tennessee field trips

• Over 45 Amazing Tennessee Field Trips

I also love to keep my kids learning when on vacation and with Tennessee being one of our favorite states to visit we have a lot of great Tennessee Field Trips to share on our list. 

Table of Contents

Make sure to check out the rest of our Tennessee Unit Study perfect for getting kids excited for any Tennessee trip and the perfect addition to any road school lesson plan! 

Related:  189 Free Things to do in Tennessee

Table of contents

Pigeon forge and gatlinburg field trips, knoxville field trips, chattanooga tennessee field trips, nashville tennessee field trips, memphis tennessee field trips, other tennessee field trips.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Located in Gatlinburg Tennessee the aquarium is one of the best I've seen. They are known for their Penguin exhibit but also have a great shark exhibit too. They keep everything fun and educational. Admission to the Aquarium is included in the Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Pass .

Great Smoky Mountain National Park – I love taking the kids the National Parks. Every visitor center has so much you can learn with their museums. Several of the visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park had open-air museums, Cades Cove is a large open-air museum too. 

Don't forget to stop at any visitor center and get your Junior Ranger Books to have the kids to complete. They are very educational and the kids will earn the Junior Ranger badge for that park.

Titanic Museum –  Located in Pigeon Forge this museum looks like the Titanic ship on the outside and inside they keep it all interactive with employees dressed like crew members.

When you enter you re handed a card of a person on the Titanic you can see what their living quarters would be and then at the end find out if they lived or died. There are so many artifacts from the ship as well as a recreation of the grand staircase.  Tickets are included in the  Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Pass .

Tuckaleechee Caverns  – These caverns are under the Smoky Mountains and make a great geology lesson!

Alcatraz East Crime Museum – Located in Pigeon Forge this museum follows the history of crime from the early pirates to the wild west and Wyatt Earp and the OK Corral down to Bonnie and Clyde all the way to drive history up to a year ago. They have a hands-on forensics lab where adults and kids can see how police solve the crimes. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad –  Learn the history and legends of the Smoky Mountains while riding though the mountain and taking in the amazing nature views. 

Related:  Top 10 Things to do in Gatlinburg TN

American Museum of Science and Energy – Take a day and get your kids hands-on with science with all sorts of experiments they will love. 

Norris Dam State Park – Located just north of Knoxville this state park has the beautiful views of the dam and history of the dam. There are also several places with local history including an old mill and Civil War museum. 

Ijams Nature Center – Get outdoors at the Nature Center this is a great place for nature walks, wildlife sightings and nature programs. They even have a nature preschool program. 

Coal Creek Miners Museum and Memorial – The coal creek mine disaster happened just outside Knoxville. This was one of the worst mining disasters in our country and killed all but 3 males in town. The museum tells their story and the memorial down the road pays tribute to them. 

Zoo Knoxville – So many ways to learn about animals here its a great way to learn about them and how to protect them. 

James White Fort – This is the pioneer home of Knoxville founder. Learn how the city was established. 

Related:  25 Can't-Miss Free Things to do in Knoxville TN

Reflection Riding Arboretum – A great place to learn about science and nature all hands on. They have lots of programs for kids of all ages, nature trails, wildlife viewings, and more. 

Chatanooga Zoo – Visiting any zoo always makes a great field trip. Learning about the animals, their habitat and how to protect them. 

Ruby Falls – Another great cavern under a mountain to check out and this one has a waterfall!

Chickamauga National Battlefield   – Checking out the battlefield and learning the history is free, the views it offers of the city are breathtaking! This is a National Park site so make sure to get your  National Park Passport  stamped and take your kids to get their  Junior Ranger badges  as well!

Point Park Battlefield   – Part of the above Chickamauga Battlefield was the site of what is now known as “The Battle Above the Clouds”. The visitors center with history is free but the battlefield tour costs $3 for adults.

Tennessee Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums around with over 9,000 animals. They also have some great animal programs! 

Brainerd Mission Cemetary   – This is a relatively small graveyard of 60 graves. But they are graves of Cherokee Indians that once lived in Chattanooga. This is an official stop on the Trail of Tears.

The National Medal of Honor Museum   – this free museum is a must for any history or military buff!

Related:  26 Free Things to do in Chattanooga TN

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Museum – This is 7,200 square foot interactive facility with virtual games, and many interactive video games and training equipment. 

