Tennessee is an epic place to be. The lush greenery and rolling hills make it an ideal destination for a fun weekend getaway. From hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visiting historic sites, there’s much to experience here.

But how to pick the best fun activities? The easiest way is to consider your squad and their interests. For someone traveling with a family, kid-friendly rides at Dollywood might be the right definition of fun. But for the adrenaline-junkie crew, white water rafting adventure down the Pigeon River would be the ideal fit.

Fortunately, Tennessee has everything for everyone. You just need to know where to look. We’ve highlighted the best Tennessee activities for you in this blog post. Dive right in.

Ziplining

Jaw-dropping views and thrilling rides – what more do you need from your trip? Tennessee has an extensive network of ziplines, making it the perfect destination for an adventure seeker. The Zipline Canopy Tour at Ijams Nature Center offers an adventurous ride over the treetops. It provides amazing views of the Smoky Mountains. Not to mention, you can also explore the wildlife and untouched nature of this region while zipping through the air.

Climb Works Zipline Canopy Tour is another excellent destination, featuring nine thrilling zip lines and three sky bridges. The canopy tour also offers other activities like ATV riding and mountain biking. If a day full of adventure is what you crave, then this is the place to be.

White Water Rafting

The Ocoee River is one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee. With its class IV rapids, this river is perfect for an adrenaline-filled adventure. Nevertheless, you can’t find a more thrilling Tennessee whitewater rafting experience than the one Quest Expeditions offers. 

This outfitter offers the best whitewater rafting experience in the state, with expert guides who will ensure your trip is enjoyable and safe. Each rafting trip is on the Ocoee River with breathtaking views of the Cherokee National Forest. They raft five days a week, and it begins in April. To make sure you don’t miss out on this epic adventure, book your trip with them today.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the perfect activity for those who prefer a more toned-down adventure! Paddle through the waters of Norris Lake on a guided tour for stunning scenery views. You’ll also get to explore lakeside coves and small islands only accessible by kayak. Be sure to bring your camera along as you may just spot some wildlife, including deer, bears, and eagles. 

The best time to kayak is in the spring when the waters are peaceful, and the weather is perfect for an outdoor adventure. You can also rent a kayak and go exploring on your own.

Horseback Riding

Something about horseback riding makes it one of the most magical experiences. Whether you’re visiting Tennessee for a short stay or a long vacation, include horseback riding on your itinerary. You can find several horseback riding stables in the area, each offering unique trails and experiences. 

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert rider, as most places offer guided tours. For a truly memorable experience, you can even go horseback riding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails like Cades Cove and Big Creek provide stunning views of the mountains along with some quality horseback riding time.

Outdoor Gravity Park

For a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else, check out Outdoor Gravity Park just outside of Nashville. Here, thrill seekers can climb into the massive OGO (Outdoor Gravity Orb) and roll down a 1000-foot track at speeds up to 30 mph! This unique sphere allows riders to control their speed as they feel the rush of gravity with each twist and turn.

The Outdoor Gravity Park is guaranteed to offer an unforgettable experience for adrenaline junkies, with more than just the OGO. There’s also a rock climbing wall and bungee trampoline available – not to mention a water park with a lazy river and exhilarating water slides perfect for cooling off on hot summer days!

Helicopter Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Music City with a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour! Experience Nashville from a different perspective as you soar through downtown, taking in sights like the Parthenon, Bridgestone Arena, LP Field, and even getting an aerial glimpse of the celebrated Ryman Auditorium. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore one of America’s greatest cities!

It’s a fifteen-minute tour of the city, complete with breathtaking views and informative commentary from your guide. This tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone in your family, including those who need a stroller or wheelchair.

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving

Do you want to feel the rush of skydiving without having to jump from a plane? Then Flyaway Indoor Skydiving is perfect for you! The cutting-edge facility uses revolutionary vertical wind tunnels to offer an exciting and safe indoor skydiving experience for participants of all ages.

You’ll be outfitted with a flight suit and helmet, then transported to the air chamber. Subsequently, you’ll be lifted in midair by some of the mightiest jets available!

This gravity-defying flight experience allows you to maneuver through the air using nothing but your hands and body! Whether it’s your first time or not, this unforgettable adventure will give you the sensation of soaring like an eagle. Plus, classes are available for those new to flying so everyone can get their adrenaline fix.

LazerPort Fun Centre

It has to be the ultimate friends and family activity! Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, LazerPort Fun Centre provides tons of activities for both kids and adults.

Get ready to zoom around the go-kart track that reaches up to a whopping 50 feet high! With twists, turns, spirals, and hills that will drop you, twist you, and send you flying, this ride will have you on the edge of your seat.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Head inside the laser tag arena and prepare for heart-pounding action as you try to outsmart your opponents’ laser beams. And if that’s not enough, there’s also an arcade with over 100 games and a mini-golf course for even more hours of entertainment.

But that’s not all – there are two other incredible attraction sites nearby. The Speed Zone Fun Park and Rockin’ Raceway are open year-round and offer a wide range of exciting activities.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee is a great place to visit for those seeking an adventure! From whitewater rafting to flyaway indoor skydiving, there’s something for everyone. Plan your Tennessee trip today and get ready to make memories that’ll last a lifetime!

If you want to spend more time outdoors, we recommend visiting during the warmer months. It’s then when the rivers are calmer and more peaceful, making it the perfect time for activities like kayaking and horseback riding. Plus, you can also enjoy some of the cooler weather attractions.