Popular Things To Do In Knoxville, Tennessee

A historic public square nestled in downtown Knoxville, Market Square has captivated visitors for over a century. Since the 1860s, this spot has been a favorite spot as it is very budget-friendly. Additionally, it's bustling with shops, restaurants, and fun events all year round, including the Farmers' Market from May to November.

Additionally, you can enjoy art, and fountains, and bring your pets along too. Plus, it's right next to Krutch Park and close to great hotels. 

Nestled in Knoxville World's Fair Park offers a peaceful oasis within the city. Once the site of the 1982 World's Fair, this public park boasts lush lawns, colorful gardens, and serene water features like waterfalls and streams.

The iconic Sunsphere, originally built for the fair, now houses an observation deck offering breathtaking views. Loved by locals and tourists alike, this park is one of the attractions Knoxville Tennessee offers that is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and recreation.

Experience education and fun at Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee. Encounter animals from around the world in creatively designed habitats. Don't miss the Williams Family Giraffe Encounter or the Zoo Camp program for kids. Explore Night Safaris or take a ride on the Zoo Choo Train.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville is dedicated to conservation efforts. Whether you're a family or an animal lover, this place is one of the Knoxville TN things to see for an unforgettable experience.

Spanning 315 acres in Knoxville, the Ijams Nature Center offers a plethora of outdoor activities. With over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus wildlife viewing, it's perfect for nature lovers. You can even try rock climbing at the Ijams Crag.

Educational programs, live animal exhibits, and paddle sports on Mead's Quarry Lake provide more adventures. Kids will love exploring the Nature Playscape and Jo's Grove. For a day of outdoor excitement and natural beauty, this place is a must-visit.

The Knoxville Museum of Art in Tennessee has something for everyone. Visitors of all ages can enjoy diverse exhibitions like "Women in Stitches" and "A Brand New End." Families and children can participate in hands-on activities and special events like the 2nd Sunday Art Activity Days.

Additionally, the museum also offers educational programs and gallery tours. With its dynamic exhibitions and engaging activities, it's a vibrant cultural destination for the whole family to explore and enjoy.

Dating back to 1786, James White's Fort in Knoxville, was the home of James White, a Revolutionary War Captain, and is known as the birthplace of Knoxville. It offers a glimpse into early settler life with its log house, cabins, and demonstrations.

Visitors can explore the main house, kitchen, guest house, and craftsmen's cabins. Educational trips are available for schools, and there are public programs like spinning and blacksmithing demos. It's a vital piece of Knoxville's history, showcasing frontier life from the past.

Nestled on 44 acres of former Howell Nurseries, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum offers peaceful walks through diverse gardens. This privately owned and beautiful place near downtown has walking trails, stone walls, and historic buildings.

Here, you can enjoy the Martha H. Ashe Garden, Stone Greenhouse, and Historic Carriage House. Don't miss events like the Fall Festival with music and crafts. Explore the wildflower meadow and join educational events like the Spring Plant Sale.

A premier outdoor garden and event space in Knoxville, the UT Gardens is open year-round and free to the public. It offers diverse horticulture, walking trails, and historic buildings as part of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee.

Visitors can explore the wildflower meadow, join guided sketching sessions, and attend various events. It's also a popular wedding venue, offering spaces like the Cornelia B. Holland Hosta Garden and the Historic Carriage House. For a peaceful day, it's an ideal choice.

Standing in World's Fair Park, the Sunsphere is a towering structure with a gold glass sphere atop, serving as the symbol of the 1982 World's Fair. Visitors can experience a stunning 360-degree view from the 4th Floor Observation Deck, capturing sights of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.

The observation deck welcomes visitors year-round, with set hours each day. Additionally, the Sunsphere hosts events on its 6th and 8th levels, managed by Venue Works.

Hosting a diverse range of shows and events, the Tennessee Theatre, one of the Tennessee Knoxville attractions is the official State Theatre of Tennessee that presents music, Broadway shows, and cultural events. Offering a unique and historic setting, it promises memorable entertainment experiences for all.

Whether it's a classic favorite or a recent hit, the Tennessee Theatre's lineup caters to various tastes, making it a must-visit for captivating cultural entertainment.

Experience an exhilarating adventure at Navitat Knoxville, situated within Ijams Nature Center. The park offers a thrilling Treetop Zipline Adventure with six trails ranging from easy to extreme, each featuring 8-12 elements like zip lines, bridges, swings, and climbs.

Guests wear safety harnesses and can visit the park year-round, buying day passes or 4-Punch Passes. It's ideal for family outings, birthdays, dates, and group events like school trips, team-building, and weddings.

Enjoy a scenic 4.5-mile loop hike at House Mountain State Park near Knoxville, taking you to Knox County's highest point. Experience stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Mountains. Start your hike at the Hogskin Road parking area, accessible from Rutledge Pike and Idumea Road.

House Mountain offers a more intimate hiking experience than Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with picnic areas and restrooms available but no drinking water provided.

Biking along Knoxville's vast greenway system is one of the fun things to do in Tennessee Knoxville to enjoy the city's beauty. With over 112 miles of paved paths, including about 54 miles of accessible routes, cyclists can explore parks, neighborhoods, and more.

Popular greenways like Knox/Blount and Third Creek offer scenic views and easy access. They're suitable for all skill levels, providing a safe and enjoyable way to experience Knoxville's natural and urban landscapes.

For individuals who are looking for unique activities to do in Knoxville during fall, you can go for apple picking. Buffalo Trail Orchard in Greenville and Apple Hill Orchard in Treadway are popular choices. Buffalo Trail Orchard offers picking in late September and October, while Apple Hill Orchard is open Monday through Saturday.

Additionally, Wheelers Orchard & Vineyard in Dunlap/Spencer also offers apple picking, starting in September. But, remember to call ahead to confirm hours and availability for a hassle-free day.

A large shopping center, Turkey Creek, situated in Farragut, Knoxville, boasts a diverse array of shopping options. With stores like Target, Walmart, Publix, and numerous restaurants, both chains and local favorites, visitors can find everything they need.

The center provides a range of stores, services, and entertainment options and visitors can indulge in shopping, dining, and catching a movie. This place is a favored spot for both locals and tourists, offering a delightful day of shopping and exploration.

As a professional group, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra brings classical music performances and educational programs to residents of East Tennessee. They extend their reach to various communities across Tennessee and even Richlands, VA.

They also offer events like Musical Story Time, and their acclaimed concert series, such as the MoxCar Masterworks Series, has made them regional leaders in music, annually reaching over 20,000 children and enriching the lives of more than 200,000 people.

Explore Knoxville's scenic Tennessee River aboard a historic riverboat, such as the Star of Knoxville or the Volunteer Princess. These authentic paddlewheel vessels offer a variety of cruises, including lunch, dinner, sightseeing, and special event options.

If you are looking for fun things to do Knoxville TN offers, then, cruising the Tennessee River, where you can soak in the breathtaking views of Knoxville's riverfront and the surrounding landscape is a must-do activity for you.

The free trolley service in Knoxville operates downtown and to the University of Tennessee campus every day except on home game days. It offers four color-coded routes, stopping at hotels, the Convention Center, and various attractions. Riding a trolley is one of the free stuff to do in Knoxville TN.

With complimentary rides, it's a convenient way to explore the city. Moreover, there's a Trolley Pub tour providing open-air city experiences with beverage options. Private and mixer tour choices are available for events.