Best Tennessee Vacations for Families

Tennessee has a lot of outdoor activities, historic sites, and attractions that make it a good place for family vacations. From hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains to exploring the music scene in Nashville, there are plenty of ways to keep both kids and adults engaged. Families can visit zoos, amusement parks, and nature trails, or take things at a slower pace by enjoying lakes and quiet retreats.

NaCoMe is one of those places where families can take a break from busy schedules. It offers open spaces, water activities, and group games that bring people together. Instead of packed itineraries, it gives families time to explore, play, and enjoy simple activities in a quiet setting. This guide covers the best places for family vacations in Tennessee, starting with NaCoMe.

Here Are Some Places in Tennessee for Family Vacations

NaCoMe Summer Camp and Retreat Center

🦶 Creek Stomping & Nature Walks

Kids can wade through the creek, pick up rocks, and look for small fish. There are also walking trails where they can see plants and animals up close.

🚣 Canoeing & Swimming

Families can take a canoe out on the water or go for a swim in designated areas. The water is calm, and there’s enough space for beginners and experienced swimmers to enjoy.

🔥 Campfires & Group Games

Evening activities at NaCoMe usually end around a fire with marshmallows and stories. There are also group games like kickball and relay races that give kids and parents a way to be active together.

Family Activities in Nashville

🔬 Adventure Science Center

This museum turns learning into fun with space travel simulators, a planetarium, and hands-on science experiments. Kids can climb through an indoor play structure, test physics-based activities, and watch live demonstrations. It’s a great indoor stop for families.

🎸 Music and Dining for Families

Music is everywhere in Nashville, and some venues are welcoming to families. The Country Music Hall of Fame has interactive exhibits for kids. Restaurants like Loveless Cafe and Puckett’s Grocery serve classic Southern meals in a casual setting.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Memphis

🏠 Graceland

Elvis Presley’s mansion gives families a look at his life, career, and personal collection of cars and costumes.

🎨 Children’s Museum of Memphis

This museum is designed for younger kids with interactive exhibits, play areas, and hands-on learning stations focused on science, art, and everyday life skills.

🦛 Memphis Zoo

Home to over 3,500 animals, this zoo has large exhibits like the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, which features an underwater viewing area. Families can also see lions, pandas, and giraffes, as well as a large playground for kids to enjoy.

Outdoor Adventures in Knoxville

💦 World’s Fair Park

This open space in downtown Knoxville has fountains, picnic areas, and walking trails. It’s a good stop for families who want to take a break, let kids run around, or visit nearby museums like the East Tennessee History Center.

🚴 Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center

This is a good spot for rock climbing, biking, and water activities. Families can rent bikes to ride along the river, try paddleboarding, or take a guided kayaking trip. The center also offers beginner-friendly climbing areas for kids.

Family Fun in Chattanooga

🐠 Tennessee Aquarium

This aquarium has separate river and ocean exhibits, featuring everything from sharks and sea turtles to otters and stingrays. The touch tanks let kids get close to smaller aquatic creatures, while the butterfly garden and IMAX theater add to the experience.

⛰ Rock City & Ruby Falls

These two attractions on Lookout Mountain offer some of the best views in the area. Rock City has scenic trails and lookout points where visitors can see multiple states on a clear day. Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall that families can reach through a guided cave tour.

🎠 Coolidge Park

Located by the river, this park has wide open spaces, picnic areas, and a vintage carousel. Families can take a break here after visiting nearby attractions or rent bikes to explore the city’s waterfront paths.

Smoky Mountain Family Fun in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

🎢 Dollywood

Dollywood is one of the biggest attractions in the area, with roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. Families with younger kids will enjoy Wildwood Grove, an area designed for smaller visitors with gentle rides and play spaces. Seasonal events like Smoky Mountain Christmas and Harvest Festival bring special shows and decorations throughout the year.

🎡 The Island in Pigeon Forge

This entertainment complex has something for everyone. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel gives families a view of the city, while the dancing fountain show is a relaxing break between activities. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, including arcades, mirror mazes, and escape rooms.

💦 Wilderness at the Smokies

This indoor waterpark is open year-round, making it a good option for rainy days or winter vacations. The park has wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Beyond the water attractions, there’s also a rope course, laser tag, and a climbing wall.

A Quiet Escape in Townsend

🚣 River Tubing

Tubing on the Little River is one of the best ways to enjoy Townsend. Several outfitters provide rentals and shuttle services, making it easy for families to float down the calm sections of the river.

🥾 Hiking and Scenic Trails

Townsend has several family-friendly trails, including the Cades Cove Loop, where visitors can spot wildlife like deer and black bears. The area also has paved paths for strollers and beginner-friendly routes with scenic overlooks.

🧺 Picnic Areas Without the Crowds

Compared to other entrances to the Smokies, Townsend’s access points have less traffic and more open space for families to spread out. Several picnic areas by the river offer a quiet place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Peaceful Getaway at Ashland City and Cheatham Lake 

🌳 A Less Touristy Option for Families

Unlike other Tennessee lakes, Cheatham Lake isn’t packed with resorts or large crowds. Families can enjoy peaceful picnic spots, open green spaces, and quiet hiking trails without the noise and traffic of more popular destinations.

Center Hill Lake is a Hidden Gem for Families

Center Hill Lake is a great spot for families who want a mix of water activities and scenic landscapes. With clear waters, sandy beaches, and nearby waterfalls, it’s one of Tennessee’s best-kept secrets.

🏖 Swimming and Relaxing by the Water

The lake’s calm, blue waters make it perfect for swimming and floating. Families can spend the day on the shore, wade in the water, or rent pontoon boats and jet skis for a little more adventure.

🌊 Scenic Waterfalls and Hiking Trails

Several waterfalls around the lake add to the scenery. Burgess Falls and Fancher Falls are popular spots where families can take short hikes to see cascading water surrounded by forest.

Plan Your Next Family Getaway

Tennessee has plenty of places for families to explore, from exciting theme parks to peaceful lakes. Some destinations are filled with attractions, while others offer quiet spaces to relax. No matter the pace, there’s something for everyone.

For families who want a break from screens and schedules, NaCoMe Camp and Retreat Center is a great place to reconnect. With creek stomping, canoeing, and campfires, it’s an easy way to enjoy time together without distractions. Learn more and start planning your visit to our camp!