5 Day Trips the Whole Family Will Enjoy Near Kingsport, TN

If you’re looking for a fun trip to take from Kingsport, Tennessee, with your kids, check out some of these popular day trips. Each offers easy access from Kingsport, along with interesting things to do and see for all ages.

Gray

Gray is located about 15 miles from Kingsport, so it’s an accessible spot for locals. At the Gray Fossil Site, you can learn more about dinosaurs. The fossil site is actually an active dig site featuring fossils from the Pliocene era. Scientists who have worked on the site believe that it formed when an underground limestone cave collapsed, creating a sinkhole that left fossil deposits dating back more than 5 million years.

The Natural History Museum features various animals on display, including saber-toothed cats, camel without humps, semi-aquatic pot-bellied rhinos, and shovel-tusked elephants. Both the museum and dig site are part of the Hands On! Discovery Center, an interactive museum that encourages children to learn through hands-on experiences.

Jonesborough

In Jonesborough, you and your family can spend the day at Wetlands Waterpark. The park is about 28 miles from Kingsport and opens each May, remaining open until the end of the summer. This expansive outdoor water park features several fiberglass flume slides, water bubblers, a rain tree, tumble buckets, a zero-depth wading area, and slides for kids. Covered pavilions, a sand volleyball court, lounge chairs, and a covered dining area are also available to guests.

Chuckey

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life, book a campsite at Pebble Mountain Family Campground, located in Chuckey. The campground is 42 miles from Kingsport and provides a quiet retreat for families. It sits just outside the Cherokee National Forest, offering access to the trails and natural surroundings within the park. Dogs are welcome at this campsite as well. You can enjoy meals with the hosts on specific days.

Mosheim

The Wandering Llamas offers a delightful and unique adventure for families in the area. Located in Mosheim, this attraction allows visitors to take day hikes with a friendly pack of llamas in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll have to travel about 50 miles to get there, but it’s well worth the trip. You and your family members will be on foot, while the llamas will carry the items you need on your hike in special backpacks. During the hike, you’ll also be able to enjoy stunning views of the natural surroundings and take a few photos with the beloved llamas.

Harrogate

Learn more about American history at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, located in Harrogate. This spot is 80 miles from Kingsport, sitting on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University. It houses one of the top private collections of items dating back to the Civil War and Lincoln’s presidency, including artifacts, rare books, photos, and manuscripts.

Plan a fun day trip with your family to explore the area around Kingsport. No matter what you’re in the mood to do, you can easily find something unique and enjoyable.

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