Or if theres an upcoming basketball game, go ahead and support Johnson Citys own, the East Tennessee State University. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Johnson City, an IHG hotel, 18 Tannery KnobJohnson City, TN 37601(423) 283-5815. See Tripadvisor's 23,806 traveler reviews and photos of Johnson City attractions for thrifty travelers . The Mall at Johnson City is among the biggest shopping spots in the area, with 60 different locations for excitement, dining, retail, and more. George L. Carter Railroad Museum 33 Speciality Museums By colfal8 Nice selection of brews and alternate beverages. For the most part, they were nomadic, but they eventually managed to find an empty lot: the former Temple Baptist Church. 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 If you like birdwatching, Winged Deer Park is definitely one of the best places to go! Other historical attractions include a battle site from 1788, the historic home of Tipton himself, and the rich history surrounding the many ancient buildings. Music ranges from new rock n roll to Americana. They literally have any book you need and will go out of their way to help you, I do a lot of my research at the library. You can find the park on High Ridge Road, and its open every day from 7 in the morning to 5 in the evening. Address: 118 W Market St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States, Little Chicago Downtown Arts and Music Festival. I had a pedometer app on my phone & my friend has a fit bit & we walked 3 complete laps after which both devices showed 2.4 miles. Heres a list of the best things to do in Johnson City, TN. Only children can jump on the inflatables. 7. We were first time visitors and had no idea where to go. Check out the scheduled shows held at the Freedom Hall Civic Center if youre looking for something to do with the family while youre in the city. Thank you to A covered area for the grandstand and now a new area down the left field line to sample the local brew. Band posters and skateboard art cover the walls, and live music is very diverse. Friendly welcome, relaxed self-tour, interesting history inside and out. Address: 363 Stout Dr, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States. Go for the Fossil Dig, not the Childrens Museum. Among the unique and fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee, is to ride the thrilling trails in Tannery Knobs. HobbyTown is a unique location for remote-controlled cars, education and scientific toys, games, model airplanes, and many kinds of merchandise for hobbies. 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. Willow Springs Park is open to the public who wish to unwind and enjoy a quiet day away from the busy city. It also serves as a multi-purpose area for events such as concerts, wrestling shows, and more. I took one of my clients to Winged Deer to see what was available as he is new to the area. Whether youre an amateur or an expert, youll find a berm that fits you. We parked near the ball fields/batting cages. This infamous location features the vast history of Tennessee through the exhibits within the vicinity. Johnson City serves as the hometown to some notable people, including Matt Czuchry, Jerry Blevins, and more. This place and the staff are awesome! Related: Best Things to Do in Clarksville. A facility thats popular for families with children, Wallabies, is a 10,000-feet-square venue that features various inflatable equipment. Since 1976, its sold arts and crafts, fresh produce, canned goods, and baked goods. Suitable for individuals, groups and private events, Johnson City Family Skate Center features public and private skating sessions, juniors roller derby and arcade games. The George L. Carter Railroad Museum has been in operation for more than half a decade, with a dedicated commitment to providing engaging and amusing exhibits to people of all ages. Basically, it allows you the chance to decorate cakes and cupcakes during parties and events, and you get to eat the delicious food after, from hand-scooped ice cream to edible cookie dough and from floats to cupcakes! 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. A fair amount of expertise is necessary to ensure the correct framing methods for the safety of art. The long years of experience have allowed for even more excellence by the theatre group, which showcases its expertise with outstanding performances. Plus, the youngsters love mimicking adults and what they do, so this should be fun for them. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park Shelby Farms Park. 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. Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is a 45-acre historic area in Johnson City with over 11 buildings and other fixtures. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingsport-Meadowview I-26, an IHG Hotel, Also See:Things to Do in Sevierville with KidsWhat to Do in Clarksville with KidsFun Things to Do in Franklin with Kids. The park is rather large. At the old We have brought our granddaughter to this Library for many years now. Lay a picnic blanket on its sprawling grassy grounds. Another interesting display was the eugenics portion from the Washington DC Holocaust Museum. Better yet, if youre happy to leave Johnson City for a while, you can explore even further, whether near or far! Tannery Knobs is also a great place to go hiking and running. Bowling is always a great activity for the whole family, so youll surely have a great time. Let your children learn new skills while having the time of their lives with the many hands-on exhibits in this museum. Choose from six different trails inside Buffalo Mountain Park. Warblers, vireos, cuckoos, thrushes, and flycatchers are just a few of the varieties of the bird species you may spot as you hang around. 