Featured in this Article:
Indoor Activities in and near Memphis
Tennessee offers a variety of places to escape the colder months. From rock climbing to exploring space, making artistic creations and music, check out these indoor things to do in Tennessee in the winter.
Indoor Activities in and near Memphis
National Civil Rights Museum
More than 40 new films and 260 historic pieces the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis guides visitors through 500 years of history from slavery to the start of the Civil Rights Movement and the events that inspired the world to stand up for equality. The Lorraine Motel’s Rooms 306 and 307 have been preserved and tell the story of Dr. Martin Luther King’s last hours April 4, 1968.
Urban Air Trampoline Park – Cordova
Get some serious air at the Urban Air Trampoline Park to burn some energy flipping and bouncing through courses, climbing walls and playing Ultimate Dodgeball. Have fun at the Slam Dunk Zone, The DROPZONE, the APEX, tumble track and much more. There’s also an arcade, cafe and indoor ropes course.
Legends of Tennessee Music Museum - Jackson
Dive into the rich history of Jackson, Tennessee at Legends of Tennessee Music Museum. Ideal for adults, you'll find a rich mixture of blues, country music and rock as Jackson was the site of the first rock music ever heard on earth. Learn about the songwriters and famous musicians who were born here and played here while standing at ground zero for the birth of rock n' roll.
Discovery Park of America – Union City
Discovery Park of America is a world-class attraction in rural Union City, Tennessee that adults and kids can enjoy. Home to more than 70,000 square feet of galleries covering subjects like history, art, science and nature, Discovery Park has indoor and outdoor activities. Fun is around every corner form the dinosaurs and the 60-foot replica of a human body with a 30-foot slide to the Tower Room and a theater simulation of the 1811-12 earthquakes of the region.
Indoor Activities in and near Nashville
Adventure Science Center
Hands-on science exhibits keep kids of all ages entertained for hours at Adventure Science Center. Nanoscience, physics and vortexes are explored with interactive elements. Learn the science behind space through the Star Walk, an imaginary galaxy, and see what it’s like to walk on the moon with Moon Walker. Have a full-dome, immersive outer space experience by catching a show at the Sudekum Planetarium.
Music City Indoor Karting
Race friends and family for bragging rights by taking a drive around the go-kart track at Music City Indoor Karting in Nashville. The quarter-mile track inside the 77,000 square-ft. facility is fast-paced indoor fun winter activities for kids and adults. The karts can reach up to 40 mph but speed limits are available for younger drivers. After a few races, keep the energy up with Blacklight Mini-Golf, a ride on the mechanical bull and the MeltDown challenge course.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
Perfect for snowy or rainy days, the indoor-outdoor luxury water experience that is SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort elevates the waterpark experience for kids and adults. Open year-round, the 111,000-square feet of upscale water attractions include Stage Dive, a body sliding adventure; two lazy rivers; a multi-level play structure called Half Note Cove that has spray features, small and medium slides and shallow water; and Record Launch which features two experiences - a tubing bowl with 16 LED lights and four music speakers; and a two-person serpentine water ride. Dining, shopping and virtual reality games can also be enjoyed.
ArtLink - Clarksville
Want to get out of the house to do something creative? ArtLink in Clarksville is a creative arts program that provides people of all artistic skills to learn and explore various art mediums through creative classes and workshops. It's a great place to go if you're looking for winter activities for kids, too. Sign up for one of the many workshops highlighting stained glass, candle making, macrame, watercolor, crochet and painting among others hosted throughout the year.
Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery - Smithville
You may be wondering, "Isn't visiting a farm an outside activity?" Sure, but at Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery, you can escape the elements for one of the cutest activities - goat cuddling. January and February are the months when a new herd of goats are born, making this the best time to snuggle the babies. Step into the warm cuddling rooms at Harmony Lane and take a few moments to relax with a goat in your arms (makes for great photos). Full farm tours are available if you want to bundle up and meet the large herd of milking goats. Then, step into the farm store where you can buy goat milk products from cheese to soaps and lotions.
