Knoxville TN, August 13, 2025
News Summary
As winter approaches, Knoxville, Tennessee offers a variety of family-friendly activities ideal for children of all ages. Local attractions, including the Knox County Public Library, various museums, and creative workshops, provide opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories. Seasonal events such as ice skating and New Year’s celebrations round out the offerings, ensuring fun for everyone during the colder months.
Knoxville Offers Exciting Family-Friendly Activities for Winter 2024
As school resumes in Knoxville, Tennessee, families are presented with a plethora of engaging winter activities designed to entertain children of all ages. Knoxville Moms has curated a list of local attractions and events that ensure families can enjoy quality time together throughout the winter months.
The Knox County Public Library stands out with nearly 40 weekly story time sessions for infants to five-year-olds, occurring Monday through Friday. For families who prefer weekend activities, Barnes and Noble offers story times on Saturdays at 1:30 PM. Moreover, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra collaborates with select library story times, enhancing the literary experience with live music. Interested attendees are encouraged to check the library’s website for specific dates and locations.
For more hands-on entertainment, Muse Knoxville is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. This children’s museum, designed primarily for ages 1-12, charges an admission fee of $12, with discounts available for seniors, teachers, and military personnel. Another attraction is the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, featuring a $10 entry fee for adults and $5 for youth and seniors, while children under five enjoy free access. The museum operates Monday-Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM.
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge offers additional family-friendly activities, being open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. Adult tickets are $10, with children ages 3-17 entering for $8. Seniors pay $5, and children under two enter free. For a historical perspective, families can visit the Museum of Appalachia in Norris/Clinton, which operates seven days a week with varying admission prices.
Additional attractions include the Museum of East Tennessee History, charging $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, with free admission on Sundays and for ETHS members. The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture invites visitors with free admission and parking, while the Knoxville Museum of Art remains free and open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM, though it is closed on holidays. A visit to the Beck Cultural Exchange offers small-group tours by appointment, also free of charge. However, the Farragut Folklife Museum is currently closed for renovations and will not reopen until 2025.
For those looking for physical activities, the Sunsphere is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM-5 PM, charging $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, with advance ticket purchase required. Families can also find creative workshops at Bricks 4 Kidz and Cook N Craft Academy, while Home Depot offers children’s workshops on the first Saturday of each month. Smart Toys and Books features an indoor playground with recommended reservations at $10 for the first child and $7 for each additional child.
For active outdoor fun, Foothills Gym and Tumble Bears host monthly open gym sessions, while Sky Zone provides jumping activities for various fees. Families can enjoy family hockey games with the Knoxville Ice Bears, with ticket prices starting at $14. Bowling centers in the area offer special rates and hours tailored for families, and winter-themed activities like snow tubing can be found at Ober Mountain and nearby parks.
Finally, families can look forward to numerous New Year’s Eve celebrations around East Tennessee. Festivities will include events at The Sunsphere, various skating venues, and local parks, ensuring plenty of opportunities for families to ring in the New Year together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What family-friendly activities are available in Knoxville this winter?
Knoxville offers various activities such as story times at Knox County Public Library and Barnes and Noble, visits to several museums, creative workshops, and seasonal events like ice skating and snow tubing.
Are there any costs associated with these activities?
While many activities are free, some attractions charge admission fees. For example, the Children’s Museum and American Museum of Science and Energy have adult tickets costing $10, while children’s tickets vary.
What are some activities specifically for younger children?
Younger children can enjoy story times at local libraries, visits to Muse Knoxville, and indoor playgrounds like Smart Toys and Books.
When do New Year’s Eve events take place in East Tennessee?
New Year’s Eve events are scheduled for December 31 and will take place at locations such as The Sunsphere and various local parks.
Key Features Overview
| Activity/Event | Location | Age Group | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Times | Knox County Public Library | Infants to 5 years | Free |
| Children’s Museum | Oak Ridge | All Ages | $10 Adults, $8 Children |
| Muse Knoxville | Knoxville | 1-12 years | $12 |
| American Museum of Science and Energy | Oak Ridge | All Ages | $10 Adults, $5 Youth/Seniors |
| Winter Sports | Various Locations | All Ages | $7 – $15 |
| New Year’s Eve Events | Citywide | Families | Varies |
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Additional Resources
- Knoxville Moms: Family-Friendly Winter Activities
- WBIR: Kid-a-Riffic Fun in the Park
- Knox News: Easter Activities in Knoxville
- Kidding Around Greenville: Knoxville Christmas Events
- Knoxville Moms: New Year’s Eve Family Events
- Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Google Search: Family Activities in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville Family Events
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
