This was our first time at the Muse and it was honestly a 3 or 4 experience, but not because it lacked awesomeness, but because we chose a horribly busy day to come. Thus, I didn't reduce stars due to the crowds alone. There was a summer camp and the largest field trip group that they had all summer (according to the workers) with every station so crowded with space and sharing-oblivious kiddos. We asked the workers if they post field trip info online so we can avoid those days and they said you must call ahead of time to see if anything is scheduled. CALL AHEAD, y'all. They also told me that after 12:30 is the least busy time of day. As a heads up military, first responders, and educators get a discounted ticket (for self, not the entire party). My UT prof husband paid half-price. The staff is very friendly and working hard to keep the areas stocked and clean. A moving target, but they did their best! ;-) There is a gift shop, an amazing hand-washing station independent of the bathrooms, STEM areas, outdoor water and bubble play, a playground, a garden, forts, science experiments, train tables, play food/nutrition area, a giant lite-bright, rocket ships, race tracks, and numerous wind tunnel/scarf tubes (totally the technical term. ha). So many areas for kids with sensory needs and everything is very interactive. We have a membership to Children's Museum of OR, and in comparison, this is much more hands-on learning than the historical feel of OR's. I felt that the Muse is a great fit for the younger kiddos (toddlers, babies, etc) with it being all one story and easy to navigate, huge crowds aside. Amazing museum. Just know to call ahead so you're not overwhelmed. We plan to go back again soon and pay extra $3 p/p for the planetarium. read more

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Our 7-year-old wanted to check out Muse while we were in town. They have a STEM focus. The staff is very nice. We met several while drawing in the art area. They have a nice dome show. Ours was about the Apollo missions. Other areas are fun and he had fun for the first part of the visit. They do have a small sensory room but other kids were being very loud, so my son could not enjoy his sensory break. The outside area is great. The downside to the museum is that it gets busy and loud. If your child does not like loud places then they will have a tough time. read more

Muse Knoxville - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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The Muse Knoxville is packed with interactive exhibits for young kids (I'd say up to 6 years old) to do in such a small space. There is a small section for 8+, but can easily be done by little ones with parent participation. It was a little drizzly out when we went, so it was pretty busy especially with little kids (2/younger). They even have a planetarium. Staff were friendly and kept the museum pretty clean. Admission is reasonable and even free through the ASTC passport program. There's a small lot to park your car. Favorite exhibits included the U.S.S. Muse, the cafe/garden area, and the hospital/vet room. read more

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Smaller space/ but they packed a lot of kid friendly exhibits that are engaging and fun. The outdoor activities were a huge bonus.

A lot of amazing things for kids to learn and experience, wish they had more seating for parents but the little place for crawlers is nice!

We brought our grandchildren 8 mos. and 4 years who were visiting from out of town. The outside signage is bright and makes you want to go in. The entry is a combination snack/gift shop and reception. After paying we entered the play area and I wasn't sure what to think. All the areas flowed into each other and our granddaughter seemed overwhelmed. We began with the Healthy Choices map, then let her take the lead. She walked by everything until we got to the display showing how air circulates through your lungs. She loved doing this activity over, and over, and over again and suddenly became more interested in other areas. She ended up really enjoying MUSE and didn't want to leave. Don't let the small size fool you, there is a lot more there than you think. Unfortunately, due to the rain, we were unable to play on the outside playscape but that just means we need to go back next time they visit. read more

We love the Muse! Please bring back the Muse at the Mall. It was perfect to just go for an hour or two before I started work on late shifts. We don't go often since it's pretty far and the hours don't go with my work hours but when we do go we stay the entire day! read more

I went with my daughter and granddaughter a couple of weeks ago. It was definitely busy, but plenty of activities to keep kids interested. My granddaughter's favorite was the projected dance floor. I only wish they had a no cell phone space as I saw more than a few adults on cellphones and not watching their kids. I was impressed with the workers who cleaned and put back items that were moved than abandoned. read more

We love the Muse!! We have been going for about a year. Every time we go you will see staff busy at work resetting play areas for the kids, picking up toys that need sanitized, with friendly faces the whole time. We love the playground outside that allows the kids to have both inside and outside play time. It can be quite crowded on weekends and summer time, but we still have so much fun every time! read more

