After I saw photos from the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, NC, I knew that my family would have to go. We love outdoor adventures and seeing animals, so I knew that my kids enjoy a visit. When we decided to finally visit, the WNC Nature Center was even better than I anticipated. If you haven’t been, you need to schedule a visit.
The WNC Nature Center reopens to the public on March 17th, 2025!
Find a place to stay near Asheville, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Why the WNC Nature Center is so cool
The WNC Nature Center focuses on animals and plants in the southern Appalachian mountains so you’ll get to see animals that roamed this area eons ago up to the present day. The uniqueness of this aspect helps guests to understand more about their own environment and animals they may see in the area.
The center is built into nature with lots of shade, walkways, and natural playgrounds. It’s not huge so it’s very manageable for a day trip, especially with smaller children. The exhibits are interactive and fun for kids of all ages and the park is hardly commercialized.
What You Will See at the WNC Nature Center
You will start your visit in the Appalachian Station where kids can see a variety of small animals and reptiles. Children will also enjoy interacting with a textured wall and looking at rocks under microscopes.
Then, you will venture outside where you will follow paved and wooden sidewalks through animal exhibits. Most of the animals are behind glass or chain link fences but the exhibits themselves are large and full of animal play structures. These animal exhibits include: otters, raccoons, foxes, gray wolves, cougars, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, hawks, owls, and more. There is a brand new red panda exhibit with the cutest, fluffiest red panda ever. And the red wolf exhibit is an educational experience unto itself.
While exploring, you will also find the Trillium Nature Trail, a .6 mile nature trail to allow children to see the beauty along the Swannanoa River.
Kids will enjoy the Arachnid Adventure, a playground based on spider web jungle gyms. This playground also is surrounded by spiders hiding on the surrounding trees making a fun “eye-spy game”. There are also other playgrounds scattered throughout the park where kids use natural materials to build and play with.
Otter Falls also has a slide that kids can play on while they watch the active animals enjoy the water.
Your visit will end at the Western North Carolina Farm where kids will get to pet animals and even pretend to be farmers themselves in an interactive play zone with small wheelbarrows and tools inside the huge barn. Be sure to check out “water painting” nearby. A gem mine is also next to the barn and the buckets can be purchased in the little shop.
A new Songbird Garden is near the wolves and built like a big wall but cutouts to try to find the birds that are pictured on the wall.
Sensory Bags are available for free
For parents of children with autism or sensory processing disorders, free sensory bags can be signed out at the gift shop upon entering the center. They are sponsored by KultureCity, a national non-profit, and include headphones, a fidget toy, and a feelings chart.
Signs are posted throughout the park indicating areas to perhaps use the headphones. It’s great that the WNC Nature Center now has these available!
Should I bring a stroller?
If you’ve got small kids, bring a stroller or rent one ($10) there. There are lots of hills and little legs will probably get tired. There are plenty of places to rest and enjoy the animals and playgrounds but yes, strollers would be ideal.
Our Experience at the WNC Nature Center
We came later in the day, so we ended up missing the petting zoo (it closed at 4 pm) and didn’t have time to explore the trail. My kids had such a great time though that we hardly missed the extra activities. We easily spent two hours exploring and could have spent another 30 minutes if the nature center would have been open longer. We tend to be slow visitors to attractions, so your family may tour the center quicker especially if you don’t have small children who want to play in the play areas.
I really enjoyed that the layout and outdoor walkways seemed more like a nature walk than zoo. The animals were active in the cool fall air and most of them were easily visible. The paths were easy to follow, though it was confusing figuring out which way to turn to explore the center without missing any of the exhibits.
My kids favorite exhibits were the Otter Falls and the WNC Farm play area. I personally loved watching the cougars and was thrilled to get some wonderful photos even through glass. I was disappointed that glass and fences made it difficult and even impossible to get good photos of some of the animals, but at least the animals were easy to see in person.
Some concessions are available through vending machines and new concession areas will likely be opening in the next year. The center also has plenty of picnic space for families wanting to bring a lunch. The WNC Nature Center is also right beside a large park with a playground, picnic shelters, and public pool. The center has restrooms in the ticket access, barn near the petting zoo, at the arachnid climbing playground, and in the Appalachian Station which are wheelchair accessible.
Open: 7 days a week, 10 am – 3:30 pm Admission: $13.95/ adults ($1 off for seniors), $13.95/ youth (13-15), $9.95/ kids (ages 3 – 12) 2 and younger free 75 Gashes Creek Road; Asheville, NC 28805 828.259.8080 WNC Nature Center
Have you ever visited the WNC Nature Center? What did you think?
For lakefront tent camping and plenty of fun for the whole family, The Shores of Asbury in Anderson, SC is a great summer adventure! Thank you most especially to The Shores of Asbury for hosting us at one of their tent camping sites.
You may have seen our story on The Shores of Asbury because of their incredible Wibit inflatable aqua course and white sand beach. It’s still there and better than ever but we hadn’t camped there until now so we’ve got a whole other side of the resort to tell you about!
We loved many things about camping there but the biggest was probably the camping perks and the fact that there’s a lot to do for the whole family, from littles straight through teenagers.
Paddling off the back of our campsite
About The Shores of Asbury
Karen McCullough used to camp at Lake Hartwell at Asbury Park when she was a child. Then the campground closed and remained that way for many, many years. But that special place was always on her heart and she often thought about it as she made her way to Nashville as a professional musician who also managed dozens of campgrounds and RV resorts and traveled to every state except Hawaii throughout her musical career.
When the opportunity arose to turn her old stomping ground into a legit resort and entertainment mecca on the shores of Lake Hartwell, she jumped right in and moved back home to Anderson.
Beach at the Shores of Asbury
Today, the Shores of Asbury is in their third season. They have a restaurant, El Arriero, which serves traditional quesadillas, nachos, and other Mexican fare. You can eat and enjoy a beautiful view. They also have live music all throughout the summer, festivals, fireworks, and other entertainment.
I’ve seen it grow every season and I was thrilled to have the chance to camp there this year.
Tent Camping on Lake Hartwell
The Shores of Asbury has many RV campsites but I don’t have an RV so I can’t really tell you about that part. I do have a tent (several, actually – I have a tent addiction) though and love to use it!
There are currently 10 tent campsites plus a couple group sites and a handful of places to boondock. There’s no water or electricity at the tent campsites but the camp store has a charging station for your phones and there’s water near the bathhouse to wash dishes if need be. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal grill.
Tent site 1 at the Shores of Asbury
The group sites and tent campsites numbers 8, 9, 10, 1, and 2 are all on the water. I camp with paddleboards when I go to lakes so it’s imperative to be on the water. All of these are great if you do the same or just want to be on the lake for fishing or relaxation. Sites 3 and 4 aren’t on the lake but you can get to the lake pretty easily via a short walk. Sites 5-7 are not lakefront.
Every site is different in terms of space to put up your tent(s). They are all really spacious and you can really just choose where to put up your tent because there aren’t any tent pads as of this writing. And almost all the sites are shaded, which is really awesome in the summer because wow, it gets hot. Site #8 is right on the water but does not have shade and site #9 is a little less shaded than others.
The Bathhouse, Arcade, and Laundry
Let’s talk about the bathrooms first because I’ve seen it all when it comes to campground bathrooms and many of them have me wanting to get in and out as fast as possible. These bathrooms aren’t like that. There are five individual bathrooms that are code-locked and cleaned daily. Each has a shower, hooks, a chair, and are air-conditioned.
