Tennessee is packed with family-friendly destinations offering outdoor adventures, enchanting history, and delicious eats and sweets. From scenic hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls to thrilling mountain coasters and water activities, here are the best family vacations in Tennessee. There’s something for everyone!
Carter County, TN
The majestic Roan Mountain stands 6,285 feet tall above Roan Mountain State Park in Carter County. The 2,000-acre park features 12 miles of hiking trails, 30 cabins, and 106 campground sites. The Doe River has a healthy trout population, making it a popular fishing destination year-round.
At the peak of Roan Mountain, you’ll find the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, which blooms in June every year. Don’t miss the family-friendly Annual Rhododendron Festival (also in June) to enjoy food, crafts, mountain music, and clogging! While at Roan Mountain, hike part of the Appalachian Trail across the Grassy Ridge Bald.
Head to Watauga Lake for a bit of water adventure! The shoreline is over 50% Cherokee National Forest, providing picturesque beauty and ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling.
For even more activity, go on a scenic family bike ride along the Tweetsie Trail — a 10-mile gravel rail trail running from Johnson City through downtown Elizabethton.
For a peek into the area’s history, visit Sycamore Shoals State Park, which features a life-size replica of Fort Watauga and a museum where you can learn more about Overmountain Men and the Watauga Association. John Carter, a primary political and military leader of the late 18th century, built a home, the Carter Mansion, three miles from Sycamore Shoals. The structure is the oldest standing frame house in Tennessee.
End your adventures in downtown Elizabethton with local restaurants, including Appalachian Sun Brewery and Riverside Taphouse. You can also find live music and community events at Covered Bridge Park beside Doe River. Grab your adventure fuel at The Coffee Company or burgers and barbecue at J’s Corner, a local favorite.
Clay County, TN
Experience serene natural beauty at Dale Hollow Lake in Clay County. With no private docks or homes dotting the shoreline, the lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. It is ranked among the best house-boating lakes in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, and horseback riding in the surrounding area. Dale Hollow Lake also happens to be a favorite destination for scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts!
With six marinas, Dale Hallow Lake provides ample opportunities for family fun. Many of the marinas even offer waterfront lodging for a stay with a view. Rent a boat for the day and take your kids tubing — or teach them how to waterski!
Be sure to explore the 18-mile Red Oak Ridge Hiking and Riding Trail. This hiking and horseback riding route offers opportunities for swimming and primitive camping.
Visit downtown Celina for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Check out The Shabby Rose Boutique on the Square for local goodies and women’s clothing, and stop by Town Square Antiques or Old Home Place Antiques for one-of-a-kind finds.
For dining, visit the Quarry Restaurant & Bar at Weir Mountain for mountaintop views, open mic nights, live music, and community events. Gone Country Cafe and Ollie’s Place are two local favorites with kid-friendly menus.
The Dawg House is a local favorite for coffee, serving a variety of specialty lattes, while Teddi Lou’s Bakery is a go-to spot for doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, pies, and other baked goods and sandwiches. These are perfect to gear you and your family up for a day of adventure!
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg is filled with adventure. For breathtaking views, take a stroll across the world-famous Gatlinburg SkyBridge or enjoy a ride on the Aerial Tramway to Ober Mountain. If you love exploring nature, a scenic hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will reward you with stunning vistas.
Outdoor recreation is everywhere — whether it’s mountain biking, zip-lining, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting. Even indoors, you can experience the beauty of nature at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
For a fun family outing, Gatlin’s Mini Golf offers three beautifully designed courses, both indoors and outdoors. Spend the afternoon playing laser tag, riding bumper cars, or exploring the mirror maze for even more family-friendly fun.
Looking for a little thrill? Ride the brand-new Hellbender Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta, then slow things down with their interactive waterfall and gem-mining experience. Take a peaceful stroll along the Treetop Skywalk, the longest tree-based skywalk in North America.