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I homeschool my two boys and we have come to this place several times over the years. It's a really nice children's hands on center next to the Knoxville zoo. So the location is convenient if you want to spend some time inside and then head to the zoo for an outside activity. The prices aren't bad ($10 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens and military personnel). The staff have always been friendly and helpful whenever we have visited. There are a number of centers and things for children to do, but now that my boys are a little older (8 and 10), there aren't as many things to keep them entertained as the majority of the activities are for younger children. We still have had fun and made some great memories here but we are reaching the age where we have out grown the center. read more

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My kids had a blast at this place. I wish we lived closer so we could come more often

I had a blast here... I mean my son had a blast here! There are games and activities for all ages. We walked in and an a Muse Expert greeted us at the door. She went over the guidelines and sprayed our shoes down with a non-toxic solution. We had our temperature taken and were directed to wash our hands before entering the play area. They converted office space into a dimly lit activity room with colorful lights. We really enjoyed that room! There is only one family at a time allowed in the room. A Muse showed us how to do activities. She was very social and friendly. The Muse was a ton of fun and very educational. We could have easily spent another two hours at this interactive museum. They host birthday parties and have other host other cool events during the wer read more

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Had a birthday party for 6 year old. The kids had a great time! The party room was ready in time and the pizza was delivered promptly. Our party was taken care of by Tyree and Johnnie. They were awesome! So helpful and friendly. We really had a great time and will definitely look at coming more often. read more

This is a great place to take young children to play and become creative. The staff was supper nice and very pleasant. The staff was trying to keep the place nice and clean but we all know that kids can make things messy fast! The is a ton of stuff for kids that involve sensory. It was busy but the kids had fun. There was a wait to get in so come prepared to wait or play on the playground. Make sure to get on the waitlist. read more

Muse Knoxville - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Staff is always so friendly! My two year loves this place and we go once a week. He loves the snacks and I love that they're not overpriced. Such a good membership if you have little ones. read more

My wife and I had a little Saturday afternoon date at the Muse. They're doing their best with virus control but just understand that people don't really understand the distance part of social distancing, not in the Muse. But if you're smart enough to be vaccinated then you're smart enough to enjoy playing at the Muse. Lots of cool ways to engage your creative side, share in a fun game or craft with your honey. Let your kids "do it wrong" please--that's how they learn. That's how you learn too. Enjoy the Muse--it's fun for the whole family. read more

So awesome! Highly recommend!!! Great for all ages My toddler loves everything! Fun inside and outside!! read more

Muse Knoxville - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Love it! Perfect for kids of all ages. Great birthday party spot. Summer camps. Rainy day. Summer days outside are great with the bubbles and little music area out front too. Oh and don't forget the playground. read more

The first thing you will notice when entering is the COVID safety procedures. This place has got it right, they have definitely placed the health and well-being of the kids as a priority. This place provides hours of fun for the grandkids of all ages. The younger kids gravitate towards the kitchen, garden and indoor playground while the older kids loved the STEM area. The arts and crafts person was amazing the day we went. The kids made everything from a telescope to a flower pot and paintings. read more

Muse Knoxville - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I'm shocked The Muse has so few Yelp reviews! This is a great place to spend a couple of hours playing WITH your kids. There are multiple hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. Many are STEM based. In addition to the learning stations, there is an indoor play structure, train table, and big rocket with lit controls panels. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and it wasn't overly crowded. Admission was $7 (under 2 free). Added bonus: I checked-in before going inside and was pleasantly surprised to receive a Yelp coupon for a free child's admission with the purchase of an adult ticket! We had a great time and will definitely go back. read more

If you are looking for a place this is a-musing for small kids, big kids, parents, and grands, come the The Muse! The Knoxville Muse is a environmentally conscious children's museum, located in the fairground/zoo area. Veterans and those under two have free admission. I think it is wonderful that my combat vet can take out son here once a week for free. What a special gift to military families! I pay for myself, and will be buying a pass for my little one and I once he is a bit bigger. There are sensory, visual, auditory, and tactile learning activities for babies to pre teens available in this participatory children's museum, as well as classes and special events. We will probably throw a little birthday party here at some point. We love every trip to the Muse. read more

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It's a little smaller than most children's museums, it's very nice and the kids had a great time!

