110 Things to Do in The Great Smoky Mountains with Kids
There are hundreds of activities and restaurants in the areas surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are 110 we have enjoyed!
I have provided links to each one if you want more information – like hours, location, and pricing. These are listed in random order. I was NOT compensated to recommend any of these fun places. I just wanted a good list to help families plan their trip to The Great Smoky Mountains!
110 Things to do in The Great Smoky Mountains with Kids
1.Drive (or walk or bike) through the beautiful Cades Cove valley, one of the most visited spots in The Great Smoky Mountains.
2. Spend a day or two riding roller coasters or water rides at Dollywood. and/or Dollywood’s Splash Country
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (voted one of the Top 5 Aquariums in the USA and the World!). The kids will love getting up close and personal with the penguins and watching sharks swim overhead!
4. Order the kids a pizza and order some Beer Cheese Dip for yourself at The Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
5. Spend the evening at the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud Show.
6. Ride the Ski Mountain Coaster, Ariel Tramway, do some shopping or skiing at Ober Gatlinburg.
7. Eat an entire basket of garlic bread rolls at Best Italian Restaurant in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
8. Try your inner ninja warrior at Sevier Air’s Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park.
9. Ride the alpine coaster at Goats On A Roof. on Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge. This mountain coaster is thrilling but smooth and enjoyable. There are goats to feed and a quaint give shop. The staff is very friendly!
10. Experience over 100 interactive exhibits at the (UPSIDE DOWN!) Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge.
11. Order some Nachos or Street Tacos at No Way Jose’s Cantina in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
12. Ride The Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel at the Island in Pigeon Forge.
13. The whole family will love the view from Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee!
14. Treat yourself to a special breakfast of pancakes, crepes, etc at the Log Cabin Pancake House. They also serve country ham and biscuits and gravy if you’re in the mood for something more hearty. Or stop by for lunch for the soup and salad bar and the lunch buffet!
15. Hike 2.6 miles (round trip) to Laurel Falls Trail to see an 80-foot waterfall (and maybe some black bears in the distance!)
16. You and the family can ride the 300-foot incline before showing off your mini-golf skills on 2 – 18 hole golf courses at Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg
17. Let the kiddos experience a variety of climbing walls and other climbing challenges at Clip ‘N Climb at Top Jump Trampoline Park.
18. Grab a giant corndog and play some arcade games at Fannie Farkel’s in Gatlinburg.
19. Hike a 1.5-mile route to Grotto Falls. You will hike along the Trillium Gap Trail, passing a series of waterfalls before walking behind Grotto Falls.
20. Take the littles to enjoy The Flying Horse Carousel and the Lil Ribbits frog ride at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
21. Enjoy some thrills while riding the gravity-propelled Rowdy Bear Roller Coaster or fly through the treetops with the Rowdy Bear Mountain Glider at Rowdy Bear Mountain.
22. Pick up some fresh produce, baked goods, and visit over 1000 vendors at the Great Smokies Flea Market.
23. Treat yourself to some of Paula Deen’s favorite creations (and do a little shopping) at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at The Island in Pigeon Forge. She puts out a huge spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
24. Let the kids get all their wiggles out at Top Jump Trampoline Park in Pigeon Forge.
25. Let the kiddos experience a 2nd story freefall at Twist & Shout at the Island in Pigeon Forge.
26. Experience Go-Carts, Mini Golf, Bumper Boats, and a Rock Wall at Nascar Speed Park of the Smoky Mountains.
27. Stuff your faces with all-you-can-eat “vittles” (coleslaw, baked white beans, french fries, mashed potatoes and gravy, their signature southern hushpuppies, dill pickles, and onions slices) at Huck Finn’s Catfish Shack. But save some room for the main course. Huck Finn’s offers Golden Fried Chicken, Country Fried Steak, Grilled Chicken, Frog Legs, Fried & Grilled Shrimp, Ribeye Steak, and Chicken Livers.
28. Let the kids see Parrots, Magpies, and other birds while walking through the Secret Garden at Parrot Mountains and Gardens.
29. CLIMB Works Canopy says your feet won’t touch the ground for 2.5 hours as you find your way through the trees by means of zip lines and platforms. A guide is with you, giving you lots of information about the Smoky Mountains. In addition to the zip lines, there are mountain biking and challenge courses.
