Last weekend my family had the opportunity to visit the Creation Kingdom Zoo in Gate City, Virginia, near the Tri-Cities in Tennessee. The grandparents came along and walked a little, then enjoyed the shade and a drink while my daughter, husband and I enjoyed the rest of the small zoo. …
The Cades Cove Tour is a wonderful way to enjoy both frontier history and nature in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This beautiful valley was once used as hunting grounds by the Cherokee. White settlers formed a farming community in this area from around 1850 through the late 1920’s, …
Although we’ve been visiting family in the Kingsport, TN area for years, we just recently found out about the wonderful playground at Warrior’s Path State Park. Darrell’s Dream is set in a beautiful wooded area, with a stream running through it. Walk up to the tree house to the left, …
I love taking M to hands-on children’s museums. They always offer creative, educational, and fun stuff to do that in most cases I can’t provide at home. The Hands On! Regional Museum in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee has two floors packed with many, many different activities for kids of all …
We did something different this year during our annual visit to the Gatlinburg area. We found the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine in one of the many local coupon books, and decided to try it. We purchased one $15 bucket and allowed my daughter to do most of the “mining” – …
If you are planning a visit to the Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg areas, how would you like to incorporate some outdoor experiences and history into your vacation? The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers both in abundance! Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I am an affiliate …
Family-Friendly Fun Amusement park experiences can vary depending on the park and how old you are: fun for the kids, but not Mommy and Daddy, who have to chase them around! Or, fun for the whole family – unless you need a stroller or wheelchair. My family has visited Dollywood in …
Fascinating and Educational If you are visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this year, be sure to visit the Wings of America exhibit and show. It is a fascinating glimpse at America’s birds of prey, including the Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle. The show is captivating to kids and adults …
Over the past several years I’ve visited the Creative Discovery Museum several times with my nieces and daughter, and when the weather turns warmer we plan to go again! Only 1-1/2 hours or so from Huntsville, Chattanooga is one of our favorite day trip destinations. It makes a great weekend …
Hands-On Learning & Play If you are traveling on I-40/I-75 near Knoxville, Tennessee, consider a side trip to the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum! From exit 376 it is about 13 miles to the museum – about 25 to 35 minutes (click here for directions). We hadn’t planned ahead, but found …
A Fun Indoor & Outdoor Zoo! RainForest Adventures Zoo is a fun indoor/outdoor activity that is open year-round (except Christmas Day). “Featuring over 600 live animals, representing over 130 species, the RainForest Zoo is home to unique and beautiful creatures from the Rain Forests of the world.” The zoo also …
Quotes are taken from the museum’s web site. Explore The History Of Military Aircraft The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is located near the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport. The 35,000 square foot hangar houses many historical aircraft and is a wonderful indoor and outdoor educational activity. The museum’s exhibit gallery “traces aviation …
Would you like to go on a great arts and handcrafts field trip? During our visits to the Smoky Mountains each year I try to visit new artists and galleries each year while looking for my old favorites. Many of the artists manage their own shops and are happy to …
Updated August 2015 The following is a collection of ideas for field trips and other places to go in Tennessee. As we visit more places we will add more articles and pictures on this site. Please let me know if you have a favorite field trip or place to go …
Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a lovely bird park with beautiful landscaping located near Dollywood and Splash Country. The spot in front of the small waterfall would be a great place to take your annual family picture! About The Park “Parrot Mountain & Gardens Mission, Goals, and Objectives: To help protect …
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is one of the finest aquariums I have ever visited. The tunnel with the moving walkway is particularly enjoyable. There are several shows (feedings, etc.) scheduled throughout the day, and several spots to just sit down and enjoy the view! In the children’s …