Soooo....it's really cool here. The venue was nice enough to open after hours and host a little showcase for a group I'm a part of. I don't have kids, so I had never been here before, and I was REALLY impressed! We were literally a group of adults drinking wine, eating tacos, and playing in a children's museum, and like...what more could one want from a week night? Okay, so let's talk about the space itself. The planetarium is a neat addition, and the staff was very generous in giving us the "Knoxville Night Sky" show. The guide was animated and well informed. The rest of the space is set up in little stations. There's a light up floor where kids (or adults, clearly) can dance around stomping the graphics of gem stones as they pop up. There's a space shuttle with a captain's and co captain's seat and an animated simulation of take off. The stations are very sensory and hands on. They tend to emulate real life (like the doctor station where kids can view real xrays). It's all wayyyy to much to tap out. Bottom line: I definitely recommend The Muse. read more

If you have kids of toddler through mid-school age, and you haven't checked this place out, you're missing out on a great fun & creative place to play & learn! Part children's museum & part science center they have areas for different ages kids to all have an entertaining time with imaginative play to stretch their creativity! They have a great "maker space" with all sorts of craft supplies to make things (my child is still a little young for this area), but also have a stage with costumes, a kitchen/market play area, & a STEM area for slightly older kids. They also have Knoxville's only planetarium! If it's convenient & you have small kids, this is a great place to get a membership as well (they even have a combined family membership with neighboring Zoo Knoxville that's a great deal if you have multiple children). read more

We had so much fun visiting the muse for the first time. It was crowded but there is PLENTY of activities to do. The planetarium show is $2 extra, but it's worth it!! This place is great for all ages and all levels!! Teachers and senior citizens get in free, we will be back! read more

Muse Knoxville - Enjoying the toddler area. - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Very cute museum that kept our 4 year old busy enough! The planetarium show wasn't exactly what we expected and it's also not included in the general admission. The layout is nice and easy for the little ones to roam freely. Our son loved the spaceship and it's nice that adults can fit inside too so they can join in on the fun! read more

This is a nice children's museum/hands-on center in the Knoxville area. I feel the space is well designed for children up to age 8. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Nothing felt too crowded. There were many creative exhibits (the zip ties were a favorite for my son). I am giving The Muse a 3-star review because many of the toys were extremely dirty (especially in the doctor/dentist office) and several were broken. Also, the bathrooms needed serious attention. read more

This past December my family was in town to visit my in-laws and we desperately needed a place to bring our 3 year old where he could have fun during the 20 degree days Knoxville was having. Thank GOODNESS for The Muse. Seriously, it is not an exaggeration to say that I teared up from being overwhelmed by gratitude for The Muse and its staff at their New Years' Eve celebration. They made the day really special for our whole family and the experience was truly touching. Our little one had a blast and us adults enjoyed ourselves too! I'm a museum educator myself and have spent years working in museums, about half of that in kids museums, and this place is remarkable in how much it does for such a small institution. There are lots of kids museums out there with probably triple the operating budget but not half as much heart and imagination as this place. Thank you, thank you, thank you The Muse! read more

Love it. We took our 4-1/2 year old here during the summer. We weren't sure if we were going to make it inside, because he was captivated by the outdoor play area. The heat finally drove him inside, where we checked in and received a Yelp discount. Inside he spent most of the time in an astronaut costume in the space craft. The LEGO area with race lanes was fun for him, as was the STEM area where he could use vacuum power to race wooden cars (for ages 8+). There was so much. We could have stayed another couple of hours if not for lunch. Honestly, we'd be happy to pay full price (we'd get a membership if we were local), and plan on coming back as often as possible. I think it's perfect for kids 18 months to 8-10 years old. read more

Muse Knoxville - Kids Activities Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

We had such a great time at MUSE Knoxville on a recent stop as we were traveling to Florida. Our daughter, 2.5 was busy exploring for two hours and would have stayed longer if we had allowed. The different areas were engaging, clean, and had ample materials. One thing to note, if the sign on the door says they are at capacity, still go inside and wait in line to get on the wait list. (The sign doesn't say this but should.) They will give you a call when it's your turn! read more

Our kids could spend hours here. It's fun and educational. Thank you for the free family night! The boyscouts sponsored making slime. Very cool place. read more

