Taking on the town of Knoxville TN is something that anyone visiting or moving to the area can enjoy.
The amount and types of things to do in this East Tennessee city is endless, whether you are a young adult visiting the area, or bringing the family in for some weekend fun. The best thing about Knoxville TN is that while some of these things cost, many of these things are cheap or even free to do.
Fun Things to Do in Knoxville – Explore the Marble City
Everyone, no matter their age, should be able to enjoy some fun when they are visiting a new town. When in Knoxville, there are some top things on the list that everyone should stop by and enjoy to get the best experience of the city.
World's Fair Park
While the World's Fair is not in Knoxville annually, this park was the location of the World's Fair back in 1982. So much work and landscaping were put into the park by the city that they decided to keep it a landmark that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. The fountains placed around the park give everyone a taste of 1982. Local bands take advantage of this park and offer live music that everyone of all ages can enjoy.
Ijams Nature Center
Beautiful wildlife preserves in Knoxville, visitors get to visit the local wildlife and nature center located on this 300-acre piece of land. Enjoy a quiet ride on a canoe or take on rock climbing in the middle of the preserve. It began originally as a bird sanctuary and has become a hidden treasure in Knoxville for all to enjoy.
East Tennessee History Center
Are you curious about East Tennessee's beginnings and how this populated and the highly visited area came to be about?
If so, head on over to the East Tennessee History Center. Full of interactive galleries that give guests the opportunity to fully understand the history, adults and children alike have cheap fun for an afternoon while exploring the city and its early beginnings.
Things to Do in Knoxville with Family: Kid Activities
Coming to Knoxville TN with toddlers and even teenagers can limit what and how much you plan to do. Below are some cheap options for your family to keep your kids entertained during your visit. While they are visiting the city, they need ways to help them learn about local culture that is fun and innovative.
The Muse Knoxville
Give your young guests an outlet to enjoy their creativity when they visit The Muse Knoxville. This gallery is targeted to smaller children, offering them interactive options across the property in a variety of industries so that they can hone in on their personal interests.
Knoxville's Children Theater
Drama, plays, and downtown charm come together at the Knoxville's Children Theater. When you are in town, bring your kids down where they can attend classes and workshops for their own skills or enjoy one of the skits or shows available that day.
Knoxville Zoo
One of the best ways to help your youngsters burn off energy is to enjoy an afternoon at the Knoxville Zoo. With over 900 animals calling them home, there is enough wildlife to keep your kids busy for several hours while you are in town. The exhibits are paired together to promote the same habitats and showcases the daily lives of animals from across the world.
Adult Things to Do in Knoxville, TN
If you are coming into town with a few friends or as a couple, there are some things to do that you can enjoy as an adult and embrace others similar to your own age group.
Old City
The oldest but hippest part of downtown Knoxville TN is the Old City district. Restaurants, shopping, and live music line these streets and target an adult audience who may be on a couple of getaway or just enjoying friends. A variety of restaurants and breweries can be found throughout the district, ranging from American cuisine to International options.
Preservation Pub
Located in the Market Square area of Knoxville TN, the Preservation Pub offers historic architecture, great food, drinks of all kinds, and live music in one prime location. Adults needing a night out find the Preservation Pub to be an ideal and inexpensive location.
The Casual Pint
If you are looking for a great place to try some booze and try new drinks, the Casual Pint attracts lots of adults to the area and is inexpensive.
Free and Cheap Things To Do
Sometimes the best thing that you can do when visiting a new city is to embrace the things that are both free and cheap. Below are some inexpensive things to do while experiencing all of the history and culture that Knoxville has to offer.
Market Square Farmer's Market
Embrace local East Tennessee farmers and their culture through their goodies and produce they have for sale. Just to walk around and embrace the atmosphere has no cost, as well as the live music that will be playing.
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Take an educational opportunity to explore the natural history and culture offered at McClung Museum. There are interactive exhibits that give you and your family a step back in time to the beginning of history.
Knoxville Museum of Art
Celebrate local and regional artists when you tour the Knoxville Museum of Art. Your children are also encouraged to experience art at the personal level when they embrace their inner artist while visiting the Creative Corner.
Things To Do In Downtown: Knoxville’s Arts and Shopping
The heart of Knoxville is in the downtown area. When you visit the downtown area, there is a lot that you can do while visiting.
Visit St. John's Cathedral
Embrace the architecture and history found at St. John's Cathedral in downtown Knoxville. Those who enjoy history and local architecture find this Cathedral to be a must-see. There are always events happening around the church that embrace the local downtown area.
Boutique Shopping
Embrace the local Eart to Old City boutique and others in downtown Knoxville on your visit. With locally made items, you can take home a part of Knoxville with you when you return.
Breweries and Wine Tasting
Take advantage of the different breweries and wineries in downtown Knoxville on your next visit. Many offer tastings to their adult customers, allowing you to sample their products and take some of the best Eastern Tennessee has to offer back home with you.
Where Night Owls Roam: Things to Do in Knoxville At Night
If you are looking for some fun in the later hours of the day, there are a few things you can get into in Knoxville at night.
Haunted Ghost Tours
In downtown Knoxville, you can enjoy haunted ghost tours from locals who recant the stories of Eastern Tennessee as you walk and explore the history of Knoxville.
Romance in the Air: Things to Do for Couples
If you are looking for a few romantic experiences while you are in Knoxville with your significant other, take advantage of one of the following things to do.
The Cutting Edge
Embrace your significant other when you take a cooking class and prepare a meal together as a couple. It gives a whole new spin on that romantic dinner and you will have great memories to share.
Knoxville Opera
A night at the opera is a classic romantic date and that is still true in Knoxville. Take your partner to see a show one evening at the Knoxville Opera while you are in town.
Unique Things To Do
Are you looking for something weird or cool to do and experience while you are in Knoxville? Below are unique things to do while you are in Knoxville and cannot find in most cities across the country.
The Body Farm
Located behind the University of Tennessee campus is a "farm" for forensic scientists who have a decaying specimen that they are studying for past and present research. Visitors and locals find this 'body farm' fascinating to view and experience.
Embrace Local Art in Market Square
Sometimes in Knoxville, local artists and residents are spending their day coloring and diversifying this pedestrian-only walkway and square. Head over to Market Square to see what type of unique events are happening that day.
In All Kinds of Weather: Indoor or Outdoor Things To Do In Knoxville
Depending on the weather, you may want something specific to do indoor or outdoor while in Knoxville.
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
If you have a basketball fanatic in your group or just want to do some indoor exploring, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is great for an afternoon inside. For several hours, you can explore the different inductees and enjoy interactive games and galleries in the facility.
Navitat Knoxville
If you and your group are really yearning to get outdoors on this trip, spend a day at Navitat Knoxville. Having a tree-based Zipline for groups of all ages make this one of the top-rated things to do in Knoxville. A variety of trails are available so that adventurers at different levels are able to enjoy the event.
Plan Your Next Trip to Knoxville Today
If you are looking for the top things to do when you head over to Knoxville, the list above offers a variety of options for family, friends or couples who want to explore the history and culture that Knoxville has to offer.
Depending on what your budget looks like or what you want to do when you visit Knoxville, you have a list of options to keep you busy throughout your stay.