Johnny Cash Museum – This museum holds so much music history. From who he knew, his time in the service, and his rise to fame. 

Liveminds Adventure – This is a great family escape challenge which will make you used all your logic skills. A renowned archeologist has gone missing looking for the staff of Moses and you have to find him while avoiding booby traps and more.  

The Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jackson – The home of President Andrew Jackson is right in the Nashville area and you can take a tour of the house and the grounds. The grounds host some of the slave quarters' foundations, and his gardens where Andrew Jackson and his wife are buried. 

Stones River National Battlefield – This was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War and lots of history on this battlefield. 

The Carter House – Carter House was the location of part of the battle that let to the Stones River Battlefield and the house tour has some much history even if it is a bit gorry. You can still see where many of the musket balls hit buildings. Then take a walk in downtown Franklin for some historical markers. 

Want to learn more about the Civil War? Check out these 12 Civil War Places to Visit When Studying the Civil War .

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – This is a park in downtown Nashville by the State Capital that features a lot of state history and memorials. 

Belle Meade Plantation – Known for their racehorses this is a historic plantation in Nashville that also has a winery attached and slave quarters with a lot of history attached. 

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – There is a lot of Native American history here along with a great museum. 

The Belmont Mansion – This mansion is famous because it was run by a woman of wealth in a time when woman wasn't really allowed to own anything. Learn how this came to be and how she started the all-girls school we now know as Belmont University. 

Grand Ole Opry – You can take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry and learn the history of the building, and the people who have walked it. See some of the dressing rooms, learn about the flood that affected the building and even stand on stage. 

Sam Davis House – Sam Davis is one of the unsung heroes of the Civil War and his house is now a museum to not just the Civil War but also the building itself with things like footprints in the brick!

Adventure Science Center – This is an amazing hands-on science center for kids and adults. This was one of the first things we did with the kids and the loved it. 

Cannonsburgh Village   -This this a free attraction and a whole area filled with historical buildings from around the area. Everything from an old mill, homes, churches, barns, and so much more! 

Related:  45 Amazing Free Things to Do in Nashville TN

Fort Pillow State Historic Park -This for located along the Mississippi River just north of Memphis. This is another Civil War fort and you can learn why its location was so important. 

Pink Palace Museum  – Every Tuesday from 1 pm to close this museum is free. This museum got its name from the pink marble mansion that it is housed in. This is the house of Clarence Saunders, founder of the Piggly Wiggle grocery store chain. The museum has many of Clarence’s personal collections and many local exhibits as well.

National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel – The civil rights movement had a large part in Memphis history and you can learn all about it here. 

Graceland – Elvis was another huge influence in music and his start from being such a poor family to his rise in fame is a great lesson for kids about working hard. 

Center for Southern Folklore  –  Memphis is all about great music, great food and great fun which makes the Center for Southern Folklore one of my favorite things on my list of free things to do in Memphis!

The center is dedicated to “celebrating the arts, music, and heritage of the South from the cultural crossroads of Memphis” which means they often have live music, storytelling and of course, soul-food! Even better? They’re always open for free!

 Related: 21 Can't-Miss Free Things to Do in Memphis TN  (Including Graceland!)

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum – See how life was for everyone from the Cherokee to the early Tennessee settlers. They have over 30 permanent exhibits and over 10,000 artifacts.

Gray Fossil Museum – If you are talking about dinosaurs or you just have a budding paleontologist as I do then they will love this dig site! They have any hands-on science thing to do and you can tour the dig site and watch the paleontologists at work! 

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour – There is a lot of history on how Jack Daniel's basically built the town of Lynchburg and how to built his company. The tour takes you on the grounds and shows you the process of how they make whiskey and also the water source for their whiskey. 

Backyard Terror's Dinosaur Park – If you are learning about the dinosaurs this is a great way to get hands-on. The best part is this attraction is free! 

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site – Another President's homestead you can visit. Andrew Johnson was the 17th president and known as the Defender of the Constitution for his work after the Civil War. 

Old Moore County Jail – Located in Lynchburg this is the old jail where the sheriff used to live in the building with his family and the two jail rooms, one for males and one for females, were attached to the home.

The museum has kept the building intact and now holds exhibits dedicated to the local sheriffs, artifacts from the sheriffs who lived in this house and the original jail cells including where Jessie James carved his name into the wall. 

Johnny Cash has visited this museum and said the jail cells are some of the worst he's ever seen. There is a small exhibit dedicated to his visit. 