A visit to Gatlinburg’s Parkway is a must — it’s the heart of town, lined with shops, arcades, museums, and live entertainment. Stop by the Gatlinburg Space Needle, where a 30,000-square-foot entertainment complex awaits with over 100 games. Or take in the sights at a relaxed pace, with the free Gatlinburg Trolley.
Art lovers will appreciate Gatlinburg’s creative spirit. Home to the largest group of independent artisans in the U.S., the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community and the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (held in July and October) offer one-of-a-kind finds.
Unwind with live music at Jason Aldean’s or Ole Red’s, enjoy a sweet treat, or relax at a local distillery or winery. When hunger strikes, Gatlinburg’s diverse dining options include Clifftop Restaurant, No Way Jose’s Cantina, Johnny Rockets, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, and Pizza Rio.
Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Gatlinburg’s charm and natural beauty make it the perfect escape.
Lawrenceburg, TN
Lawrenceburg is known for being the home of frontiersman David “Davy” Crockett; it was along the banks of Shoal Creek that he established a gristmill and distillery in what is now his namesake park. Enjoy a respite in the 1,319-acre David Crockett State Park, which features over 10 miles of hiking with scenic vistas of Shoal Creek and Crockett Falls, limestone bluffs, abundant wildlife, and serene forest. Within the park, Lake Lindsey is a popular destination for swimming and boating — plus, visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and fishing boats.
During the summer, visit the museum at David Crockett State Park, which features a water-powered gristmill and exhibits depicting frontier life. Book a modern LEED-certified cabin near Lake Lindsey — or opt for primitive camping.
Lawrence County is also home to the largest settlement of Old Order Amish in the South. The industrious community provides locals and visitors with artisan-quality products and homegrown produce. Learn more by taking a horse-drawn carriage through Tennessee Amish Country and make a stop to shop for handcrafted goods. If you do have the chance to visit Amish Country, visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos.
Next up, visit Downtown Lawrenceburg to see a replica of Davy’s office, where you can learn more about his political career. Then, head to the square to see a restored statue of the frontiersman himself.
Also in Downtown Lawrenceburg, you’ll find a variety of charming shops to peruse, like Miss Millie’s, New Moon Antiques, and Resplendent Boutique.
For dining, check out Square-Forty Restaurant for southern cuisine and hospitality, 1819 The Restaurant for historic charm, or Society Nosherie for live music.
Northwest Tennessee
Make your first stop in Northwest Tennessee at the Discovery Park of America in Union City. The world-class museum and heritage park offers interactive exhibits exploring science, history, technology, and culture — perfect for curious little ones. Nearby in Martin, The Grind Mac & Cheese Burger Bar awaits, featuring a creative menu of gourmet burgers, loaded mac and cheese, hot wings, and extravagant milkshakes.
For an unforgettable animal encounter, head to Southland Safari in Yuma. Luxurious cabin rentals are available, along with guided safari tours showcasing exotic animals from Africa, Asia, and Australia. You can even pet and feed some of the friendly creatures!
Next, visit Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm in Camden — North America’s only freshwater pearl culturing farm. Guided tours showcase the pearl harvesting process and the history of pearl farming in the region. Also in Camden, the Birdsong Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic outdoor movie experience — the perfect way to end your day.
Northwest Tennessee is framed by the natural beauty of Reelfoot Lake to the west and Kentucky Lake to the east. For outdoor adventure, visit Reelfoot Lake for fishing, boating, wildlife watching, eagle tours, hiking, and paddling. Enjoy a lakeside meal at Blue Bank Resort or The Boat House Restaurant!
For even more fun on the water, enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming at Kentucky Lake. Stay at the waterfront resort, The Lodge at Paris Landing, or set up camp at the recently awarded 2024 ICON Award for Excellence recipient, Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday.
Finally, enjoy live theater, concerts, educational programs, and interactive art experiences at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon. This family-friendly destination offers entertainment for all ages! Relax and unwind at Hometown Hangout in McKenzie, a vibrant venue with delicious food, live music, and community events.
Happy traveling!
This article is sponsored by Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Carter County Tourism, Gatlinburg CVB, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and Northwest Tennessee Tourism.
