Brights Zoo

This zoo is a privately owned zoo that takes no government money, so all of your admission fees go for upkeep of the zoo and animal care.  This wonderful local zoo is dedicated to teaching young people the importance of the value of protecting animals and their natural habitats through conservation.  To help do this, the zoo produces a variety of education that is enjoyable for the children as well as aiding in their learning as they stroll through the zoo. They have a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles. The penguin cove is fast becoming a favorite spot for children of all ages.  Another favorite is the feeding of the giraffes!  For camp enthusiasts, they offer a great program to prepare our youth for tomorrow to care for the animals.  There is a nice gift shop on sight, as well as a store for snacks and food options.

3425 Highway 11 E., Limestone — 423-257 1927

Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park

This is a must-visit destination for kids large and small to come and see 40 lifestyle prehistoric creatures. More creatures are being planned for the future. The best part is it is a donation-based attraction, so everyone, regardless of income ability, can afford to get in.  There is a picnic area to bring your own lunch as well as a small gift shop to buy souvenirs. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tours are self-guided.

1065 Walnut Grove Road, Bluff City — 423-391 7017

Hands On! Discovery Center

This science center offers fun interactive exhibits and programs for kids of all ages.  Some of the exhibits include a musical Tesla coil, an art studio, a three-story paleo tower and giant building blocks.  Visitors are also welcome to engineer a rocket and create their own masterpiece, all while trying to uncover something new.  To add to the fun, children are encouraged to get up close and explore an active fossil dig site.  “The mission of Hands On! is to inspire discovery and understanding of science and the arts in a place where learning and fun go hand in hand.”

1212 Suncrest Drive, Johnson City — 423-434 4263

Just Jump

This Johnson City state-of-the-art trampoline park is spread out over 22,000 square feet, offering a multitude of play areas for kids of all ages.  The fitness and sports facility not only offers open jump space, but it also offers a gladiator pit, dodgeball, two basketball dunking goals, three-lane airbag jump, obstacle course, as well as virtual games, which makes Just Jump the perfect play place for your family fun.

2304 Silverdale Drive, Suite 600, Johnson City — 844 344 5867

Johnson City Public Library

The Johnson City Public Library offers a multitude of learning opportunities for learning as well as entertainment choices in a state-of-the-art facility for the community. The two-story, 42,000-square-foot beautiful building is host to over 160,000 items, including books, print and nonprint items. Upon your visit, you will find a large selection of books, talking books, magazines, DVDs and compact discs with a circulation of over 500,000 items in a year.  You will also find a reference center with the latest electronic resources, all of which are available remotely through their webpage. The library also offers a wide choice of services/programs that serve children from preschool through high school.  They offer Family Storytime, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime.

100 W. Millard St., Johnson City — 423-434 4450 

Rotary Park Splash Pad

This wonderful facility for children to run and play has 22,000 square feet for children of all ages to enjoy, regardless of their abilities.  The playground has lots of features that children can do with their parents.  For children in wheelchairs, the playground is almost entirely accessible.  The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the splash pad open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

1001 North Broadway, Johnson City — 423-283-5815

Holiday Lanes

For some good old fashion fun with the whole family, Holiday Lanes is a great choice to spend an afternoon or evening playing a few games with the children. They offer computerized scoring for those who are challenged in their scoring capabilities.  For the younger ones, they offer gutter guards to make playing a little more fun. Party packages are available and several bowling leagues for the diehard players.  They have a great food court for snacks. 

117 Broyles Drive, Johnson City — 423-282-6521

Wallabies

Wallabies offers over 10,000 square feet of obstacle courses within the walls of inflatable slides for children up to 12 years of age, making a fun time for all. Regardless of the weather outside, children can play to their heart's content. They offer for toddlers up to 3 years of age an 800-square-foot play place that is enclosed for safety.  For birthday parties and special events, they offer a special space to hold your fun-filled special occasions for your little ones

3102 Hanover Road, Johnson City — 423-328 0489

"Johnson City Library offers maps for a downtown Johnson City Wildabout/Walkabout scavenger hunt." — Debbie N.