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park – With a log cabin, true to period gardens, and museum on the 55-acre park that holds over 1,500 books! 

Shiloh National Military Park and Cemetary – Another battle of the Civil War it was a very bloody battle where over 23,000 died. Lots of Civil War history here and it's an NPS site so make sure to get your Junior Ranger Badge! 

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House – This is now a family dining restaurant but while you are dining on recipes the boarding house is known for you are treated to some amazing history on Miss Mary Bobo and the work she did in town. 

Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Cemetary – The surrender of Fort Donelson was the North's first major victory in the Civil War. The cemetery was started for many of the Union Soldiers who were buried in the area and now hold many US Veterans. 

What are some of your favorite Tennessee field trips spots? Id love to add to my list! 

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Tennessee Field Trips

The Titanic Museum – Pigeon Forge

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Nashville

The Lost Sea – Sweetwater

Crockett Tavern Museum – Morristown

Andrew Johnson  National Historic Site – Greeneville

David Crockett State Park & Museum – Lawrenceburg

Lucky Ladd Farms – Eagleville

Tennessee Aquarium – Chattanooga

Adventure Science Center – Nashville

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum – Chattanooga

Shelby Farms Park – Memphis

Tennessee Museum of Aviation – Sevierville

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge – Springville

Sill Hollow Farm – Greeneville

Long View Ranch – Mosheim

Cumberland Caverns – McMinnville

Nashville Zoo – Nashville

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Fall Field Trips

What's included with your field trip:

• Take a tour and learn through the Agriculture Barn
• Baby Chicks, Rabbits, Pigs, Goats, Sheep,  Dairy Cows, Beef Cows, Horses, Hogs, Mules, and Donkeys
• Hay Wagon Ride
• Pick Your Own Pumpkins (Everyone Gets a Pumpkin)
• Go Through the Corn Maze
• Playground, Giant Slides, Hay Mountains, and Swings

Discover Live and Virtual Arts Experiences in Our Season for Young People

For the 2024-25 school year, Tennessee Performing Arts Center offers exceptional performances for students, available in-person and virtually. Discover how the performing arts brings high quality instructional opportunities to inspire and connect, from theatre, music, and literature, to history, geography, and science.

RESERVATIONS OPEN NOW

In-Person Performances

• Charlotte's Web October 21-25, 2024 at 10:30 AM
• TAIKOPROJECT: Benzaiten November 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM
• Under Pressure! November 18-22, 2024 at 10:30 AM
• A Christmas Carol December 5, 6, 10, 11 & 13, 2024 at 10 AM
• Fisk Jubilee Singers® February 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
• Step Afrika! February 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM
• Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny February 13-14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
• Astronaut Group 1 February 24-28, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Virtual Performances

• Walk Together Children September 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
• Dr. Kaboom's Newton's Laws of Motion September 16 – December 13, 2024
• Jacked! October 18 - November 22, 2024
• Doodle Pop November 1-29, 2024
• Miss Nelson Has a Field Day February 10 - March 7, 2025
• The American Revolution April 1-29, 2025
• Diary of a Wombat April 1-29, 2025

Learn More About the Season for Young People

Enter your information to join our mailing list., high-quality instructional material.

A field trip to TPAC offers exceptional performances for PreK – 12 students. Learn more about the Season for Young People.

Policies & Procedures

We want to make experiencing the performing arts easy for you. Be sure to read our policies & procedures before making a reservation.

Educator Resources, Travel Grants & Subsidies

TPAC offers opportunities to make participation fun, educational, and affordable for each and every student.

Standards & Curriculum Connections

Discover ways to integrate each performance into your curriculum with educational teaching standards.

Teacher Workshops

Learn about cross-curriculum instruction with one of our highly interactive, entertaining, and informative workshops.

In-Person Performances | $10 per student

Performance Details are Subject to Change

Charlotte's Web

October 21-25, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Run Time: 60 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships and Family, Perseverance, Friendship, Communication, Loyalty

Grades K – 5

TAIKOPROJECT: Benzaiten

November 8, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of TAIKOPROJECT’s latest full-length concert “ BENZAITEN ” inspired by the Japanese goddess of wisdom, beauty, and dance. Originating from ancient Japanese traditions, Taiko drumming is not just a performance but a powerful cultural expression that captivates audiences worldwide. Featuring thunderous drums, dynamic music, intricate choreography, and vibrant costumes, this exhilarating show promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese culture while blending traditional forms with an innovative and fresh aesthetic.