These were the nicest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground in my life. The only downside is that they are a few minutes walk away from the tent sites but hey, I really didn’t care because they were awesome.
Shores of Asbury playground
There’s also a small arcade with Pac-Man, an air hockey table, and a couple claw machines. One of my daughters absolutely loves arcades so she was thrilled to spend a few dollars trying to win things in the claw machines – which she amazingly did.
A coin-operated washer and dryer are also located in the same area as the arcade. These are in the same building as the bathhouse. Note that dogs are not allowed in any of the buildings.
Camping Perks
The Shores of Asbury has an utterly fantastic aqua park with inflatable obstacles reminiscent of the show Wipeout. My kids would probably choose to do one of these aqua courses over anything else I could possibly offer them over the summer.
When you camp at the Shores of Asbury, two registered campers per campsite get the first hour for free and six registered RV guests per site get the first hour for free at the aqua course before they open to the public. It’s super awesome and a lot of fun! If you want to play longer, they offer a discounted rate of $20/person for an all-day pass. This is so worth it.
Aqua course
There’s a big course for kids who are 47” and above and a smaller course for littles who are 37” inches tall. They are adding more pieces for the 2025 season. The aqua course is off a big, sandy beach so you can hang out there as well and kids can dig in the sand at the pirate ship.
More Fun Activities for Kids
As if the aqua course wasn’t reason enough to camp here, the activities for kids just adds on to the fun.
There’s a small playground with a slackline and zip line. One of my kids just did the zipline for an hour. She loved it.
Cute cow train at the campground
There’s a basketball hoop, kayak rentals, a cow train that the owner Karen runs in the evening that the kids so enjoy, lawn games, and events. When we were there, they had a festival with live music, a mechanical bull, and games like skeeball, penny toss, and fishing with magnets. It was a blast. I love these kinds of events because they take me back to my own childhood where simple things were the most fun.
All the other rules involve being courteous to campers, cleaning up your site, and ensuring everyone has a great time.
Fireworks at the Shores of Asbury
Making Your Reservation
You can easily reserve your campsite online or by calling the resort. There’s also a small camp store on site with ice, water, soda, candy, apparel, lighters, and other things you may need when camping.
Have you heard of reciprocal admission? Well, we are here to tell you what it is and why the program can benefit you (and your wallet) when visiting museums and science centers across the US! We decided to test the benefits of an ASTC Passport Program during a family trip to see if it was a deal worth the money.
One of my favorite places to celebrate the outdoors with my kiddos is high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains at Mt Pisgah Campground. The campground is right off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (near Canton, NC), and while individual sites are mostly wooded and tucked away, the entire area boasts breathtaking panoramic views of rolling green-blue mountains from horizon to horizon. Picturesque sunrises, sunsets, hikes, picnics, drives, you name it, it all comes with an incredible view.
As it sits at an elevation of nearly 5,000ft, the entire area boasts much cooler temperatures than here in Greenville. Even in the middle of summer, don’t forget a light jacket. If you’re camping in the fall, enduring the chilly air will bring the payoff of a vibrant colorscape you won’t soon forget. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs with a total of 124 sites, as well as offering drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and full service bathrooms.
Reserving a Campsite
Some sites can be reserved online and some are first-come first-serve. Campsites are just $20/night. There are no power hook-ups – so plan accordingly. And don’t forget to head down to the campfire circle for fun programs and marshmallow roasting. Ranger-led programs are offered most Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm in the amphitheater at the top of B loop.
The Camp Store
Directly across the street, through trails behind the campsites, is a quaint camp store that is always fun to visit, plus it’s got you covered when you think of what you forgot, like lighter fluid, matches, and even coffee if you can’t get that fire going in the morning. The store is open daily from 8 am – 8 pm.
Things to do around the Mt. Pisgah Campground
What else can you do? The campground offers hiking straight from the sites. If you’re feeling ambitious (and your kids are too) you can trek about two miles up the summit of Mt. Pisgah to a viewing platform that’s truly worth the effort. Our kiddos have done this many times over the years and have always enjoyed the hike.
Or drive about a mile to the trailhead of Frying Pan Tower trail, an uphill climb to an old fire watch tower with 360 degree views of the mountains.
If you want to take a dip or explore some more just head down the mountain along 276 toward home and you can enjoy Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, the trout hatchery, Cradle of Forestry, and the Davidson River among many, many others. Head further along the Blue Ridge Parkway and find yourself in Asheville for the afternoon.
One of my kids’ favorite pastimes about this camp spot is simply driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway with the windows down, and screaming their heads off in every tunnel we encounter. A warning dear friends: there are many tunnels on the BRP. Share this tradition if you dare!
Lake Lanier and Gainesville, GA are only two hours from the Upstate, SC and provide some pretty amazing opportunities for family recreation, entertainment, and relaxation. We’ll tell you all about how you can enjoy this beautiful area with your family!
Thank you to Discover Lake Lanier for providing accommodations and media tickets to us so we could write this story. All opinions are our own.
After an easy, two-hour drive from the Upstate, SC straight down I-85, you’ll be at the beautiful Lanier Islands. Once you get there, you may not even want to leave due to the many activities and restaurants right on the islands. This is the ideal spot for family fun because they really do have something for every age to enjoy.
I took my daughters, ages 9 and 13, to Lake Lanier for a couple days to experience this paradise and have all you need to know to bring your own family for a fun, summer getaway!
Beach at the LandShark Bar and Grill
About Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, only two hours from the Upstate. It was created in 1956 for flood control, power generation, and recreation. The lake is the primary source of water for millions in the Atlanta Metro area.
Almost immediately after its creation, Lake Lanier became a popular recreational destination for residents of Georgia and beyond. Its 692 miles of shoreline offer opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. We can now add a water park to that list of fun things to do at Lake Lanier!
If there’s anything that will have me packing up the car and kids and hitting the road during the summer, it’s a good water park, preferably one with some heart-pounding slides, a big wave pool, and places to hang out and relax. Fins Up Water Park at Lanier Islands, Georgia hits all those marks plus went beyond my expectations!
This place is a lot of fun and it’s really the perfect place to spend a weekend or summer trip with your family because it has something for everyone – little kids, teens, and parents. They have everything from heart-pounding waterslides to a floating obstacle course to a wave pool to an area just for little kids.
Water slide at Fins Up Waterpark
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK)
I was so impressed with this children’s museum in Gainesville, GA! It’s an entire town built for kids with tons of imaginative play items and areas. There is a dentist office, vet office, grocery store, bank, hair salon, farm, and an indoor playground. There’s a small airplane and baggage check along with a dance studio and hands-on construction items.
My daughters (ages 9 and 13) are at the tail end of the audience of INK, which is geared towards kids ages 2-12, but they still loved it. Your $9 admissions ticket includes two hours of play at a designated time. We were there for almost an hour and a half and if my kids were younger, I would have had to drag them out. I cannot say enough good things about this place.
999 Chestnut Street NE, Gainesville, GA INK Website
Imaginative play vet office at INK children’s museum
Gamechanger
The Gamechanger is a new addition to Lanier Islands. It’s a huge arcade and restaurant that also has an indoor mini-golf course, axe throwing, and virtual reality rooms. My kids and I absolutely love arcades and we had such a great time playing in the arcade after dinner for about an hour. They have all kinds of games like Skeeball and racing cars and throwing balls at clowns (our favorite). The prizes they have are the best prizes I’ve ever seen at an arcade. From toys to treats to puzzles and games to an actual kayak, kids will find something they’ll love to get with their winnings.
