Welcome to Tennessee! With so many diverse attractions just waiting to be explored, you and your family are in for the adventure of a lifetime. After you get settled into your new home, here are some fun ways to explore Tennessee鈥檚 local culture and find your own connection to the Volunteer State.
Engaging in the Local Arts Scene
You don鈥檛 have to be an artist to create one-of-a-kind fluid art masterpieces at . Fluid art is a fantastic way for newcomers to relax, meet people, and experience hands-on creativity in a semi-private, safe, and professional setting.
You can choose from a wide variety of fun and unique forms of art, including acrylic pour painting on canvas, resin beach scenes, resin tumblers, mosaic picture frames, charcuterie boards, wine glasses, and Patch Party.
Bring your family for an unforgettable bonding experience that will help build self-esteem, nurture positive behaviors, and relieve stress. Fluid art classes are fun for all ages and artistic abilities. No previous artistic experience is required, and instructors will walk you through every step of the process.
Fun Fact: HFA鈥檚 founder discovered a proprietary paint pouring technique by accident while experimenting with paints in her garage in Hawaii during COVID. Now, HFA boasts more than 50 locations nationwide.
Tennessee is also home to other interactive art experiences that foster community engagement, including , which feature more than 50 participating art galleries offering free admission. The Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville also has an interactive exhibit for kids.
Another family-friendly attraction is Madame Tussauds in Nashville, where you can touch, see, feel, and photograph figures of your favorite musicians and step into immersive iconic scenes and musical performances.
Outdoor Adventures and Cultural Hotspots
Sometimes you need a break from city life, and Tennessee has more than its share of lush and lovely state parks your family can visit, along with unique cultural sites. You won鈥檛 want to miss these gems.
- is one of the state鈥檚 largest and most-visited state parks. Fall Creek Falls encompasses more than 29,800 acres, spreading across the eastern peak of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. It features one of the highest waterfalls in the United States and hiking trails of varying lengths to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages.
- Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a more grown-up destination, nestled in the heart of the Jack Daniel Distillery campus in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The more than 120-year-old welcome center serves as a gateway for more than 300,000 guests each year. You can immerse yourself in the deep-rooted traditions of whiskey making and indulge in a unique sensory experience as you traverse the trail.
- Local Festivals and Other Events abound in Tennessee, including the Tennessee State Fair (August 14-23), Nashville Oktoberfest (October 3-6), and Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (August 20-30). These events are a wonderful way to mingle with other new residents and make new friends.
Fun Fact: If you are feeling adventurous, Tennessee has more caves than any other state, including Tuckaleechee Caverns, Forbidden Caverns, Dunbar Cave, Bell Witch Cave, and Ruby Falls.
Family-Friendly Activities & Community Involvement
You don鈥檛 necessarily have to travel far or spend a lot of money to go on a family adventure that everyone will enjoy. In Tennessee, the possibilities are as vast and varied as your individual interests.
Don鈥檛 let your adventure end with the 鈥渕ain event.鈥� Extend your day out by dining out or, weather permitting, enjoying a family picnic. You can use this time to bask in the afterglow of your shared experience and plan your next adventure.
If you have multiple kids of different ages, they may not all enjoy the same activities — and that鈥檚 okay! Challenge them to work together on a calendar of activities for each weekend (or each month) of the year, where they can take turns choosing their favorite activities.
You and your family will have plenty of time to explore the most talked-about sights in Tennessee, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, the Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, and Graceland. But don鈥檛 forget to check out these other museums and outdoor markets:
- Franklin Main Street Festival (April 26-27) draws more than 120,000 visitors to historic downtown Franklin each year for a diverse array of arts and crafts vendors, outstanding entertainment, and delectable foods. Admission is free, so why not stop by there before or after your visit to Hawaii Fluid Art in Franklin?
- Adventure Science Center in Nashville is dedicated to delivering innovative, dynamic learning experiences that open your children’s minds to the wonders of science and technology. This 44,000 square foot facility features more than 175 hands-on exhibits and a state-of-the-art planetarium.
- Andrew Jackson鈥檚 Hermitage is the third most-visited presidential home in the nation. Here, your family can learn about 鈥淭he People鈥檚 President鈥� by touring more than 30 historic buildings, walking trails, beautiful gardens, and much more.
Fun Fact: Did you know Tennessee is also famous for its food? The Volunteer State is known as the barbecue capital, ham heaven, and catfish kingdom. It is also the birthplace of Mountain Dew. With more than 519 statewide festivals, you can find something for every palate.
Conclusion
Moving can be stressful for a family, but you have chosen an amazing state to call home. With an abundance of history, natural beauty, and cultural contributions, it is a state worth exploring and cherishing for generations to come.