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. Planning a road trip around Tennessee? Walk along the metal trails or perhaps rent a bike and go cycling through the Woodlands area. We walked an easy trail with our elementary school aged child and it was perfect for us. On your first day in Jefferson City, you should visit the fascinating Glenmore Mansion in North Chucky Pike. Guests also make use of this 725-acre natural preserve for picnicking and nature programs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Willow Springs Park. What are the best outdoor activities in Johnson City? Resting on 200 acres of land, Winged Deer Park has been around since 1991. I love this arcade! Wallabies is a popular party place and play center in the city. 1. A spring and garden offer relaxation while a limestone cave is a scenic and interesting addition to the area. Attending one of their home games is a great, budget-friendly thing to do in Johnson City for a fun night out with friends or family! This park offers a spacious area where you and the whole family can lounge on the ground as you enjoy a morning picnic or use the parks picnic pavilion. Youll get to learn all about the history of locomotives, view memorabilia, and see a bunch of toy trains. Kids Activities: Knoxville. Now, the new home team is the Johnson City Doughboys, an Appalachian League summer collegiate baseball team. Spend a few hours inside the librarys study/quiet area to help you concentrate. There will be parades, a 5k fun run, a kids' zone, parties, and disco dancing. IMBA mountain biking solutions experts run the Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, allowing you to feel ensured that your safety is prioritized. There are numerous well-known spots to satisfy your sweet tooth all across town. 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. Once again, we circle back to food locations as the most fun places to go in Johnson City, Tennessee. Winged Deer Park 136 Parks By AKSMiller Acres of grassy hills for children to safely run, play and explore. 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. Its also great for family fun, with an easy hiking ground that passes through a fair number of unique attractions. No charge to get in but the do except donations. Winged Deer Park is a 200-acre district park located in the northern part of Johnson City. Kibosho Village Day Tour Experience from Moshi, Baby Sea Turtle Release in Puerto Escondido, Qatar Gold Dune Safari, Dune Bashing,Camel Ride,Sand Boarding,Inland Sea Desert. The Village Antique & Home Decor Mall boasts more than 200 booths showcasing collectibles of all kinds, ranging from quilts to glassware and from railroad memorabilia to historical objects. Youll be able to discover beautiful cave formations during your trip. There are also wine, liquor, high gravity beers, and microbrews to try. Things to Do in Johnson City with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Fun & Games Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums Traveler rating & up Good for Good for Kids It is about halfway from both Jonesborough & Bristol so it makes a great spot to meet. Great place to take kids to get their energy out. Thats a lot of places for shopping in a city like this! Get It Now Start Planning Tap "Add to Trip" on anything you like. You can also enjoy quiet days inside museums or have fun going around distilleries. Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is situated on 45 acres of ground and its structures were created by Colonel John Tipton in 1784. 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. Some classic arcade games such as Pacman are available at the venue. Reece Museum is a historical and contemporary museum that focuses on Appalachia. When visiting Johnson City, we love to take time to walk around Founders Park. There are also instrument repair services, and lessons if youre keen cover piano, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, drums, violin, dobro, and bass. It holds paintings, letters, files, reports, and all sorts of exhibits. The off-road trails at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park are meant for people of all ages and skill levels. Now, if youre looking for a childrens museum, this place is a bit meh. Today, the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is one of Johnson Citys best things to see. It attracts approximately 80,000 guests annually. Looking for more thrill? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Johnson City, 1320 Pactolas RoadJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 461-4884. When you want to relax during the middle of your trip, this park is an excellent place for that. Plus, jumping around the whole day will be a great and fun alternative to your usual exercise. We parked near the ball fields/batting cages. Nelson Fine Art and Frames is a great spot in Johnson City, Tennessee for art enthusiasts. 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! A trip to this facility is one of the most fun things to do in Johnson City with kids. Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Johnson City . Address: 1201 Huffine Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States. Visitors to this Johnson City joint will be able to buy electronics, amplifiers, drums, string instruments, sound systems, audio setups, lighting, and more. 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. just the basics. Go Mural Hunting. If youre looking to spend a relaxing and quiet day this weekend, pack some picnic essentials and drive to Willow Springs Park. JRH Brewing is a terrific site for craft beer, opened by John Henritze and born out of his love of brewing beer even since high school. Aside from that, the location features bits and pieces of historical information about the state, which you will find as you explore the site. With a punk grunge sort of atmosphere, its very much the underground type of spot. Its very peaceful and First of all, this museum is not located in Gray, TN but on the campus of ETSU in Johnson City. All the games worked and the price point was perfect for a family fun its perfect place for retro 80s & 90s games!! All Rights Reserved. Full disclosure: we are not mountain bikers. Here are our picks for the 25 best and fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee! We started our walk on the paved trail, but soon ventured off onto the wooded dirt trails. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Johnson City, an IHG hotel, 113 Campus Center BuildingJohnson City, TN 37614(423) 439-3382. Johnson City may not be extremely famous for nightlife, but many of its points of interest for live music and other performances are extremely fun and definitely worth heading to. This museum has meticulously designed sets for assorted model train scales. 