Let Your Inner Child Run Wild At The Family-Friendly Discovery Park Of America In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published January 01, 2020
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The awe and wonder of a child is a priceless experience. It’s one of the most innocent ways to see the world and can make an appearance anywhere from grocery store aisles to Niagara Falls. Adults, however, tend to be a bit more difficult to “wow.” Here in Union City, Tennessee, the Discovery Park of America seeks to change that. This family-friendly museum is awe-inspiring for folks of all ages, and there’s something new every season. Check it out below, and maybe plan or a day trip. The Discovery Park of America is bound to be a place to remember!
The Discovery Park of America is a 100,000 square foot museum that's located in the heart of Tennessee's eastern town of Union City. With ten exhibit galleries that focus on everything from space technology to natural history to the military, there's truly something for everyone.
One of the most surprising aspects of the museum is its beautiful exterior grounds. Used as both an event space and popular spot for summer camps and church trips, both children and adults will have a full indoor and outdoor experience at the Discovery Park.
The military exhibit gallery is known as one of the best in the United States, and the expansive, airy hall gives you the space to wander and learn at your leisure. With all sorts of vintage military equipment and automobiles, even the tiniest guest will find themselves entertained by the past.
There are also dozens of interactive displays throughout the museum. Whether you're looking to learn about science, engineering, math, and more, it seems like there's always something new being explored at the Discovery Park.
The dinosaur hall is a fantastic addition, popular for private events and folks looking to ooh and ah over the massive behemoths of the past. The 20,000-gallon aquarium is also a must-see. It explores the underwater ecosystems found in the nearby Reelfoot Lake — the only natural lake in the state.
The Cardboard Boat Regatta is one of the most popular events held at the park. It's held every spring and invites clubs and classes to build their own boat with cardboard and duct tape. The $25 to $35 entry fee gets attendees access to the park with four passes, and the chance to duke it out on a race across the Discovery Park of America Lake. It's a fun experience that helps kids get their hands dirty and learn about building, designing, and manning their boats in the water.
Visit for yourself from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in January, February, and August. Keep in mind that during these quieter months the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. From March to July you can visit seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