Curriculum Connections: Music, Rhythm, Rhythmic Patterns, Instrumentation, Percussion, Group Performance

Grades 3 - 7

Under Pressure!

November 18-22, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Doktor Kaboom, along with a magnificent cast of volunteers, demonstrates the power of something all around us, which although we cannot see it, affects us all. Pressure. Equal parts interactive science, comedy, and personal empowerment messages, Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! clearly illustrates physical science concepts which are also metaphors for some of the real-life mental and emotional pressures we all experience. In this new show, Doktor Kaboom will validate the pressures students may feel, and offer tools and life lessons for alleviating and dealing with the difficulties that face us all. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! was commissioned by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was first produced at the Kennedy Center in October 2024.

Curriculum Connections: Science, Physical Science, STEAM, Theatre, Health, Respect for Others, Perseverance, Positive Attitude, and Responsible Decision Making

Grades 3 – 8

A Christmas Carol

December 5, 6, 10, 11 & 13, 2024 at 10 am.

In this heartwarming and spectacular production of A Christmas Carol , Nashville Repertory Theatre artistic director Micah-Shane Brewer brings Charles Dickens’ classic story to life on stage. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they lead the miserly prosperous curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Through these encounters, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of kindness and generosity. The production features stunning sets and costumes that transport the audience to Victorian England and the timeless story is sure to be loved by audiences of all ages.

Run Time: 165 minutes with one intermission

Curriculum Connections: Historical Literature, Relationship Skills, Self-Awareness, Economics and Civics, Theatrical Presentation

Grades 5 - 12

Fisk Jubilee Singers®

February 5, 2025 at 10:30 am.

Discover the history and explore the stories of the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers’ original nine members in this choral performance under the direction of Dr. G. Preston Wilson. The current singers of the ensemble reflect on their roles as students and preservers of the group’s legacy during this blissful experience of beautiful storytelling through song.

Curriculum Connections: TN and US History, Fisk University and the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, Listening and Reacting, Choral Singing

Grades 5 – 12

Step Afrika!

February 7, 2025 at 10:30 am.

This show introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

Curriculum Connections: Musicality, Dance, Group Work, African History, Rhythm, History

Grades K - 12

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny

February 13-14, 2025 at 10:30 am.

Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s staged adaptation will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

Curriculum Connections: Puppetry, Visual Art, Literature, Rhyming, Rhythmic Patterns, Repetition, Passage of Time

Grades K – 3

Astronaut Group 1

February 24-28, 2025 at 10:30 am.

The story of the original Mercury Seven Astronauts comes to life in an original theatrical production. Chosen from hundreds of crackerjack pilots for their fitness, intelligence, and courage, Project Mercury was more than the story of individual missions. It defined the manned space flight program to come, from Gemini to Apollo eventually taking mankind from the earth to the moon. Share Alan Shepard’s exhilaration as he breaks the earth’s atmosphere for the first time. Race with John Glenn as he makes the split second life-or-death maneuvers during reentry, and feel his relief when he emerges safe but drenched with sweat.

Curriculum Connections: World and American History, Social Justice, Science & Math, Storytelling, Political Science, English, Creative Writing, Current Events, STEAM

Grades 5 – 8

Free Virtual Performances

Walk together children.

The 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®

September 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025

In Walk Together Children: The 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers® , former director Dr. Paul T. Kwami and his students pay tribute to the original nine members of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who were organized as a choral ensemble in 1871 to perform and raise money to support Fisk University. As today’s singers explore the personal stories of the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations in Walk Together Children, they reflect on their roles as students and preservers of the world-renowned choral group’s rich legacy. Inviting viewers to share in their unique bond and learn the significance of the Negro Spirituals and their value in today’s culture, the film is a dual concert event celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and a call to action for the bright future ahead for Fisk University and all of Nashville.

Created in collaboration with Dr. Kwami and director Jon Royal, the film is produced by Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

Run Time: 55 minutes

Curriculum Connections: TN and US History, Fisk University and the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, Choral Music

Dr. Kaboom's Newton's Laws of Motion

September 16 – december 13, 2024.

