It’s no surprise that Oak Ridge is a popular place to visit for history buffs, but there is also plenty of fun things to do that kids will love! Next time you’re deciding on a weekend trip for your family, come to Oak Ridge in Anderson County. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of 4 exciting things to do in Oak Ridge TN for kids.

1. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is the perfect way for kids to learn about the history of Oak Ridge and the Appalachian heritage of East Tennessee! The whole family will love the hands-on learning the museum offers — their motto is “please touch!” One of the most popular exhibits is Waterworks, which is a hands-on flume that demonstrates the lock system on the Tennessee River. In this exhibit, children can find out what it’s like to run a tugboat on the river! Visitors also love The Dollhouse, which is a 2-story house in which anyone 5 feet or less can fit comfortably. Everything in the house is scaled for kids, so they can “cook” in the kitchen or relax in the living room! There is also a Discovery Lab, a Puppet Room, an Imagination Gallery and so much more.

2. HAW RIDGE PARK

It’s no secret that kids love going to the park, and Haw Ridge Park is no exception. At Haw Ridge Park, you can explore 28 miles of hiking, mountain biking, running and nordic skiing trails, along with 5 miles of shoreline! During the spring and summer, you can see more than 40 varieties of wildflowers scattered around the forest floor. Kids love being outside and being active, and Haw Ridge Park is the perfect place to do it. It’s a great way to explore the beauty of Oak Ridge with your family!

3. MELTON HILL LAKE

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, spend a day at Melton Hill Lake! Melton Hill Lake is a gorgeous lake that extends almost 57 miles upstream from Melton Hill Dam to Norris Dam. Kids will love getting to have fun out on the water, and parents can enjoy an afternoon of fishing and relaxation! Adventures Outdoors is located on the lake and offers a variety of rentals for you to use out on the water, like kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. Whether you’re paddling across the flat waters of the lake or taking a dip in the refreshing water, you’re sure to have a great time.

4. OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

For some evening entertainment the whole family will love, visit the Oak Ridge Community Playhouse! The theater has been open since 1943 and is one of the oldest in the Southeastern United States. There is everything from musicals, to comedies, to dramas performed at the Playhouse. Kids will love the Junior Playhouse, which annually produces productions typically adapted from classic and popular children’s literature. If there is a play showing while you’re in town, be sure to visit the theater to be captivated by the performance!

Your kids will never be bored when you visit Oak Ridge! Browse more things to do in the area, then start planning your visit.