The huge saltwater pool at Legacy Lodge is heated and feels divine. There are plenty of seating options, umbrellas, pool towels, and an overall relaxing atmosphere. A giant fire pit sits at the very end of the pool but it wasn’t going when we were there (probably because it was over 80 degrees). My daughters and I really enjoyed hanging out at the pool after spending the majority of the day exploring Gainesville. It was the perfect place to relax.
Legacy Lodge Saltwater Pool
Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Gainesville
I love botanical gardens for their beauty. Flowers will always make me smile. At the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, the place that got my kids smiling the most was the Children’s Garden. They have a really cute playground and building area for kids to get creative at but also an awesome little place where kids can play in the water, which is much appreciated on hot, summer days. We walked around and enjoyed the other parts of the gardens and the stained glass insect exhibit as well but it was the Children’s Garden that made this place stand out.
1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, GA Open Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
Water feature at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville, Georgia
Gainesville has a beautiful downtown area that centers around a town square. There are lots of great boutiques and restaurants to enjoy. We loved walking around and checking out the unique shops. If Kilwins was open, we would have indulged in some of their delicious ice cream. There’s a free public parking garage right off the main square.
Jaemor Farms
Jaemor Farms has u-pick strawberries, peaches, and sells a huge array of local produce and fruit plus jams, pancake mix, bread, and lots of other goodies that I dare you not to purchase. They also have homemade ice cream that is amazing. We got the strawberry peach mix and it was absolutely delicious. This was the perfect place to go on our way home since it’s literally on the way back from Lake Lanier to Greenville and well, the fruit makes really good snacks while driving home. The strawberries never even made it to my front door!
5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto, GA
Peaches at Jaemor Farms
Where to Eat
LandShark Bar & Grill
The LandShark Bar & Grill overlooks a beach and marina and is the perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset. LandShark Landing and LandShark Bar & Grill are free to visit, except for holiday weekends and during special events. On these days, entry is $9.99.
After you wear yourself and the kids out playing games in the arcade or trying the escape room, you can grab dinner at the restaurant on-site. They have a full restaurant and bar. We got a Greek Salad, Garlic Parm fries, and a quesadilla. For my two daughters and I, this was plenty and we went home with leftovers!
This place is absolutely delicious and about 15 minutes outside of the resort. They have some really cool burger options plus poutine with cheese curds and gravy. It was delicious. We decided to go all out and get one of their over the top shakes and went with the Cheeseburger in Paradise, which had vanilla ice cream, white chocolate chips, and an entire slice of Key Lime Cheesecake on top. Paradise, indeed.
We had breakfast at Sidney’s, which is the main building at Legacy Lodge, and overlooks the pool. We went for breakfast and every single thing we had was delicious. They serve a breakfast buffet with scrambled eggs, Florentine eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal, fresh fruit, an omelet station, and Belgium waffles. Kids are $11 and adults are $17.95. My kids ate so much that we didn’t eat lunch till around 2 pm that day. Sidney’s is open for breakfast daily and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Caroline’s on Main
Walking into Caroline’s was like stepping into another world. The walls are painted pastel pink with the booths to match. There are flowers on every table, which are set to perfection. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful. And the food – oh my gosh – the food. This was one of our favorite meals we had on this trip. We went for breakfast and got pancakes, a Bourbon Belgium waffle, and a breakfast plate with eggs, toast, homemade jam, and the best fried potatoes ever. I don’t even know what was on them but they were oh-so-good.
5518 Main Street, Flowery Branch, GA
Bourbon waffle at Caroline’s
Collegiate Grill
Collegiate Grill looks like it is straight out of the 1950s. It has the black and white checkered floors and red walls. The blue booths are in pristine condition and the shakes looked delicious! We got their burger and fries special and the food was like you’d expect typical diner food. It was the most inexpensive place we went to eat and right off the main square in downtown Gainesville so perfect for lunch after a shopping trip.
220 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA
Where to Stay
Discover Lake Lanier had us stay in a beautiful lake house, which was 1,200 square feet, had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, deck with gas grill, and huge living space. We walked in and immediately fell in love with the spacious house. They offer pet-friendly options.
We really enjoyed relaxing here between all the fun adventures we had and while we didn’t cook, I would have absolutely used the kitchen if we had stayed for a longer period of time. When I travel with my family, we almost always choose hotels with kitchenettes or AirBnBs so I can cook and save money on eating out. There is a large table inside, a picnic table on the deck, and a gas grill – perfect for summer grilling out. One note: consider bringing a white noise maker. The lakehouses are lakeside and some boats hang out late into the night and play music, which may bother lighter sleepers.
Living room at the Lake Lanier Lakehouse
There are also rooms in Legacy Lodge and villas that overlook the lake on the other side of the islands. At Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, you can stay in a glamping tent, lakeside cabin, or even rent an RV. So no matter your family size or lodging desire, there are options for you.
You can also rent a golf cart for easy transport around Lanier Islands. It’s a big place so a golf cart comes in handy. If you prefer your car, you can certainly do that as well. Or bring bikes! That would be a great way to get around.
Specials at Legacy Lodge
Be sure to sign up for emails from Legacy Lodge to get notified of specials. Right now, they are offering 30% off stays plus a free golf cart for rooms/lakehouses booked through September 2024. The sale ends May 28, 2024. Follow their Specials page on their website to snag some good deals.
Lake Lanier sunset
Lake Safety
Like many lakes, many unfortunate events happen every year. The follow information is provided by Lake Lanier:
One reason why deaths might seem high at Lake Lanier, specifically, is because of the visitation rate — according to the city of Gainesville’s website, millions of people visit the lake each year. More visitors mean more incidents are likely to be reported.
Safety Tips and Resources
Lake Lanier encourages always wearing a life jacket no matter your age or activity- swimming, boating, kayaking, etc.. It is always better to be safe and take precautions in open water. Lake Lanier provides life jacket loaner stations with infant, child, youth and adult sizes stationed throughout the property to encourage use.
Never mix alcohol and water.
Do not drive a boat while or after drinking. Lake Lanier now offers a water taxi service and encourages guests to utilize their transportation instead of drinking and boating.
Be aware of your surroundings for underwater obstructions, debris, or underwater vegetation that could cause you to get stuck or injured.. These can often be difficult to see under the water, so use caution when jumping or swimming in the water. Again, life jackets are encouraged when participating in all of these activities.
Always jump in the water feet first.
Swim with a buddy and be aware of your group and their locations.
Know your limitations and don’t try to push them.
Honest Mom Review
Lake Lanier really surpassed all my expectations. I really had no idea there was so much to do there and within such a short distance from Greenville. My daughters and I loved Fins Up Water Park the best and I have no doubt they’ll be asking me to go back soon. The lakehouse was fantastic and so spacious plus just a beautiful spot to relax after having fun all day in the sun or exploring Gainesville. My kids love, love, love arcades so we spent some really enjoyable time there knocking down all the clowns in our favorite arcade game and then taking forever to pick out the prizes they wanted.
I think the best part – and it always is the best part – is getting that time to have fun and spend quality moments with my kids. Making memories with them is really special and Lake Lanier made it so easy to do that and really without having to leave the islands much at all. When things are all in one spot like that, I like the ease of not having to travel after driving in the car and having things really close to each other. So, Lake Lanier, I hope to see you again soon!
Traveling to Georgia? Don’t miss our Kidding Around Travel Guide to Georgia, full of guides to popular cities, things to do, places to stay, restaurants, and more!
