9 Parks for Your Next Family-Friendly Day Trip
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  • A mother and small child hold hands while crossing a suspension bridge in the woods.

    • When you're thinking about some great day trips you've taken, what are the things that stick out? For families, these pleasant memories usually encompass a few essential items - it sufficiently expels energy, you receive a novel experience, and overall, it's affordable.

    Did you know that from nearly everywhere in Tennessee, you can reach a state park in about an hour? And, even better, it's free to enter all of them. That means ample opportunities to achieve a great day trip near your home. We've broken down a few parks to consider near major cities in Tennessee and provided essential things to do under each park to plan your next great day trip!

    From Memphis:

    Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

    Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is an incredible place to connect with nature. The park is home to national and state championship trees that visitors can hike to, it's home to stunning lake waters and swamp wildlife, and recreationally, it has not one but two 18-hole disc golf courses to choose from.

    Why We Recommend This Park:

    • The park has options to partake in recreational activities like horseback riding, paddling, disc golf, biking, and more!
    • The park is known for its high-quality programming and educational endeavors. Consider a ranger-led program to learn more about the fascinating wildlife found in the park or different species of plant life. Most programs feature low-cost options for participants.

    From Jackson:

    Mousetail Landing State Park

    Mousetail Landing State Park is a recreationist's dream day out. With multiple playgrounds, a swim beach, hiking trails, fishing docks, and more, it's sure to be an excellent option for all ages.

    Why You Should Consider This Park:

    • The park features multiple lengths of hiking trails and paddling trails for all activity levels.
    • The park has various recreational areas, like a swim beach, multiple playgrounds, and sports fields. Around each of the recreation areas are picnic tables and shelters available.

    From Nashville:

    Montgomery Bell State Park

    Only 40 minutes from downtown Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park is a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    Why We Recommend This Park:

    • This park has multiple sightseeing opportunities, like the spillway, three lakes, a log cabin, and a chapel. Visitors of the park have various ways to view, either through hiking trails or by vehicle.
    • Don't want to worry about packing and traveling with a meal? The Restaurant at Montgomery Bell offers a variety of delicious dishes (with a great kids' menu) for the whole family to enjoy.

    Cedars of Lebanon State Park

    Cedars of Lebanon State Park has an incredibly unique natural ecosystem with limestone glades and nineteen different plant species found nowhere else.

    What to Do at This Park:

    • Cedars of Lebanon State Park is an early hiker's dream park. With the most extended loop of less than 5 miles, it's an excellent opportunity for the whole family to hike together without the stress of being out longer than you would like. The trails allow hikers to see fantastic natural landscapes, like the limestone glades, Jackson Cave, and the forest, with the potential to view native wildlife.
    • The recreational opportunities available at this park are also endless, with a splash pad available in the summer, a disc golf course, a cultural center, a butterfly garden, and various sports fields.

    From Chattanooga:

    Tims Ford State Park

    Tims Ford State Park has world-class amenities. Already located on the picturesque Tims Ford Reservoir, it draws widespread attention for its Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace Golf Course and its high-quality bass fishing.

    How to Make the Most of Your Day at Tims Ford State Park:

    • The park has paved trails, which are excellent for families who want to go out with their bikes, strollers, or otherwise.
    • Make it a family day on the links or lakes! Golfing is more fun with others, so take the whole family out for a round. Get out your fishing poles and spend the day on a Bill Dance Signature Lake, one that's been called one of the "most picturesque spots to catch a bass."

    Booker T. Washington State Park

    Booker T. Washington State Park is an excellent place to reconnect with the whole family. Located on the scenic Chickamauga Lake, the park features multiple recreational opportunities, like fishing and mountain biking, for the entire family to enjoy.

    Why We Recommend Booker T. Washington State Park:

    • The park has multiple group facilities - including three large picnic pavilions that can host up to 60 people. Each of these pavilions has a playground nearby, and many have incredible lakeside views.
    • It's another incredible park for outdoor recreationists, with a challenging mountain biking course and stunning places to fish with the family.

    From Knoxville:

    Cove Lake State Park

    Located on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Cove Lake State Park is a perfect park for the nature enthusiast.

    Why It’s Great for Families:

    • The park has more than three miles of paved trails, that's great for families needing accommodations or using a stroller.
    • The park features three playgrounds with nearby picnic tables and picnic shelters. Around the playgrounds are other sports facilities and plenty of green space.

    Seven Islands State Birding Park

    Seven Islands State Birding Park is an incredible place to observe wildlife, with more than 190 different species of birds viewed there. The park plays host to a variety of researchers and school groups, who use the park for its educational programming and as a demonstration area for both land use and habitat management techniques.

    Why It's Great for Families:

    • The park features multiple paved trails, making it friendly for the littlest visitors to have a chance to see some of the incredible wildlife visiting there. It also features a variety of lengths for trails, giving more options for visitors to enjoy the park.
    • The park hosts a variety of high-quality programs at relatively low cost to educate visitors on the wildlife and the environment.

    From Johnson City:

    Warriors' Path State Park

    Warriors' Path State Park is home to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds as it's home to an internationally renowned mountain bike trail system, a nationally recognized golf course, and an award-winning nature education program.

    Why Families Love It:

    • The park is home to a Boundless Playground, a playground that accommodates children with all physical and mental needs. The playground sits near the picturesque waters.
    • The park also features a storybook Braille Trail with sensory stations and a fully accessible treehouse, adding to the imagination of visiting families.

    Stay Overnight

    Want to visit a park? Nearly all of the parks listed here have options for overnight stays. From cabins to campgrounds and to lodges listed above, you can extend your day trip with Tennessee State Parks.

    Extend Your Stay

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