5 Fun Indoor Activities in Tennessee

Are you tired of sitting around the same four walls, watching Netflix and not doing much else? There are so many fun activities that can be done from home, especially if you’re a resident of one of America’s most beautiful states – Tennessee! From cozy dinners at unique eateries to exploring the outdoors with winter gear on your feet, here are 10 engaging indoor activities in Tennessee for days when you just don’t feel like leaving.

The 10 Best Indoor Activities in Tennessee

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (33917)
Phone: +1 865-430-8808
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

We loved this place! Definitely worth the trip! They have a large play area for the kids and their gift shop is great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs and things for yourself! Ha ha
They have a couple of interactive things to do and their penguin encounter is very informative. If you get a chance, don’t miss the mermaids! So graceful! My only complaint (this does not reflect on the establishment) is some forget basic manners. Let’s all be courteous people.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jessica Sunshine “JSHINE” Casillas (3 months ago)

My kids had so much fun!!! The drive was long but overall great experience. Their bathrooms need to be checked on more often. They have a really nice changing table for my younger one great play areas for my 5 year old just wish it was more toddler friendly here. Prices are a bit up there but overall friendly staff just wish the interacting with their customers more. The update features of the building are nice just wish I caught one of the shows to have a full experience. But no major complaints would definitely go again.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Kaiya walker (4 months ago)

My kids had a wonderful time here. (4yrs and 6 yrs) The aquiarim is very well designed and run. The exhibits are up to date and nothing is broken or out of order. Although, it’s all interconnected and you can explore freely, the museum is designed, so that if you just keep walking forward, you will see it all and can walk straight out through the gift shop without the use of a map. Also, it is a great indoor activity if you need an escape from the weather.

There are so many things to see and the exhibits are beautifully executed. My kids went back to revisit their favorites before we left. I believe that the museum is designed to view entirely in 2-3 hours, but we spent about 5 hours and only left because we had dinner reservations. This attraction is well worth the price of admission. I recommend it.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Fernando Orrego (3 months ago)

Loved it! A beautiful and captivating place to spend a couple hours. So many different fish and sea creatures to view and be taken aback by. Everything from sharks to jelly fish can be found here. The atmosphere that they’ve created here is also amazing. The lighting, the sounds and the music all adds to the experience and makes this place feel almost magical. If you visit you have to go through the tunnel underneath the large, main fish tank that has all the sharks. That was truly the best part, getting the see the sharks and larger fish up close while going through the tunnel was amazing. Some of them swim right over your head or ever lay down and rest on the top of the tunnel itself. So cool!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Steven Fann (a month ago)

I loved every single detail of this aquarium. I loved the quiet places for moms and anyone with sensory sensitivities. Everything was very clean. Super informative. And some areas actually made us emotional with the beauty. Could have spent all day here. Loved the kids playground as well… was a nice added break for the kids after walking through town!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Nichole Rozyle-Williams (3 months ago)

Tennessee Aquarium

Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.7 (19113)
Phone: +1 423-265-0695
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reviews:

I love aquariums and this one did not disappoint. It is divided into two buildings, one for ocean one for river. It takes you through the museum in a specific path so you aren’t going in circles. The buildings are huge. But very fun to explore. My favorite part in the ocean building was seeing the sea turtles and my son loved the sharks and penguins. In the River building we both loved the giant river fish and all the turtles. He even got to touch an animal in its tank. Great family experience. The gift shop is even moderately priced

✭✭✭✭✭ By Evian Lawson (8 months ago)

This is a fantastic date spot! I went with my boyfriend and some of his family and we all had a blast. The journey is easy to follow and the experience is beautiful. It’s clean, staff are friendly, and it’s an overall interesting experience. The gift shop is expensive, but the tickets are well worth your money. The website is still terrible for buying tickets, but we got in quickly with no trouble at the ticket booth.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Mya Spradlin (4 months ago)

A very unique take on an aquarium but worthwhile. Some construction/renovation has areas unavailable. The seperation of fresh & salt water exhibits is good & gives time to enjoy, read about them & mosey along. The atmosphere & staff are very chill & helpful. The restrooms were well maintained and clean. The gift shops were also clean and organized.
The staff that would provide insight at various displays were knowledgeable and courteous.
We split the tour with lunch in between (we ate at Burger Republic across the parking lot from the aquarium & within easy walking distance. It is Veteran owned and operated and i highly recommend). I do suggest starting your tour in the freshwater exhibit as it will take longer to see. The saltwater exhibit is rather quick but take your time in the lemur enclosure, butterfly room and penguins. Lots of laughs to be had!
Overall a great afternoon spent with family!