Looking for more places to travel for family fun? See our big Travel page!
For a fantastic summer experience that is great for the whole family from teens to little kids and parents, and two hours from the Upstate, check out Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, Georgia. We checked it out and have all the details!
Thanks to Discover Lanier Islands for providing media tickets for this review.
If there’s anything that will have me packing up the car and kids and hitting the road during the summer, it’s a good water park, preferably one with some heart-pounding slides, a big wave pool, and places to hang out and relax. Fins Up Water Park at Lanier Islands, Georgia hits all those marks plus went beyond my expectations!
This place is a lot of fun and it’s really the perfect place to spend a weekend or summer trip with your family because it has something for everyone – little kids, teens, and parents.
Water slide at Fins Up Waterpark
About Fins Up Water Park
Fins Up is part of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and if you’ve read any of our other stories about our trips to Margaritaville properties, you know they are our favorite places to visit. The atmosphere at Margaritaville properties is just one that really encourages you to relax and enjoy your family. It’s chill and easy-going and all the things that your regular life at home isn’t (for the most part).
I really didn’t know what to expect with the water park because it wasn’t one that was on my radar. I had heard about Lanier Islands and had hoped to go but did not know much about the water park – boy was I pleasantly surprised.
Wave Pool at Fins Up Water Park
The wave pool is huge and the waves are exactly like the ocean except way better because no sharks.
There is plenty of seating available if you want to just hang out and watch your kids. We saw some people reading books and looking happy. They had reason to be – it was a beautiful day at a beautiful spot.
The wave pool stops producing waves every few minutes and then starts up again. It’s a blast.
Wave pool at Fins Up Water Park
Rides at Fins Up Water Park
New for 2024 is Apocalypso—Georgia’s first adrenaline-fueled waterslide coaster. It has two big drops where your stomach goes up into your heart and you fly up a giant wall and then slide back back. It’s 418 feet of fantastic fun. We did it a couple of times and absolutely loved it.
There are several waterslides, including three new ones: Serpentine Storm, Dreamsicle Dive, and Mango Mania. These are in the same area as Apocalypso and you can choose to go down them when you get to the top of the platform.
Mat Slide ride at Fins Up Water Park
The Apocalypso is definitely one of the more heart-pounding ones but there are a couple others I dared not try like the Racing Water, Intimidator, and Triple Threat. These are slides where you do some kind of free fall water slide action that would probably give me a near fear of heights and falling. I’ll do all the other ones though!
My oldest daughter and I loved the mat waterslide, Splashdown, where we rode headfirst down a slide on a mat. It was awesome.
Cat 4 is a tubing adventure near the LandShark Bar & Grill and past the Aquatic Adventure where you can race your friends and family to the lake on a giant tube.
Both my daughters and I loved Raging River, an old-school water slide with lots of twists and turns and some smaller drops. You end up getting dunked in a small pool at the end.
Aquatic Adventure
I had to hold my daughters back from sprinting towards the aqua park – Aquatic Adventure – as soon as they saw it when we walked into the park. We absolutely love these floating obstacle courses and have done all the ones we could find in South Carolina and North Georgia so we were more than happy to add this one to the list. This one was by far the largest aqua course we have ever done in terms of how many pieces of equipment there were there.
I was completely exhausted after 15 minutes or so because these things, while fun, are so hard to not slip around and climb on the obstacles. It’s such a blast though and we loved every minute. You can go on as many times as you like.
Witbit at Fins Up Water Park
Kids have to be 48″ for the floating obstacle course. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian and be at least 48″ tall. Life jackets are required and are provided.
Areas of the Water Park for Smaller Kids
Little kids will certainly enjoy the wave pool, even if they stay by the entrance and just play in the water. But if they want to get a little more action in, there is Parakeet Springs, which has mini-waterslides, splash fountains, and Wiggles Waves (a mini wave pool).
Fin Dunker Bucket is a cute area next to the LandShark Bar & Grill where kids wait to get dumped on by a huge bucket of water. It’s hilarious to watch.
Kids also will love the sandy beach. There are small areas of the lake to splash around in but the beach is enormous with plenty of space to run around or just hang out and relax in beach chairs.
Food at Fins Up Water Park
There are plenty of food and drink options at the water park. You can get everything from burgers to chicken tenders to nachos to a famous margarita at the Tiki Bar on the beach.
Ice cream is also easy to come across! You really don’t need to leave the water park at all since there is a lot to do and you can eat there.
Tips on Enjoying Fins Up Water Park
Even though I’ve only gone one time, I have a few tips to share on how to enjoy this awesome park.
Look at the height requirements beforehand for the rides you’d like go on or that your kids would like to go on. Then you can plan where to go and no one will be surprised.
Look at the map of the water park beforehand and when you get there. I’m embarrassed to say this but my daughters and I completely missed like five water slides because we thought the water park ended at the beach at the Aquatic Adventure. It didn’t. It kept going and we didn’t even find out until later on when we went to have dinner at the LandShark Grill.
Locker rentals are available. We didn’t do this but we usually rent lockers when we go to water parks. There weren’t a lot of people there so I figured I’d take my chances with a towel and beach chair. If it was more crowded, I would have rented a locker. Rentals are between $12-$20.
Be prepared to walk. While the park isn’t as big as a theme park, it does require a lot of walking, especially when you’re carrying tubes up hills to get to the launch point. Some of these hills are steep so take breaks if you need.
Parking is $20. Guests entering Margaritaville at Lanier Islands are required to pay $20 for parking. That fee is waived for season pass holders.
Make sure you have a credit card or some other cashless way to pay at the park. Cash is not accepted there.
Try to go during the week or early/late in the season. We went the second day of their 2024 season and were able to ride as many rides as we wanted without hardly any wait times. I imagine this place will be a lot busier as summer fully hits and on weekends and holidays.
You can reenter on the same day. If you want to leave the park for any reason and come back, you can certainly do that as long as you still have your wristband on.
Beach at Fins Up Water Park
Honest Mom Review: Fins Up Water Park
I just love water parks and Fins Up Water Park was no different. I really enjoyed the water slides and aqua course and having fun with my daughters was a memory we will get to share for years. Some of the slides were kinds I had not seen before – these were made before the more modern ones of steel and plastic – and while I never felt unsafe, it was just a new and fun experience.
All the staff was really nice and it was easy to see they were well-trained on safety protocols. They always made sure the slides were clear before sending down the next person or group. And the lifeguards on the Aquatic Adventure were paying attention to everyone to ensure safety.
My daughters (ages 13 and 9) really had a blast here. It wasn’t as big as some of the other water parks we have been to but that made it all the more charming and fun honestly. We didn’t feel rushed and knew we could hang out at the beach or wave pool if we wanted some downtime. Also, because the water park is part of Lanier Islands, it was such a great place to enjoy as a family as part of our short visit there knowing we only had to drive a few minutes to the lake house where we were staying for a couple nights.
Tickets and Admission to Fins Up Water Park
You can purchase your tickets online and if you purchase more than 24 hours ahead of time, you’ll receive $10 off adult admission. Regular day-of admission is $59.99+ tax ages 7+ and $44.99+ tax ages 4-7. If you purchase ahead of time, adult tickets are $49.99+ tax.
Until May 31, 2024, Fins Up Water Park is offering season passes for $99.99 plus a free Pre-K Kid’s Pass for ages 3-5 by purchasing two regular-price passes.
Once Memorial Day Weekend hits, they are open daily until Labor Day Weekend most days 11 am – 7 pm. Check the Fins Up website as some days they have later hours.
