Children and adults will love the Knoxville Zoo (3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr., 865/637-5331, www.knoxville-zoo.org, summer daily 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m., winter daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., adults $16.95, seniors and children 2–12 $12.95). More than 800 species of animals live at the zoo, in habitats including Grassland Africa, the Red Panda Village, and penguin pool. Giraffes, elephants, camels, giant tortoise, and gorillas are just a few of the iconic animals you will see at the zoo.

The zoo offers special free bird shows every day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Other attractions include a petting zoo, camel rides ($5), and a colorful carousel ($2).

Surrounding the zoo is Chilhowee Park, with picnic tables, walking paths, and a lake. Parking at the zoo costs an additional $4 per vehicle.

Also located at Chilhowee Park is the East Tennessee Science Discovery Center (Chilhowee Park, 865/594-1494, Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., adults $4, seniors and children 5–18 $3, children 3–4 $2), an interactive children’s museum. Exhibits include aquariums, whisper dishes, a replica space shuttle, and a liquid-crystal wall. There is also a planetarium; shows are offered most days at 2 and 4 p.m.