Fun Things to Do in Tennessee in the Summer

When it comes to things to do in Tennessee in the summer, there is so much fun that you’ll need a lifetime of summer to experience it all! If you’re running out of ideas, it’s time to get out your pen and paper because we have a few more things to add to your summer bucket list this year.

Ah, relaxing days at the lake are what summer is all about. We have plenty of great lakes here in Tennessee, so we don’t need a beach to have a tropical experience. No, we Tennesseans prefer the clean and warm fresh water of a lake, preferably with mountains as a backdrop. So find your favorite body of water from Watauga to Reelfoot and get ready for a day of fun in the sun.

We all love getting in the water and letting the current gently carry us forward as we glide over glassy waters, but this experience has a very special twist. As the sun sets, you dive into the water and as the fiery colors in the sky fade to a blanket of stars above you, your transparent boat begins to glow. Then you can enjoy the rest of your paddling paradise by the light of the glowing kayak. This is best done with the “Get Up And Go Kayaking” outfit.

I know I just mentioned that you can take a boat across the water, but this one is just too good not to mention. On this once-in-a-lifetime trip, you’ll head out onto Nickajack Lake with a guided team during sunset. Watch the vibrant colors of the sunset between the railroad cars and the rugged cliff shoreline. Then, as the last light begins to fade, the historic Nickajack Cave, home to hundreds of bats, comes to life. Watch these furry creatures squeak and fly around to feed for the night. There’s nothing quite like it, and if you’d like a discounted rate, contact our friends at Viator for this bat cave kayaking adventure.

When the summer heat just gets unbearable, a water park is just the thing. Take your family to one of our amazing water parks to splash, slide and have some serious fun in the water. Large experiences like Nashville Shores or Dollywood’s Splash Country are great options, as is Soaky Mountain with many unique options you won’t find anywhere else, like the Kaleidoscope Lazy River.

A popular pastime in Tennessee is to find a body of water and just jump in! When you think of great swimming holes, it makes perfect sense: Why hang around in a boring pool when you can feel the rush of cool mountain water with a beautiful waterfall in the background? Cummins Falls State Park is always a crowd-pleaser, but other spots like Greeter Falls in Salvage Gulf State Park or Cane Creek Cascades in Fall Creek Falls State Park are great options too. I’ve learned that almost anywhere in Tennessee has a good local swimming hole nearby, so find your favorite or try a new one this summer.

Aside from water activities, let me tell you about another great way to cool off this summer. Did you know that Tennessee has more caves than any other state? That leaves us with plenty of options when it comes to caving. Regardless of the weather, temperatures in most caves stay a cool 10 degrees year-round, making them the perfect summer destination. They all have unique stories, history, and formations to admire. So if you want to see our country’s largest underground waterfall, head to Ruby Falls. How about the largest underground lake? The Lost Sea Adventure has you covered. Cumberland Caverns even lets you spend the night underground if you want. The options are seemingly endless.

There are many great museums throughout the state, from interactive kids’ experiences like Discovery Park of America in Union City to niche small-town museums dedicated to things like model trains. Depending on your passions, you’re sure to find a good place dedicated to preserving and showcasing items and information that will delight and amaze you. This is also a great option for those on a budget, as Tennessee also has many free museums.

Similar to discovering new museums is delving into the history that made Tennessee what it is today. There are so many great ways to do this, from visiting historic towns like Jonesborough to taking a trip through Cades Cove to explore all the old buildings and churches. I find it extremely interesting to step back in time to the early days of the Over-Mountain-Men and the Lost State of Franklin, so why not invest some time to step back in time and appreciate where we are today?

Many of our major cities are the perfect size. Even in places like Nashville, our largest city, you can be out in the country in just minutes. But with all the fun cities have to offer, you’ll want to book a trip and stay right in the heart and close to the action. You can spend a weekend exploring unique spots in Memphis, take a nature trip to Knoxville, or soak up the sights on a trip to Nashville. Choose a city and enjoy all there is to do there. They all have plenty to offer.

I saved the best for last because nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip. When the tires hit the road, the windows roll down, and your favorite music cranks up, there’s no better summer feeling than this. I like to pick a little bit from each of the above categories and see how much we can fit in a short amount of time. If you’re in the mood for a good road trip, be sure to check out our list of some of the best road trips in Tennessee to at least get you started on the right path.

You shouldn’t have a hard time finding something to do in Tennessee during the summer, the only problem is fitting it all into a few short months. It’s OK if we don’t get everything done in one summer though, because we plan on staying in this beautiful state for a very, very long time. If you’re looking to spend some time camping this summer, know that Tennessee has plenty of great campgrounds too. If you need an RV to make your trip even more enjoyable, be sure to check out our friends at RV Share to rent one for an epic outdoor getaway.