Where to Stay Near Fins Up Water Park
Use the map below to find places to stay nearby! Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map!
Traveling to Georgia? Don’t miss our Kidding Around Travel Guide to Georgia, full of guides to popular cities, things to do, places to stay, restuarants, and more!
If you’re looking specifically for things to do in downtown Charleston, we’ve got some ideas for you in this story based on our personal experience.Rife with history, beauty, and charm, Charleston, SC is a must-visit city in the United States. It is easily one of our very favorite places to visit.
Parking in Downtown Charleston
For things to do in the greater Charleston area, see our Guide to Charleston.
For parking, we parked on the street near the Charleston City Market and paid via the meter but if you plan to spend all day, it would be worth it to park in the garage near the South Carolina Aquarium or in a lot in downtown Charleston.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Use the map below to find stellar accommodations in Downtown Charleston that are just right for your family. When you book through the links in the map, Kidding Around earns a small percentage through an affiliate relationship with Stay22.
And now, the adventure! Fun, family things to do in Charleston, SC ahead.
Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is a piece of American History. It’s been in existence since 1807 and hosts a variety of beautiful makers and artists that sell everything from jewelry to clothing to the iconic sweetgrass baskets. There are also some delicious food items at the market, including Callie’s Biscuits.
They are open daily, except Christmas, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Be sure to check out their Night Markets also, Friday and Saturday from 6:30-10:30 pm March – December.
188 Meeting Street, Charleston
Charleston City Market
Byrd’s Famous Cookies
We stumbled upon Byrd’s Famous Cookies because it’s right outside of the Charleston City Market and they offered free samples. That did it. These cookies are absolutely delicious. They are small and full of flavor (get the Key Lime cookies) and you can try them all! Byrd’s has been around for 100 years so it’s also part of the historical aspect of the city, which is the best excuse ever to eat some cookies.
43 S Market Street, Charleston
Byrd’s Famous Cookies
Charleston Waterfront Park
The Charleston Waterfront Park is stunning and full of beautiful views. There is a splash pad, the famous pineapple fountain, gorgeous walkways overhung with oak trees and Spanish moss, and views of the Ravenel Bridge. The first time I went here there was a big storm over the bridge and we saw some incredible lightning strikes! There are plenty of places to sit and swinging benches here to enjoy the views.
Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston
Pineapple fountain
Charleston Carriage Tour
This is the one thing on the list that we didn’t personally do but that we really wanted to. I love history and taking a carriage ride while learning about the history of Charleston from a tour guide seems perfect. Tours are an hour long and cost $50/adult and $40/kids. You can find them at the City Market.
Carriage tour in Charleston
The Battery and Rainbow Row
The Battery is actually a huge seawall that protects quite possibly the prettiest homes I’ve ever seen in my life. These houses belong on every cover of Southern Living imaginable. They are stately and gorgeous and the Battery is a great spot to walk along the water to spot dolphins. Just down the street from there is Rainbow Row, a famous row of painted townhomes in pastel colors. It feels like taking a step back in time and a great photo stop.
83-107 East Bay Street, Charleston
Rainbow Row
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-see when you visit Charleston for its incredible dive tank, sea turtle rescue hospital, stingray touch tank, and stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge – we even saw some dolphins while relaxing on the deck.
You can catch the ferry to Fort Sumter either from Patriots Point or right next to the South Carolina Aquarium at Liberty Square. The museum is located next to the Aquarium and it’s really neat if you’re interested in more information about the fort. Be sure to do the Junior Ranger book at the fort since it’s a great way for kids (and adults, let’s be honest) to learn about the history of where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
Liberty Square (340 Concord St, Charleston) Patriots Point (40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant)
If you’re a history-lover you’ll also want to check out the 200 year-old Edmondston-Alston House near the battery.
Charleston Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective and to get across the Charleston Harbor without having to drive. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Have your camera ready, the taxi ride will provide you with some great photo opportunities of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and The USS Yorktown plus maybe some dolphins. You buy an all-day pass and you can ride as many times as you want.
Charleston Farmers Market
The Charleston Farmers Market has such a cool group of vendors with everything from local produce and vegetables and meat to jewelry and apparel to coffee and crepes. They open in April for the season and happen every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm.
329 Meeting Street, Charleston
Charleston Farmers Market
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
This church, which opened in 1907, is just stunning. The cathedral recently underwent a renovation and the results are gorgeous. If you’re Catholic, attending Mass here is a beautiful experience and if you’re not, even stopping to see the beauty of the Gothic architecture is worth it. They offer tours after Sunday masses.
Are you looking for things to do in Knoxville, TN with your family? We’ve got your list! Local mom, Jordan, shares her family’s favorite things to do in Knoxville, TN. So whether you’re a local looking for a fun new adventure, or you’re traveling to Knoxville with the kids, this list will give you some fabulous ideas for things to do in Knoxville, TN with kids!
Alexa, play Rocky Top! Sorry, we know you will be singing that song all day but we couldn’t help ourselves.
If you’re traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the Tennessee Volunteers, the iconic Sunsphere, and a fun place to have fun with your family, we’ve got a list of 20 things for you to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Before you go on an adventure, here are a few tips:
The sunshine has returned so make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of water to stay hydrated.
Don’t forget your snacks, strollers, and comfortable walking shoes.
Check the social media pages of each attraction to be aware of any unexpected closings.
Have fun!
Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is WILDly fun, as they say, and a perfect spot for family adventures. Our family loves to spend a whole day at the zoo during the Summer months because you can walk around and see the animals and then cool off at the splash pad at the end of your walk around the zoo. You can easily spend an entire day here as The zoo offers:
Muse Knoxville is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) children’s museum. My kids love the art exhibit where they can create any craft they can imagine and it works out for me because I don’t have to worry about cleaning up the mess! They offer:
A Planetarium
14+ exhibits to explore
Outdoor play areas
Gift shop
Special events
Birthday parties
They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm
Address: 516 N. Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914
Cost:
General admission (ages 1-64): $12
Reduced cost admission: $6
Senior citizens (65+), Tennessee educators with valid ID, military & guests of military personnel with valid ID, members, and children under age 1: free
The Knoxville Children’s Theatre is a great place to enjoy a show with your family. They perform a new show every month. You can purchase tickets on their website and select your preferred showtime. They sell refreshments at the front desk for their shows.
We had so much fun watching the Three Little Pigs at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre. If you want a seat close to the stage, make sure you get there early so you can grab your snacks, use the bathroom, and then enjoy the show!
Here are the plays showing by month for the remainder of 2024:
May 3rd-19th: Little Women
June 7th-23rd: Fantastic Mr. Fox
July 12th-28th: Cinderella
August 7th-25th: Tom Sawyer
September 13th-29th: Magic Treehouse: Dinos Before Dark
October 25th-November 10th: Beowulf: The First Avenger
Address: 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 Cost: Tickets are $12-$15 each and can be purchased online
When visiting Knoxville, you must visit the iconic Sunsphere that is located in World’s Fair Park. The Sunsphere was built back in 1982 for the World’s Fair. When you go inside the Sunsphere you can enjoy an amazing view of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains.
They are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm
Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm
Your ticket is for a 30-minute visit
NOTE: The Sunsphere observation deck is closed daily from 1:30 to 2:30 pm excluding Sundays.
World’s Fair Park does not have parking on-site. You must park in a parking garage.
They are handicap accessible as the elevators can take you to the observation deck.
There is a gift shop.
