Things To Do With Kids in Johnson City

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.

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
  • Attending an event at Founders Park

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
  • Tasting one-of-a-kind creations at Fizz Soda Bar

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