Tennessee’s lakes offer a natural playground for families who love the outdoors. From quiet afternoons on a canoe to building sandcastles at the water’s edge, each lake offers a new opportunity to reconnect with nature—and each other. I’ve spent countless weekends exploring these waters with family, and what keeps me coming back is the variety. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, you’ll find something for everyone. The list of family activities to try at Tennessee lakes is long, rewarding, and ever-growing with each new season.
With scenic beauty, friendly locals, and parks built around lakes both large and small, Tennessee is one of the best places in the Southeast to plan a family getaway. My own experiences have shown me how valuable it is to unplug from the usual routine and enjoy simple pleasures together. Whether your family loves thrill-seeking adventures or low-key moments by the water, these lakes provide the perfect setting for unforgettable days.
Swimming and Beach Days
When the summer sun is high, there’s nothing quite like a swim in a cool lake. Many of Tennessee’s lakes feature designated swimming areas with sandy beaches, lifeguards, and shaded picnic zones. One of my favorites is the beach at Chickasaw State Park near Lake Placid. It’s peaceful, clean, and great for little ones who want to splash around in shallow water.
On Douglas Lake and Old Hickory Lake, we’ve spent afternoons lounging under umbrellas while the kids made sandcastles or floated on inner tubes. It’s one of those family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that brings everyone together, regardless of age. With safe swimming zones, nearby bathrooms, and plenty of picnic tables, it’s an easy way to enjoy a full day by the water without overplanning.
Boating and Tubing Fun
If your family enjoys a bit more excitement, renting a pontoon or ski boat can lead to hours of fun. Lakes like Norris, Center Hill, and Watts Bar offer rental services that make boating accessible even if you don’t own one yourself. Once out on the water, we often take turns tubing, water skiing, or simply cruising while taking in the views.
Kids love the thrill of bouncing across waves on an inner tube, and it’s surprisingly easy to learn. For younger children or more cautious family members, we stick to slow rides or anchor in a quiet cove to swim. Sharing the lake from a boat is one of those family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that creates laughter, adventure, and plenty of good photos.
Fishing With All Ages
Fishing is a timeless way to connect with nature and each other. I still remember the excitement on my nephew’s face when he caught his first fish at Percy Priest Lake. Whether you’re casting from the shore, sitting on a dock, or drifting in a small boat, fishing allows for great conversations and quiet bonding.
Tennessee lakes are full of bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. We bring along kid-friendly fishing rods, bait, and a cooler of drinks and snacks. Many lakes have tackle shops nearby in case you forget something. Even if you don’t catch anything, the anticipation is often just as fun. It’s one of those slower-paced family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that offers a welcome break from fast-moving modern life.
Picnics and Grilling Lakeside
Few things beat the smell of burgers on a grill with the lake just a few feet away. Many parks surrounding Tennessee’s lakes have picnic shelters, grills, and scenic spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. At Tims Ford Lake, we’ve grilled everything from hot dogs to corn on the cob while watching boats drift by in the distance.
Bringing a cooler full of fresh ingredients, reusable plates, and some cold drinks makes lakeside picnicking both eco-friendly and enjoyable. We always pack extra marshmallows for roasting if there’s a fire pit available. It’s a great way to extend the day and make mealtime part of the experience. This is one of the most relaxing family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that everyone looks forward to, from toddlers to grandparents.
Hiking Along the Shoreline
Some of the best moments we’ve shared as a family happened while walking along a lake trail. Whether it’s a short loop or a more challenging path, hiking gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs, enjoy the scenery, and maybe even spot wildlife. At Radnor Lake and Chickamauga Lake, we’ve seen deer, birds, and even turtles sunning on logs.
The trails around Tennessee’s lakes are often well-marked and family-friendly. Many parks offer interpretive signs, nature scavenger hunts, and shaded paths that are perfect for morning or evening strolls. For us, it’s not just about the exercise—it’s about discovering new things together and having conversations we might not have at home.
Camping By the Water
Camping brings out the adventurer in every family member. Pitching a tent by the lake, listening to frogs and crickets at night, and waking up to a misty sunrise creates a powerful connection with the outdoors. Whether it’s primitive camping or setting up in a fully-equipped RV spot, Tennessee lakes offer fantastic opportunities for overnight stays.