Described as “part Mr. Wizard and part Mr. Rogers,” Doktor Kaboom uses the excitement of rocketry to present Newton’s Laws of Motion in multiple, over-the-top, demonstrations. Each of Newton’s 3 laws is clearly explained, comically demonstrated, and followed by a DIY project that students can do as a class, in groups, or individually. 3 Laws, 3 lessons, 3 projects!

Run Time: 32 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Sir Isaac Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion: Inertia, Acceleration, Action/Reaction, Safe Science, Math, Costume and Set Design, Character, Improvisation, Understanding, Respect, Cooperation, Making good choices, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication

by Idris Goodwin

October 18 - November 22, 2024

It’s Jack and the Beanstalk with a modern-day twist. In this reimagined world, Jack and his mother struggle to live happily ever after. When his farm can’t feed him, his community can’t support him, and his mother can’t take care of him, Jack takes matters into his own hands. After climbing the beanstalk and stealing the giant’s goose, Jack flees home and discovers the goose’s golden eggs have a mysterious, intoxicating power that turns his world upside down. Directed by Jamie McKittrick, Metro Theater Company’s Jacked! fuses storytelling and poetry with nonstop hip-hop and break-beat music by Jackie “Jackpot” Sharp in this fresh, energetic virtual production that uses hand-drawn animation based on visuals by artist Nick Kryah.

Run Time: 40 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Storytelling, Narration, Problem-Solving, Family Dynamic, Helping, Rhyming, Poetry, Music, Sound Design, Digital Technology, Role Playing, Imagination, Creativity

Grades K – 4

November 1-29, 2024

A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! They invite us along on their sea adventure with a tiny little turtle. What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world, and will they return the turtle to the sea safely? This touching and playful non-verbal show by BRUSH Theatre uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination.

Run Time: 52 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Performance & Interactive Design, Clowning and Physical Theatre, Music & Composition, Sound Design, Projection & Digital Technology - Perspective, Light, Scale, Animation; Ocean habitats and sea life, Role Playing, Imagination, Creativity

Grades PreK – 2

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day

February 10 - march 7, 2025.

Return to Horace B. Smedley School where the Smedley Tornadoes have never won a football game. In fact, they have never even scored a single point! With such a poor record and a team that is out of control, kind-hearted Miss Nelson comes to the rescue when she enlists the help of her alter ego, the ill-tempered Miss Viola Swamp, to coach the team and whip them into shape. Considered by all to be “the meanest substitute teacher in the whole world,” Coach Swamp applies her trademark discipline to the players’ training, demanding tough exercises and no back talk. In the end, the team changes their attitude, pulls together, sharpens their skills, and manages to win the biggest game of the year.

Run Time: 65 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Measurement, Teamwork, Collaboration, Encouragement, Discipline, Dedication, Resilience, Creativity, Theatre, Music

The American Revolution

April 1-29, 2025.

History in 50 minutes—seven actors, two feet off the ground, share 21 square feet of space and recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. Using only the actors’ bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, this production by Theater Unspeakable evokes an epic time period in American history. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, the American Revolution displays the company’s rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theatre.

Run Time: 50 minutes

Curriculum Connections: American History, American Revolution, Groupwork, Spatial Awareness, The New World, Sons of Liberty, Independence, Boston Tea Party, Physical Theatre, Storytelling, Comprehension, Creativity

Diary of a Wombat

Millions of young people around the world have adored the multi award-winning picture book,  Diary of a Wombat . Now this iconic work, written by Australian Children’s Laureate (2014 – 2015) Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley, comes to the stage. Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia. Bored with her daily routine, Mothball goes in search of shelter and food, creating chaos in the lives of the humans around her. Doormats, trash bins, and washing lines are no match for this mischievous marsupial. Between a packed schedule of scratching, sleeping, and eating, Mothball discovers that with a bit of persistence, humans are quite easily trained! This delightful non-verbal adaptation by Monkey Baa Theatre Company features puppetry, movement, and live cello music from a team of revered artists.

Run Time: 45 minutes

Curriculum Connections: Animal Behavior and Habitat, Storytelling, Theatre, Instrumental Music, Biodiversity and Change, Ecosystems, Supply and Demand, Responsible Decision Making and Behavior

Travel Grants

TPAC can assist with travel costs by completing our Travel Grant Application. Schools pay for their transportation, and the grant awards reimburse 50% of that expenditure. Funds will be distributed after required documentation is submitted to TPAC.

