The spots, by neighborhood
Zoo Knoxville
Around 200 species across the zoo, with a strong reptile collection (the Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus) and a giant pandas history.
East Knoxville
Muse Knoxville
A children's museum aimed at ages 0 to 10 in Chilhowee Park, with a planetarium, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and a regular event calendar. 516 N Beaman St.
East Knoxville
East Tennessee History Center
Regional history in downtown Knoxville with hands-on exhibits and a dedicated kids' classroom; pairs well with a Market Square lunch.
Downtown
World's Fair Park
Downtown's central green: the Sunsphere, the fountains kids run through in summer, the Festival Lawn, and easy walking to the river.
Downtown
Ijams Nature Center
The Visitor Center has touchable exhibits and a nature playground; the trails out to Mead's Quarry are doable with little legs. 2915 Island Home Ave.
South Knoxville
Market Square
Downtown's pedestrian plaza, with the farmers market Wednesdays and Saturdays in season, summer fountain play, and easy ice cream and pizza nearby.
Downtown
Lawson McGhee Library
The downtown Knox County public library: a regular storytime program, a kids floor, and a place to land on a rainy day.
Downtown
"Zoo Knoxville and Muse Knoxville are the two anchors; everything else gets stitched in around them."
On the calendar
More →
Sat
13
Jun
10am
Family & Kids
Weekend Family Day at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville
·
East Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sun
14
Jun
1pm
Family & Kids
Sunday Family Nature Program
Ijams Nature Center
·
South Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sat
20
Jun
10am
Family & Kids
Weekend Family Day at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville
·
East Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sun
21
Jun
1pm
Family & Kids
Sunday Family Nature Program
Ijams Nature Center
·
South Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sat
27
Jun
10am
Family & Kids
Weekend Family Day at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville
·
East Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sun
28
Jun
1pm
Family & Kids
Sunday Family Nature Program
Ijams Nature Center
·
South Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sat
4
Jul
10am
Family & Kids
Weekend Family Day at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville
·
East Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Sun
5
Jul
1pm
Family & Kids
Sunday Family Nature Program
Ijams Nature Center
·
South Knoxville
Kid-friendly
Good to know
What is the combined Zoo + Muse deal?
Zoo Knoxville members get $2 off Muse Knoxville admission with a Zoo ticket within 7 days. Either is enough to fill a half-day; together they fill a full one.
Where do I park downtown with kids?
The Market Square Garage and the State Street Garage are the closest to Market Square, World's Fair Park, and the Tennessee Theatre area; both validate for some downtown businesses.
What if it rains?
Muse Knoxville is fully indoors. The East Tennessee History Center and Lawson McGhee Library are both downtown rainy-day options, and Ijams' Visitor Center has touchable exhibits even when the trails are wet.
Details from Muse Knoxville, Zoo Knoxville, and Visit Knoxville. Verified June 2026.