Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee are two popular family vacation destinations known for their breathtaking natural scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. But these towns are also home to a wide range of family-friendly attractions that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained.
From thrilling amusement parks and water parks to interactive museums and animal encounters, there’s something for everyone in The Smokies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 activities to do with kids in these two charming towns, so you can plan the perfect family vacation. So, pack your bags, gather the kids, and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in the Smoky Mountains!
1. Let the Kids Run Wild at Dollywood’s Splash Country
1. Let the Kids Run Wild at Dollywood’s Splash CountryLooking for a fun-filled day with the family? Look no further than Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge. This popular water park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. With thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and exciting wave pools, there’s something for everyone at Splash Country.
2. Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
If your kids love animals, they won’t want to miss the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville. Here, they can interact with a wide variety of animals, including deer, alpacas, goats, and more. They can even take a pony ride or feed the animals by hand.
3. Explore the Great Outdoors at Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a beautiful valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and exercise with the family. The 11-mile loop road takes you through stunning scenery, including historic cabins, churches, and even a working grist mill. There are also plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas to enjoy.
4. Get an Adrenaline Rush at Rowdy Bear Mountain
4. Get an Adrenaline Rush at Rowdy Bear Mountain If your kids are looking for a thrill, Rowdy Bear Mountain in Gatlinburg is the place to be. This mountain adventure park features two thrilling attractions: the Mountain Glider and the Gravity Coaster. The Mountain Glider is a suspended coaster that takes riders on a thrilling flight through the treetops, while the Gravity Coaster is a single-rail coaster that twists and turns through the mountain terrain.
5. Learn Something New at WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an interactive museum that’s fun for the whole family. Located in Pigeon Forge, this attraction features over 100 hands-on exhibits that explore science, space, and more. Your kids will love the indoor ropes course and laser tag arena, while you’ll appreciate the educational value of the exhibits.
6. Take a Scenic Drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’s perfect for families. The 5.5-mile one-way loop road takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park, including waterfalls, historic buildings, and stunning vistas. Make sure to bring your camera!
7. Fly High at the Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
Is your child a thrill-seeker? Take them to the Flyaway Indoor Skydiving in Pigeon Forge! This unique experience simulates a real freefall without actually jumping out of a plane. Kids as young as 3 years old can participate and feel the sensation of flying in a safe and controlled environment. A trained instructor will guide them through the experience, providing safety instructions and helping them with the proper body positioning.
8. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for any family visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The park offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Take a scenic drive through the park to experience stunning mountain vistas and stop at one of the visitor centers to learn about the park’s history and ecology. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, and it’s easy to see why!
9. Play Mini Golf at Hillbilly Golf
Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg is a unique mini-golf experience that your kids will love. The course is built into the side of a mountain, and players ride a tram to the top to start their game. The two courses are challenging but fun, with plenty of opportunities for a hole-in-one. The course is also well-maintained and beautifully landscaped, with water features and whimsical decorations.
10. Go Ice Skating at Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round attraction that offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and other activities in the summer. One of the most popular activities in the summer is ice skating, which takes place at the indoor ice rink. Kids of all ages can enjoy this activity, and it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day. The rink is well-maintained, and skates are available for rent. If your kids are feeling brave, they can also try the ice bumper cars, which are like bumper cars on ice!
As you can see, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a plethora of exciting activities and attractions that are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, interactive learning experiences, or just good old-fashioned fun, these charming towns have got you covered.
So, whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or just a quick weekend getaway, be sure to include some of these top 10 activities in your itinerary. And don’t forget to take advantage of the stunning natural beauty that surrounds these towns by taking a hike, exploring a waterfall, or simply soaking up the mountain views.
With so much to see and do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’re sure to create lasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Smoky Mountain adventure today! View our Luxury Vacation Rentals or call us at 865 419 7064 to book your perfect luxury family getaway, today.
