Knoxville isn’t just about historic landmarks or scenic views — it’s also a city where you can explore in a way that’s interactive, fun, and tailored to your pace. If you’re looking for engaging ways to see Knoxville beyond the usual guided tours, you’re in luck. Some of the best city tours here involve scavenger hunts and app-based adventures that put you right in the middle of the action. We particularly like the Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Crazy Dash, because it combines exploration with a game format, making it great for friends, families, or coworkers. Plus, it lets you discover hidden corners of Knoxville at your own pace.
Knoxville’s tour scene is unique for its emphasis on adventure and social interaction. Whether you’re into solving puzzles, competing for the crown in a royal-themed scavenger hunt, or just exploring the city in a relaxed way, there’s something here for everyone. And with tours that range from just 1.5 hours to a full 2 hours, you can easily fit exploring into your schedule.
1. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Crazy Dash
This app-led scavenger hunt lets you explore Knoxville at your own pace, completing challenges and taking photos of interesting places. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and the app guides you through a series of challenges that are both fun and educational. One of the best parts? You can compete with other teams nationwide, adding a friendly competitive edge. The host is remote, so help is just a message away if you get stuck or want hints.
The game encourages discovering hidden gems and lesser-known spots that you might miss on a traditional tour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little friendly competition and want to control how much time they spend exploring. The cost is just $10 per person, making it affordable for most travelers. Kids and teenagers often find this format more engaging than a standard guided tour because it turns sightseeing into a game.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Knoxville and enjoy some friendly rivalry, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable experience with a fun twist.
$10.00 per person
2. Knoxville Bar Crawl Swell Times in Scruffy City
For those who prefer a social and lively experience, the Knoxville Bar Crawl is an energetic way to explore downtown Knoxville’s nightlife. Priced at $14.99, this 1.5-hour adventure is designed to take you through several local bars, with stops at some of the city’s top spots. While the tour is more about experiencing the local bar scene, it’s arranged as an app-led adventure, adding a layer of interactive fun.
This tour is less about sightseeing and more about socializing and sampling Knoxville’s craft beers, cocktails, and local brews. It’s ideal for groups looking for a relaxed, fun night out or for celebrating special occasions. Since there are no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but it promises to provide a lively, memorable experience. Keep in mind, this is a shorter tour, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a spirited evening.
Bottom line: If you enjoy social outings and want an easy way to explore Knoxville’s nightlife with friends, this bar crawl offers a fun way to see the city after dark.
$14.99 per person
3. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Knoxville by Operation City Quest
This interactive scavenger hunt uses an app to guide you through Knoxville, with a focus on finding objects and completing challenges for points. The game lasts about 2 hours, and you can choose your own route around the city. Scoring is real-time, displayed on the app, which adds a competitive element. A remote host is available for questions, making it easy to get assistance if needed.
What sets this tour apart is the flexibility — you can play in any order and at any time. It’s great for families or groups wanting a relaxed yet engaging activity. The cost is $10 per person, making it an affordable way to see the city with a playful twist. The app-driven format ensures you won’t be stuck with a rigid itinerary, and you’ll discover some of Knoxville’s lesser-known spots.
Bottom line: This scavenger hunt delivers a balanced mix of discovery and competition, suitable for anyone wanting to explore Knoxville without the confines of a traditional tour.
$10.00 per person
4. Knoxville City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
This royal-themed scavenger hunt offers a playful, themed experience around Knoxville. Using an app, teams hunt for items and complete challenges to earn points. The game also features royal tournaments, where players compete to be crowned King or Queen. The goal is to hold onto the crown as long as possible while amassing points through photos and task completion.
The tour lasts about 2 hours, but players can extend play as long as they like within the city. It’s especially suited for groups seeking a humorous, engaging activity with a touch of competition. The unique royal theme and tournaments make this tour stand out, adding a layer of storytelling to your exploration.
While no reviews are available yet, the concept promises a lighthearted experience that encourages team participation and creativity. This is a good pick for families, birthday parties, or groups who want something a little different from the usual sightseeing.
Bottom line: If a fun, themed adventure with a playful competitive edge appeals to you, the Wacky Walks scavenger hunt offers an original way to explore Knoxville.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, group size, and how active you want to be. If you prefer a self-paced, educational challenge, the Crazy Dash Fun City Scavenger Hunt is an excellent choice. For a night out with friends, the Knoxville Bar Crawl offers a lively social experience. If you’re traveling with family or enjoy a more relaxed pace with some friendly competition, the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt works well. Finally, for a themed, humorous adventure, the Wacky Walks offers something a little different.
Consider your group’s fitness level (most are walk-based), your budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure a smooth experience.
Knoxville’s city tour options cover a range of interests and activity levels. Whether you’re into competitive scavenger hunts, social drinking adventures, or themed games, there’s something here to make your visit memorable. For a flexible and budget-friendly activity, the Crazy Dash scavenger hunt is hard to beat. If nightlife is your scene, the bar crawl offers a spirited way to experience the city after hours. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fun ways to discover Knoxville.