Try These Fun Indoor Activities In Knoxville For A Rainy Day or Just To Experience Something New
If you’ve spent too much time at a trampoline park this year or need a rainy day activity, we guarantee these indoor activities in Knoxville will be a rewarding change of pace.
If your well-planned outdoor adventure gets sidelined by mother nature at the last minute or you simply want a predictable temperature-controlled environment to get the wiggles out, check out these “sure to please” indoor activities.
We like to call this list our favorite “indoor outside activities!”
Our Favorite Indoor Activities in Knoxville
Of course, you’ll find your usual trampoline parks like Sky Zone and the typical escape rooms like Breakout Games in Knoxville, but sometimes it’s nice to branch out to other equally fun indoor activities.
With varying levels of adventure, these places offer the entire family something to enjoy when you wish you could be outside!
1. Rock Climbing at Knoxville’s Onsight Gym
Rock climbing is easily our family’s favorite inside outdoor activity. Having never tried it myself, I have to admit that I didn’t anticipate how much my girls would love rock climbing.
They are not particularly athletic nor would I describe them as overt risk-takers, but indoor rock climbing is something they ask to do repeatedly.
We tried rock climbing for the first time during a visit to downtown Chattanooga where we discovered High Point Climbing Gym (highly recommended by the way).
P.S. Chattanooga is a great weekend getaway for the family- see our Chattanooga Getaway Guide here.
High Point Climbing Gym in Chattanooga has a fantastic kids climbing room and upon our return to Knoxville we found something similar, though far less kid themed, at Onsight Rock Gym located off Western Ave in Knoxville.
Knoxville’s Onsight Rock Climbing Gym doesn’t necessarily have a “kids room” but rather a beginner room equipped with several short climbing routes with auto belay devices that make it safe for beginners.
Basically, an auto belay is the essential safety device that lets parents breathe easily as they watch their kiddos “Spider Man climb” up the walls of the gym.
In addition to the beginner room, Onsight has 5 more auto belays in the main climbing room when you’re ready to advance to the higher climbing walls.
If it’s your first time climbing, you will be given an orientation on how to safely climb and use the auto belay.
A day pass at Onsight is the way to go for your first visit to test the waters, but if you find you will go frequently, you can purchase a 10 visit punch-pass for a discount.
If you check-in to climb before 4pm on weekdays, you can purchase a discounted Early Bird Day Pass. This is what we usually do during the summer.
You will also need to rent a harness which the climber wears in order to attach the auto belay. You can also rent climbing shoes, but my girls have always just worn regular sneakers and did just fine.
River Sports Climbing Center on Sutherland Ave is another great rock climbing option in town. They offer a day pass including harness and shoes for students. Open noon- 10 PM Mon- Fri and weekends noon – 7 PM.
2. Ice Skating At Knoxville’s Ice Chalet
The Ice Chalet, located in Bearden, is a Knoxville institution dating back to 1962, and it’s still super fun for families today. It was one of the first two public skating rinks in the South.
I remember skating here in my youth, and I have to admit it seems pleasantly stuck in time.
You can still enjoy the Scandinavian cabin aesthetic complete with woodburning stove and snack bar, and the Zamboni continues to be mesmerizing.
If you have young children, you can rent a blue seal to help with balance and lessons are offered as well. They set aside a section of the rink for learners only during public skate sessions.
** Trivia Alert- The Zamboni used by the Ice Chalet for 23 years (1962- 1985) was one of 21 model E’s built by Zamboni himself. It was bought back and restored by the company and is now on display at their headquarters in California. Look up Machine E34 on their website. So I saw history as a child, I just didn’t know it.
Ice Chalet Hours & Rates–Public skating sessions are offered every day, and you should check their website for current times. In general, weekend hours are Saturday from 1:30-10 PM and Sunday 1-4:30 PM.
Note- If you desire a location farther west or you’re not really feeling the Norwegian vibe, Cool Sports on Watt Road offers 1.5 hour long public ice skating sessions throughout the week with variable times so make sure to check their calendar.
3. Roller Skating
It goes without saying that roller skating is a timeless activity for all ages and the perfect opportunity to escape foul weather or to simply channel your inner roller disco skater.
We generally go to Maryville’s Roll Arena, but you can also check out East Knoxville’s Change Center, or North Knoxville’s Skatetown.
See their websites for hours and rates.
4. Maple Hall Bowling
For a less active but equally fun indoor activity, Maple Hall bowling in downtown Knoxville is a really fun option for the family. And know that this is not your grandfather’s bowling alley.
In the basement of the historic J.C. Penney building on Gay Street, think more craft cocktails and small plates to go along with your strikes and gutter balls.
Opens at 11am on weekends (4pm on weekdays), and it’s family friendly until 9pm on weekends.
Pro Tip – The side of fries are a huge hit and at only $4 a pop, we get several orders each time.
Make a day of it! See more fun things to do in downtown Knoxville.
5. Tour Tuckaleechee Caverns
Escape the heat of the summer or the rainy days of the year with a tour of the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.”
Tuckaleechee Caverns, located in Townsend at the entrance to the Smokies, have been carved over tens of thousands of years and are estimated to be between 20 and 30 million years old.
You can explore the huge cave system on a tour that lasts about 90 minutes. P.S. Note that there are a lot of stairs, and it’s closed in the winter months (Jan, Feb, March).
Tip: While you’re in Townsend, enjoy a great lunch at one of our favorite places, Peacefulside Social. Find out more of our recommended things to do in Townsend.
We hope we’ve given you some great suggestions for your next indoor outside activity! See our website Knoxville Backyard and Beyond for additional inspo for fun things to do in Knoxville and nearby. Happy Trails! – Amy
