Great Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains With Kids
As a family-friendly destination, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a wide variety of fun activities for families to enjoy in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, thrilling attractions, or educational experiences, this region has something for everyone. As the options of activities seem to be endless, this post will provide an overview of the best family things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Why visit the Smoky Mountains with your family? Other than the incredible experience of a national park, I would also consider a few other things. The easy access from North Carolina and Tennessee, it’s a great place to experience beautiful hikes while not having to go to much higher elevations like out west, a great variety of activities after your hikes, and unique things to do in the nearby towns.
Ideally, you would spend around 5 days in the Smoky Mountains. This would leave you time to hike and explore, eat great food and also relax a little. If you are traveling to the area for 5 days, check out this post to see a 5-day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Approximately 8 miles from Gatlinburg, 6 miles from Pigeon Forge
Explore the most visited national park in the United States, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. It’s free to visit and has a variety of hiking options (the best family hikes can be found here!). You will need a parking pass, though, so make sure to stop by one of the visitor centers.
You can experience nature with stunning waterfall hikes, exploring portions of the Appalachian Trail, taking a short walk to a picnic area, making the paved trek up Clingman’s Dome, and more. It’s a great option for everyone in the family, from small children to older kids and their parents too.
Explore a Visitor Center of the National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several visitor centers that serve as great starting points for your exploration of the park. The Sugarlands Visitor Center, located just two miles south of Gatlinburg on Newfound Gap Road, is the most popular one. Here, you can find a large parking area, park information, maps, exhibits on wildlife and history, and a bookstore. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center, near the southern entrance to the park, is another great stop. It offers similar resources and features the Mountain Farm Museum, where you can explore historic log buildings. Both visitor centers are excellent places to get oriented and learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources before heading out to explore.
Look into the Junior Ranger Badges while visiting!
Ober Gatlinburg
Located in Gatlinburg, grab a gondola from downtown to head up the mountain!
Ober Gatlinburg is a popular alpine-themed amusement park located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The park features skiing and snowboarding slopes, an aerial tramway that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, ice skating, and a wildlife encounter where guests can see bears and other animals up close. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor winter sports or just looking for a unique experience, Ober Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Ticket prices vary based on the activities you choose to participate in.
Located in Pigeon Forge
Description: Dollywood is a renowned theme park which offers a great mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and traditional crafts, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike. The ticket prices for Dollywood range from $70 to $80 per person. The park is a fantastic place to spend a day exploring and enjoying various attractions that cater to different age groups.
If you are visiting during the warmer months, consider visiting both Dollywood and Splash Country!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Located in Gatlinburg
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an award-winning aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It offers a variety of interactive experiences for visitors, including a glass-bottom boat tour and a penguin encounter. The aquarium features an impressive range of marine life, from colorful fish and jellyfish to majestic sharks and stingrays. Visitors can explore the underwater tunnel and watch as these fascinating creatures swim overhead. With ticket prices ranging from $30 to $40 per person, the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit attraction for families and marine life enthusiasts alike.
Located in Pigeon Forge
Description: The Titanic Museum Attraction offers an immersive experience for visitors to explore the history of the Titanic through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the tragic story of the Titanic through a variety of educational and engaging displays. Visitors can view actual artifacts from the ship and its passengers, and learn about the lives of those on board. The museum’s interactive exhibits allow guests to experience what life was like on the Titanic, making it a memorable and educational experience for all ages. Ticket prices range from $25 to $30 per person, and it’s definitely worth a visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in maritime heritage.
Cades Cove
Approximately 27 miles from Gatlinburg, 23 miles from Pigeon Forge
Cades Cove is a picturesque valley nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic destination offers a serene retreat for visitors, with its sprawling meadows, historic homesteads, and abundant wildlife.
Visitors to Cades Cove have the opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing, picnicking, and exploring the area’s well-preserved historic sites. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, and other species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.For those interested in history, Cades Cove provides a glimpse into the past with its collection of 19th-century structures, including churches, log cabins, and a working grist mill. These historic homesteads offer a fascinating look at the pioneer life and the early settlers of the region.
Exploring Cades Cove can be a leisurely and immersive experience, with a scenic 11-mile loop road that allows visitors to take in the natural beauty of the surroundings at their own pace. The loop road is also popular for biking, offering a unique way to explore the valley and its diverse landscapes.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Located in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an exciting entertainment complex that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The Island features an array of attractions, including shops, restaurants, live music, and an iconic ferris wheel.