Address: 810 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee
Cost:
Adults & Children 12+: $5
Children 12 and under: $1
You can purchase tickets online or at the base of the Sunsphere
Knoxville Museum of Art is located in World’s Fair Park and features contemporary and historical art pieces from the East Tennesee region. They host events often for the community to participate in.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Closed Mondays
Address: 1050 World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916 Cost: Admission is free
Market Square is nestled in downtown Knoxville and a perfect spot to enjoy a meal, shop, enjoy dessert, splash in the splash pad, and enjoy the sounds of the city. There are several restaurants on Market Square including, Emilia, Not Watson’s Kitchen & Bar, Soccer Taco, Ruby Sunshine, and Tupelo Honey. There are also shops including Urban Outfitters, Tree of Life Salon & Spa, and Rocket Fizz.
My favorite restaurant for date night is Emilia but if you want a great spot for your family to enjoy a meal, Myrtle’s Chicken & Beer is great!
After you eat dinner, you have to walk over to Gay Street and enjoy ice cream at Cruze Farm Dairy! They have so many fun ice cream cone options for kids and a really fun seating area.
Take a stroll after dinner through Krutch Park which is located in Market Square.
Market Square is open Monday through Sunday 24 hours but shops are open according to their own individual hours.
Local parking garages close to Market Square: Market Square Garage, Langley Garage, & Locust Street Garage. Parking is free on nights and weekends.
The Market Square Farmer’s Market is a seasonal open-air market that lines the street every Wednesday morning from 10 am to 1 pm starting on May 1st to November 20th, 2024 and they are open on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 1 pm starting on May 4th to November 23rd.
Address: Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Free Visit Downtown Knoxville’s Website for more information.
Cruze Farm Dairy
Cruze Farm Dairy has several locations in East Tennessee. The downtown Knoxville location is located on Gay Street near the Tennessee Theatre. Their ice cream experience is unforgettable and its locally made at Cruze Dairy Farm. My kids love enjoying the chocolate ice cream cone dipped in rainbow sprinkles and sitting in the seating area to beat the summer heat.
They are open:
Monday through Wednesday from 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Thursday through Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm
They have inside dining at the downtown location.
There is a parking garage directly in front of Cruze Farm’s downtown location.
They sell merchandise and fresh milk for you to purchase.
Address: 445 S Gay St #3, Knoxville, TN 37902 Visit Cruze Farm’s Website for more details.
Tennesse Theatre
After your ice cream break, catch a show in the iconic Tennessee Theatre located on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The theatre offers many shows throughout the year.
Box office is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 3 pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can tour the theatre by selecting a tour ticket on their website or request a private tour if you have 10+ participants.
Shows and show times vary according to the schedule.
When driving around Downtown Knoxville, you might notice a big basketball on the roof of a large building. That’s the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and it is the largest basketball in the world. You can take a tour of the facility, learn about famous women’s basketball players & coaches, and try your hand at basketball on one of the courts.
They are open every Spring/Summer starting May 1st to August 31st from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
They are open in the Fall/Winter starting September 1st to April 30th from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37915 Cost:
You can tour the iconic Neyland Stadium while visiting Knoxville. Home of the Tennessee Vols, Neyland is the 6th largest college football venue in the United States. They offer 60-minute tours of the facility.
They are open Monday through Thursday ONLY.
Tours are only offered at 10 am and you must pre-book online.
No walk-ups are allowed as booking is limited.
Tour check-in is at Gate-21 Plaza at Neyland.
Parking is available at Volunteer Hall Garage located at 1525 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 and the cost is $1 per 30 minutes.
Address: 1235 Phillip Fulmer Way SW, Knoxville, TN, 37996 Cost:
Adults are $20
Children (13 and under) are $10
For large groups please call the office at 865-974-1205
If you’re visiting Knoxville in the fall, you can enjoy a Knoxville Ice Bears hockey game. Their season runs from fall to early spring each year. They offer an electric experience that is sure to keep your family entertained. The Ice Bears have a kids zone, concessions, merchandise to buy, and plenty of photo opportunities with their mascot Chilly Bear.
My kids are particularly sensitive to loud noises but we didn’t have an issue at this hockey game. It is loud when the fun music plays but not overbearing. However, if you have little ones who are sensitive to noise, take headphones with you. Don’t forget to buy popcorn and enjoy the kids’ fun zone before the game ends!
They are open seasonally starting in the fall of 2024
Address: Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr Drive, Knoxville, TN 37915 Cost: Tickets start at $15+ Visit the Knoxville Ice Bears website to learn more.
Tennessee Smokies Baseball-MOVING To Knoxville Soon
If you love baseball, the Tennessee Smokies baseball team (a minor league team) is a quick drive outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. The stadium is currently located in Kodak, Tennessee but they are building a brand new stadium in Knoxville that is set to open in 2025. A Smokies game is fun for the family as they have activities for kids, food vendors, fun events, and more.
We love getting to the game right as the gate opens so we can take advantage of the kid’s activities and grab dinner at the Batter’s Box Bar & Grill. The cheeseburger and fries are amazing!
A game day schedule is available on their website.
Get to the game early to get a good parking spot.
Some of the stadium is shaded but take a hat and sunscreen just in case.
Batter’s Box Bar & Grill is a family favorite! Their burgers & fries are amazing!
Address: 3540 Line Drive, Kodak, TN 37764 Cost: General admission starts at $11 a ticket Visit The Tennessee Smokies’ Website to purchase tickets and learn about their promotions
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center is an urban nature park right outside of downtown Knoxville that features over 10 miles of trails perfect for hiking, walking, biking, and bird-watching. They also offer swimming, climbing, natural playgrounds, canoe rentals, and more. My kids especially love the natural playgrounds and looking at the indoor animal exhibit.
Grounds are open daily from 8 am to dusk.
The visitor center is open Sunday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Bathrooms are located in the visitor center.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Parking is $5 per car per day.
Ijams is dog-friendly but dogs must be on a leash and you must clean up after them. No dogs are allowed in the visitor center.
They have a gift shop, hallway art gallery, and an exhibit hall with some animals on display that you will find in the park.
Ijams offers many educational opportunities including field trips, homeschool opportunities, camps, nature preschool, and more.
You can rent their facility for birthday parties, weddings, meetings, retreats, and more.
Don’t forget bug spray, a towel if you plan to swim, comfortable tennis shoes or sandals as you will walk a lot, and water.
Address: 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 Cost: Admission is free but donations are always welcome. Parking is $5 per car per day. Follow Ijams Nature Center on their Facebook page for more details.
Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center
Located in Farragut, Tennessee, about 35 minutes from downtown Knoxville, is Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center. They have paintball, a splash zone, a mini-golf course, and golf carts. Sir Goony’s also offers birthday party packages.
They are open year-round (weather permitting):
Monday through Thursday 12 pm to 8 pm
Fridays from 12 pm to 9 pm
Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm
Sundays 12 pm to 8 pm
If you reserve the park for a party, they can open at any time for your event.
Address: 10925 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Cost: Each attraction in the park is priced separately depending on how long you stay. Follow Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center on their website for pricing details.
Main Event
At Main Event Knoxville, you and your family can enjoy bowling, gravity ropes, laser tag, arcade games, billiards, and good food.
They are open:
Mondays 11 am to 1 am
Tuesdays through Thursdays 11 am to 12 am
Friday 11 am to 2 am
Saturdays 9 am to 2 am
Sundays 11 am to 12 am
You can book and purchase your activities online.
Address: 9081 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 Cost: You can book your activities on their website. Follow Main Event Knoxville on their website to book your activities.
