Are you stuck in a park rut? Most of us probably frequent the park closest to us because, well, you know, kids, and it’s just so much more convenient than driving halfway across town to a park you have never been to. But here’s the thing momma! We are all always looking for free or inexpensive things to do with our kids, and guess what? The parks are completely free, and they all offer different things than the one down the street from you does — so put your kiddos in a car and go exploring.
I don’t know if you have looked at the Knoxville Moms Park Guide lately, but it is a pretty extensive list so I am here to help you out by narrowing it down a little. Here are some of the favorite parks of Knoxville.
McFee Park
917 McFee Road
Knoxville, TN 37934
McFee has everything you could want in a park and more. It has an awesome splash pad (check), an enormous playground with something for kids of all ages (check), and they are just mere feet apart (check). There are two great pavilions available to rent, centrally located bathrooms, and nearby soccer fields if the kids just need to run off some energy. It’s also tucked away from major traffic or roads which is a plus in my book. The only downside to McFee is that on scorching hot days, the playground equipment can get too hot for the kids, so just keep that in mind!
Victor Ashe Park
4901 Bradshaw Rd
Knoxville, TN 37912
Victor Ashe Park is about a twenty minute drive from where I live, and it wasn’t really on my radar until I met a friend there. This park kicked off my curiosity about all of the other awesome local parks I must be missing out on. While it doesn’t have a splash pad, it has a terrific playground for kids of all ages, a pavilion, an amazing walking trail that goes a little over half a mile around the playground and an enormous field in the middle (4 soccer fields worth — perfect for kite flying), as well as a dog park! Plus, there is an 18-hole disc golf course! It also has a volleyball court and a pond for fishing. If you really just want to get out and walk, the greenway passes by some horse and llama farms.
World’s Fair Park
963 Worlds Fair Park Dr
Knoxville, TN 37916
World’s Fair Park is an absolute must. Smack dab in the middle of downtown, it lends itself to an entire day of activities beyond your typical park. The Knoxville Museum of Art is just across the street, and every kid should experience a visit to the top of the Sunsphere while growing up in Knoxville. It’s also not too much trouble to settle your kids into their strollers and wander up to Market Square for a snack and a stroll through Krutch Park too! But those are just some of the added bonuses of World’s Fair Park. The park itself has a hulking splash pad (can you really call it a splash pad? More like fountains in my opinion), a great playground, and a beautifully manicured lawn to picnic on. The only con in my book is that it is a well-trafficked playground so when I went to snap some shots, some of the playground equipment was out of order — but with so much to do, that’s just a minor detail. The bathrooms are also a small trek away from the playground and fountains, just to be warned!
The Cove at Concord
11808 S Northshore Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37922
While living in Tennessee is great, the only downfall is that we live in a landlocked state. The closest beach is about 6 hours away…or is it? While it may not be salt water, we do have our very own beach right here in Knoxville at The Cove at Concord. This gorgeous setting features a waterfront paved trail, a swimming “beach,” volleyball courts, public fishing areas, a playground, and picnic areas abound. The absolute best part? In the warm months, you can rent canoes, kayaks and SUPs from River Sports at the Cove. Honestly, this is the park that doesn’t end. If you are up for an adventure, there are other spread out areas to the park along Northshore, such as the dog park, baseball fields, soccer fields, the boat launch, skate park, etc. You might have to hop in the car and drive a little bit, but you can plan an entire day around at The Cove at Concord.
Anchor Park
11730 Turkey Creek Rd.
Farragut, TN 37934
Looking for a picture-perfect picnic setting? I highly recommend Anchor Park. It is beautifully situated on the water with two fishing piers, three different picnic facilities, a playground, a large sandbox, and even a set-up for horseshoes. There are basketball courts, a softball field, a volleyball court, and exercise stations to take the kids around for some good old-fashioned activity.
Island Home Park
Knoxville, TN 37920
Do you have a kid that loves airplanes? If so, then head on over to Island Home Park, situated on the water and in the cozy historic neighborhood of Island Home. With the Island Home Airport being nearby, planes and helicopters are constantly overhead. There is a great playground with plenty of shade and cover so the kids don’t get too hot, and a paved loop around the park connects to Will Skelton Greenway, which has an incredible display of sunflowers the first few weeks of July (can we say photo op?!) and also to Ijams Nature Center. There are also some tennis courts, a ball field, and of course a pavilion. And if by chance you happen to a canoe (or something like it), there is also a canoe launch.