8. Between Elizabethton's Sycamore Shoals, home to the mustering place for the patriot's march to defeat the British in. The Monkey's Treehouse 91 Seaboard Ln #103 Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 942-7911 The Monkey's Treehouse is an indoor kids' playground, co-working space and a fabulous party center. Cosmic bowling, birthday party hosting, tournaments, and a bar with drink specials are a few of the amenities available. They are known for creating seasonal brews and experimental mixes, so you never know when youll experience a once-in-a-lifetime pint of beer. He went to college to become a physician, but his wife encouraged him to follow his dreams. As its near to the East Tennessee State University, its a common haunt for faculty and students. Acres of grassy hills for children to safely run, play and explore. I live in the area so I am on this all the time. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Johnson City, Holiday Inn Express Johnson City, an IHG Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jonesborough-Johnson City West, TN, Sleep Inn & Suites Kingsport TriCities Airport, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingsport-Meadowview I-26, an IHG Hotel, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is widely open for anyone who wants to learn more about Tennessee. 40% Off Food and Drink at Peerless Restaurant. If so, check out Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, one of the top places to visit for such excursions in Johnson City, Tennessee! 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 Freedom Hall Civic Center is one of the more fun points of interest in Johnson City. Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri) 2. The price point is a little high - if they dropped it to $8 instead of $11, theyd probably have better reviews. 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. Peaceful and beautiful. The museum is home to over 25,000 different individual artifacts and boasts rich historical information regarding old and contemporary culture and art of the Appalachian region. The facility also offers food and drinks to make the visit more enjoyable for everyone. Opened in 2014, the Just Jump Trampoline Park is Johnson Citys only trampoline park and has become a popular hang-out spot for families today. Its also one of Johnson Citys free things to do, as there is no entrance fee. They will learn about the history surrounding the state through the extensive exhibit that you can explore via a self-guided tour or with a designated and experienced tour guide. Artisans use old-fashioned methods to make pizzas, basically tossing dough into the air while you watch. Located on Colonial Way, the institution focuses on preserving artwork through the delicate skillset of framing. The Johnson City Cardinals (now called the Doughboys) are a minor league baseball team home to Johnson City, Tennessee who play with the Appalachian League. Now, if youre looking for a childrens museum, this place is a bit meh. So maybe give them a call before visiting but its definitely something to see while youre in town. 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. The library has a lounge with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Discovery Center is definitely not as exciting and unique as it was in it's old location. Dubbed as Little Chicago, Johnson City is the 9th largest city in Tennessee and is the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Areas principal city. It is one of the states first museums to earn an American Alliance of Museums accreditation, and that is clearly seen in its high standards, quality, and ongoing excellence. Parking is good and secure. 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 Holiday Lanes is open to all ages who want to have a fun time. Young children will absolutely enjoy spending a few hours playing on the inflatable structures in this center. Great place to spend and hour or more, inventory always changings and most vendors have very reasonable pricing. It was very informative and the staff was great. Here are the best things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee for families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. All Rights Reserved. Address: 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States. Regional Museum is an interactive museum that features various hands-on activities to learn, build and create. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Related: Things to Do in Mountain City, TN, 600 E Maple StreetJohnson City, TN 37601(423) 491-5053. Great way to blow a couple of hours. Regional Museum is truly one of the best attractions for kids in Johnson City. If youre up for a day of skating and nostalgia, the Johnson City Family Skate Center is a fantastic place to take your family. (Out-of-town visitor.) Learn about local legends such as haunted buildings and mysterious woodland creatures. It is usually held during the first weekend of the month of June, and is one of the most fun free things to do that youll find in the general region! The Johnson City Public Library is widely accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy a couple of hours of reading. It's big, clean and easy to get around. The museum has 4 massive operational layouts for you to check out. 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. Hiking is the most popular activity, with trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Ranging from moderate to challenging, these trails will get you to overlooks with a magnificent vista of the mountains. Here are some of the more delicious, scrumptious ones! What an amazing opportunity. The Italian Pizza Pub has over two decades of experience running its business in the city. 