Ticket Subsidies

TPAC covers a large percentage of performance costs to ensure all students have access to performing arts experiences. When requested in advance, we can provide ticket subsidies to schools in need of funding assistance.

THANKS TO OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS

It means you’ll be unable to see the entire stage from those seats.

We sell these seats because for many fans the limited view is not a problem, and the tickets are clearly labeled at time of purchase (see photo below). Limited view seating varies event to event and could be something as small as a tiny corner of the stage being blocked from view. Call our box office at 615-782-4040 for additional information on limited view seating.

Seats marked with “Limited View” during purchase path

Andrew Johnson Theater

Many shows impose ticket limits to allow as many people as possible to have equal access to seats. This is done as a deterrent to third party vendors, i.e. scalpers, who may purchase large blocks of seats and then resell them online at an inflated cost. The term “household” refers to any shared information on one or more accounts. This includes, but may not be limited to matching names, mailing and billing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and credit card numbers. Any households that purchase more than the allowed number of tickets may have their order(s) refunded without notice.

Andrew Jackson Hall

Click for seat views and a detailed seating chart

James K. Polk Theater

Field Trip Services

"Not sure if the kids or teachers had more fun!" Meghan W.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Lucky Ladd Farms provides fun and educational field trip programs that are perfect for accredited school systems, preschools, day cares, before-and-after care programs, home schoolers, and organized youth groups. To learn more, select an option below:

Guided Tours

Self-guided outing, homeschool days.

Boy on school field trip to nature center dies after tree falls on him

HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — A 12-year-old boy died after he was struck by a tree that fell at a southeastern Michigan nature center where he and classmates were on a field trip, authorities said.

Declan Carter was at the Howell Nature Center when the tree fell and struck him in the head Thursday afternoon, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said. The boy was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.

The boy was a student at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Northville, and he was taking part in an overnight camping field trip at the nature center, located about 55 miles northwest of Detroit.

Sheriff Michael Murphy said chaperones were teaching the students how to make a fire when they heard a loud cracking, prompting members of the group to take off running before the 20-foot-tall tree with a rotted trunk fell onto the boy, hitting him on the head.

“I have no words other than it’s a tragic accident that just makes absolutely no sense,” Murphy told WXYZ-TV .

Declan was the son of Northville City Council member John Carter, Mayor Brian Turnbull said.

Howell Nature Center CEO Tina Bruce said the center was “gathering all the facts and working closely with the authorities and our staff to understand what happened today.” She said the nature center would be closed Friday so “staff can come together and process today’s events.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family during this difficult time,” Bruce added in a statement.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Live Updates: Helene hits Middle Tennessee

Helene weakens to Tropical Storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph over Georgia

Evacuations ordered in northeast Tennessee city due to Helene

School nurse dies after ‘accidental collision’ with student, but family wants accountability

Day care workers went without food, formula because paychecks bounced, former employees say

Middle Tennessee prepares for remnants of Hurricane Helene

‘Scavenging the remains’ | Deputy shoots bear guarding body on ‘The Dragon’

First Alert Weather Day: Helene brings soaking rain, high wind gusts

Latest news.

Doctor suspended after being accused of fatally removing man’s liver instead of his spleen

Lawrence County Fire and Rescue, Fire Department deployed to East TN for rescue assists

TEMA: Duke Energy says Walters Dam has not failed, evacuation notice still in effect

Tracking the weekend rain chances in the Midstate

Rescuers race to free people trapped by Hurricane Helene after storm kills dozens in 4 states

Torrential rains flood North Carolina mountains and create risk of dam failure

Gov. Lee signs executive order to bring relief to severe weather victims

Judge rules in favor of gender-affirming surgery for transgender inmate who strangled infant

Over 50 people rescued from roof of hospital surrounded by Helene’s floodwaters

ERWIN, Tenn. (Gray News) - Crews in Tennessee worked Friday to rescue more than 50 people who were trapped on the roof of a hospital following catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

Helicopters were brought in to rescue the 54 people on the roof, a mixture of employees and patients.

Ballad Health said just before 5 p.m. everyone had been rescued and all affected patients transferred to another hospital.

In an earlier news release, the company said emergency management officials began evacuation efforts at Unicoi County Hospital just before 10 a.m. due to the rapidly rising Nolichucky River nearby. Eleven patients were being treated at the small town hospital.