Bijou Theatre & The Bistro at the Bijou
Catch a performance and a meal at the famous Bijou Theatre in Downtown Knoxville. They have a wide variety of music and performance art showings each year.
They are a cashless venue
No large backpacks, purses, or duffel bags are allowed. Clear bags are not required but all bags are subject to be searched by security upon entry
They have a concession stand and on-site bistro
Tickets and showtime are subject to the performance schedule
Address: 803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Tickets start at $25 Visit The Bijou Theatre’s Website for more details
Navitat Knoxville
At Navitat Knoxville you can enjoy one of their 6 adventure trails with your family. They offer zip-lining, swings, nets, climbing, bridges, and more. They are located in Ijams Nature Center near downtown Knoxville.
They are open:
Mondays, Wednesdays Thursdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm
They have two ticket options (a daytime ticket and a nighttime ticket) that include all of the adventures in the park.
You must be 7+ years old and weigh between 30-265 pounds to participate.
An adult is required to attend with all children under the age of 17.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.
Book in advance to be sure you get the date(s) you are visiting.
Address: 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 Cost:
Tickets for the Treetop Adventure Park are $52 + tax per person
Tickets for the Navitat At Night are $65.95 + tax per person
This admission price is the same for adults and children
Take a ride along the Tennessee River in Downtown Knoxville on The Star of Knoxville Riverboat. You can enjoy a lunch, dinner, or sightseeing cruise depending on what you’re looking for. They have several cruise options that include a meal and some options that do not include a meal depending on the date you select.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Make a reservation in advance.
No dress code is required.
Parking is at Calhoun’s on The River on Neyland Drive.
Cruises are non-refundable.
Address: 300 Neyland Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Tickets start at $25 for adults and $15 for children. Pricing depends on the date and type of cruise you select. Visit The Tennessee Riverboat’s Website to learn more and book your cruise.
Maple Hall
Maple Hall is a boutique bowling alley that offers 11 lanes of bowling, a cocktail lounge, life-sized board games, a full food and drink menu, and more. They are located in Downtown Knoxville.
They are open:
Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm
Friday from 4 pm to 1:30 am
Saturday from 11 am to 1:30 pm
Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm
You must be 21+ after 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights to attend.
They do not take reservations.
Address: 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 Cost: Bowling rates are per lane per hour:
Monday through Thursday: $25 per lane per hour
Fridays: $39 per lane per hour
Saturdays: 11 am to 4 pm: $25 per lane per hour, 4 pm to 1:30 am: $39 per lane per hour
Try your hand at axe throwing in Downtown Knoxville at Craft Axe Throwing. You can book your experience (or walk-ups welcome if availability allows), learn a few safety tips from the team, and then have fun throwing axes with friends. There are two locations in Knoxville.
Downtown Knoxville Location Hours:
Mondays through Thursdays from 5 pm to 10 pm
Fridays from 2 pm to 11 pm
Saturdays from 1 pm to 11 pm
Sundays from 2 pm to 7 pm
West Knoxville Location Hours:
Closed on Mondays
Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm
Fridays through Saturdays from 12 pm to 11 pm
Sundays from 2 pm to 8 pm
Both locations only allow those who are 16+ after 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Address:
Downtown Location: 119 W. 5th Avenue – Suite 150, Knoxville, TN 37917
West Knoxville Location: 320 N. Peters Road, Knoxville, TN 37922
Where can you stay near Downtown Knoxville? Use the map below to find great hotels, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals near attractions you want to visit.
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
What is your family’s favorite thing to do in Knoxville?
Discover more adventures in the state of Tennessee!
Inside: A local mom review of Zoo Knoxville with all the tips and details you need for your visit.
If you’re looking for a day of fun in Knoxville, Tennessee, Zoo Knoxville is WILDly fun! You can spend a whole day here and not run out of things to do. In this guide to Knoxville, TN’s zoo, one local mom shares her favorite exhibits, plus tips and things to remember so you’ll have the best visit with your family. Use our guide to plan your trip to the zoo!
About Zoo Knoxville
The 53-acre zoo is in East Knoxville, about 13 minutes from Downtown Knoxville. There are around 1,200 animals to see and learn about throughout the zoo. When we moved to Knoxville, I took my kids to the zoo and was immediately sold on a membership simply because of how much there was to do. We visit several times a month and never tire of spending time here.
Stay Near Zoo Knoxville
Coming from out of town? Book a vacation rental or hotel near Zoo Knoxville. Use the map below with options nearby to find the perfect place to stay.
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Zoo Knoxville Tips & Things to Know
Before you visit, here are a few tips from a frequent Zoo Knoxville visitor:
Hours, Rules & Ticket Information:
Zoo Knoxville Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking is $5 and free for members. Memberships pay off!
You can bring your own food & drinks to the zoo but glass containers and straws are not allowed. Or you can enjoy one of their 5 eateries if you don’t want to pack a lunch.
Ticket Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: $26.95
Children (3-12): $21.95
Seniors ages 65+: $21.95
College Student with ID: $21.95
Children 2 and under: Free
Active Military & Veterans: Free
Firearms are not permitted on Zoo Knoxville grounds.
Zoo Knoxville is a vape and smoke-free campus.
Accesibility Feautures in the zoo:
Wheelchair, strollers, and scooter rentals start at $12+
Sensory bags are located at the front desk
Quiet Zones (Located at the Barn Loft & Painted Dog areas)
Headphone Zones (Located at the Kid’s Cove, Wee Play Adventure & Safari Splash)
There are bathrooms throughout the park with changing stations.
Things to See at the Knoxville Zoo
Now that we’ve covered hours, rules, accessibility, and parking, let’s jump into all the exhibits & fun things to do at Zoo Knoxville.
What Animals are at Zoo Knoxville?
Zoo Knoxville has 12 habitats you can enjoy across the zoo. Grab a map of the zoo when you purchase tickets and plan a route that works for you.
Habitats include:
The ARC (Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Campus): This newer building is so neat to explore as it features Joe the sloth, lots of turtles, gigantic snakes (even a Reticulated Python), crocodiles, and more! This exhibit is mostly indoors but you can view the turtles outside as well.
Black Bear Falls: At Black Bear Falls, you can watch the North American Black Bears sleep, play, and interact. There is a large tunnel (resembling a bear cave) that will take you right up to their enclosure so you can get the best view of what they’re up to. This is an indoor/outdoor exhibit.
Boyd Family Asian Trek: Here you can laugh as beloved Georgie the Gibbons monkey swings in his enclosure, watch the Malayan Tigers take their afternoon nap, and admire the many Langurs swinging across their enclosure.
Chimp Ridge: This habitat is solely for the beautiful & majestic Chimpanzees. This enclosure is large and contains several viewing areas depending on where the chimps are hanging out for the day.
Clayton Family Kid’s Cove: This habitat contains many farm animals that you would find on a farm. The Kids Cove contains turkeys, raccoons, goats, beavers, guinea hogs, and more. This habitat also includes a small wading stream (best for toddlers), the Clayton Cabin playground, a large sandbox, and animal interactions.
Clayton Otter Creek: This habitat might be my favorite. You can watch the North American River Otters splash and play in their large water habitat. They are very active and are a popular exhibit at Zoo Knoxville.
Gorilla Valley: Gorilla Valley is another large habitat that houses beautiful Western Lowland Gorillas. They like to hang out in their indoor enclosure but often run through their large open-air enclosure.
Grasslands Africa: A safari in Knoxville? Yes! You can see elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, and zebras! This area is all open-air and the animals are usually easily visible.
Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure: Here your preschool & elementary-aged kiddos can play on the indoor playground surrounded by a Komodo dragon, lizards, snakes, and more. This area features a sandbox, slide, and baby playspace.
The Boyd Family Red Panda Village: This habitat features fuzzy and sleepy red pandas. They like to sleep high up in their nets in the trees so be sure to look up when you visit.
Tiger Forest: This habitat is solely for the Malayan Tigers. Zoo Knoxville has a breeding facility for the endangered Malayan tigers.
Valley of The Kings: Here you can see the African Lions and Baboons. They are in two separate enclosures located near the Clayton Safari Splash Pad.
Clayton Safari Splash Pad
During the spring & summer months, you can cool off after a long walk around the zoo at Clayton Safari Splash Pad. This is included in your admission ticket so no need to pay extra! They are opening on May 17th, 2024 this year and typically stay open until Labor Day each year. This area offers a gift shop, changing areas, and picnic tables to sit and watch your kids splash.
More Things to Do At Zoo Knoxville
Additional Fun Activities:
Take a ride on the carousel located near the Clayton Family Kid’s Cove. Rides are $4 for visitors and $2 for annual pass holders.
Zip through the trees on the Soaring Eagle Zipline. This is a tandem zip ride. Single rides start at $13 per rider.
Take a spin on the Zoo Choo Train. Rides are $4 per ride.
Planet Predator: This new exhibit will be available starting on May 1st, 2024, and will run until October 31st, 2024. You can see several prehistoric predators including an animatronic snake, dinosaur, and more. This is included with your admission.
Did you know you can stay in a cabin at Upstate Zipline? Set in a private and beautiful portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Upstate Zipline operates cabins, tent sites, and even an event venue with options for families or groups. We got a chance to stay in a cabin and enjoy the site. WOW did our family have a blast. This is such a great place for families to enjoy some time exceptional quality time together. We’ll take you through our visit and tell you how you can plan your own stay at Upstate Zipline’s cabins.
Thanks to Upstate Zipline for inviting us to stay, zip and gem mine so we could bring this review to our readers!
Watch! Our Visit Was Epic, See For Yourself
Is it Glamping? Cabins at Upstate Zipline
I have to tell you a secret. I do not camp. Me in a tent, it’s happened like two nights in the last 20 years. It’s just not my thing. But I do love spending time by a nice campfire, listening to the birds, taking a break from the everyday hum drum, and watching my tweens and teenage kids remember that not all of life has to be complicated. It’s ok to kick back, be silly, and let the pressure of final exams and approaching SATs take the back seat for a while.
I’m not entirely sure about the definition of “glamping.” But if it involves peaceful, outdoor enjoyment, along with a comfy bed, hot shower, Keurig Machine, and a microwave in a spotless cabin, then we can definitely call our experience in our Upstate Zipline cabin a “glamping” trip.
The Cabins
In case you aren’t familiar, Upstate Zipline operates an amazing canopy zipline tour through a portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park. The tour ends in a section of the park called Camp Cedar Creek, just a few minutes from their office location. Originally operated by the state park, Upstate Zipline has taken over managing this camp and they’ve done some awesome things for families!
Families can stay in one of two family cabins at Camp Cedar Creek that sleep 6 to 8 people. They are extremely clean and comfortable cabins, with air conditioning and a kitchenette. The cabin we stayed in had a king-size bed and two bunk beds with linens, a couch seating area, fluffy towels, a dining table that seats 6, and even a television.
And of course outside the cabin was a fireplace with a grill over the top that we could cook on, two picnic tables, and two rocking chairs on the porch. Honestly, we spent most of our time outside! We cooked over the fire both nights of our stay, hamburgers one night and hot dogs the other. And of course, there’s always room for s’mores.
If you’re not the cooking outdoors type, the cabin does have a microwave and a hot plate. There’s also a mini fridge with a freezer, a Keurig machine, plus basic utensils and dishes.
The bathrooms are located at a central bathhouse which is really only a few steps from the cabin. And what I love, love, love about this bathhouse is that each cabin is assigned a private, locking bathroom. It has a hot shower, mirror, toilet, sink, towel holders, bench, all the things you need in a bathroom. It’s clean and your family will be the only ones using it so you can leave your towels in there, toothbrush, shampoo, whatever!
You remember how I don’t camp? Normal bathhouses are part of that. This is NOT a normal bathhouse. So much better.
The two family cabins and the group cabin, more on that in a minute, are all located together on a little dead-end circle in the park. My kids brought their skateboards and loved riding them around this area. The circle would be a perfect place for small kids to enjoy scooters or bikes, so make sure to bring them along!
Group Cabin
The third cabin is meant for groups and is furnished with bunk beds, sleeping 12. It also has a kitchenette and table, plus an outdoor fireplace and picnic tables. This cabin would be good for a large family, small youth group, scouts, or any small group.
More to Love at Camp Cedar Creek
The property is located on a private cove of Lake Keowee. “Beautiful” is not a strong enough word, “stunning” and “magnificent” get a little closer. From the cabins, there is a short trail down to a driveway that ends in another dead-end circle. Here you’ll find the lake and Upstate Zipline’s The Venue.
The Venue
The Venue, as the name implies, is an event venue that can be rented for events like weddings, family reunions, baby showers, birthdays, and even work retreats. With a full kitchen inside, it has a gorgeous view of the water, an outdoor stone fireplace, a fishing pier, a lake shore for relaxing, and lots of outdoor space. The Venue can accommodate groups of up to 100.
The Lake
Sit on the shore and enjoy the view of a private Lake Keowee cove. The shoreline all around the cove is tree-lined and beautiful. We saw fish jumping, turtles, and even a goose family with goslings in the lake and wandering the shore.
My children did enjoy wading in the lake, however, we were told later that alligator snapping turtles had been seen in the cove. After that, we did not swim, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to watch out for. But, we did make use of the kayaks provided by Upstate Zipline.
If kayaking is something you’d like to enjoy, just ask about them when you book. They were left for us on the shore of the lake along with life jackets and paddles. It was so easy, and such a fun way to spend the sunny afternoon!
From the shore, you can see two ziplines crossing the lake. These are part of the zipline tour, which again, is awesome. But, my kids also really enjoyed paddling out in the kayaks to watch a group come through on the ziplines. If you’re lucky you might catch a group coming through from the shore or a kayak, too. Make sure to give them a wave.
Why You’ll Want to Go
So, let’s recap. Comfy cabin, air conditioning, time spent outdoors, happy kids (and even teens!). What did we leave out?
Zipping! The cabins are just about a 5-minute drive to Upstate Zipline’s office where your family can start your zipline adventure, zip through the trees AND mine for gems! We have all the details on that in our story on Upstate Zipline.
You can zip and mine for gems without staying in the cabins, too. So, if you’re looking for a totally cool day trip, this would be fabulous.
My kids and I had never ziplined and we had the best time zipping through the trees and over the lake. It was such a great adventure to share together. The folks at Upstate Zipline are just about the kindest and most welcoming family ever. It was an absolute blast.
And then we got to mine for gems at the sluice beside the office. My kids found amethyst, fossils, coral, and all kinds of treasures. They are still having fun identifying all their finds.
For a unique family adventure, we really can’t recommend Upstate Zipline enough. Book your cabin for a couple of nights, zip, mine for gems, enjoy the lake, kayak, and most of all enjoy your family sitting together beside that campfire making s’mores. It doesn’t get much better than that.