✭✭✭✭ By Mr. C PJR (a week ago)

This was a fun experience! I have so many questions! I certainly got my steps in!
The price of the tickets covered the River Journey. Both were very interesting and entertaining. Some parts are interactive.
On this day the penguins seemed to protest our being there… they had their backs to us… (giggles) and the Otter didn’t show up at all.
I saw fish I’d never seen and I watch all things nature all of the time.
Masks are required… however not enforced. All employees wear masks.
Parking is tight because it’s the only lot in the center of a business intersection. We walked from our hotel.
The food. Food is served, or should I say sold near the aquarium. The place was dirty and well, we ate cuz we were hungry and thirsty… that won’t happen again. And just be aware, see the pic, if you order a salted pretzel… a SALTED pretzel is what you get.
The Aquarium and the river Journey are well worth the money. I do suggest you take lunch.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Paula DeeSer (9 months ago)

I’ve been to some amazing Aquariums around the country but this was definitely in the top 5. It’s not the biggest, but the exhibits are really cool, the fish are very active, and there’s lots of fun educational activities for kids. My daughter loves the butterflies, the penguins, the jellyfish, and the sting rays. Lots of cool artwork to explore as well.
I wish I knew to bring a bathing suits ahead of time because she ended up swimming in the fountains.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Steven Boehm (5 months ago)

Ruby Falls

Address: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (16083)
Phone: +1 423-821-2544
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Reviews:

This was a very impressive cave system & even more impressive waterfall underground. The light show highlights the water falling down & the surrounding cave. Special formations are marked with signs. The elevator ride down is interesting. The whole process for buying tickets, getting to the tour spot & going through the cave is very efficient & easy. I’d prefer less theatrics from the guide even though he was very friendly, personable, knowledgeable & they give them a script to follow I’m sure. I wish we had more time to stay in one spot & take it all in instead of being led through quickly but I know they have this every 30 minutes coming through so it’s not possible. We were lucky to have a small group at our time slot. Bathrooms were clean & there’s a gift shop to look around. Parking is convenient & free.

✭✭✭✭ By lisa m (10 months ago)

Ruby falls was amazing! Definitely purchase your ticket before you go. There are tour times, we went 30 minutes earlier as we wanted to experience the overlook of the Tennessee river. Beautiful view! The tour was amazing and the Waterfalls breath taking. Def recommend people to visit this place. It’s def worth the money.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Javier Rodriguez (8 months ago)

Definitely would recommend going. you learn so much about the history and the experience was amazing!! One side note if you have little kids (and I mean like 6 and under) you have to know that there is around a half a hour walk one way and you can’t touch the cave in certain spots.
FYI you go in groups of about 15 people. The wait isn’t long to get in, if you miss your tour time you can get into the next one.

✭✭✭✭✭ By dellaringa fam (Della) (3 months ago)

Ruby Falls! What a fun, interesting and unique place to visit. It is well worth the admission price. We booked our cave tour ahead of time and we were glad we did, as it was very busy in March 2022 when we visited. This wet cave has some beautiful formations and the water fall at the far end of the tour was stunning. It is pretty commercialized, with music playing in the cave, but we actually feel it added to the ambiance of the experience. Highly recommended!

✭✭✭✭✭ By David Lobree (3 weeks ago)

I have visited similar caves in Colorado or Europe but have never seen a waterfall this breathtaking. Absolutely worth the visit. The tour takes about 1 and a quarter hours. It is best to come in the evenings due to being in smaller groups. We were only 7 people at 6:30pm, the tours before were 15-20 people.
Unfortunately, the tour guides are not overly informed and can not answer all questions about the caves background. Lighting and handrails are good.
I gave only 4 stars because the pictures they offer at the end are absolutely overpriced. But otherwise: great!

✭✭✭✭ By GG (2 months ago)

TITANIC Museum Attraction

Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (15511)
Phone: +1 417-334-9500
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Reviews:

Great and must see attraction if in the area and worth going out of the way if it’s not. You must make reservations ahead and time fills up fast. The experience is amazing to say it short. You arrive and are given a card with a name of a passenger and you will find out your faith in the end of you make it. They have multiple life size exhibits of parts of the ship that really help you get a feeling of the size and life on the ship. The grand staircase was way smaller then it seemed in the movie and truly made it worth the cost. They also have a section that allows you to feel the water as it was that night in regards to temperature. Plus so much more you will find, don’t want to say to much, but its completely worth the price. Also, bring wipes to clean you audio guide device. You hold it up to your ear to listen at different stages as you walk around.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Paul R (10 months ago)

