Family Adventures: Kid-Friendly Attractions in and near Shiloh, Tennessee

This article was written with the assistance of the following AI tools: Google Gemini, Open AI, and Claude. These AI tools were used to organize the article’s flow as well as curate preliminary information about things to do, attractions and restaurants listed below. Our human editors thoroughly fact-checked and wrote content to create a more robust article. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will continue to use Google Gemini, Open AI, and Claude with a disclosure in the spirit of full transparency, while also providing pertinent travel content efficiently and quickly.

Nestled in West Tennessee, Shiloh provides families with an extraordinary blend of historical significance and outdoor activities. Discover this charming destination that offers numerous family friendly things to do. If you love history, you'll love diving into the area's rich Civil War history while taking in expansive scenic views of the Tennessee River and lush open spaces. Check out some of the great attractions you and your family can explore in and near Shiloh, Tennessee.

Historical Adventures: How Can Kids Experience History in an Engaging Way?

Shiloh National Military Park - Shiloh

The cornerstone of Shiloh's family attractions is the Shiloh National Military Park. This expansive historical site offers various interactive programs specifically designed for young visitors. Children can participate in:

• Junior Ranger program  

• Living history demonstrations  

• Guided tours with park rangers  

• Educational film screenings  

• Interactive museum exhibits 

The Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center has a plethora of artifacts like artillery, uniforms and more from the Shiloh battlefield, presented in engaging exhibits that share soldiers' stories and multimedia presentations. Catch the award-winning, interpretive film, "Shiloh: Fiery Trial" that is shown every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Natural Wonders: Where Can Families Connect with Nature?

Pickwick Landing State Park - Counce

Pickwick Landing State Park offers families a perfect outdoor retreat with various activities suitable for all ages. The park features: 

• Three swimming beaches

• Playground and Paws Landing Dog Park

• Two kid-friendly hiking trails  

• Boat rentals for kayaks, canoes, SUPs and pontoon boats

• Full-service marina

• Picnic areas  

• Disc golf course

• Fishing on the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake, a reservoir of the Tennessee River 

• Golf course with Champion Bermuda grasses and 419 Bermuda fairways

Tennessee River Museum - Savannah

Just a short drive away, the Tennessee River Museum provides an excellent opportunity for families to learn about the region's natural history and significant events. Museum highlights include: 

• 200 fossil specimens, including an insect in amber (the first of which was found in Hardin Count) as well as two large pieces of petrified wood that are millions of years old and are the largest known in the state 

• Shiloh Effigy Pipe - unique artifact found on a Mississippian Era Site on the Shiloh Battlefield

• Trail of Tears exhibit with historical timeline and documents

• Most complete Shiloh artillery projectile collection in existence 

• Steamboat pilothouse replica and whisper tube

Indoor Entertainment: What Options Exist for Rainy Days?

When weather doesn't cooperate, several indoor kid-friendly attractions near Shiloh provide excellent alternatives: 

• Savannah Theater - historical movies and shows

• Tennessee River Museum

• Mudslingers in Huntingdon, Tennessee - a local art center with kid-friendly workshops like how to create mugs, tumblers and vases

• Discovery Park of America, located about 117 miles north of Shiloh, is an ideal day trip near Shiloh. The family-friendly attraction includes a 10,000-square-foot museum of 10 exhibits representing a wide variety of subjects as well as special attractions like the 3D Discovery Theater, Earthquake Simulator and Cooper Tower

Seasonal Events: Which Special Activities Should Families Plan Around?

Throughout the year, Shiloh and surrounding small towns host various seasonal events perfect for family entertainment:

Spring:

• Civil War Reenactments and living history events 

• Hatchie Birdfest

• In-Water Boat Shows and Fishing Tournaments

Summer:

• Fourth of July Celebrations: Fireworks at Pickwick Landing State Parks and in Lexington on Beech Lake; celebration at Discovery Park of America, about 117 miles north of Shiloh.

• Outdoor Concert Series like the Savannah Bluegrass Festival

• County Fairs in Dyer County and Lauderdale County

Fall:

• Chickasaw Heritage Festival in Jackson, Tennessee

• Annual Sunset Symphony  

• Catfish Derby and Riverfest 5K

Winter:

• Christmas on Main in downtown Savannah

• Christmas in the Park at Pickwick Landing State Park

Dining and Accommodations: Where Can Families Find Kid-Friendly Options? 

The area around Shiloh offers numerous family-friendly dining establishments and accommodations:

Hagy's Catfish Hotel - Shiloh

• Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the U.S. 

• Waterfront restaurant, located on the banks of the Tennessee River

• Menu includes fried clamps, shrimp, seafood platter, grilled salmon and, of course, southern-style fried catfish

• Get catfish as a whole fish or as filets, with Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper. Fish tacos are also served

• Kids' menu for children ages 7-12 includes whole fish fried catfish, shrimp, fish filet or chicken tenders served with French fries or baked potato and hushpuppies

• Kiddie Dinner menu for children ages 6 and under include chicken tenders, fish filet, hamburger or cheeseburger, and grilled cheese served with French fries and a drink.

The Outpost - Savannah

• 6-building attraction in Savannah, Tennessee, The Outpost is located close to Pickwick Lake

• Find bait, tackle, outdoor equipment, snacks and local gifts in the General Store

• Hand-churned ice cream at Frosty Mug Creamery including homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors and toppings, root beer floats and Coke floats

• Outpost Outdoors has UTV side-by-side rentals for outdoor exploration and offers guided tours

• Lodging available at Prospector Lodging

• Outpost Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kids' menu includes grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and a chicken tender basket

More restaurants near Shiloh:

• Mollie Monday's Restaurant - Daily southern breakfast and lunch buffet served daily, salad bar included

• Hickory Pit - Locally owned restaurant offering barbecue, burgers and southern fare for lunch and dinner 

Lodge at Pickwick Landing State Park

• Lodge at Pickwick Landing has newly-renovated rooms with large windows, all featuring balcony views overlooking Pickwick Lake

• Full-service restaurant and lounge

• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Fitness room

• Swim beach access

• Boat ramp access

• Surrounded by 1,400 acres on the shores of the Tennessee River

More accommodations in and near Shiloh:

• Shiloh Chennault Mansion - Civil War estate and boutique hotel, offering 3 large suites. Located on 225 acres with seven porches, close to Shiloh National Military Park

• Green Acres RV Park - One of the largest, full-service RV parks in West Tennessee. Graveled RV sites have 50/30/20 AMP electric, water and sewer, WiFi, picnic tables and daily trash collection, saltwater swimming pool, volleyball court and more

Planning Tips for Your Family Adventure

To make the most of a family vacation in Shiloh, consider these essential tips: 

• Book accommodations and outdoor activity rentals (boats, side-by-sides, etc.) in advance during peak seasons  

• Pack comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing 

• Bring plenty of water and snacks for outdoor activities