Indoor Activities in Chattanooga
High Point Climbing and Fitness
Get some exercise at Chattanooga's High Point Climbing & Fitness with sport climbing, bouldering, auto belays and the new Kid Zone, which includes 3,000 square ft. of climbing fun including 15 auto belays and a 10-foot kid’s boulder area. Climbing classes are available and recommended for beginners, which covers climbing technique and practice.
Tennessee Aquarium
Take a deep dive under oceans and Tennessee rivers to see the creatures that call these waters home. At the Tennessee Aquarium, enjoy the playfulness of otters and lemurs, marvel at the colorful fish like Midas Cichlid, flashlight fish and the Tennessee Dace. Learn the importance of conservation and get even closer to sea creatures, constellations and more in the IMAX Theater. You'll love your day at the No. 1 aquarium in the nation for overall guest satisfaction.
International Towing & Recovery Museum
Did you know the U.S. towing industry began in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Step inside the International Towing & Recovery Museum for a deeper look into this fascinating industry including the first towing and recovery vehicle, a 1913 Cadillac, that is on display. Towing equipment ranging from 1913 to 2002 are in the showroom that'll excite history lovers and automobile enthusiasts.
Indoor Activities in and near Knoxville
Knoxville Museum of Art
A day of art and culture can be spent at Knoxville Museum of Art that hosts nationally-known artistic works. Take a few moments to fully enjoy Cycle of Life, a Richard Jolley installation which is one of the largest glass-and-steel artwork in the world. Also, the Thorne Rooms, created in the 1930s and 1940s are some of the most well-known miniatures in the U.S. and are inspired by Europe’s museums, historic homes and castles.
Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville is where you can let your children have fun during a rainy day and also learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Your children will have a blast learning of the world around them in exhibits. Learn about the important roles of healthy eating, play with rainbow-colored lights in the Illumination Station and more. Finally, take a trip around the universe in the Planetarium.
American Museum of Science & Energy - Oak Ridge
Science and history come alive. The American Museum of Science and Energy explores Oak Ridge’s history of the Manhattan Project and how it changed the world. AMSE’s family-friendly science and exhibits highlight smartphone technology, 3D printing, super-computing and life-saving cancer treatments through interactive, hands-on exhibits and special events.
Indoor Activities in the Smokies
Pigeon Forge Snow – Pigeon Forge
America's first indoor snow tubing park is in Pigeon Forge. Bring your family and friends to Pigeon Forge Snow and experience the snow tubing hills and snow play area. Race each other down the hills, build snowmen and snow forts all year long. The facility is always 60-70 degrees inside, so you don't have to stay bundled up for winter fun.
Beyond the Lens! - Pigeon Forge
Entertainment and technology collide at Beyond the Lens!, home to FlyRide. FlyRide is a sensory experience that gives you an immersive feeling of flight as you soar above 22 national landmarks. You could spend hours playing interactive games, trivia, virtual reality games, an augmented reality scavenger hunt and 2-minute escape rooms. Hunt for Bigfoot and dive into an alien egg ball pit. Take endless selfies in the Selfie Gallery and at other photo-op areas including a press briefing room in the White House.
XPERIA: Ocean Journey - Sevierville
XPERIA: Ocean Journey is a new attraction in Sevierville and already making waves. A hyper-real experience you will never forget, XPERIA: Ocean Journey is part hyper-real animal interactions, self-guided exploration and cinematic masterpiece all in one. Through digital technologies and immersive storytelling, adults and children can dive under the sea to explore areas of the ocean and interact with some of the most amazing underwater creatures without a wetsuit. Tickets are on sale now.
Looking for more indoor attractions to visit during your Tennessee vacation? Check out our article full of fun, rainy day activities.
Charming Winter Getaways in Tennessee
Stay in these cozy hideouts to make your vacation magical.