Five Fun Things to Do with The Family If You Are in Tennessee

It’s the new year, so what better way to celebrate it than going on a vacation with your family? If you haven’t explored Tennessee yet, it’s time to add it to your family holiday USA bucket list.

Taking the kids on vacation to Tennessee might not be on your list, but it should be. Why? Tennessee has been aptly nicknamed “The Volunteer State” for many good reasons. This US state is brimming with fantastic attractions for the whole family, including stunning natural landscapes, major amusement parks, outdoor activities, world-famous theme parks, and delicious cuisines.

For tourists like you, comfort is just as important while traveling and exploring famous spots in Tennessee. If you’re traveling with family, you should first find a cabin to rent. Why? For the complete Tennessee experience, cabins are a must.

Finding affordable Tennessee cabin rentals is easy, so book at least a week before you plan on leaving. Moreover, these cabins are equipped with the necessary amenities to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the trip. 

With that said, if you’re wondering what Tennessee would be like, read on to find out.

1 – Explore the Bays Mountain and Planetarium

The Bays Mountain has a beautiful 44-acre lake, miles of hiking paths, a cutting-edge Planetarium Theatre, and wildlife habitats home to wolves, bobcats, raptors, and reptiles. You will encounter exotic animals that might go extinct, as this place is a sanctuary for many of them.

Inside these mountains is a world of its own, with daily wildlife events and educational programs for kids and adults. Most of the park is covered by over 25 hiking routes, making it an excellent place for trekking with your family.

Once inside, you will be in awe of the beautiful landscape and fantastic wildlife, exceeding your expectations. Oh, and during the winter, numerous activities are planned for the visitors to keep them engaged, such as planetarium shows, nature programs, and biking.

2 – Visit The Titanic Museum

One cannot possibly compare or associate Tennessee with the ill-fated ship Titanic. But, whether you believe it or not, the Titanic Museum is one of the most unusual and fascinating museums ever. It is situated in the Pigeon Forge, adjacent to Dollywood.

The museum is home to more than 400 relics collected from the sunken ship. It is like a tour of the Titanic with multiple documentaries and facts you might not know before.

To give you the impression that you are on the Titanic, visitors get a first-hand understanding of what life was like on the iconic ship. You and your family can have this surreal experience by touching a real iceberg and exploring the Grand Staircase and the class passageways.

Not just that, but you can dip your hands in chilled 28-degree water and attempt to stand on the sloping decks. Delicious cuisine is also served inside.

Green beans wrapped with bacon wraps, mouth-watering steaks, grilled chicken, and chocolate cake with raspberry icing and mousse filling are a must-have.

3 – The Lookout Mountain 

One of Tennessee’s most attractive locations is the mountain ridge known as Lookout Mountain. Once you’re there, you and your family won’t be able to express the natural beauty in words.

The name was believed to be inspired by the Cherokee word for mountains that face each other. It lies over the Georgia state line, with Chattanooga on Tennessee. It’s a lovely and fun place for both kids and adults, with multiple kids’ attractions to explore.

Some activities to indulge yourself in will be:

• Visit the Rock City Gardens and Fairyland Caverns to relax while your kids play around.
• Watch the lovely Ruby Falls waterfall, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for the kids.
• Go to Cloudland Canyon State Park for a perfect evening outside and take beautiful family pictures at Raccoon Mountain Caverns.

There is so much to explore and see that you’ll run out of time. However, a fun and tiring day for the family say all about lasting enjoyment and adventure.

4 – The Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies

One of the fantastic kid-friendly attractions is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which provides an immersive experience to its visitors. This place will thrill you and your kids alike if you are a sea lover and adventure seeker.

Aquariums are everyone’s favorite, especially the young minds and souls waiting to get near the majestic waters. At the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you will find an underwater passage filled with 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, and countless more unique marine life creatures.

Feeding and diving shows are also held inside, with horses, penguins, turtles, and dolphins performing live. Apart from this, there are other fascinating features to experience, like seeing sharks from up-close, educational programs to teach people about the ocean and marine life, and much more. Your family will surely love the visit and wouldn’t want to leave.

You can also ride over the shark lagoon and watch jellyfish, sea turtles, and other exotic sea creatures while inside.

5 – Dollywood

While discovering Tennessee and its famous landmarks, do not miss your chance to visit Dollywood, the top family amusement park in Pigeon Forge. As the name suggests, it is an enticing place for kids who might demand that you stay there all day.

Inside Dollywood, you can enjoy a range of attractions, including family rides and fun activities for the small ones. The excitement does not end here, with thrilling roller coasters and adventurous aquatic day trips.

Fun fact: the world’s first wooden roller coaster, the Lightning Rod, is in Dollywood!

Among its other firsts are the Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster, and the Fire Chaser Express ride -the first dual-launch family coaster. When it comes to rides, the options are endless.

Moreover, Dollywood is known for its delicious southern cuisine and memorable family festivals for different seasons. After trying all the rides, you can grab lunch at the Red’s Drive Inn with various tempting options.

Try Aunt Granny’s restaurant for dinner and witness why it has such a good reputation. Their brussels sprouts with fried chicken and a side-line of mac cheese are everyone’s go-to meal.

Bottom Line

If you have decided to visit Tennessee this winter, your family will thank you later. Hopefully, this list will help you plan the right travel itinerary so you do not waste even a second while exploring famous places.

This trip will relieve stress and encourage you to spend more time with nature and your loved ones. So, why wait? Time to start planning your next trip to Tennessee and immerse yourself in the heart of nature and pure joy.