One of the main highlights of The Island is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy a truly unique perspective of the Great Smoky Mountains while riding the ferris wheel, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
In addition to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, The Island is also home to a variety of specialty shops and boutiques, offering everything from souvenirs and gifts to locally made crafts and artisanal goods. Whether you’re looking for a special memento of your trip or simply want to browse and explore, the shopping options at The Island cater to a wide range of interests. When it comes to dining, The Island boasts a diverse selection of restaurants and eateries, serving up delicious cuisine from BBQ and southern comfort food to sweet treats and gourmet snacks. Visitors can indulge in a leisurely meal or grab a quick bite while taking in the lively atmosphere and charming surroundings.
Furthermore, The Island frequently hosts live music performances and special events, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the overall experience. Whether you’re in the mood for some live music or simply want to soak up the vibrant energy of the area, The Island provides a lively and dynamic atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Ride an Alpine Coaster.
In Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you can experience the thrill of Alpine Coasters. These unique attractions offer an exhilarating ride through the beautiful mountain landscape. The coaster carts allow you to control your speed, so you can enjoy a leisurely scenic ride or rev up the excitement for a faster-paced adventure. With stunning views and an exciting ride, the Alpine Coasters in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg provide a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.
The best alpine coasters in Gatlinburg:
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster
- Rail Runner and Hellbender at Anakeesta
- Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
- Tennesee Flyer at Ober Mountain
The best alpine coasters in Pigeon Forge:
- Lost Mine Mountain Coaster & Mini Golf
- Goats on the Roof
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Located in Pigeon Forge
Description: This interactive science museum offers over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a ropes course and a 6D motion ride. Ticket prices range from $30 to $35 per person.- Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Get a Glimpse Behind The Lens Museum
Located in Pigeon Forge
Behind The Lens is a unique museum offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the world of photography and pop culture. This highly interactive museum showcases an extensive collection of rare and iconic photographs, providing a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most significant moments in history, entertainment, and celebrity culture. From capturing iconic movie scenes to documenting major historical events, Behind The Lens offers an immersive experience that appeals to photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and pop culture fans alike.
Go Horseback Riding.
Horseback riding in the Great Smoky Mountains is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the region while enjoying a peaceful and leisurely ride. There are several stables in the area that offer guided horseback riding tours for individuals and families of all experience levels.
Take a walk on the Swinging Bridge on Foxfire Mountain.
The Swinging Bridge itself is a marvel to behold, stretching across a gorge and offering stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. As we crossed the bridge, we felt the exhilarating sway beneath our feet, adding a thrilling element to the experience. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the sense of accomplishment and the incredible panoramic views make it entirely worth it. In addition to the Swinging Bridge, the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park offers a variety of other activities, including ziplining, hiking trails, and waterfall tours, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
See the views from a helicopter.
Approximately 15 miles from Gatlinburg, 10 miles from Pigeon Forge
Take a helicopter tour in Sevierville to soar above the Smoky Mountains and see Douglas Lake, the Pigeon Forge Strip, Clingmans Dome, and more from above.
In Pigeon Forge, dinner theatres are a popular form of entertainment that offer a unique combination of delicious food and live performances. These theatres provide an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to enjoy a meal while being entertained by talented actors, singers, and dancers. One of the most well-known dinner theatres in Pigeon Forge is Dolly Parton’s Stampede, where guests can indulge in a mouthwatering four-course feast while watching a spectacular show featuring horse riding stunts, musical performances, and comedic acts. Another popular choice is The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, which serves up Southern-style dishes alongside a hilarious production based on the legendary feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, music, or action-packed performances, Pigeon Forge’s dinner theatres offer something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to the Smoky Mountains.
You can find a variety of thrilling and immersive escape rooms that offer unforgettable experiences for friends and families. These escape rooms provide the perfect opportunity to test your problem-solving skills and enjoy an exciting adventure together. Some popular escape rooms in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge include themes like solving a mystery in a haunted house, breaking out of a prison, or even embarking on a treasure hunt. Each escape room presents unique challenges and puzzles that require teamwork and quick thinking to solve.
Spend the day at Anakeesta.
Located in Gatlinburg.
Anakeesta is a popular outdoor theme park in the Smoky Mountains. It is situated atop a mountain, and visitors can reach the park by taking a scenic chairlift or a modern gondola from downtown Gatlinburg. Once at the top, visitors are greeted with stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. There are picturesque gardens, tree canopy walks, ziplining adventures, and a mountain coaster that provides an exhilarating ride through the lush forests. Anakeesta also features delicious dining options, including a smokehouse and a cafe with breathtaking mountain views.
One of the highlights of visiting Anakeesta is the Treehouse Village Adventure. Visitors can explore treehouses connected by hanging bridges, providing a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Anakeesta is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor adventures, stunning views, and a memorable experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. We had the best time visiting the park!
With an abundance of activities in the Great Smoky Mountains, families are sure to create lasting memories while exploring this beautiful and diverse region. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, thrilling adventures, or educational experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