30. Take your kids for a thrill ride on the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. MORE…
31. Take the kiddos to Zip Gatlinburg. Try out the Zip Line and the Zip Coaster. There is also the Tree Trek, which has 27 Obstacles. The kiddos will also love the Kid’s Net Course -a 1,500 square foot Trapeze Net 30 feet off the ground!
32. Enjoy a fantastic and filling meal at The Old Mill Pottery Grill and Café or The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. Their menu includes country-fried steak, pot roast, and deep-dish chicken pot pie. You can also visit the shops in the Old Mill Square for jams, jellies, and other items to take home.
33. Stop at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook to enjoy some breathtaking views of The Smoky Mountains and Downtown Gatlinburg.
34.Rainy? Too cold? Too hot? Wild Bear Indoor Water Park is open year-round.
35. Try some delicious pork ribs, chopped pork, beef brisket and chicken at Bennett’s Pit BBQ. There is also a large salad bar for the veggie lovers in the family.
36. Take a guided mountain trail ride in the National Park at Sugarlands Riding Stables.
37. Take the kids downtown Gatlinburg to The Donut Friar for glazed donuts, crullers, eclairs, cinnamon rolls, and their popular cinnamon bread.
38. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley
39. Glide over 500 feet above Gatlinburg on Sky Lift Gatlinburg for great views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.
40. Stuff your faces at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant with Apple Julep Grilled Chicken, Country Quiche with Fresh Fruit, Country Fried Chicken with Gravy or many other options. Enjoy some complimentary fruit juice and apple fritters while waiting for your meal!
41. Have a nice filling brunch (on the weekends) at Cherokee Grill. Or visit for lunch or dinner and order the kids some ribs (and get some for yourself too!)
42. Take the kids to play some games at Arcadia in Gatlinburg.
43. Put on some stretchy pants and head over to Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. They offer Reese’s Peanut Butter Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Wild Mountain Blueberry pancakes, and the Sticky Bun pancake. The menu also includes other breakfast items such as Elkmont Egg Platters, Omelets, Campfire Skillets, and a variety of sandwiches.
44. Have a fun, relaxed meal at Margaritaville Restaurant at the Island.
45. Take the kids to watch taffy being made (and eat some!) at Smoky Mountain Candy Makers
46.Drive Little River Road by the Little River. Feed the ducks and take a few photos in this lovely area. The road actually spans 18 miles, beginning at Sugarland’s Visitor Center and ending at Cades Cove. There are signs posted to let you know where to find picnic areas, overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
47. Visit Sugarland’s Welcome Center to see some exhibits and a short video about the history of The Great Smoky Mountains. There is also a shop and a bookstore.
48. Visit Three Jimmy’s on family trivia night and try some of their award-winning wings!
49. Take a walk down the Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway.
50. Let the kids enjoy some Lazer Tag, Go-carts, Mini Golf, and an Arcade at Lazer Port Fun Center in Pigeon Forge
51. Enjoy some delicious ribs, burgers, salmon, or BBQ at Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg.
52. Visit Greenbrier to go tubing, swim, picnic, hike, sunbathe, fish, bird watch, bicycle, or just sit back on a rock along the river.
53. Enjoy the Shrimp, Corn and Crab Bisque, fresh hamburgers, Jambalaya, or Roast Beef Sandwich at New Orlean’s Sandwich Company in Gatlinburg
54. Take the whole family for a tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge
55. Enjoy a fun whitewater rafting adventure or scenic float at Rafting with Big Creek Expeditions
56. Try the Goliath Zip Lines- the highest and longest lines in the Smoky Mountains. Or try the Waterfall Canopy Tour – 7 amazing zip lines over rivers and creeks. Foxfire Mountain Adventures also has the swinging Bridge to Prosperity and ATV riding adventures.
57. The kids will love the OGO and Fishpipe at Outdoor Gravity Park Pigeon Forge.
58. Try the brisket or rib sandwich with some sweet sauce at Hungry Bear BBQ in Gatlinburg
59. If your family enjoys oddities and interesting exhibits, take them to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Gatlinburg
60. Enjoy go-carts, bumper cars, mini-golf, and other rides at The Track in Pigeon Forge.
61. Chubby’s Deli was voted #1 in Sevierville on Trip Advisor! Try the Chubby Burger, The Chicken Fried Chicken, and/or the Catfish. It is off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. Don’t be put off by the fact that it is in a gas station – the food and service are fantastic!
