West of the Appalachians lies Johnson City, a small town rich with history and full of folk music. As Tennessee's Green City, Johnson City has a innovative energy constantly that nurtures both time-honored traditions and the developing culture. Kids will get swept up in the rural charm of this town while they explore the surroundings hills and mountains, nearby farms, and tourist attractions. Check out the following great deals on thing to do with kids the next time you’re in town.
Best Things To Do With Kids in Johnson CityView All
From natural playgrounds to educational institutions, Johnson City is filled with kid-friendly experiences. Take the kids to see native or exotic animals or stop by one of the many indoor and outdoor play centers. Some of the top things kids love to do are:
Meeting kangaroos and monkeys at Bright’s Zoo
Hiking to waterfalls at Buffalo Mountain Park
Bouncing higher than others at Quantum Leap
Exploring the museums at East Tennessee State University Campus
Observing the Appalachian artifacts at the Reece Museum
Although small, Downtown Johnson City is a great place for parents to brings the kids for a fun day out. Together families can browse the local galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Other fun things to do with the whole family include:
Buying local goodies at the Johnson City Farmers Market at the Pavillion
Taking group classes at the Johnson City Community Center
Reading together at the Johnson City Public Library
Admiring the model trains at the George L. Carter Railroad Museum
Resting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Johnson City is often the first stop for many families on their way to a day in the Appalachians. Let the kids stretch their legs while you check out these top landmarks:
The Tweetsie Trail leads all the way to Elizabethton
Sycamore Shoals State Park hosts annual reenactments of Tennessee history
The Rocky Mount State Historic Park is the historic home of Governor Blount
International Storytelling Center hosts live speaking events
The Museum at Mountain Home traces Tennessee’s healthcare history
Ready for a day all about the kids? From bouncy play places to tasty and colorful lunch spots, Johnson City is full of fun places for kids to visit. Some of the best things for kids to do include:
Customizing a pie at Pizza Scratch Brick Oven
Climbing on the inflatable slides at Wallabies Parties & Play
Seeing giant ancient lizards at Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park
Enjoying the train-themed playground at Willow Springs Park
If you’re looking for a place to take the kids and all their friends, Johnson City has you covered. Cheer for your favorite teams or play your own pick up games before heading to Simms Pizzeria. Don’t forget to check out these fun things to do:
Make a hole in one at Monster Mini Golf & Laser Tag
Attend a concert at Freedom Hall Civic Center
Meet for dinner at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Play a round of disc golf at Warriors’ Path State Park
Root for the home team at the TVC Credit Union Ballpark
Sometimes kids have the most fun learning. From interactive exhibits to historical reenactments, kids will have a blast exploring the different educational destinations in Johnson City. Some of the top-rated learning experiences include:
Seeing building materials from around the world at the Museum of Ancient Brick
Learning all about snakes and lizards at Repticon
Understanding the town’s agricultural heritage at the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
Learning about the first settlement at The Sounds of Boones Creek Museum and Opry
Playing with fossils at the Hands On! Discovery Center
Johnson City was once the home to a long list of stars, including wrestlers, artists, and musicians. Help make your child the next big thing by signing up for one of these premier classes:
Paint a pretty picture with Masterpiece Mixers Paint & Party Studio
Practice a two-step at Studio Dance of Johnson City
Master your classical music knowledge at Blair Academy For the Arts
Learn and grow with song at The Kindermusik Room
Find your balance with Appalachian Tumbling and Gymnastics
Not all fun is outside. Kids in Johnson City love doing active things indoors, like visiting trampoline parks or browsing the local shopping centers. Some of the best things to do indoors include:
Doing backflips in the air at Sky Zone
Dancing to oldies at East Tennessee Skate
Beating the high scores at Silverball City
Browsing local shops and retail chains at the Mall of Johnson City
Watching a comedy or action flick at Reel to Reel Theater