Looking for the best places to travel in the US on a budget? You’ll find cheap family vacations in Tennessee. Here is a Tennessee Vacation guide to help you plan your family getaway without breaking the bank.
Tennessee makes a great affordable family vacation destination, thanks to its abundance of natural resources including the millions of acres of national forest lands. Adding to that are plenty of urban getaways that are both fun and educational.
Everyone deserves a vacation, and it doesn’t have to be expensive in order to make a memorable getaway with the whole family. If you’re eyeing a vacation in Tennessee, but your budget isn’t exactly the biggest one, don’t worry.
Planning cheap family vacations in Tennessee is possible. Here is a guide to help you get started.
Is Tennessee Good For Families?
Tennessee is one of the best places to visit with the family. The state offers a wide variety of interesting and exciting things to do. Here are some of the reasons why Tennessee is a great family vacation destination.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Which equals tons of outdoor fun and plenty of opportunities to soak up nature.
- Great Music. Tennessee has a rich heritage of all kinds of music, from classical and jazz to gospel and country.
- Food. From pulled pork to sweetly slathered ribs, Tennessee is famous for its mouthwatering barbecue and more!
- Weather. There is so much to see and do season after season in Tennessee. From spectacular natural sceneries to seasonal activities, visitors are sure to enjoy!
- Family Attractions. Tennessee offers tons of attractions that are perfect for people of all ages and different tastes.
- Budget-friendly family vacations. The state has so much natural beauty, along with several attractions, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to create memories in Tennessee for free or cheap!
Tennessee is rich in heritage and culture and boasts a variety of entertainment, nature, and fun places from one end to the other.
And the reasons above are but a few of many things to enjoy when you visit the beautiful state of Tennessee.
Whether you’re bringing your RV to explore the entire state or going to a specific area to explore, you will not be disappointed in what Tennessee has to offer.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Tennessee?
Not only is Tennessee an affordable place to live, but visitors don’t necessarily have to spend so much to enjoy their stay. The cost of visiting Tennessee greatly varies, but on average a 7-day vacation will cost:
- A solo traveler will need around $1000
- A family of 4 can expect to spend about $3,200+ USD
Tennessee is a year-round destination, with summertime being the peak season for a vacation. Hotel rates tend to increase and rooms book faster than normal during the peak season.
Try to plan your family trip to Tennessee for November through March, during the off-season when there are fewer visitors.
And to make the most out of your trip to without burning off all your vacation budget, check out our list of the best cheap family vacations in The Volunteer State below.
Cheap Family Vacations in Tennessee
Ready to save your wallet with our list of cheap family vacations in Tennessee? Well, here they are!
Situated south of Gatlinburg on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 800-plus miles of hiking trails, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Plus, the entrance is free!
With an ever-expanding lineup of attractions in Pigeon Forge, there is always something for everyone to enjoy that suits every budget size. Read more to see our list of the cheapest things to do in Pigeon Forge.
- Explore Dollywood
- Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Tour Pigeon Forge Museums
- Visit Old Mill Square
- Stay at Cheap Cabins in Pigeon Forge
If you want to do something fun with the family without spending much, you’ll find all kinds of exciting things to do in Gatlinburg TN that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the best activities and attractions in Gatlinburg for family vacations on a budget.
- Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
- Visit Gatlin’s Fun Center
- Play arcade games with the fam at Fannie Farkle’s
- Play Mini Golf
Visiting Nashville isn't as expensive as you think. There are plenty of cheap things to do and some are even FREE! From scenic parks to touring museums and music venues, you're sure to have a blast in Nashville, TN.
Here are a few of our favorite things to do in & near Nashville that won't cost you a lot.
When people think of Tennessee, most people usually go to either Nashville or the various mountain towns throughout the state. But Knoxville has a fair share of things that are affordable or completely free.
- Explore Ijams Nature Center. This 300-acre urban playground offers more than 10 miles of fun and challenging trails with tons of scenic views.
- Visit Knoxville Botanical Gardens
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- Free self-guided tour at Marble Springs State Historic Site
- Old Gray Cemetery
- Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour
If you're looking for more music and family fun, Memphis, TN is the best place to be. And
The best part of it is you don’t have to let your budget stop you, because there are plenty of fun and cheap things to do in Memphis.
- Enjoy Concerts at Levitt Shell
- Explore The Art Museum at University of Memphis
- Family picnic at Shelby Farms Park or at Tom Lee Park
- Experience the home of the King of Rock by taking a tour of Graceland
- Visit Pink Palace Museum
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- You can also explore Memphis by trolley
With so many things to do and see, Chattanooga is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee with the family. Luckily, the city is extremely budget-friendly and offers a variety of affordable attractions and free outdoor activities.
- Find free hiking trails at the Lookout Mountain
- Enjoy scenic views and fun activities at Coolidge Park
- Spend a relaxing time at Tennessee Riverpark
- Try a Chattanooga moonpie
- Walking around the grounds of the Chattanooga Choo Choo
Download Your Free Smoky Mountains Checklist
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
If you’re visiting Tennessee, we recommend these awesome Cabins in the Smoky Mountains that suit every budget and need.
And to add to you’re itinerary, don’t miss Tennessee’s largest waterpark resort and family adventure center, Wilderness At The Smokies.