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Things To Do in Knoxville

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Top things to do in Knoxville

See all 37 things to do in Knoxville

#1One Game of Zombie Scavengers of Knoxville, TN

Can you survive the zombie apocalypse… Zombie Scavengers leads you into the city to collect supplies to survive during this interactive scavenger game...

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$3
per traveler
One Game of Zombie Scavengers of Knoxville, TN

#2Operation City Quest of Knoxville, TN

Using your smartphone, you'll be given nearly 150 objects to find during your scavenger hunt. You'll then wander throughout the downtown area searching for t...

recommend100% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$10
per adult
Operation City Quest of Knoxville, TN

#3Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Embark on a hands-on aquatic adventure with the 10,000 marine critters that call Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies home. Watch the underwater antics of exotic...

recommend94% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$40
per adult
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

#4Admission to RainForest Adventures Zoo

Discover a zoo featuring more than 600 live animals representing creatures from rainforests all over the world, located in the heart of Tennessee's Great Smo...

recommend88% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$13
$10
per adult
Save!
Admission to RainForest Adventures Zoo

#5Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Embark on a thrilling rafting ride through the twists and turns of the Pigeon River. This adventure never has a dull moment, boasting a course of 12 Class-II...

recommend96% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$49
per traveler
Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Trip

#6Patty Waszak American Oldies Show

Now performing at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater in Pigeon Forge, come see this wonderful Patty Waszak Show with mu8sic and comedy. You will step back in ti...

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$32
per adult
Patty Waszak American Oldies Show

#7TITANIC Museum Attraction - Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee

Everyone knows the name TITANIC, Everyone knows TITANIC hit an Iceberg, Everyone knows TITANIC sank, but there is so much more to her story! With over 400 re...

recommend94% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$30
per adult
TITANIC Museum Attraction - Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee

#8Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip

Enjoy leisurely rafting down lower Pigeon River through calm Class-I and Class-II rapids, with 1 Class-III at the end of the journey. Filled with gentle wave...

recommend98% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$41
per traveler
Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip

#9Voted The Smoky Mountains Best Show - Country Tonite!

VOTED BEST SHOW in the Smokies Year after Year and recognized as the show you just can't miss in Pigeon Forge! Country Tonite promises the unique entertainme...

recommend92% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$38
per adult
Voted The Smoky Mountains Best Show - Country Tonite!

#10Enjoy the Magic in the Mountains of Beautiful Anakeesta

2018 Attraction of the year winner! Anakeesta theme park is a chance to create your own unique vacation experience. Relax, play, and enjoy the beauty of the ...

recommend84% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$25
per adult
Enjoy the Magic in the Mountains of Beautiful Anakeesta

Things To Do in Knoxville

Knoxville is equal parts college town, big city, and gateway to outdoor adventure. Home of the Volunteers of the University of Tennessee and the out-of-this-world Sunsphere, Knoxville has countless things to do for the whole family. Whether you decide to explore World's Fair Park or go to the Old City district, be sure to grab some delicious barbecue and sweet tea for a taste of southern comfort. Speaking of which, you may want to stop for a sip of Tennessee’s favorite spirit at the Knox Whiskey Works or any of the other fine local distilleries.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Downtown

The bustling city center was home to the 1982 World's Fair and is Knoxville's heart. Head to the top of the Sunsphere for dramatic views of the city, the Tennessee River Valley, and Smoky Mountains. If you want to learn a bit about Appalachian culture, visit the Knoxville Museum of Art to see works from local artists dating from the present back to pioneer days.

Old City

Once known as a den of sin, this neighborhood has seen a wave of more wholesome redevelopment. The area's youthful vibe is apparent as you explore the eclectic shops and trendy dives.

University District

The University of Tennessee is just a short drive from downtown, and it offers a unique insight into the Southern college lifestyle. If you're lucky enough to be in town during football season, enjoy some local flavor at a tailgate party. You can also go for the gusto and buy a ticket to the game. Hint: wear orange.

Surrounding Area

While the city has plenty of stuff to do, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are just a short drive away. You could conceivably go on a guided tour of Gatlinburg, make a stop in Dollywood, and enjoy the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud all in enough time to make it back before the Sunsphere closes for the night.

What to See in Knoxville

Um, the Sunsphere. While it may seem a bit kitschy thanks to its gold-dusted dome, this iconic building offers up the best views in town—and admission to the observation deck is free. From these great heights, you can spot the next stop on your Tennessee adventure.

Things to Do, Landmarks & Attractions

Market Square is probably the single best place in the city to get a feel for the true nature of Knoxville. For more than 150 years, Knoxvillians have come here for fresh produce, talented street performers, and people watching. Join the locals as they browse the peaches and listen to the sweet twang of the banjo. Since you are definitely going to the Sunsphere, you will also inevitably go to the surrounding World's Fair Park, which offers a glimpse into the city's history. If you get a chance to go to a show at the Tennessee Theater, you should. This former movie palace features walls covered with gold filigree, comfortable seats, and world-class entertainment.

There are so many family-friendly things to do in Knoxville and the surrounding area that it's hard to list them all, but here goes. Dollywood offers up thrilling rollercoasters, gastronomical wonders like corndog nuggets, and entertaining shows for everyone in your group. If you're looking for some laughs, you can make the short trip to the Comedy Barn for some good clean fun. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is super close too, which means it's easy to fly through the treetops or rage down a river. No matter where you go in the Knoxville area, you are sure to find friendly folks, great food, and tons of fun.

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