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Things to Do in Knoxville with Kids
Knoxville is an easy, friendly city for families: a walkable downtown with splash fountains in Market Square, a giant gold globe to ride up into, a great zoo and miles of trails in the Urban Wilderness. And the Great Smoky Mountains are less than an hour away. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Knoxville sweet treats tour walks downtown with beignets, biscuits and more, so it's a tasty way to start a family day.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Market Square, World's Fair Park, the Sunsphere, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Ijams Nature Center trails
- Rainy day picks: Muse Knoxville, the East Tennessee History Center, the Knoxville Museum of Art
- Sweet treat: Our Knoxville donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Knoxville, by neighborhood
Downtown and Market Square
Market Square
FreeThe heart of downtown, with splash fountains, a farmers market in season and a holiday ice rink.
World's Fair Park and the Sunsphere
FreeLawns, a performance lawn and the Sunsphere, a golden globe with an observation deck.
Parent tip: Market Square's fountains are a summer splash zone, so pack a towel and a change of clothes.
The riverfront and South Knoxville
Ijams Nature Center
FreeTrails, a quarry lake and a nature center in the Urban Wilderness. The Navitat treetop course costs extra.
Volunteer Landing
FreeA riverfront walk with fountains along the Tennessee River.
Around town
Day trips into the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
FreeEasy waterfall hikes and wildlife spotting less than an hour away.
Parent tip: The park has no entrance fee, but cars parked for more than 15 minutes need a parking tag.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Knoxville Sweet Treats Tour walks downtown with stops for beignets, biscuits and other local favorites, plus stories about the city along the way. Guides are happy to help with allergies and dietary needs.
Taste Knoxville's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Knoxville tours
"Great experience for our family that included many tasty treats and information about the downtown area."
Elizabeth M., TripAdvisor, November 2026
"Wynter was a wonderful tour guide, lots of information and attempts to accommodate food allergies. Also very good with kids even mine who don't talk much :)"
Jarrod M., TripAdvisor, November 2026
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Knoxville guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Knoxville covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: sweet treats tour downtown.
- Splash in the Market Square fountains.
- Up the Sunsphere at World's Fair Park.
- Knoxville Museum of Art.
Day 2: Animals and nature
- Zoo Knoxville when it opens.
- Lunch.
- Trails and the quarry at Ijams Nature Center.
- Sunset on the riverfront.
Day 3: The Smokies
- Drive into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- An easy waterfall hike.
- Lunch in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
- Aquarium or Dollywood in the afternoon.
Knoxville with kids by season
Holidays
- Holidays on Ice: an outdoor skating rink in Market Square for the season.
- Christmas in the City: tree lighting and holiday events downtown.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood: a big holiday lights festival in Pigeon Forge.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Knoxville.
The rest of the year
- Spring: wildflowers in the Smokies and the Dogwood Arts festival.
- Summer: Market Square fountains, farmers markets and cool mountain hikes.
- Fall: football weekends fill the city, and the Smokies put on a great leaf show.
- Winter: mild days and holiday skating downtown.
Knoxville with kids FAQ
Is the Knoxville sweet treats tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is a downtown walk, and guides are great with families. Kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Knoxville with kids?
Market Square's fountains, World's Fair Park and the Sunsphere, the Knoxville Museum of Art and the trails at Ijams Nature Center.
How far are the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville?
Under an hour's drive to the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
Muse Knoxville, the East Tennessee History Center or the Knoxville Museum of Art.