The Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for a family-friendly adventure. With exciting attractions, beautiful outdoor spaces, and fun activities for all ages, there’s no shortage of things to do. From exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to riding roller coasters at Dollywood and splashing around at Soaky Mountain Waterpark, kids will love every moment of their trip.
This guide highlights the best kid-friendly activities to help you plan an unforgettable Smoky Mountain vacation.
Visit Dollywood – Rides & Shows for All Ages
No trip to the Smokies is complete without a visit to Dollywood, one of the top family-friendly attractions in Pigeon Forge. Here’s why kids love it:
🎢 Thrill Rides – Try the Dragonflier coaster or the FireChaser Express for a kid-friendly adrenaline rush.
🎶 Live Shows – Watch entertaining performances featuring music, dancing, and storytelling.
🌊 Dollywood’s Splash Country – If visiting in summer, this water park is perfect for cooling off!
Tip: Dollywood offers parent swap options so adults can take turns on bigger rides while the kids enjoy smaller attractions!
Spend a Day at Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Looking for a way to beat the heat? Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is packed with slides, wave pools, and splash zones. Honestly, on the list of Best Things to Do with Kids in the Smoky Mountains this should be number 1.
💦 Kid Favorites:
- Slippery Salamanders – A water playground perfect for little ones.
- Black Bear Rapids – A not-so-lazy river with fun rapids.
- The Edge – A thrilling family raft ride.
Tip: Arrive early to grab a shaded spot, and don’t forget sunscreen!
Visit Ripley’s Attractions in Gatlinburg
Ripley’s has several family-friendly attractions that kids love:
- 🦈 Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Walk through the shark tunnel and touch stingrays in the interactive petting area.
- 🎭 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – A fun museum filled with weird and wacky exhibits.
- 🎳 Ripley’s Super Fun Zone – An arcade and laser tag experience.
Tip: Save money by bundling multiple Ripley’s attractions with a combo ticket!
Go on a Mountain Coaster Ride
Mountain coasters are a unique way to experience the Smokies! Kids will love zooming down the mountainside at their own speed. Popular options include:
🎢 Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (Pigeon Forge) – One of the longest in the country.
🎢 Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster – Open day and night for a different experience.
🎢 Rocky Top Mountain Coaster – Features four uphill sections and great views.
Tip: These coasters have brakes, so kids can control how fast they go!
Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a fun spot for families, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment.
⭐ Must-Do Attractions:
- Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – A 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel with stunning views.
- Island Ropes Course – A fun challenge for kids.
- Dancing Fountain Show – A free water and music show kids love.
Tip: Visit in the evening when the lights make the atmosphere even more magical!
Go Gem Mining & Visit a Petting Zoo
For a fun, hands-on experience, try gem mining and meet adorable animals!
💎 Gem Mining Spots:
- Pigeon Forge Gem Mine – Kids can pan for gems and fossils.
- Anakeesta’s Gem Mining – A fun activity after exploring the mountaintop park.
🐐 Petting Zoos & Animal Encounters:
- Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo – Feed deer, kangaroos, and even zebras.
- Parrot Mountain & Gardens – See tropical birds up close and even hold a parrot!
Ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway
Take the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway from Gatlinburg up to Ober Mountain, where you’ll find:
🎿 Winter: Snow tubing and skiing
🎡 Summer: Alpine slides, a wildlife encounter, and a scenic chairlift
❄️ Year-round: Indoor ice skating and mini golf
Tip: Even if you don’t visit Ober Mountain, the tram ride alone is worth it for the views!
Play Mini Golf & Ride Go-Karts
For classic family fun, head to one of the many mini golf courses or go-kart tracks in the area.
🏌️ Best Mini Golf Courses:
- Hillbilly Golf (Gatlinburg) – Play on a mountainside course.
- Crave Golf Club (Pigeon Forge) – A candy-themed mini golf experience.
🏎️ Best Go-Kart Tracks:
- The Track (Pigeon Forge) – Features multiple levels of racing fun.
- SpeedZone Fun Park – Offers four unique tracks for all ages.
Take a Scenic Drive & Have a Picnic
If you’re looking for a relaxing family-friendly activity, take a scenic drive and stop for a picnic.
🚗 Best Drives for Families:
- Cades Cove Loop Road – Perfect for spotting wildlife.
- Newfound Gap Road – Amazing mountain views.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A quiet, beautiful drive.
🌲 Best Picnic Spots:
- Metcalf Bottoms – Right by the river, great for wading.
- Chimneys Picnic Area – Surrounded by lush forest.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains are a natural playground for kids! Here are some of the best family-friendly activities in the park:
- Sugarlands Visitor Center – Stop by to check out the interactive exhibits and pick up a Junior Ranger activity book.
- Cades Cove – Take a scenic drive where kids can spot deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears!
- Easy Hikes for Kids:
- Laurel Falls (2.6 miles round trip) – A paved trail leading to a waterfall.
- Elkmont Nature Trail (0.8 miles) – A short, easy hike through the woods.
- Grotto Falls (2.6 miles round trip) – A fun hike where you can walk behind a waterfall.
Tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and a picnic to enjoy at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area!
Book a Cabin for Your Family Getaway
After a long day of exploring the Smoky Mountains with kids, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a cozy cabin. Our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals are close to Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, making them the perfect home base for your family adventure.
📍 Ready to Plan Your Stay? Check out our cabins and book your trip today!
