Johnson City has been a site for industrial, educational, and healthcare development in the Tri-Cities for more than half a century. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jonesborough-Johnson City West, TN, Related: Best Restaurants in Johnson City, TN, 930 West Watauga AveJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 926-2726. The Kiddie Zone is a section at the Just Jump Trampoline Park that will make the experience more fun for the little ones since they dont have to worry about getting trampled on by the older age groups. With all sorts of education programs centered around acting, direction, and design, the JCCT provides excellent performance art and seeks to share its knowledge with a world of interested patrons. Dont forget to treat them to some yummy treats like cookies, ice cream, and more. This festival lasts for over three days. Established in 1957, the Holiday Lanes offer a fun bowling experience to locals and tourists who drop by at their facility. Reece Museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University but its exhibitions are not focused on a, Buffalo mountain park offers several well maintained hiking trails that lead to wonderful vistas of both the Tennessee. It can be found downtown and provides great food like Philly cheesesteaks and burgers in an intimate setting. The history, art, and culture surrounding Johnson City are key factors as to why tourists love visiting the city. Winged Deer Park is a 200-acre district park located in the northern part of Johnson City. This infamous location features the vast history of Tennessee through the exhibits within the vicinity. The walk through Willow Springs Park takes you to a fun playground, with chain tags, scavenger hunt spots, and more. The long years of experience have allowed for even more excellence by the theatre group, which showcases its expertise with outstanding performances. Despite the small space size, the seating design is innovative and allows for comfortable audience seating. Here are some of the most renowned ones in town. The Johnson Public Library has a nice collection of books that can entertain visitors, from young kids to adults. Related: Best Things to Do in Chattanooga. From early visits by famed botanist Andr Michaux between 1789 and 1796, to the pre-civil war social and political. You can drink different kinds of craft beer while youre here, from the classic Pilsner and Pale Ale to Yee Haw exclusives like the Yee Haw Kolsch and the Yee Haw Eighty. Or if theres an upcoming basketball game, go ahead and support Johnson Citys own, the East Tennessee State University. Its surprising to think that one of the fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee, is something like eating good pizza. HobbyTown is a unique location for remote-controlled cars, education and scientific toys, games, model airplanes, and many kinds of merchandise for hobbies. Wallabies 3102 Hanover Rd Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 328-0489 A facility that's popular for families with children, Wallabies, is a 10,000-feet-square venue that features various inflatable equipment. The Reece Museum has been around for over 50 years, but its initial start was in 1920 as nothing more than a humble class project directed and overseen by Maxine Mathews, a history professor. The site of the actual library moved over time and had many homes over the years, but today, it can be found on W Millard Street in its own personal location. Parking is good and secure. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Willow Springs Park is yet another one of these types of attractions in Johnson City, Tennessee. If youre willing to make a day of it, the company actually plans entire itineraries, including dining places, accommodation, and a wide range of activities. Between Elizabethton's Sycamore Shoals, home to the mustering place for the patriot's march to defeat the British in. Buffalo Mountain Park is located on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain. Great ideas for things to do with kids and what to do near me in Johnson City | Tennessee. Let them expend their energy jumping, sliding, and running around the place. If you do plan the trip, here are some fun things to do in Chattanooga and some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg! It is one of a mere 13 museums in the state with this honor. Appalachian Underground, LLC is a cave guide service that visits Worleys Cave, about 28 minutes away from Johnson City. The hiking & mountain biking trails are not as well identified as the paved trails so we ended up going all over on all sorts of trails & when we decided we should head back, it was an additional 3/4 mile before we reached our vehicles as we made our way out of the maze of trails. Why not visit Knoxville and Memphis? Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City, Related: Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, 1205 Huffine RoadJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 283-5815. Knights Pizza is a great stop for wings, pizza, and sandwiches, and it also has lots of options for dietary restrictions, happy to cater to anyone with specific needs. Regularly check the theatres schedule to know what shows and events are on during your trip. Johnson City Dog Friendly Activities in Johnson City, TN There are 4 dog friendly activities in Johnson City, and 11 more nearby. Take time to admire the murals throughout Johnson City, adding color and beauty to otherwise ordinary buildings. Address: Ross Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States. The business also offers surf sessions as well as Level II tanning beds on-site. 1205 Huffine Road. But you can also ride your bicycle here while you enjoy the low forests and beautiful mountain views. Friendly welcome, relaxed self-tour, interesting history inside and out. The park is actually part of Willow Springs resort and boasts a pet-friendly status, with even a great, high-quality dog park. Most that work here are volunteers. Beginners, including children, get to develop their abilities too, going from the flowier, simpler areas to more challenging ones. You can discover the surrounding area's hidden gems, explore the landscape, go birdwatching