Buckle Up

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the bluesy beats of Memphis, Tennessee is packed with outdoor adventures, historical sites, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re riding the Incline Railway in Chattanooga, splashing at an indoor water park, or chasing waterfalls in Cookeville, there’s something for every kind of travelerin the Volunteer State.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Tennessee with the family! 🚗🏞️🎸

1. Must-See Attractions & Family Favorites

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee’s most famous outdoor playground, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to scenic hikes, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain views. Families can enjoy kid-friendly trails, waterfalls, and historic homesteads.

📍 Location: Gatlinburg, TN
🌎 Website: nps.gov/grsm
🌲 Best Easy Hike: The Laurel Falls Trail is paved and great for strollers!

Dollywood & Splash Country

For thrill-seekers and country music fans, Dollywood is a top-tier amusement park with roller coasters, live entertainment, and down-home food. In the summer, cool off at Dollywood’s Splash Country, featuring water slides, lazy rivers, and a massive wave pool.

📍 Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
🌎 Website: dollywood.com
🎢 Best Ride: The Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster!

The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark

Need a rainy day or winter activity? The Wild WaterDome in Sevierville is Tennessee’s largest indoor water park, featuring a giant wave pool, thrilling slides, and a kid-friendly splash area.

📍 Location: Sevierville, TN
🌎 Website: The Wild WaterDome Review
💦 Must-Try: The Smokies Surf Rider, an indoor surf simulator!

2. Offbeat & Hidden Gems

Cookeville’s Waterfalls

Cookeville is home to some of Tennessee’s most beautiful waterfalls, all within a short drive of each other.

📍 Location: Cookeville, TN
🌎 Website: visitcookevilletn.com
🌊 Best Waterfalls to Visit:

• Cummins Falls – A gorgeous 75-foot waterfall with a natural swimming hole.
• Burgess Falls – A series of cascading waterfalls leading to a 136-foot drop.
• Twin Falls at Rock Island State Park – A hidden gem where waterfalls pour from a cliffside!

Incline Railway – Chattanooga’s Historic Mountain Climb

Take a ride on the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, climbing up Lookout Mountain at a 72.7% grade.

📍 Location: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: ridetheincline.com
🚂 Best View: The Lookout Mountain Observation Deck offers incredible panoramic views!

The Lost Sea – America’s Largest Underground Lake

Explore a massive underground cave system and take a glass-bottom boat ride on America’s largest underground lake.

📍 Location: Sweetwater, TN
🌎 Website: thelostsea.com
🕳 Best Part: The boat ride through the illuminated caverns is magical!

3. Outdoor Adventures & Active Fun

Rock City & Ruby Falls (Lookout Mountain)

Located just outside Chattanooga, Rock City is home to massive rock formations, the famous “See 7 States” viewpoint, and Fairyland Caverns. Meanwhile, Ruby Falls takes you underground to a 145-foot waterfall inside a cave!

📍 Location: Lookout Mountain, TN
🌎 Website: seerockcity.com | rubyfalls.com
🧗 Best Feature: The swinging bridge over Rock City’s cliffs!

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Tennessee’s largest and most popular state park, Fall Creek Falls features breathtaking waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and suspension bridges.

📍 Location: Spencer, TN
🌎 Website: tnstateparks.com
🌊 Must-See: Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S.!

Tennessee Riverwalk

For a relaxing outdoor stroll, the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga is a 13-mile paved path with playgrounds, picnic spots, and scenic bridges.

📍 Location: Chattanooga, TN
🌎 Website: visitchattanooga.com
🚲 Best Activity: Rent bikes or scooters for a fun family ride!

4. Best Places to Eat (Kid-Approved & Unique!)

Loveless Café – Nashville

A Tennessee institution, Loveless Café has been serving homemade biscuits, country ham, and Southern comfort food since 1951.

📍 Location: 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN
🌎 Website: lovelesscafe.com
🍗 Must-Try: The fried chicken and biscuits with homemade jam!

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – Memphis BBQ

If you want authentic Tennessee BBQ, Rendezvous in Memphis is the place to go! Their famous dry-rub ribs are legendary.

📍 Location: 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN
🌎 Website: hogsfly.com
🍖 Best Dish: The charcoal-broiled dry-rub ribs!

The Apple Barn & Cider Mill – Sevierville

A fun stop for families, The Apple Barn features homemade apple butter, fried apple pies, and fresh cider.

📍 Location: 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
🌎 Website: applebarncidermill.com
🍏 Kid Favorite: The apple cinnamon doughnuts!

5. Are We There Yet?

From riding mountain railways and chasing waterfalls to exploring caves and eating world-class BBQ, Tennessee is the ultimate road trip destination. Whether you’re ziplining through the Smokies, floating in a cave, or indulging in fresh biscuits, this state is full of adventure, history, and Southern charm.

💬 Have you explored Tennessee? Tag us in your adventures with #TheFamilyRoadTrip and share your favorite spots!