Leaving the house with a newborn can feel like packing for a week long vacation. Extra clothes, diapers, wipes, blankets, pacifiers, burp cloths. By the time you are out the door, you already deserve a gold star. There are so many things to do in Knoxville with a baby, lets dive in.

If you are a new parent in Knoxville, the good news is you live in a very family friendly city. There are so many cozy, welcoming spots where you can ease back into “normal life” with a baby in tow.

I put this guide together to help you feel a little more confident planning that first outing. These are the kinds of places I hear my Malin Portraits families talk about all the time, and many of them pair beautifully with a newborn or family photo session too.

As always, double check hours and details before you go, since they can change.

A gentle first outing: stroller friendly coffee shops

Sometimes you just need coffee, a pastry and a place where no one is judging your spit up stained shirt. Knoxville has some great local coffee shops that also work well for new parents.

A few local favorites to look into:

Cultivate Coffee + Flowers (Fountain City)
Located on North Broadway in Fountain City, Cultivate is a cozy neighborhood spot that combines a full service coffee shop with a flower bar. There is plenty of seating inside, a drive thru for quick stops, and a calm, light filled atmosphere that feels welcoming to parents with strollers. They even have a room with some toys in it for the littles 🙂

Mahalo Coffee Roasters
With locations downtown and in Powell, Mahalo is known for its warm, cheerful vibe and friendly baristas. Families love it for the relaxed seating, great coffee and little touches like decaf “babyccinos” for kids, which makes it an easy yes for a quick outing with your baby and older siblings.

The French Market Crêperie
My personal favorite and in the heart of downtown Knoxville, The French Market Crêperie feels like stepping into a little Parisian café. They serve authentic sweet and savory crêpes, pastries, and Lavazza coffee in a bright, charming space that works well for a slow morning with baby in the stroller. If you are up for a small downtown adventure, it is a lovely spot to treat yourself to breakfast or brunch while your little one naps nearby. They also, have amazing gluten free crepes 😋

Fresh air with a view: easy parks and greenways

When looking for things to do in Knoxville with a baby and if your baby tends to nap best in the stroller or carrier, a slow walk outside can feel like magic. Knoxville has so many beautiful parks and greenways that are great for families, including stroller friendly paths.

Here are a few to explore:

Lakeshore Park
Lakeshore Park is a favorite for good reason. You will find paved walking paths, open green space and lovely views of the Tennessee River. It is easy to push a stroller, and there are plenty of spots to sit and feed the baby or just breathe for a moment. They have several great play grounds for toddlers and kids, so you can let siblings play while you snuggle baby.

Concord Park
A beautiful located in West Knoxville. The park offers beautiful views of the water with and also a paved walking trail which is great for strollers.

Victor Ashe Park
Victor Ashe Park is a big, open, family friendly space in Northwest Knoxville with paved greenway paths, a large playground and a peaceful pond. The mostly flat trails make it a nice option for strollers, and there are plenty of spots to sit, watch older kids play or just enjoy some sunshine while your baby naps.

Sequoyah Hills / Sequoyah Park
Set along the Tennessee River in historic Sequoyah Hills, this park and greenway are beautiful for a slow walk with the stroller. Wide open meadows, a soft surfaced trail along Cherokee Boulevard and river views make it a favorite local spot for families, dog walkers and moms with strollers looking for some fresh air.

New Harvest Park
New Harvest Park in Northeast Knoxville is a great option if you want an easy, low stress outing with a stroller. The park has paved walking loops that are perfect for a short walk, plus a playground and splash pad for older siblings. There are plenty of benches and open grassy areas, so you can take breaks to feed, change or just sit in the shade while your baby naps.

Rainy day escape: indoor play for tiny ones and toddlers

Little Valley Play Cafe
Little Valley Play Cafe offers an indoor play area designed for young children along with a place for parents to sit, chat and even get a bit of work done. It is located on Kingston Pike and is often recommended by local moms as an easy outing with toddlers and preschoolers.

We Rock the Spectrum – Knoxville
This indoor sensory friendly gym is designed to be inclusive for all kids, including those with sensory needs. You will find swings, climbing structures and plenty of open play options. It is a great way to let an older sibling burn energy while your newborn naps in the carrier.

Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville is a STEAM focused children’s museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and lots of ways for kids to explore. While it is best for slightly older children, many families enjoy going with babies in carriers plus big kids who need something fun to do.

The Wild Child Cafe (Halls)
Up in the Halls area, The Wild Child Cafe is part indoor play space, part cozy cafe, which makes it an easy yes if you have a newborn and older kids. Little ones can explore the play area while you relax nearby with a specialty coffee or soda. It is designed with families in mind, so you do not have to worry if your toddler is loud or your baby needs a diaper change mid visit.

Keep in mind when looking for things to do in Knoxville with a baby, Most indoor play spaces have specific open play hours and age guidelines, so be sure to check their websites or social media before you head out.

One of my favorite things as a Knoxville newborn photographer is watching families grow into their new roles. These cozy spots are more than just places to grab coffee or let toddlers run. They are where so many “firsts” happen.

• The first time you manage to leave the house with everyone dressed.
• The first time your baby naps while you get to drink a warm latte.
• The first time your older child proudly pushes the stroller.

When we plan your newborn or family session, I want it to feel just as relaxed and real as these everyday moments. Whether we photograph your family at home, in my studio or outdoors in one of Knoxville’s beautiful parks, my goal is for you to feel cared for, not stressed. There are so many things to do in Knoxville with a baby and I love helping my mom’s connect and feel taken care of.

Thinking ahead to photos with your little one?

If you are expecting or already in the newborn season and live in Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville or Oak Ridge, I would love to help you plan a calm, meaningful photo experience for your family.

You can use this guide for ideas on where to go after your session or for gentle outings on your own as you settle into life with your baby.

When you are ready, reach out through my contact form, share your due date or your baby’s age, and I will let you know my next newborn and family session openings.

I would love to connect with you HERE or check out some of my family legacy work HERE

things to do in Knoxville with a baby