Fun for the Whole Family
The Secret is Out!
Looking for a fun day or weekend getaway that your entire family will love? Oak Ridge may be a small, even Secret City, but the word is spreading that there’s a LOT to do and see! Start with an educational visit to one of our museums, but from there the options are nearly endless. Catch a movie in our theater where every seat is a heated recliner, take a dip in one of the biggest spring water swimming pools in the US, or even tour an abandoned maximum security prison where the tour guides are former prison guards (oh yeah, they also have a moonshine distillery…for mom and dad of course!)
Family Friendly Activities
Jackson Square
Located at the center of the historic district, the Square hosts an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, parks, and historic displays.
Oak Ridge Art Center
The Oak Ridge Art Center is a regional fine arts center and museum providing visual arts experiences and education.
Oak Ridge Playhouse
Oak Ridge Playhouse offers productions throughout the year, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and children's programs.
Oak Ridge Children's Museum
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge has more than 20,000 artifacts showcased in more than 20 interactive exhibits.
The Greens by Gypsy Circus
The Greens by Gypsy Circus is a mini-golf and games attraction that includes the first brewery in Oak Ridge, Atomic City.
Melton Lake Park
With 173 miles of shoreline, Melton Lake Park is the perfect location for an outdoor adventure.
Clark Center Park
Clark Center Park (formerly known as Carbide Park) is an 80-acre parcel with a swimming area, playgrounds and more!
Greenways
Whether you're looking to take a morning stroll, go trail running, or bike - our greenways are the perfect place!
Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool
The pool is spring water fed and one of the largest in the nation. On summer days, there's nowhere better to cool off.
Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam sits on 4,000+ acres with 800+ miles of shoreline that offers recreational boating, skiing, and fishing.
Disc Golf
Play an enjoyable round of disc golf! Oak Ridge features two of the area's best disc golf courses with options for all skill levels.
The American Museum of Science and Energy
This family-friendly museum features diverse exhibits that delve into science.
Brushy Mtn State Pen
Known as the “End of the Line,” Brushy was a maximum-security prison that is now open to public tours.
Cinemark Tinseltown USA
Want to enjoy a movie with the family? At Cinemark Tinseltown theater, every seat in the building is a heated recliner! Plus, their $5.00 Tuesdays are the best deal in town!
Oak Ridge Bowling Center
This Family Friendly Bowling Center has weekly discounts, concessions and more!
AK Bissell Park
With 38 acres of recreation space featuring a paved 1.25 mile loop, picnic shelter, and performance pavilion, there is plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy a day at the park!
Museum of Appalachia
The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum with self-guided tours.
Haw Ridge Park
From hiking to geocaching to kayaking or SUP'ing, there's no shortage of fun to explore at the scenic Haw Ridge Park!
Melton Lake Fishing
Musky, crappie, and bass, oh my! With over 170 miles of shoreline there are plenty of places to wet a line.
K25 History Center
This museum honors the stories of those who helped construct and operate the K-25 uranium enrichment complex.
Video Archive
AMSE: Science in Seconds
If you’re searching for affordable, family-friendly activities, you should check out Oak Ridge. Nestled in East Tennessee, America’s Secret City is the perfect place for family getaways, playing outdoors, and bringing science to life! Oak Ridge – where science, history and fun all merge together.
A Great Family Getaway
With nearly 20 city parks and 12 playgrounds, it’s no wonder Oak Ridge is claimed the playful city! Fishing for some fun on the water? Want to bike the green ways of a once Secret City? We’ve got it all!
Oak Ridge: Fueled by Science
Oak Ridge is fueled by science! The birthplace of nuclear technology, Oak Ridge merges science, history and fun. With over 9,000+ scientists and engineers working in the area, we are surely the science hot spot!
OAK RIDGE HISTORY MUSEUM
The Oak Ridge History Museum is a place where you can come and experience the Manhattan era of Oak Ridge! Learn what people were like and how they lived.
EXPLORE OAK RIDGE'S MUSEUMS
Oak Ridge is home to four museums and you can visit them all on your next visit to the Secret City. Be sure to visit the American Museum of Science and Energy, the K-25 History Museum, The Oak Ridge History Museum, and the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum.
AMSE's Virtual Tour
Want to take a virtual tour of the American Museum of Science and Energy? Watch this video to take a virtual look inside one of Oak Ridge’s biggest attractions.
Oak Ridge Children's Museum
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is a unique and educational resource, providing children of East Tennessee with the opportunity to learn while playing-to create, discover, solve, and experience, within non-traditional, interactive exhibit galleries.
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