a perhaps, or have a picnic with your friends. All Rights Reserved. Would highly recommend! The Johnson City Public Library is one of the best places to take kids in Johnson City because it provides various learning opportunities for the kiddos through books, online reading materials, and their childrens programs. Paths allow for easy strolling, large grassy expanses are good for bug collecting and flying kites, and sculptures and statues decorate the area beautifully for some variety in your walks. If youre up for a day of skating and nostalgia, the Johnson City Family Skate Center is a fantastic place to take your family. It is designed to look like some of the early-day Johnson City fixtures. (Out-of-town visitor.) Mona Lisas Gelato and Cafe is a go-to spot for artisan gelato of an authentic variety, made with ingredients imported from Italy and fresh Mayfield Cream. Petite Sweets is a rather fascinating way to enjoy sweets. Its most famous pizza is its volcano pizza, which boasts a whopping 10 toppings, but its also becoming known for its gluten-free pizza made with cauliflower. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Kingsport TriCities Airport, Also See:Things to Do in Memphis for KidsKids Activities: Chattanooga, 117 Broyles DrJohnson City TN, 37601(423) 282-6521. Popular amongst the locals and families visiting the city, the Johnson City Family Skate Center is a place that offers skating and good food that you can enjoy throughout your stay. It was very informative and the staff was great. Regional Museum. All locals and tourists are welcome to view the mini railroad models inside the George L. Carter Railroad Museum. If youre not sure what to do to get souvenirs for your loved ones after perusing Johnson City attractions, check out these locations for gifts! Regional Museum is an interactive museum that features various hands-on activities to learn, build and create. It is completely free to head to and participate in, and you can watch performances, shop, or just explore the many businesses that are a part of the festival. The hands-on activities are sparsely decorated and not well maintained. Posted by Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site on Wednesday, 5 April 2017. We started our walk on the paved trail, but soon ventured off onto the wooded dirt trails. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A day of jumping at Wallabies is surely one of the best kids activities in Johnson City, TN. 17 Best Things to Do in Johnson City, TN Top Activities & Places to Go! Kids and kids at heart are more than welcome to explore and discover at the Hands On! My 5 year old twins want to be paleontologists, and (with the Paleo Tour) we got to see real scientists in action; both at the site and in the lab. Nelson Fine Art and Frames isnt just a framing business its also a local gallery that houses paintings, pictures, and art of all sorts from a mix of uprising locals and experts. The hosts were. In 1956, they set up shop here, and the rest is history! A spring and garden offer relaxation while a limestone cave is a scenic and interesting addition to the area. Its one of the entire Souths biggest outdoor festivals for music and art. It attracts approximately 80,000 guests annually. The theater group behind JCCT formed in the year 1885 and grew through the decades, eventually reaching a point where they performed three shows seasonally at least beginning 1912. There are also other Italian offerings on the menu, from entrees to desserts, and its all made in-store from scratch! Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. IT IS NOT!! 13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Johnson City, TN Written by Colin J. McMechan Nov 24, 2021 Johnson City is encircled by rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains that beckon your attention every time you gaze skyward. They can use their imagination to build things from the materials provided and develop their creativity while having fun. The Johnson City Public Library would not have been founded if not for a little group of women who wanted to share knowledge and information with the city and the wider Tennessee state beyond. This is definitely a place we will walk again! However, children under 13 must always be with an adult companion. What are the best outdoor activities in Johnson City? Hiram Bingham Round Trip Luxury Train to Machu Picchu. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Johnson City, 1320 Pactolas RdJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 461-4855. Planning a road trip around Tennessee? 126 Buffalo StreetJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 403-9100. If youre looking to spend a relaxing and quiet day this weekend, pack some picnic essentials and drive to Willow Springs Park. 4137 Bristol HwyJohnson City, TN 37601(423) 283-5815. Its absolutely a must-add to your list of things to do in Johnson City tonight. Highlights were the Buffalo trail, cave, apple trees, wildflowers. 10 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Johnson City, TN About Us New Patients Braces & Invisalign Before & Afters Contact Us Johnson City Office 801 Sunset Dr., Suite E5 Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 282-2333 Norton Office 615 Park Ave. Norton, VA 24273 (276) 679-7535 Patient Login Locations 423-282-2333 423-282-2333 Free Consult Winged Deer Park 136 Parks By AKSMiller Acres of grassy hills for children to safely run, play and explore. The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is situated on 45 acres of ground and its structures were created by Colonel John Tipton in 1784. Here are our picks for the 25 best and fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee! This trait is also great even if youre traveling with a baby since the surface is wheel-friendly. If so, check out Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, one of the top places to visit for such excursions in Johnson City, Tennessee! Now, if youre looking for a childrens museum, this place is a bit meh. You can enjoy folk, indie, punk, alternative, metal, rock, and garage music, as well as vaudeville and live comedy. Theyll surely enjoy rolling through the rink as you guide them. You can also enjoy quiet days inside museums or have fun going around distilleries. Why not check out Chattanooga and Gatlinburg? This is definitely a place we will walk again! Dubbed as Little Chicago, Johnson City is the 9th largest city in Tennessee and is the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Areas principal city. Biscuits are freshly baked with whole, real ingredients, and all goods are accented with great natural additions like shiitake gravies, from-scratch sausage, house-made jelly and jam, and natural chicken. The kiddos will surely have a great time at Wallabies. Its very peaceful and First of all, this museum is not located in Gray, TN but on the campus of ETSU in Johnson City. 1. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The price point is a little high - if they dropped it to $8 instead of $11, theyd probably have better reviews. Walk along the metal trails or perhaps rent a bike and go cycling through the Woodlands area. He went to college to become a physician, but his wife encouraged him to follow his dreams. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park is a thrilling, heart racing and adrenaline-inducing experience deep in the wilderness. Want to find fun places to visit for shopping and retail therapy in Johnson City, Tennessee? What are the top attractions to visit in Johnson City? It may not be one of the citys typical tourist attractions, but its a fun visit for music lovers nevertheless. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Johnson City, an IHG Hotel, 1212 Suncrest DriveGray, TN 37615(423) 434-4263. 7. It has been operational for more than 107 years. Youll see creeks, forests, rock formations, a quarry, and plenty of places to leave the trail to head to attractions near it. Youll also get to try out special events like the 5k Blue Plum fast walk and run, the Annual Urban Art Throw-down, the corn hole tournament, the roller derby, and the Omnium bike race. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Johnson City, Also See:Pigeon Forge Attractions for KidsThings for Kids to Do in Gatlinburg, 100 West Millard StreetJohnson City, Tennessee 37604(423) 434-4450. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Johnson City, an IHG hotel, 3102 Hanover RoadJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 328-0489. Spend the day learning more about the historic railroads in the local area, specifically Tennessee and North Carolina. I live in the area so I am on this all the time. If youre looking for a place to do various outdoor activities, Winged Deer Park is a great choice. Great 1st experience. There are numerous well-known spots to satisfy your sweet tooth all across town. The brewery boasts a large outdoor space, a fantastic location, and a welcoming environment with informative and high-quality customer service. Gregs Pizza opened in 1963, has become something of a landmark within the city. Skating at this popular facility is definitely one of the best family activities in Johnson City. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. True fans of craft beer will absolutely go wild inside Yee Haws Taproom. If you havent noticed by now, some of the best things to do in Johnson City involve parks and areas of nature. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnson City, 570 High Ridge RoadJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 283-5815. Games get rotated every so often. It was originally created by a mix of volunteers and the Downtown Merchants Association, and together, they aimed to celebrate the rich heritage of the regions art, music, and food culture. Spending a day at Willow Springs Park is a great idea of what to do in Johnson City with kids because the park features a train and village-themed playground that will keep them busy while you peacefully watch over them from a distance. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carnegie Hotel & Spa, 1276 Gilbreath Dr., Box 70300Johnson City, TN 37614-1700(423) 439-1000. Its among the top things to do in Johnson City with kids. Among the most exciting free things to do in Johnson City is to traverse Tweetsie Trail. The facility also offers food and drinks to make the visit more enjoyable for everyone. Walk through the museums exhibits to really feel immersed in the local history of the South. Whatever you plan to visit the site for, the operating hours run from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, Tuesday to Saturday. Looking for more thrill? In addition to all of that, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum also occasionally sponsors special excursions that bring people to view the Smoky Mountains or the countryside. Of course, it hasnt forgotten its roots, and you can find everything from eBooks to audio information and from visual to print media. The fallen leaves made it a bit slippery coming down but the walk was pleasant, the views were terrific, and the trail(s) well marked. The Main Street Pizza Company specializes in handmade pizzas, providing salads, pasta, subs, desserts, and many more in addition. 159 Kid-Friendly Activities Kodak 157 Kid-Friendly Activities TripBuzz found 66 things to do with kids in or near Johnson City, Tennessee, including 49 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Kingsport, Bristol, Erwin and Jonesborough. Willow Springs Park is open to the public who wish to unwind and enjoy a quiet day away from the busy city. At Johnson City Public Library, visitors can choose from a wide selection of books to checkout, as well as audio books, e-books, and more. My friend & I go frequently to walk the path. Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park is a 40-acre park near the heart of Johnson City that focuses on mountain biking. It snakes between Johnson City and Elizabethton. GRAB A GIFT CARD! Walk-ins are welcome, but groups require reservations. My husband and I really enjoyed the approx. 10. The trailhead leads you through a very simple wide, flat trail thats great for all skill levels and ages or even some biking or skating! This local park is in the middle of historic Johnson City. FUN THINGS TO DO IN JOHNSON CITY, TN! Taking your kids to the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site will be a great experience for them.