Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Knoxville TN

Fun indoor activities to do with kids in Knoxville TN

Being in a new city can feel daunting, especially if you're like me and you have littles ones that want to get out and explore!

A huge thing for me personally, is wanting to be around other moms too to make friends and finding things to do often brings about those interactions.

Here are some of the best indoor activities I've found to do with my 2 and 3 year old here in Knoxville.

(I am always adding to my list, so if you think of something I haven't mentioned, feel free to DM me on Instagram or send me an email.)

Toddler playing at play cafe in Knoxville - Little Valley Play Cafe

Kids playing in children's coffee shop area at Southern Grace in Maryville TN

Play Cafes in Knoxville:

Little Valley Play Cafe - West Knox

They have a cute little town set up, a pretend fire for marshmallow roasting with baby camp chairs, a USPS car that can be driven around the town, a construction site with building blocks and "diggers", slides, and more! There are also plenty of tables, benches, and chairs for parents to watch from nearby, and a cafe to get a drink while your kids play.

The Wild Child Cafe - Fountain City

We got to go here for the first time recently for a birthday party, it is a bit smaller than Little Valley Play Cafe but had more climbing/sliding/jumping equipment than I remember from Little Valley Play Cafe. They still have a little grocery store, school, and veterinarian clinic set up (similar to Little Valley) but my boys spent most of their time going up and down the slides and tunnels! This one also has a little cafe and plenty of seating for adults.

(Make sure to bring socks for everyone, including yourself, or they'll have you wear plastic bags over your shoes.)

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym

We haven't been to this one yet, it definitely looks more like a gym vibe than a playcafe. I need to check it out soon because my boys would love it!

Museums for Kids in Knoxville

The Muse Knoxville

This is one we absolutely need a membership for, but it is a bit of a drive for us so we haven't purchased one yet. The vast array of options for kids of so many different ages, but especially the young ones, is great and very educational as well as entertaining.

The Knoxville Zoo

Now - I know this one isn't indoors... BUT, they have a splash pad (because if you're looking to escape the heat with indoor activities, maybe a splash pad sounds like a good option ;) )

And, they also have indoor attractions like the Amphibians and Reptiles, and a great option for little ones called Pilot Flying J Wee Adventure, which is an indoor play area that has some lizard displays as well. The zoo is just fun! Somehow, being hot at the zoo isn't as bad as roasting at a playground.

Coffee shops with kids area

Hey Bear Cafe

Summer Moon Farragut

Storytime at the Library

Personally, my kids and I LOVE the Blount County Library, the amount of activities/programs, accessibility to the walking trail behind the building to see the fountain and count turtles, and the kids play areas are unmatched in my experience. We spend hours here on a regular basis!

Specific to Knoxville, it looks like Powell also has similar children's events to Blount County, and there are a number of other library locations that tend to offer story times as well, and various other kid activities (Farragut, Cedar Bluff, and Fountain City, to name a few!)

New to Knoxville and looking for authentic family photos that capture the joy of this stage of life with your littles?

When I'm not exploring with my family, I'm a lifestyle family photographer, and I love creating meaningful family photos in the many gorgeous spots East Tennessee has to offer, from u-pick flower fields, to mountain views, to local parks - There are so many beautiful local spots that make the perfect backdrop for playful, fun, and snuggly family photos.

Check out my website, and let's plan your family's session together!

I hope you found some awesome new things to try out with your kids as you are out exploring in Knoxville together! Let me know if you try these out which ones you love, and if you've found any gems that I should check out with my littles too.

I'm Susannah!

As a lifestyle photographer, I focus on capturing the joy, playfulness, and connection of the little years in beautiful golden hour sessions.

I love getting to meet all the amazing families in the area and create family photos that feel like artful memories for your home.

I've worked with kids for many years before having my own, I promise - Your little one not wanting to sit still is totally normal and expected! I gladly incorporate that energy into your photos instead of trying to stifle their personality. I can't wait to meet your family! Click below to view my portfolio, learn more about the experience, and book a session with me.

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