Carl Cowan Park
Carl Cowan is another hit for us because it has such a great splash pad, and it’s close to the water as well so if the kids want to fish, they can fish right off of a pier. It’s also home to basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. There are both paved and natural paths to take the kids around. There is also a boat launch so it will be fun for the kids to watch the boats coast along the water. I won’t deny that this is one popular playground so the splash pad is always hopping in the summer (except apparently at 7 pm when I took these photos). Also, the playground and splash pad are separated by a high-traffic parking lot so it’s not convenient for the kids to run back and forth between the two unless they are older.
Lakeshore Park
Knoxville, TN 37919
This is a terrific park with stunning views, a 4-mile greenway, ball fields, soccer fields and picnic areas. Not to mention, it’s also home to a Farmer’s Market on Fridays. It also has multiple playgrounds, so even if it’s crowded, there are plenty of places to play.
Mayor Bob Leonard Park
301 Watt Road
Knoxville, TN 37934
This mega sports complex supports both athletic and recreational activities. Mayor Bob Leonard Park hosts 10 playing fields, all but one having lights, along with concessions and restrooms. The sand volleyball court is lit for those that want to play in the evening hours and you won’t have to fight for a net as there are 3 available. The lighted playground will keep children happy during evening games. The most unique feature of the park lies in its heart — the park centers around a beautiful wetlands area with a lighted trail, boardwalk and observation deck. There are 4 paved greenway trails that loop sections of the park. My kids love to ride bike there. Both the greenway and the playground are ADA accessible.
Karns Community Park
6618 Beaver Ridge Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
Just a couple of years ago, the Karns community opened a new, all-inclusive playground that is recognized as the only one of its kind in Knox County. The park has numerous attractions like a 20×20 ft playhouse with musical instruments, a musical garden, slides, padded artificial turf and even a wheelchair accessible swing. It features 4 baseball fields, a community building, concessions, a picnic table, playground, pool, and walking loop.
Did we mention SHADE? This park has wonderful shade for those hot summer months and the reason it continues to be a favorite of our team.
Lenoir City Park
Lenoir City, TN 37771
This playground in the heart of downtown on Broadway Street gives children of all abilities a wonderful place to play. The main play structures are under large awnings to give kids plenty of shade on hot summer days. The playground is also fenced in, which especially helps moms like me who have a runner on their hands! There is also a splash pad adjacent to the playground which is perfect on a hot day.
Blue Cross Healthy Place At Town Hall Park
11408 Municipal Center
Farragut, TN 37934
The Town of Farragut was chosen by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation to receive a $750,000 play space in 2021. It is one of 10 play spaces that will be built across the state in celebration of the company’s 75th anniversary.
It has a swing area, a 2-12 play area with a ramped accessible play system with shade, slides, challenging climbing elements, merry-go-all, ground level musical play, sensory cove, and whirlwind seat.
New Harvest Park
4775 New Harvest Lane
Knoxville, TN 37918
This park has a playground and a splash pad for your family to enjoy. They also have a Farmers Market every Thursday from April 24th to September 25th from 3-6pm.
Aspire Park
777 Aspire Drive
Clinton, TN 37716
Aspire truly has it ALL. There is a playground, walking/biking trails, a restaurant, a dog park, a pump track, hiking, boating and more. The playground even has a zipline! It’s such a fun place to visit.
Fort Kid
1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive
Knoxville, TN 37916
Fort Kid is located in the heart of Downtown Knoxville. It has a tower play structure and several other fun play elements. It’s conveniently adjacent to World’s Fair Park and The Knoxville Museum of Art so you can make it a whole day of adventure.
West Hills Park
7624 Sheffield Drive (ballfields/pickleball courts)
410 N Winston Road (tennis courts)
Knoxville, TN 37909
West Hills Park truly has something for everyone. The park includes spaces for softball / baseball, soccer / football, basketball, tennis, pickleball, playgrounds, horseshoes, volleyball, and the 1.9-mile paved Jean Teague Greenway.
Plumb Creek Park
1517 Hickey Road
Knoxville, TN 37932
Plumb Creek has a playground, 2 walking trails, and a 9-hole disc and foot golf course. Plus, it contains an amazing PetSafe Dog Park that features a 7-acre play area for large dogs and a 1-acre area for small dogs.
Melton Hill Park
3230 Williams Bend Road
Knoxville, TN 37932
Which is your favorite Knoxville park? Let me know for a future edition and so we can keep adding to our Favorite Parks Gallery!
Fountain City Park