Located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many of Sevierville’s attractions offer fun, curriculum compliant opportunities to experience classroom concepts in a real-world environment.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. With a focus on conservation and research (it’s believed that over 100,000 species reside in the park), the national park is ideal for studying science, history, and Appalachian culture. Ranger led and teacher led curriculum-based programs are also available. Find teacher resources at www.nps.gov/grsm/forteachers/index.htm.
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation allows visitors to get up close with historic aircraft, many of which are rare and airworthy warbirds. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see airworthy WWII fighters in person, including two flyable P-47 Thunderbolts. Get youth field trip information at www.tnairmuseum.com/youth-field-trips/.
Learn about biology and wildlife from over 600 animals, including rare and exotic species, at this indoor zoo focused on conservation, preservation, and education. Hour-long educational programs take place daily but can also be specially arranged for groups in addition to up-close sloth encounters. Find school group information at www.rfadventures.com/school-programs-2/.
The American Eagle Foundation is the largest bald eagle sanctuary in the world and home to the nation’s most famous bald eagle, Challenger. The campus features 38,000 square feet of aviaries, a bald eagle and raptor museum, rehabilitation hospital, and interactive educational spaces. For more information about tours, field trips, outreach programs, and event spaces, visit www.eagles.org/birds-of-prey-program-request/.
Spend time with miniature barnyard animals and learn local history at Sevierville’s only mountaintop attraction. The Safari Hayride gets students up close with longhorn steer, sika deer, and more while the southeast’s longest mountain coaster and 100-foot tall WagonWheeler swing tower provide plenty of thrills. Daily Wild West shows provide hands-on opportunities for students to crack a whip or swing a lasso. Group information can be found at www.skylandranch.com/groups/.
Build a love for learning at Sevierville’s newest theme park attraction, where kids of all ages can safely ride and operate real construction equipment. Hands-on experiences introduce foundational STEM concepts while knowledgeable staff connect activities to educational curriculum. Information for school groups at www.dignzone.com/groups-events/school-groups/.
From farm to table, learn how apples are grown on the 65-acre farm at The Apple Barn & Cider Mill. Then watch as those apples are transformed into fresh baked goods, apple butters and ciders sold in the restaurants and shops around the square. For group reservations at the restaurants, visit www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com/groups/.
Leave a little time to splash around – while experiencing the rush of physics at work on thrilling waterslides at Soaky Mountain Waterpark or it’s neighboring waterpark resort hotel, Wilderness at the Smokies. https://soakymountainwaterpark.com/our-team-teaches-stem/
Dollywood provides several curriculum-aligned programs for student park visits. Choose from programs highlighting rollercoaster physics, wildlife conservation, or the history and culture of Appalachia. Students visiting Monday through Friday also receive a free lunch as part of the educational group experience. Download free workbooks and worksheets are available to download for free at www.dollywood.com/groups/education/educational-resources/.
Other ideas:
Ripley’s Aquarium, of the Smokies, Titanic Museum Attraction, Smoky Mountain Knife Works Relic Room, Historic Downtown Sevierville Walking Tour, XPERIA: Ocean Journey
For more information about bringing student groups to Sevierville, contact Director of Sales & Advertising Tony Funderburg at the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce (865) 453-6411 | tfunderburg@scoc.org or visit www.VisitSevierville.com.
Photos credit of Visit Sevierville.
