By Megan Smith
Where to Go for a Kids' Vacation in Tennessee
Tennessee is a hot vacation spot, literally. Many tourists opt to go during the spring or fall months because of the blistering summertime heat. But if you and your family are willing to brave the sun, taking a trip to Tennessee during the summer can be cost-effective; summertime flights are usually less expensive and you'll have more to spend on fun with your children. If you have only a few days in Tennessee, make sure to check out Memphis,
Nashville and Knoxville on your way through the state that declares it's "America at Its Best."
Fun for Kids in Nashville
The Adventure Science Center boasts all kinds of fun and educational attractions, including BlueMax, a jet simulator; BodyQuest, a journey inside the human body; the Adventure Tower, which contains its own kinetic wall; and Space Chase, a full-size flight simulator.
800 Fort Negley Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Phone: (615) 862-5160
On sunny days, head over to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, which features animal shows, a giant jungle gym and even gardening classes available daily. Take a look at the white tigers or hang out with a giant anteater in its habitat.
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37211
Phone: (615) 833-1534
If you're faced with a rainy day, drive your kids on over to the Monkey's Treehouse. All of the activities at this indoor playground are supervised, so you can put your feet up, relax for a while and let your kids run wild.
8074 Highway 100
Nashville, Tennessee 37221
Phone: (615) 646-5002
Fun for Kids in Memphis
The Rock 'N' Roll Soul Museum is a delightful treat for kids and adults who share an interest in music. The museum is a charming exhibition about the birth of rock 'n' roll soul music in Tennessee, created by the Smithsonian Institution.
191 Beale St., Suite 100
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: (901) 205-2533
If you find yourself in Cordova, just outside Memphis off Route 40, your kids will thank you for it. Cordova features what may possibly be the world's most fun buffet at Memphis' Incredible Pizza Co. If you're looking for a little relaxation, you can head over to the parents' room, where it's nice and quiet.
1245 N. Germantown Parkway
Cordova, Tennessee 38016
Phone: (901) 309-3132
The perfect end to any day is a trip to the Peabody Memphis Hotel to see the famous Peabody ducks. A duckmaster leads the five ducks to the hotel's lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
149 Union Ave.
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: (901) 529-4000
Fun for Kids in Knoxville
If you're in Knoxville on a warm summer day, take a ride on the Three Rivers Rambler, a steam engine that departs from Volunteer Landing downtown. If your kids are train-crazy, riding the Rambler is a fun activity for the whole family.
P.O. Box 2408
Knoxville, Tennessee 37901
Phone: (865) 524-9411
For dinner, stop by Bravo Cucina Italiana, where your kids can draw on the tablecloths all they want before, during or after the meal. But they probably won't even pick up the crayons when your waiter hands them a ball of pizza dough to play with.
106 Major Reynolds Place
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
Phone: (865) 584-5510
Knoxville Museum of Art's slogan is "open your eyes, open your mind," and that's exactly what you and your children will do when you explore the exhibits. The Knoxville Museum is open every day but Monday, so plan your visit accordingly.
1050 World's Fair Park
Knoxville, Tennessee 37916
Phone: (865) 525-6101
Resources
About the Author:
Megan Smith has been a freelance writer and editor since 2006. She writes about health, fitness, travel, beauty and grooming topics for various print and Internet publications. Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in writing from New York University.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sraburton