I’ve spent nights under the stars at Pickwick Landing State Park and Reelfoot Lake, roasting marshmallows and telling stories by the fire. Kids love sleeping in sleeping bags, and parents appreciate the slower pace. It’s one of the more immersive family activities to try at Tennessee lakes and one that leaves lasting impressions long after you’ve packed up the tent.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking Together
If you’re looking for an activity that blends exploration with fitness, paddleboarding and kayaking are great choices. Many of Tennessee’s calmer lakes, like Watauga and Laurel Hill, are ideal for families trying paddling for the first time. Rental companies usually offer child-sized life jackets and beginner-friendly equipment.
I’ve paddled alongside my nieces and nephews as they learned to maneuver their own boats, and the sense of independence it gives them is wonderful to see. Exploring coves, spotting fish under the surface, and drifting quietly make this one of the most peaceful and rewarding family activities to try at Tennessee lakes.
Scavenger Hunts and Nature Games
When you have younger kids along, it helps to plan fun and interactive ways to explore. We often bring along printed scavenger hunts—find a pinecone, spot a bird, collect a unique rock. Tennessee’s lakeside parks are filled with natural treasures, and the kids get excited each time they check off another box.
You can also make up games like “tree tag,” lakeside bingo, or nature photo challenges. At Dale Hollow Lake, we once organized a “hidden treasure” hunt using small waterproof boxes filled with goodies. This kind of hands-on exploration helps kids appreciate the outdoors while staying engaged.
Learning About Local History
Many Tennessee lakes are rich in history. At lakes like Fort Loudoun and Tellico, you can explore historic sites, reconstructed forts, or visitor centers that offer insight into the region’s past. These spots often provide a mix of learning and play, with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
We once attended a reenactment near Cherokee Lake and the kids were fascinated by the costumes and stories. Adding an educational layer to a lake trip is one of those family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that brings depth to the experience—and maybe even sparks a lifelong interest in history.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting
Bringing a pair of binoculars and a field guide can turn a lake day into a wildlife adventure. Tennessee’s lakes attract an incredible range of birds—herons, bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, and more. We’ve spent mornings at Reelfoot Lake watching pelicans glide across the water and afternoons at Cordell Hull spotting hawks overhead.
Kids love spotting animals, and it’s an easy, quiet way to spend time outdoors. You can keep a nature journal, take pictures, or make a checklist of what you see. It’s one of the more educational and calming family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that can be done year-round.
Evening Bonfires and Star Gazing
When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t have to end. Some parks and campgrounds allow small bonfires, and sitting by the flames while looking up at the stars is a memory-maker for sure. On clear nights, we bring a telescope or star map and lay on blankets by the water’s edge to trace constellations.
Without city lights, the night sky comes alive over many Tennessee lakes. Whether you’re identifying Orion’s Belt or simply counting shooting stars, this is one of the most peaceful ways to end the day—and one of the best family activities to try at Tennessee lakes that doesn’t cost a dime.
Seasonal Events and Lake Festivals
Throughout the year, many lakes host family-friendly events—everything from Fourth of July fireworks over the water to fishing derbies, boat parades, and summer concert series. I’ve stumbled upon local craft fairs, wildlife demonstrations, and outdoor movie nights all set against a lake backdrop.
Participating in these events adds a social element to your lake trip and gives kids something new to look forward to. It’s worth checking local park calendars or tourism sites to see what’s happening during your visit.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s lakes aren’t just scenic—they’re filled with experiences waiting to be shared. Whether it’s the laughter of a child catching their first fish, the shared silence of paddling through a still cove, or the joy of a grilled meal by the water, every trip adds another layer to your family’s story.
The best part? These adventures are accessible, affordable, and flexible. You don’t need fancy equipment or elaborate plans—just a love for nature and a willingness to try something new. From morning hikes to nighttime stargazing, the variety of family activities to try at Tennessee lakes means you’ll never run out of ways to connect and create memories together.
Next time you’re planning a family outing or weekend getaway, look to the lakes. Tennessee has dozens of them, each with its own charm and promise of adventure. Whether you stay for a day or pitch a tent for the weekend, you’ll come away with more than just pictures—you’ll come away with moments that last.