The return to the final frontier that the Artemis II mission represents has focused so many peoples’ attention around the world…and out to the moon and back.
The opportunities for compare and contrast seem endless: Four humans riding atop the biggest rocket ever created; thousands of technical professionals pointing their efforts at one small orbital spot 238,900 miles away, give or take; the first steps of a much larger road map that could take humans back to the surface of our celestial partner, then potentially out to the next planet in the neighborhood.
It’s enough to keep all of our screens activated, and all our imaginations fired up.
How can residents of the Volunteer State keep that curiosity fed long after (what we hope and pray will be) a successful splashdown at the end of this mission? There are plenty of options throughout the state for science-minded searchers of every age to tap into the wonders of this world and the ones beyond our atmosphere.
Address: 115 E. Main Street, Oak Ridge.
Phone: (865) 576-3200
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. (check seasonal updates)
Pricing: Adults $10; Ages 10-17 $5; Ages 6-9 $3; Ages 5 and under free. Family discounts available
Born from the Manhattan Project, this museum translates big science into hands-on discovery. Exhibits explore nuclear energy, supercomputing, robotics, and the scientists who reshaped the modern world in Oak Ridge.
Children can test physics concepts, build circuits, and experiment with interactive displays that reward curiosity. Parents will appreciate the clear explanations and strong historical context, which help make sense of complex topics.
Plan to spend time in the energy exhibits, where abstract concepts become tangible and approachable. It is one of the strongest introductions to Tennessee’s role in global scientific research.
AMSE is one of a number of museums in the Oak Ridge area, including the Atomic History Campus at K-25, the Children’s Museum and the Oak Ridge History Museum; each offering perspectives into the groundbreaking work that stopped a world war and continues to influence the future.
Address: 516 N. Beaman Street, Knoxville.
Phone: (865) 594-1494
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Pricing: $12 general admission; under 1 free.
Designed for younger learners, Muse Knoxville blends science, play and creativity in a compact space that encourages movement and experimentation. Indoor exhibits focus on simple machines, light, sound, and building challenges that invite trial and error.
Outside, a large playground turns physics into action with climbing structures and interactive features that reward curiosity. The scale works well for families with elementary-age children who benefit from hands-on discovery.
Muse Knoxville also features Knoxville’s only public access planetarium, and it’s in the process of planning for a move that will expand the facility from its current 10,000 square feet to a 57,000 square foot building nearby.
Expect plenty of opportunities to touch, test and repeat. It is an engaging stop that keeps children active while reinforcing core STEM ideas.
Address: 800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville.
Phone: (615) 862-5160
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (extended hours seasonal)
Pricing: General admission, adults (13+) $22; youth (2-12) $18; toddler (under 2) free.
This Nashville institution offers several floors of exhibits covering biology, engineering, weather and space science.
The Sudekum Planetarium presents immersive shows that explain astronomy concepts in a format accessible to all ages. Interactive galleries encourage visitors to test their reflexes, examine the human body and experiment with energy systems.
The layout allows families to explore at their own pace, whether spending an hour or most of the afternoon. Rotating exhibits keep repeat visits fresh. The hilltop location also provides one of the best views of the city’s ever-changing skyline.
Address: 502 SE Broad Street, Murfreesboro.
Phone: (615) 890-2300
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Pricing: $15 general admission
Science and nature intersect at this Murfreesboro destination, where indoor exhibits extend into wetlands and walking trails outside. Displays explore environmental science, weather systems, and engineering principles through activities designed for younger audiences.
The adjacent spring and boardwalk introduce ecological concepts in a setting that encourages observation. Families can easily combine indoor exploration with time outdoors. Programming often includes seasonal workshops and demonstrations that reinforce STEM fundamentals.
The current featured exhibit is “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites,” an enchanting new exhibit that emerged from the Minnesota Children’s Museum, and invites families to step inside beloved stories like” The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Snowy Day” and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” Designed for children ages 0–8, “Storyland” sparks imagination, creativity and early literacy through hands-on, story-based play.
The setting provides a quieter alternative to larger museums while maintaining a strong educational focus.
Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood.
Phone: (615) 373-4897
Hours: Public programs typically Friday evenings; reservations required
Pricing: Check website for individual event pricing
(Note: the observatory is closed until July 1 for renovations, but the staff continues to have events at nearby locations.)
Operated by Vanderbilt University, this hilltop observatory offers structured public programs that introduce astronomy through guided telescope viewing.
