This amusement park offers a blend of adrenaline-pumping attractions and immersive experiences that showcase the cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains and life of country singer Dolly Parton. Feel the rush as you twist and turn on rollercoasters such as Big Bear Mountain and the Dragonflier. Indulge in delicious Southern cuisine at over 30 eateries throughout the park – the three-pound slice of apple pie is a must. And if you love toe-tapping entertainment, the live shows are sure to please.

Check out WonderWorks, an interactive science museum that will spark curiosity in kids and adults alike. Housed in an upside-down building, this unique and immersive experience offers a world of fun-filled zones to explore. Feel the rumble and tumble of an earthquake in the Earthquake Café. Feel the force of 74mph winds in the Hurricane Shack. Want to be an astronaut for the day? Try on an authentic space suit or attempt the astronaut training challenge, where you’ll spin in a gyroscope!

For dinner and a show, a swashbuckling adventure awaits at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Feast like a pirate on a four-course meal featuring pan-fried ham, creamy vegetable soup and flaky biscuits while an epic battle unfolds between Blackbeard and Calico Jack on an expansive indoor lagoon. Watch as they lead their crews to victory (or loss) aboard full-size pirate ships. See pirates swinging from the mast. And marvel at mermaids leaping from the water and performing aerial tricks.

Featuring over 520,000 acres of lush forests, hiking trails, mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, this park is the perfect place to explore with kids of all ages. Hike up to Clingman’s Dome for some of the most stunning panoramic views of the park. Cool off with a tubing excursion on the Deep Creek of Great Smoky. Or, enjoy a scenic picnic near the creek in Cades Cove. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from the nearby Camp Store’s Snack Shop.

There’s no better way to spend the afternoon than a trip to Zoo Knoxville. You’ll find more than 1,200 animals here, such as giraffes, baboons and white rhinos. Get up close and personal with wildlife during scheduled animal encounters, where you’ll meet sloths, otters and adorable red pandas. Soar above a ravine on a zipline experience that launches you over the treetops. And for the younger kids, hop aboard the Zoo Choo Train for an adventure around the zoo’s koi pond.

Sports lovers should check out the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, celebrating the history and achievements of women in the sport. Test your basketball skills on three different courts, participate in a timed dribbling course, and pose in the photo area where you can pretend to be famous basketball players throughout history.

For hands-on learning, head to Muse Knoxville, a children’s museum and science center packed with engaging exhibits such as the Illumination Station, Augmented Reality Sandbox and the Planetarium.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Sunsphere, a remnant of the 1982 World’s Fair. This four-story tower with a sparkling gold globe at the top offers 360-degree views of Knoxville, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Tennessee River.

Take a short detour to Fort Southwest Point, a colonial-era fort and museum that offers free tours. Originally built in 1797, the fort served as a frontier outpost during the United States’ early years. Explore the fort and learn about its fascinating past on a guided walking tour. There’s even a working blacksmith shop and a Visitor’s Center with 18th-century artifacts.

Descend into the depths of a vast cave system that leads to one of the largest underground lakes in the world at the Lost Sea Adventure. Embark on a guided tour through vast caverns featuring stunning geological formations and learn about how the Cherokee Indians and Confederate soldiers used to mine the caves for gunpowder. Once you’ve reached the bottom of the cave, you’ll enjoy an enchanting boat ride across the 4-acre lake nicknamed the Lost Sea.