Family Things to Do in Oak Ridge, TN
1. American Museum of Science & Energy
300 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge,TN (865) 576-3200 (865) 576-3200, www.amse.org
Discover how 75,000 people kept a secret in Oak Ridge during World War II. Learn about the Oak Ridge's leading-edge technology that continues to earn the U.S. the title "Super Power." From a "Hair Raising" experience to the "Atom Smasher" live demonstrations, audiovisuals, machines, and devices will keep you entertained and educated. Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please visit their website for more information.
This museum offers a look at the local history and how it played into our win of WWII. This is a very family oriented activity and has great activities for the young and old. Exhibits tend to change so there are opportunities to learn about various subjects.
2. New Hope Visitors Center
602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge, TN (865) 574-3280 (865) 574-3280
View the New Hope Visitors Center at Y-12, one of the original Manhattan Project facilities, and view historic displays and video. Monday - Thursday 8:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FREE. Please call for more information.
This is a brand new facility with very eye-opening displays. If you are interested in the local region's history, this is a must see.
3. East Tennessee Technology Park Overlook (Former K-25 WWII Manhattan Project Facility)
Hwy. 58, Oak Ridge, TN (865) 574-9683 (865) 574-9683
View the historic former Manhattan Project Facility in this overlook that features pictures, historic displays and video. Please call for more information.
Daily 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FREE
4. International Friendship Bell
Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge (Inside A.K. Bissell Park)
The first monument between a U.S. Manhattan Project city and Japan, the bell serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace. FREE
This bell was dedicated in 1996, as Oak Ridge celebrated its 50th Anniversary. It was made to honor the Manhattan Project workers and a symbol of the growing friendship between the United States and Japan.5. Historic Jackson Square/Greenwich Village
East Tennessee Ave., Oak Ridge, TN (865) 482-8450 (865) 482-8450
The original town site of Oak Ridge built during the Manhattan Project. It now features unique shopping, dining and historic displays. There are several events happening throughout the year.
http://historicjacksonsquare.com/page0.php Check out their website for more information on upcoming events.
6. Secret City Scenic Excursion Train
Hwy. 58, East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge, TN (865) 241-2140 (865) 241-2140, www.techscribes.com/sarm/sarm.htm
Ride the Atomic Train on a 12-mile tour through the once secret K-25 Manhattan Project site and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Blair Community. Spring, Summer and Fall season schedulesDuring the Fall season the train takes a Fall Leaves tour and a Halloween tour. There is also a Christmas tour with Santa. This is a great adventure for the whole family. Well worth the money and an experience of a lifetime. 7. River Ridge Farm
220 Mike Miller Ln. Clinton, TN (865) 457-6774 (865) 457-6774, www.riverridgefarmtn.com
Located on the banks of the Clinch River below Norris Dam, they offer a variety of experiences: Draft horse-pulled wagon rides from one to two hours, fall color tours and guided spring flower tours ranging from two to four hours and picnic shelters. There is even a rustic barn available for weddings. Please visit their website for more information.
This is a nice place to take the family to fish and have a picnic out by the lake. Maybe even some horseback riding.
8. University of Tennessee Arboretum
901 South Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN (865) 483-3571 (865) 483-3571. http://www.discoveret.org/utarboretum
The arboretum offers more than 250 acres featuring 800 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants threaded by four nature trails. Their trails are excellent for all families. There are several different trails to choose from and the longest trail is approximately 2 miles round trip.
9. Annual Secret City Festival
A.K. Bissell Park, (865) 425-3610
Join us for this citywide celebration featuring the largest multi-battle WWII re-enactment in the South! Tours of Manhattan Project sites will be offered throughout the weekend. A special children's festival area features free games, the Euro Bungy, rock climbing wall, live entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more! Arts & Crafts vendors, antique dealers, and exhibitors will be showing off their wares. Free entertainment from marionettes to music to tai-chi demonstrations will take place on various stages. Oscar the Robot will be teasing kids with his wit and charm, and the Tennessee State Parks will have their eagle and owl on hand for photo opportunities. Please visit their website for more info. www.secretcityfestival.com
10. Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
461 W. Outer Drive, Oak Ridge, TN (865) 482-1074 http://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org
The Children's Museum was conceived in 1973 as a Girl Scout project. It was formally opened on March 11, 1973 in the library of the former Jefferson Junior High School in 2,000 square feet of space and later moved to the former Highland View Elementary School in January 1974. The museum purchased the building and land from the city of Oak Ridge in 1983 and now operates in 54,000 square feet with exhibits, classes and programs for all ages.
This museum offers children and adults alike plenty of activities and enjoyable events. Fun for everyone, young and old. You can even make reservations for birthday parties. There also several events planned throughout the year.
Upcoming Events in Oak Ridge, TN
Weekends, October 1 - 31
Morgue and More - A Haunting Experience
"Dead Light" #1 on the Oak Ridge Turnpike, 599 Oak Ridge Turnpike; (865) 740-5750
Haunted "house" with two floors of screams, chills & fun! Find out why no visitor leaves this hospital without visiting the morgue first
October (weekends)
Fall Colors Train Ride
Secret City Excursion Train, (865) 241-2140 (865) 241-2140
Enjoy the incredible beauty of fall colors in East Tennessee on this scenic excursion. Trains depart at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.
For more information visit www.southernappalachia.railway.museum
December 12
City of Oak Ridge Christmas Parade
Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce,
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