Looking for a great place to take your family on vacation? Tennessee is a fantastic choice! With plenty of outdoor activities for kids, beautiful scenery, and interesting historical sites, there is something for everyone in this great state. In this article, we will provide a detailed list of the 10 best family vacation destinations in Tennessee. Let's get started!
Destination #01: Evins Mill - a hidden gem near Nashville
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour Google Ratings: 4.7 Stars with 288 Reviews Trip Advisor: 5 Star Rating with 263 Reviews Website: Check Availability
A designated Tennessee State Natural Area and nestled among the forested bluffs and meandering streams of Tennessee's Highland Rim and Cumberland Plateau, Evins Mill is an inspiring destination for a variety of occasions. Minutes from Center Hill Lake, Evins Mill provides the amenities of a luxury destination in the intimate setting of a woodland resort.
Families will enjoy private access to a forested, forty-acre property with incredible scenery and a variety of activities for the whole family.
hiking to overlooks & base of Carmac Falls
swimming beneath its 90ft cascade
fishing at Evins Mill Pond
billiards, table tennis, foosball & darts
lawn games, including corn hole, horse shoes
swinging & rocking on Ivy Overlook
relaxing/napping at the Hammock Bower
Destination #02: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Driving Distance from Nashville: 3.5 hr Trip Advisor Rating: 5 Stars with 2,400 Reviews Google Ratings: 4.9 Stars with over 43,000 Reviews Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee. It is also one of the largest national parks in the United States. Families love to hike and explore all the different trails in the park. There are also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, including bears, deer, and turkeys. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a rare elk or bald eagle! In addition to hiking, families can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located near the Tennessee North Carolina border, about 3.5 hours by car from Nashville. It has great reviews on Google & TripAdvisor.
Destination #03: Nashville
Nashville is a great place to visit for families. There are many things to do in the city, including visiting the zoo, going to the aquarium, and taking a tour of the Nashville Parthenon. Families can also enjoy the many museums and art galleries in the city. There are also plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, such as the Nashville Children's Museum and the Nashville Zoo. And, of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry.
Learn more at https://www.visitmusiccity.com
Destination #04: Memphis
Like Nashville, Memphis is known for music. In fact, it's referred to by many as the Home of the Blues. Along with the incredible music, there are also plenty of things for families to do on vacation in Memphis, TN. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the civil rights movement and its leaders. It's a great place for kids to learn about an important part of American history.
Take a riverboat cruise: A riverboat cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You'll get to learn about Memphis' history and see some of its most famous landmarks.
Visit the Memphis Zoo: The Memphis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country, and it's perfect for a family outing. Kids will love seeing all the different animals, and they might even get to pet some of them!
Go to Graceland: Graceland was the home of The King Of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley. A top attraction in Tennessee for tourists from around the world, this is one stop you won't want to miss.
These are just a few ideas for things to do on vacation in Memphis, TN. There's plenty more to see and do in this great city. It's located in West Tennessee, about 3 hours from Nashville by car.
Destination #05: Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a great destination for families who love the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as several parks and playgrounds. Families can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the Tennessee River. In addition to outdoor activities, Chattanooga has a variety of museums and historical sites. The Chattanooga Aquarium is a popular tourist destination with excellent reviews from past visitors. Chattanooga is located in East Tennessee, about 2 hours from Nashville by car.
Destination #06: Knoxville
Knoxville is another great option for families who want to vacation in Tennessee. Knoxville has a variety of museums, including the East Tennessee History Center and the Knoxville Museum of Art. Families can also enjoy hiking and picnicking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is also home to the University of Tennessee, which offers a variety of activities and events for families.
Destination #07: Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination for families who love the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as several parks and playgrounds. Families can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the Gatlinburg River. In addition to outdoor activities, Gatlinburg has a variety of shops and restaurants. The Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is also a popular tourist destination. Gatlinburg is located near Knoxville TN, about 3.5 hours from Nashville.
Destination #08: Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is another popular tourist destination for families who love the outdoors. Pigeon Forge has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and playgrounds, and even UTV rentals. Families can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the Pigeon River. In addition to outdoor activities, Pigeon Forge has a variety of museums and historical sites. The Dollywood theme park is also a popular tourist destination. For more information on Dollywood, see #10 on this list.
Destination #09: Franklin
Franklin is a great option for families who want to vacation in Tennessee. Franklin has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and playgrounds. Families can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the Harpeth River. In addition to outdoor activities, Franklin has a variety of museums and historical sites. The Carnton Plantation and the Historic Carter House are both popular tourist destinations for history buffs. Franklin is located just a few minutes south of Nashville and has many family-oriented events in the charming downtown area throughout the year.
Destination #10: Dollywood
Last but not least, is Dollywood. No list about family vacations in Tennessee is complete without mentioning this destination. Here are some of the best things to do with your family while you are on vacation in Dollywood:
Ride the roller coasters: There are plenty of thrill rides at Dollywood that will get your adrenaline pumping. From the Wild Eagle to the Thunderhead, there is a coaster for everyone in your family to enjoy.
Visit Dollywood's Splash Country: This water park is perfect for a hot day in Tennessee. With plenty of slides and pools, your family will cool off in no time.
See a show: Dollywood is known for its great live entertainment. From country music to Broadway musicals, there is a show for everyone in your family to enjoy.
Explore the park: There is more to do at Dollywood than just ride rides and see shows. Be sure to take some time to explore all the different areas of the park. From the shops in Craftsman's Valley to the rides in Adventure Mountain, there is something for everyone at Dollywood.
Tennessee is a great place for families to live in or visit. If you are headed this way, we look forward to seeing you soon!
