Knoxville and the surrounding area has some amazing places to enjoy in the warmer months, especially with younger park-goers in tow. There are plenty of public parks perfectly outfitted to entertain kids, with memories to spare.
Carl Cowan Park
Skirting three sides of the park, the Tennessee River provides paddling and fishing opportunities. There are sport fields, basketball and tennis courts, expansive playgrounds, and a splash pad that will keep any child occupied for quite a while.
Anchor Park
A great spot to gather with family and friends for a game of softball, volleyball, or horseshoes while food cooks on the charcoal grill. Kids can enjoy the playground, a large sandbox, and swings. The paved walking trail winds along the park perimeter with exercise stations along the way, and road cyclists often venture out on the less-traveled country roads south of the park.
Volunteer Landing Park
This small linear park stretches along the Tennessee River with ample fishing and paddling opportunities. The swings offer year-round fun, and the splash pads are irresistible to kids strolling through with their parents during the summer months. The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at Volunteer Landing is a hub for outdoor recreation, with rentals for paddling and cycling, maps, information, and programs for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
World’s Fair Park
Towering 266 feet above the city skyline, the Sunsphere observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the city and beyond. The Court of Flags Fountain’s interactive water play area runs seasonally from March through the end of October, and Fort Kid offers thousands of square feet of slides, rides, and swings year-round. The Knoxville Museum of Art is free most months if you want to round out the day with some local art.
A full list of Knoxville parks is available at outdoorknoxville.com (opens in a new tab).
Even in the warmest months, Knoxville has plenty of places to have fun with adventurers of every age. Staying active is critical to a healthy lifestyle and to preventing the physical limitations that often come with age. If you feel like you’re having trouble keeping up with the little (or big) adventurers in your life, Simply Physio may be able to help. We specialize in treatment for people in their 40s, 50s, and 60+, without surgery, pain medication, or injections, so you can reclaim the mobility and lifestyle you want.