This place is AMAZING! I was spending the day with my niece and searching for something fun and interactive - the Muse was a perfect choice. It's an interactive children's museum that has tons of science, art, and sensory activities. They have different centers that encourage pretend play such as a Farmer's Market, Health Clinic, and dress up center. They have STEM activities and a space ship. We had a blast. In the two hours we were there, we played music, finger painted, worked in a health clinic, picked vegetables from a pretend garden, dressed up in a fairy costume, put on a puppet show, piloted a space ship, and ran through a wall of zip ties. They closed early the day we were there so we only got 2 hours to play - but my niece could've easily stayed for 3-4 hours. There's also a nice playground outside that you can play on after they close. If you're in the area - definitely check it out. The price is only $8 a person and they have additional things you can pay for such as planetarium shows. On Mondays they do a messy play session in the art center. It's absolutely worth a visit if you have little ones. read more

If you have younger kids, this is a MUST. My two love the muse so much we purchased family passes for 2020 and we live an hour and a half away! There's so much to do! We normally spend 2-3 hours here (and could probably stay longer but the kids are usually ready for a nap after playing so hard for that long). I can't even begin to name all the stations and activities available. We're excited to visit the West Town Mall Muse soon! read more

I never leave reviews but have to rave about this place. We have a 20 month old. We were visiting the Sevierville area and we're struggling to find something for her to do. We decided to take a chance and make the hour drive to Knoxville for this place. This was by far the best part of our trip in terms of entertaining her! It was so cute, and she had a blast. The employees were super friendly, and were constantly cleaning and attentive to the organization of the place. We spent 2.5 hours here and our daughter did not want to leave. She then took a three hour nap after! Highly recommend if you're in the area! Such a gem!! read more

Stopped in while visiting family. The website makes it seem like this museum is best suited for kids 4-12 years, but we needed something to do with our 18mo. So happy we went! She had a blast playing, there were only 2 areas that we didn't feel were safe for her age. The space itself is small, it's not a huge museum, but there's a lot of fun packed in there. We stayed for about an hour and a half. As of 12/18 she was free and adults were $7. Well worth it! read more

I was apprehensive of trying this place out based on the other view posted, but we were pleasantly surprised! We needed a place to stop as we were driving home to Nashville from Virginia, and this was the perfect place to stop and let my 20 month old run and play ..... We were the only ones there, but t was free for him and $5 for me so really it was perfect! Fish tanks, dress up areas, train table, clean bathrooms and a flight simulator made this the place we will likely stop at again... Be weary of the area though... There was some suspicious folks outside the gates going into this place, but we felt very safe once inside... read more

We needed an indoor activity for my nephews (both toddlers) and we are so glad we gave The Muse a try. The boys had a blast, almost as much as the adults. Two 30-somethings and 4 seniors all became children while showing the kids how to do the activities. If any friends make a trip this way, I'll definitely recommend that they stop here. It was a great place to let them run and burn off some energy. read more

This Children's Museum is a hidden gem in Knoxville. Tucked away by the Zoo, it's easy to miss. However, it's a parent's (or in my case, grandparent's) dream. Why? I walked in with my 3-year-old granddaughter and the entire experience was designed for her to be independent. The only thing she needed me for was to help her put on a dress-up gown. All the other varied stations allowed her to explore and play on her own, to her heart's & mind's content. Muse staff were there to help set something up only when necessary, like putting a smock on her and setting up the paints. We were there for 1.5 hours (until close), but I think she would still have been running around having fun on her own for another 1.5. Also, there are places where parents can interact with their kids. You can put on an impromptu puppet show, or just join in the other fun. And it's inexpensive! read more

This spot is an amazing stop for anyone passing by NEEDS to go stop and take a look at the awesome exhibit, like a sensory room, many kids play areas, a scientific room, and an outdoor plant/flower garden. My group spent the day volunteering outside and we had an awesome time!! We met some amazing staff workers there who really made the overall experience 10/10!! read more

This is a cute little place but very small and geared toward very young kids. We spent only 3 hours here and were able to play with everything for a long time. I imagine kids would be bored after visiting a few times. The front desk person was pretty friendly and there was also a volunteer walking around who was friendly but could not answer even the simplest questions. I understand that volunteers are not getting paid, but they should be a little bit better trained or know where to go to answer a question. Another patron also asked her some questions that she did not have the answer to. The exhibits were a bit old and outdated but the outdoor playground was really fun. My daughter is 7 and she is probably at the top of the age group that would enjoy the museum. If you're in town and have a few hours to kill, it might be nice, and I believe it is near a large park/camping area. read more