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Irvine (California), 29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Astoria (Oregon), Appalachian GhostWalks Ghost History and Bigfoot Adventure Tours, 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Charleston (West Virginia), 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Columbia (Missouri), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Ocala (Florida), 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Franklin (Tennessee), 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hot Springs (Arkansas). I met a friend for a new place to walk. It snakes between Johnson City and Elizabethton. Address: 4137 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States. There are numerous activities to enjoy in Winged Deer Park. THE 10 BEST Johnson City Things to Do with Kids. So Founders Park is, naturally, one of them. Here are our picks for the 25 best and fun things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee! These buildings date back to as early as 1783 and as late as 1870 and have been restored. There are many breweries in Tennessee, and some of them make pretty fun places to visit if youre looking for a way to spend your time here. The Reece Museum is one of the top things to do in Johnson City for history buffs. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Johnson City, Also See:Things to Do in Greeneville, TNThings to Do in Morristown, TN, 2620 South Roan StreetJohnson City, TN 37601(423) 926-3631. Beginners, including children, get to develop their abilities too, going from the flowier, simpler areas to more challenging ones. Besides the many shows and events that still happen in the arena to this day, it is also among the historical attractions in Johnson City. Games get rotated every so often. Carnegie Hotel & Spa Top Recommendation The Carnegie Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee just minutes from East Tennessee State University. Some of the former events that happened here are the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, and an Elvis Presley concert. They literally have any book you need and will go out of their way to help you, I do a lot of my research at the library. Among the most exciting free things to do in Johnson City is to traverse Tweetsie Trail. IT IS NOT!! Our current and future activities will always be geared towards interaction. Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site, Review of: Perplexodus Mystery Manor - Dinner Theatre and Escape Adventures, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Johnson City, Hotels near Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Hotels near George L. Carter Railroad Museum, Hotels near Hands On! You can rest in the sprawling picnic areas near the lake. This Hands on! The park is actually part of Willow Springs resort and boasts a pet-friendly status, with even a great, high-quality dog park. Something for everyone in here. Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City. Get to the park on Commerce Street; its open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! The JCPL operates every day, with different opening and closing times, to check their schedule before arriving. Patrons of Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, Tennessee enjoy a gorgeous municipal park packed with amenities. Essentially, the center is a multipurpose location, designed to provide a space for concerts, sports, and more. 1. After a tour of American breweries with her, he was inspired, and in 2013 he graduated from the American Brewers Guild. It is the longest rails-to-trails plan in Tennessee and makes for a nice fitness activity this weekend. Address: 325 W Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States. Johnson City actually has some fantastic pizza spots that are worth checking out and should be on your food destination list in town. Why not check out Chattanooga and Gatlinburg? 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. I would have given it 5 stars, but there is a sign posted on the walking path indicating a lap is approximately 1.8 miles. No bad seat in the house as far as I can tell. The excitement surrounding the venue when the crowd cheers are truly elating, and positive energy will surely give them a fantastic time. It is located inside East Tennessee State University. Campbells Morrell Music is one of the go-to places to visit in Johnson City, Tennessee for musical instruments. Originally, the park began construction as a method for handling stormwater that had been damaging this part of Johnson City, but now, its a great Tennessee spot for relaxation and calming activities. 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. This is a great civic center. One of my favorite memories at the museum is the Salvador Dali art exhibit that featured a collection of paintings representing Dante's Inferno. From Wallabies to Hands On! Founders Park is a fairly new addition to Johnson City. It's big, clean and easy to get around. It takes up a lot of space in the downtown area, and streets are often blocked off just for the festivities! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Johnson City, Also See:Things to Do in Memphis, TNThings to Do in Jonesborough, TN, 257 E Main StreetJohnson City, TN 37601(423) 930-4186. The game room was fun and challenging and we got just enough guidance from the staff to nudge us along and keep it exciting. It holds the states record for length of continuous production runs in Tennessee and is widely loved for its high-quality and exceptional performances. This is a great civic center. If you live within the area and are looking for stuff to do with kids near you, a day at the Just Jump Trampoline Park is a great option. The Imagination Playground is a great spot where the little ones can spend time in the museum. (Out-of-town visitor.) Meeting rooms, educational programs, and activities for children including games and storytime make for a surprisingly engaging and exciting time at the library, which is one of the free things to do in your vacation. They can jump around on the inflatables for as long as they please and burn off extra energy. 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. Some of the JCCTs regular annual shows include Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, The Little Mermaid, and the ever-famous Rocky Horror Live. Blue Plum Festival brings fun and excitement to Johnson City every year, with activities and events that promote the city's tourism with culture, arts, and music. Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Johnson City, Related: Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, 1205 Huffine RoadJohnson City, TN 37604(423) 283-5815.