
Last updated: 2025-04-22
When Tennessee’s unpredictable weather rolls in, Knoxville’s indoor havens offer a perfect escape for locals and visitors seeking engaging experiences. From cultural attractions to interactive exhibits, the city’s indoor destinations provide year-round entertainment and learning opportunities.
Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly activities, Knoxville’s indoor venues showcase the region’s rich cultural landscape. These spaces invite exploration, offering diverse experiences that capture the spirit of East Tennessee.
Discover Knoxville’s coolest indoor adventures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Knoxville
- Tennessee Theatre
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- Ijams Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
- East Tennessee History Center
- The Muse Knoxville
- Clarence Brown Theatre
- Maple Hall
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Clarence Brown Theatre
What to Expect
Professional university theatre with student and professional actor collaborations
Description
University of Tennessee's professional theatre presenting high-quality dramatic productions featuring talented student and professional actors. The theatre stages diverse performances, including contemporary comedies like 'The Play That Goes Wrong', with a repertoire that spans classic and modern dramatic works.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Clarence Brown Theatre
East Tennessee History Center
What to Expect
Comprehensive regional historical research center
Description
The East Tennessee History Center preserves and interprets regional history through comprehensive exhibits, research resources, and educational programs. Visitors can explore extensive genealogical collections, participate in historical lectures, and engage with rotating exhibitions about local culture, heritage, and significant historical events.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: East Tennessee History Center
Ijams Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
What to Expect
Urban wilderness nature education center with diverse wildlife programs
Description
Ijams Nature Center offers comprehensive environmental education programs and interactive nature experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore wildlife education, participate in outdoor learning workshops, and engage with local ecosystem programs that connect people to the natural world through hands-on discovery.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Ijams Nature Center (Indoor Programs)
Knoxville Museum of Art
What to Expect
Comprehensive visual arts representation of East Tennessee
Description
Regional art museum showcasing East Tennessee's visual arts heritage through diverse contemporary and historical exhibitions. Features curated collections highlighting local and regional artists, with rotating exhibits exploring regional cultural narratives and artistic expressions.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Knoxville Museum of Art
Maple Hall
What to Expect
Upscale boutique bowling lounge with craft cocktail bar
Description
Maple Hall combines bowling with a sophisticated social experience in downtown Knoxville. This boutique bowling venue offers eight lanes with vintage-inspired design, craft cocktails, and a modern gastropub atmosphere. Guests can enjoy interactive entertainment with high-end bowling equipment and a stylish urban setting.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Maple Hall
Tennessee Theatre
What to Expect
Restored historic 1920s performance venue with landmark architectural significance
Description
Historic performing arts venue hosting diverse live entertainment including Broadway musicals, symphony performances, concerts, and special events. Features a beautifully restored 1920s theater with exceptional acoustics and ornate architectural details that transport audiences to a classic performance experience.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Tennessee Theatre
The Muse Knoxville
What to Expect
Knoxville's only public-access children's planetarium
Description
Knoxville's premier children's STEAM museum offering interactive exhibits and educational experiences. Features a public-access planetarium, hands-on science workshops, and diverse learning programs that engage children through play-based discovery across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: The Muse Knoxville
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
What to Expect
Comprehensive museum dedicated exclusively to women's basketball history
Description
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history and achievements of women's basketball through interactive exhibits, memorabilia displays, and educational experiences. Visitors can explore historic game artifacts, learn about legendary players, and engage with basketball-themed multimedia presentations that highlight women's contributions to the sport.
Where: Knoxville | More Info: Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?