When open, evening events often include presentations that explain planetary motion, star formation and seasonal constellations. The historic telescope remains a centerpiece, connecting visitors to generations of research and education.
Clear nights provide opportunities to observe lunar features or distant planets, depending on the schedule.
Advance registration is recommended, as programs often fill quickly. It is a calm, focused environment that rewards patience and curiosity about the night sky.
Address: 10 Tuxedo Avenue, Chattanooga.
Phone: (423) 425-4518
Hours: Select scheduled public viewing nights (check calendar)
Pricing: Free (donations encouraged)
The crew of Artemis II might have gotten an up-close view of the moon on their journey, but in Chattanooga, the Clarence T. Jones Observatory offers visitors a chance to experience it without ever leaving the ground.
Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the observatory serves both students and the broader community. Its planetarium hosts regular public shows that introduce visitors to constellations, planetary motion and current astronomical events. Telescope viewings, when weather allows, give guests a chance to observe the moon, planets and other celestial objects firsthand.
The facility also supports academic programs in astronomy and physics, providing students with hands-on experience in observation and data collection. Outreach events, including school visits and community programs, extend that mission beyond campus, helping make astronomy more accessible.
Star Parties at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory offer free public programs that mix short lectures, planetarium shows and telescope viewing through the historic 20.5-inch instrument. Some evenings include outdoor telescopes with the Barnard Astronomical Society and hands-on activities for children. Check the semester schedule online for topics and dates.
Address: 321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga.
Phone: (423) 756-2738
Hours: Sunday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; seasonal changes possible.
Pricing: $19.95 general admission, children under 2 free.
Hands-on exhibits guide children through topics ranging from music and engineering to environmental science. Many stations encourage collaborative problem-solving, allowing siblings or classmates to work together on design challenges.
The rooftop activity area offers open space for exploration, adding variety to the indoor galleries. Programs often incorporate art alongside science concepts, helping young visitors connect creativity with experimentation.
Its downtown location makes it easy to pair with other family-friendly attractions nearby. Expect interactive displays that reward curiosity and persistence.
Address: 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga.
Phone: (423) 265-0695
Hours: Typically 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (seasonal variation)
Pricing: Adults $39.95; Youth $29.95
Not everything science-wise has to involve looking up. There’s still so much to be discovered beneath the surface of our big blue marble.
In downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium offers an accessible way to do just that – by exploring the ecosystems of Earth.
Located along the Tennessee River, the aquarium is divided into two main buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. In River Journey, visitors follow the path of freshwater systems from mountain streams to larger river environments.
Beyond its public spaces, the aquarium supports a range of scientific and conservation efforts. Through its research institute, staff work on projects involving species restoration, habitat protection and water quality. These efforts include work with endangered species and partnerships aimed at improving freshwater ecosystems in the region.
At a time when attention is turning outward toward space, the Tennessee Aquarium provides a grounded reminder that exploration also happens closer to home. For those interested in learning more about the natural world, it offers both an engaging visit and a meaningful connection to ongoing scientific work.
Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama.
Phone: (256) 837-3400
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (seasonal adjustments)
Pricing: Adults $30; Youth $20. Other programs priced individually.
And yes, much like how explorers sometimes have to leave the planet, Tennesseans have to cross a state line to get more knowledge of how the South has contributed to space science across the decades.
In Huntsville, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers visitors a direct connection to that legacy, combining hands-on exhibits with a foundation in science and education.
Located in a city long associated with the U.S. space program, the center serves as both a museum and an educational campus. Its Rocket Park features one of the most recognizable artifacts of American space history – a full-scale Saturn V rocket – displayed horizontally so visitors can walk alongside its massive stages. Inside, galleries trace the development of spaceflight, from early rocket testing to modern missions.
Interactive exhibits allow guests to experience aspects of astronaut training and mission control. Simulators replicate launch conditions and spaceflight maneuvers, while hands-on displays explain propulsion, engineering and life in orbit.
The center is also home to Space Camp, a widely known program that gives students and adults the opportunity to participate in team-based training exercises modeled after real astronaut preparation.
Beyond its exhibits, the center contributes to science education through outreach and workforce development programs. It partners with schools, educators and industry groups to promote STEM learning and inspire future engineers, scientists and astronauts.
At a time when missions like Artemis II are renewing public interest in space, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center provides a practical way to engage with that momentum. Visitors curious about how exploration extends beyond Earth will find a clear view of the technology, training and history that make those missions possible.