Ambulances were sent to the scene, but they could not safely reach the hospital, which had become surrounded by water.

Boats were then sent to the hospital, but because of the fast-moving waters, were also unable to get there. High winds made helicopter rescue impossible for a time as well.

As of 1 p.m., 54 people were stuck on the roof, as well as seven in rescue boats.

Eventually, a Virginia State Police helicopter was able to land on the roof. Three National Guard helicopters with hoist capabilities were also utilized, officials said.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard were sent to the area as well.

More than 40 deaths have been reported so far from Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4.

Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Latest News

‘Hundreds’ of fugitives arrested in Phoenix area during nationwide sting

Feds grant waiver, return $29 million intended for Arizona schools

Feds grant waiver, returning $29M for Arizona schools

Scottsdale PD cracks down on short-term rentals

Rescuers race to free people trapped by Hurricane Helene after storm kills dozens in 4 states

Torrential rains flood North Carolina mountains and create risk of dam failure

Student planned to attack classmate before stabbing at ASU West, police say

Phoenix Fire task force members to help with Hurricane Helene recovery

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TENNESSEE Field Trips

To help plan SEPTEMBER curriculum focused classroom activities, field trips and school assembly programs, these September themed celebrations might be a helpful focus. MONTHLY : Classical Music Month. Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Library Card Sign-Up Month. National Courtesy Month. DAILY : Sept. 6: National Read a Book. Sept. 7: International Day of Clean Air. Sept. 12: National Day of Encouragement. Sept. 15: Greenpeace Day. Sept. 16: National Collect Rocks Day. Sept. 17: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Sept. 18: National Respect Day. Sept. 22: Autumnal Equinox Day. Sept. 24 :  National Punctuation Day. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for activity type of field trips to learn about. For those unable to travel to these locations, have the fun come to you. Check out the Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.    

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• Petting Zoos/Barnyard Fun
• Archaeology/Paleontology
• Business & Economics
• Colonial Times
• Government, Civics & Presidents
• Historic Places
• Historical Boat Excursions
• History Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• Living History
• Multicultural & Heritage
• Music, Dance, Comedy & Theater History
• Sports History
• Transportation: Boats, Planes, Trains, & Trollies
• Nutrition, Health & Safety
• Overnights & Retreats
• Agricultural Education
• Aquariums, Marine Life, Hatcheries
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Caves, Canyons, Mines & Gorges
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Farms, Mazes, Pick-Your-Own
• Mineral & Gemstone Panning
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• STEM/STEAM Enrichment
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Community Service Learning
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Architecture, Photography & Films
• Arts & Crafts
• Arts Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• History of the Performing Arts
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Cravens House

This historical mountain home & Civil War battle site, Cravens House, is part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. Nearby hiking trails and guided tours can be arranged.

Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum is a children’s museum contains art, music, and field science areas, a water-themed zone, a rooftop exhibit and an inventor’s workshop.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Explore the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, historic gateway to the West. On a guided tour follow the route of the buffalo, Native American, longhunter, and pioneer.

Davies Manor Plantation

Davies Manor Plantation’s field trips include a tour of the Manor house and the grounds and seasonal hands-on activities such as Activities in Nature, Fiber & More, Pioneer Fun, The Pioneer Way,

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

The Discovery Center is a children’s museum, nature center and wetlands boardwalk. Themed interactive exhibits explore of town life, science & more.

East Tennessee History Center

The East Tennessee History Center focuses on East Tennessee regional & national history in permanent & visiting exhibits of artifacts, art & Civil War items thru tours & hands-on activities.

Fire Museum of Memphis

The Fire Museum of Memphis exists to promote education of fire and life safety and to recognize and preserve the heritage of the fire service and its contribution to the community.

Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is a contemporary art museum that offers exhibition or architecture tours and hands-on interactive Martin® ArtQuest Gallery as part of their tour.

Germantown Performing Arts Center

Germantown Performing Arts Center connects children, teachers and schools across the Mid-South with the performing arts during exciting weekday performances of music, dance and theater.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, a living history museum, celebrates the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region.

Green Door Gourmet

Green Door Gourmet offers fun and educational farm field trips for fundamental agricultural education. Knowing your farmer and understanding how food is grown and prepared.

Historic Mansker's Station

Historic Mansker’s Station is a 18th-century plantation house & fort offering 3 tours with living history hands-on activities; the Fort; the Plantation, Frontier Life Focus; and Plantation Life.