You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Knoxville; just look at these free activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Outdoors
World’s Fair Park | Originally created in 1982 for the World’s Fair Exhibition, this park spans 10 acres + features two lawns, a splash pad, and amphitheater for day-to-day play and events — find free parking.
Bonus: Keep an eye on upcoming free Sunsphere Days.
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum | 44 acres of the former Howell Nurseries now serves as a public garden open year-round. While it’s always free to walk around, you can also become a member or pay $5 for special events.
Ijams Nature Center | Spend a day exploring 318 acres of protected land from 8 a.m. to dusk, whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or more. Parking is $5 a day (but free to members).
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness | With 1,000 forested acres + over 60 miles of trails that lead to a nature center, lakes, historic sites, and quarries — there’s always an adventure waiting for you along the waterfront’s southside.
Be exposed to local, regional, and national art by visiting these museums.
Photo by @knoxvillemuseumofart
Arts
Knoxville Museum of Art | This 53,200-sqft museum offers folks a way to celebrate East Tennessee’s art and culture scene through changing exhibits, events, and other programming. There are over 1,500 works in its permanent collection alone.
The Emporium | Take a self-guided tour of exhibitions that are appropriate for all ages. Pro tip: There’s a gallery reception every first Friday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. for new installations.
Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture | Head to UT to see installations that illustrate current attitudes in art and architecture — you can park in any of the university’s paid parking lots and walk over.
Blue Plate Special | Every Monday-Thursday + Saturday, you can join WDVX at 12 p.m. for a live performance radio show with host Red Hickey.
History
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture | Admission is always free to this offering on UT’s campus, but advanced registration is preferred. We recommend checking out the exhibition “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art” that is on display now through December 2027.
Historic Downtown Knoxville Walking Tour | Grab your friends or leashed pals for a self-guided tour that will take you to 70 historic buildings around the downtown area. Pro tip: Pick up a brochure at the Knoxville Visitors Center.
Marble Springs State Historic Site | Travel to the last home and farm of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor circa 1796 — admission is free to walk the grounds yourself, but fees apply for joining a tour.
For kids
Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place | From vintage uniforms that date back to 1920 and hands-on exhibits to the famous Mabel Pain doll that was originally in the Smithsonian Museums — there are more than just badges here.
Safety City | Take the kiddos out for a hands-on safety educational experience in this childrens-sized world that features buildings, paved streets + sidewalks, and working traffic signals and signs. Check out the summer schedule.
Charles Krutch Park | Pack a picnic and head to this downtown park that has a small falls + stream you can see from the picnic tables. During the hotter months, you’ll want to enjoy the park extension that leads to the water play fountains.
Seasonal
Concerts on the Square | Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Market Square to enjoy jazz music + other genres on select days, May through September.
Market Square Farmers Market | The market season runs from May through the end of November on Wednesdays + Saturdays, making for a perfect way to take a stroll and meet local artisans and vendors.
Where’s Waldo? | During the month of July, you can pick up a passport from participating locations to go on your own scavenger hunt to find the stripes-wearing character in this downtown-wide event to win prizes.