You have to get your tickets in advance and choose your time slot. We went here on a Tuesday at 10am. It wasn’t very busy and we didn’t have to wait in line to get in.
I thought it was pretty cool they give you a ticket and you get to be a person from the actual ship. It’s a self guided audio tour so you look for numbers in the museum and put them into your audio tour device. They also have a youth audio tour which is designed for children. My kids are 8 and 6. The 8 year old enjoyed it more than the 6 year old but every child is different.
There’s a lot to look at and read. You are not allowed to take pictures downstairs but after the grand staircase you can take pictures just remember to not use flash.
All in all it was a great museum, very informative. The only thing I was missing were more things they actually found from the Titanic, like silverware or other personal things from the passengers.
This museum is definitely for everyone who is interested in the Titanic and wants to learn more about it.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Pia Boje (a month ago)

The museum has a lot of history and a lot of facts, however it should have be more fun. After an hour it gets monotone with all the information and the way it is presented. It could be more interactive.

I liked that the entrance to the museum was going up the stairs. That was neat. I also enjoyed the section where you can feel the 28 degrees water. Also the actual replica of the ship was amazing to see from the outside.

Overall the museum was alright. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.

✭✭✭ By Steven Díaz Zalduondo (a week ago)

Although the tickets are a little pricey I feel like the experience is definitely worth the price. I got discounted tickets through AAA which did help a little. The line when we arrived was quite long but the staff were able to make it feel like we only waited a few minutes. All of the staff we encountered were beyond friendly and knowledgeable and really played a part in making you feel like you really were on the Titanic. Although the museum is only a smaller replica of the actual ship, it still felt so big! You can’t take photos on the first floor until you reach the iconic grand staircase. They had lots of exhibits and memorabilia/artifacts from the ship. Throughout the entire museum they have an audio guide and multiple signs to read with info about the ship, passengers, and crew. I love that you get a boarding pass for a real person that was on the ship; this is such a great way to honor those who passed and those who survived the sinking of the Titanic. This really is a once in a lifetime experience!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Michelle Garris (2 months ago)

What a great experience for the entire family. I love that they give each person their own voice handset. Interactive, educational and fun! A great outing and a must do when in Tennessee. The grand staircase is so beautiful and being able to picture yourself in the ship in each class of cabins was awesome. You also get assigned a character to follow their story through the museum.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Colleen Rinaldi (2 months ago)

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (12935)
Phone: +1 615-416-2001
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reviews:

This was an experience that I will never forget in my entire life. I think I was most excited to go here over anywhere else in Nashville. We purchase tickets in advance and therefore were allowed to go straight in. You start on the third floor and work your way down to the first floor where the exit is. I thought that was very smart. The displays were incredible! I love older Country Music and they did not disappoint. I would love to come back here with my kids one today. I know they would love it as much as I did. The gift shop was awesome too!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Amber Wilt (6 months ago)

This place was so cool!!! We budgeted one & a half hours based on the recommended time. I wish we would have planned on a little bit more time. It was so interesting seeing costumes & outfits country stars have worn over the past several years. Loved seeing how fashion has changed & the details in the clothing. Martina McBride section was one of my personal favorites. Definitely recommend but make sure you budget enough time before tours, if you are doing tours.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Chirelle Pearson (10 months ago)

This is a MUST DO! when your in Nashville!! We had a great time learning all about the history of country music and all about current country music!! WOW! so much cool stuff! What a fun time! We paid for the guided tour and that helped a lot and I definitely recommend it. It was just a simple device that you put in the number of the display that your looking at and it tells you all about it. They have the Elvis limousine in there and so many other cool things. Go check this place out it is so cool!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Eric Solheim (4 months ago)

This is an wonderful all day experience. So much to see. All your favorite country music stars are featured here. In addition to the clothes and even shoes and cowboy boots they wore, the famous guitars they played, you’ll see their Gold records, awards and videos. Their famous tripped out cars like Elvis ‘ Gold Plated Cadillac and Wes’ Gun studded ride. From the early day stars to the present and my all-time favorite, Patsy Cline. This is a must visit place and the history of country music is preserved in all its glory.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Anita D (6 months ago)

I really enjoyed the experience and touring the Country Music Hall of Fame museum, one of the highlights of our trip visiting in Nashville as a Group. We’ve been in the past but love the newer addition recently added with the new upcoming artists. We walked at our own leisure and did not use or buy the headphone guided package. We walked up and purchased tickets at the door when we were ready to go we did not purchase in advance.

✭✭✭✭✭ By michelle mitchell (6 months ago)

If you’re looking for some indoor activities to keep you busy during your stay in Tennessee, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best indoor activities in the state, so you can make the most of your time here. Whether you’re into history, art, or science, there’s something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring!