list theme park with rides, shows, and food the whole family will love.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies — Walk through tunnels with sharks overhead and enjoy hands-on exhibits kids won’t want to leave.
Easy hikes and scenic drives — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter and perfect for beginner-friendly outdoor adventures.
Planning to Hit the Trails?
→ 3 Family Friendly Smoky Mountain Hikes
→ Smoky Mountains Parking Pass Information
→ Wildlife Awareness in the Smokies
Why Families Love It
The variety here is hard to beat. Spend one day at the rides and attractions. Then slow down with a scenic drive or a nature walk. The Smokies have tons of places to stay too. From cabins to hotel suites, there’s a great fit for every family.
Best For
Families of all ages — from first-time visitors to those who return year after year.
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
From cozy mountain cabins to hotels and campgrounds, the Smokies have the
perfect spot for every family style.
→ Smoky Mountain Cabins
→ Smoky Mountain Hotels
→ Smoky Mountain Camping
2. Chattanooga: Scenic City with Family Fun
Chattanooga is one of the top kid-friendly destinations in Tennessee with some of the best family friendly things to do. It’s walkable, it’s fun, and kids really love it here. The city just feels made for families. It’s easy to see why so many Tennessee family trips include Chattanooga.
Top Things to Do with Kids
Tennessee Aquarium — Two huge buildings, one unforgettable experience, with both freshwater and ocean exhibits
Lookout Mountain — Ruby Falls, Rock City, and sweeping views give families plenty to explore
Creative Discovery Museum — Hands-on exhibits and interactive fun keep kids busy for hours
Why Families Love It
Chattanooga is one of the top kid-friendly destinations in Tennessee. It’s easy to see why families keep coming back. The city is small and easy to get around. Less driving means more fun. With so many family friendly things to do in Tennessee, there’s always something for every age on your Tennessee getaway.
Best For
Weekend getaways, curious kids, active families, and anyone planning Tennessee family vacations with a city twist.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is super walkable — so staying downtown puts your family right in the middle of all the fun.
→ Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Chattanooga
→ La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Downtown
→ Vacation Rentals & Cabins in Chattanooga
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park: Outdoor Adventure for Families
Want a real Tennessee getaway? Fall Creek Falls State Park delivers. It’s one of the most beloved Tennessee State Parks in Middle TN. And it’s so much more than a pretty waterfall. There’s a zipline, an Olympic-sized pool, and tons to do. Your whole crew will stay busy all weekend long.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- The waterfalls — Fall Creek Falls is jaw-dropping; Cane Creek Cascades is a beautiful bonus
- Zipline adventures — A serious highlight for older kids and adventurous families
- Olympic-sized pool — Perfect for a long, lazy afternoon in the sun
- Easy hiking trails — Plenty of options that work for little legs
- Playgrounds + picnic areas — Great for the youngest members of the crew
Why Families Love It
The amenities here are great. This is one of those places to visit in Tennessee with kids that goes way beyond a day trip. The campground is fantastic. The park is clean and well kept. Fall Creek Falls is packed with family friendly things to do in Tennessee’s most stunning state park setting.
New to trails? It’s also a great place to start hiking with kids.
Best For
Nature-loving families, overnight stays, families who want adventure without leaving the park
Where to Stay at Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls has great options for every type of family. Choose from the lodge, cozy cabins, or the campground — there’s something for every style of trip.
- Fall Creek Falls Lodge — A comfortable base with easy access to everything in the park
- Cabins — Perfect for families who want a little more space and privacy
- Campground — A great option for families who love sleeping under the stars.
→ Book Your Stay at Fall Creek Falls State Park — Check Availability & Make Reservations
And you won’t have to go far for food either. The lodge has a restaurant on-site, and there’s a food spot near the campground area — so the whole family stays fed without leaving the park.
4. Knoxville: A Kid-Friendly Destination in Tennessee You’ll Love
Knoxville doesn’t always get the spotlight. But families who visit really love it. It’s in the heart of East Tennessee. It’s relaxed, it’s fun, and it won’t break the bank. The city has a great mix of outdoor spots and city life. It’s also a great base for all of East Tennessee.
Top Things to Do with Kids
Zoo Knoxville — A well-loved regional zoo with red pandas (yes, really)
World’s Fair Park — Open green space, splash pads, and the iconic Sunsphere
Ijams Nature Center — Trails, kayaking, and climbing right inside the city
Why Families Love It
Knoxville is easy to get around. It’s far less busy than bigger cities. You get that fun city feel without the stress. It’s one of those places to visit in Tennessee with kids that has something for everyone — outdoor fun, city spots, and great food. Rain or shine, there’s always something to do.
Best For
Relaxed family trips, families who want to mix city sights with outdoor time
Where to Stay in Knoxville
Knoxville has great options for families — whether you want downtown or closer to nature.
→ Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
→ Best Downtown Knoxville Hotels
→ Knoxville Vacation Rentals & Cabins
5. Nashville: A Fun Surprise for Families
Nashville is known as Music City. But it’s also a great Tennessee getaway for families. There’s a whole city beyond the honky-tonks. Kids love it here. And honestly? Parents do too.
Top Things to Do with Kids
- Nashville Zoo — One of the best zoos in the Southeast, with a carousel and wild play areas
- Adventure Science Center — Interactive exhibits that feel more like a playground
- Centennial Park — A full-scale Parthenon replica with plenty of room to roam
→ Discover 7 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Nashville (Coming Soon)
Why Families Love It
Nashville, Tennessee is easy to plan around with tons of family friendly things to do ifor every age.. There’s variety and great food. The city has energy without being too much for kids. It’s the kind of place that makes Tennessee family vacations easy and fun. Everyone leaves happy.
Best For
Families who want a city experience, short trips, first-time Nashville visitors
Where to Stay in Nashville
Staying downtown puts your family within easy reach of all the action — and Nashville has some great options for families.
→ Book Your Nashville Hotel
→ Nashville Vacation Rentals & Cabins
→ Explore All Places to Stay in Nashville
tips for planning your tennessee family vacation
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to Tennessee family vacations. Here are a few quick tips before you hit the road:
- Book early — Popular spots fill up fast. Especially the Smokies and Nashville in spring and summer.
- Mix it up — Tennessee is small. Knoxville and the Smokies are less than an hour apart.
- Start with the kids in mind —Pick your base around your youngest traveler. Everything else falls into place.
Planning Your Trip to Kid-Friendly Destinations in Tennessee
No matter which destination calls your name, Tennessee delivers. There are so many amazing places to visit in Tennessee with kids — from waterfalls to theme parks to city adventures. Chase waterfalls at Fall Creek Falls. Ride coasters at Dollywood. Explore the Nashville Zoo. There’s always something around the next bend. That’s the beauty of family travel in Tennessee. The hardest part? Deciding where to start.
Head over to our Little Trekkers section for even more family travel inspiration across the Volunteer State.
Happy Trekkin’, Friends!
We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect Tennessee family getaway. Hit the trails. Splash at the pool. Ride coasters with the kids. We want to hear all about it! Share your adventures and tag us on socials @tennesseetrekkn.
Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids
From guided hikes to aquarium visits, there’s no shortage of fun waiting for your family across the Volunteer State.
Explore More of Tennessee
Whether you’re searching for kid-friendly destinations in Tennessee or planning a romantic getaway for two, there’s always more to discover in the Volunteer State.
→ Glamping in Tennessee — Sleep under the stars at Tennessee’s most unique outdoor stays
→ Places to Stay in Tennessee — Cozy cabins to hotels, find your perfect home base
→ Smoky Mountains — Dive deeper into Tennessee’s most beloved family destination