62. The kids will love their adventures at Treetops Ropes Course in Sevierville
63. Take the kids to experience Ripley’s Moving Theater in Gatlinburg
64. Treat your family to a stay at Wilderness of the Smokies. It has a huge indoor water park, adventure forest, and other attractions.
65. Adventureworks Climb Zip Swing in Sevierville
66. Take the kids on a fun ride at the Monster Truck Ride in Sevierville
67. See lots of animals and (maybe!) pet some baby goats at RainForest Adventures
68. You and the kiddos can try to find your way through a maze of mirrors and LED lights at Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze in Gatlinburg
69. Take the whole family to Thunderdome at The Island in Pigeon Forge to experience some bungee trampolines in a huge dome!
70. Enjoy some family time at Gatlin’s Smoky Mountain Fun (formerly Fort Fun) in Gatlinburg. They have mini golf (indoor & outdoor), laser tag, bumper cars, motion ride, escape games, and gem mining.
71. Stuff your faces with Steak & Eggs, Griddle Cakes, and Pecan Smoked Bacon at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
72. If your family has the need…the need for speed, they will LOVE the Extreme Racing Center in Pigeon Forge. They have the fastest go-carts in the Smoky Mountains.
73. Take the family to see some fascinating exhibits and over 20 games and challenges at the Guinness World Record Center in Gatlinburg
74. Enjoy some fantastic views and scenery at Scenic Helicopter Tours in Sevierville, TN.
75. Have a slice or two of pizza in a wood-fired brick oven at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
76. Enjoy a few fun rounds of mini golf at Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf in Sevierville
77. Grab a chocolate – peanut butter milkshake at Smoky Mountain Shakes & Dogs
78. Take the kids for a unique adventure at the Island Mirror Maze in Pigeon Forge
79. Stop at Old Dad’s for breakfast. Or swing by for lunch. They offer ice cream, milkshakes, homemade pastries, and cupcakes. They also have a general store and sell camping, hiking, and fishing supplies.
80. You can check out Circus Golf in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, an indoor golf course in Black-lit 3D
81. Spend a couple of hours or all day tubing or kayaking at River Romp Tubes and Kayaks Rentals
82. Enjoy a historic nature trail at Roaring Fork. It is a 5 1/2 mile loop with beautiful scenery, streams, log cabins, and mills.
83. Let the kiddos enjoy The Happy Swing that swings up to 9 feet in the air!
84. The Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Grill is a family-friendly restaurant that offers oak wood fire steaks, Italian, BBQ, Catfish, Trout, Burgers, and Sandwiches.
85. Discover Foxfire – Swinging Bridge Adventure in Sevierville
86. Loosen your pants and head over to the Pancake Pantry for some pancakes with real butter and maybe some whipped cream. More Info…
87. If it’s a pretty day, you can take the kiddos for a stroll, do some shopping (there are 27 shops), and grab something to eat at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg. It is like stepping into another world!
89. If your family love seafood, take them to try some fresh, local Rainbow Trout at Smoky Mountain Trout House
90. Be brave on The Island Ropes Course. They offer a rope course for kids under 48 inches that is a little bit closer to the ground (parents can walk on the ground next to the little kiddos too!), and another course for more daring kids and adults (smaller children can go with an adult chaperone on the larger challenges).
91. Take the family to The Covered Bridge Shops in the Glades for dining and shopping. Or visit the farmer’s market every Saturday from 8:30 until 12:00.
92. Enjoy some tea and delicious food (which is always fresh) at Wild Plum Tea Room (2016 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner). They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
93. Find some great deals at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville.
94. Take the kids fishing at English Mountain Trout Farm & Grill. in Sevierville. You catch the fish, and they cook them for you!
95. Take a six-mile scenic drive through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Pack a lunch and stop for a picnic when you find the perfect spot!
96. Treat your family to a hearty breakfast or lunch at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
97. Let the kiddos drive a circular bumper car at Island Bumper Cars. They can drive in any direction or just spin in circles if they want.
98. Take the whole family out for a nice night out at The Park Grill Steakhouse in Gatlinburg offers a sophisticated children’s menu and offers a variety of children’s “Daiquiris”.
99. Experience a panorama view of Gatlinburg from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle
100. Order the kids a prime rib steak or trout (with a salad bar) at The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg. Parents can order themselves Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, or Rainbow Trout. They can enjoy the salad bar and their signature Chicken Almond Soup.
101. Let the kiddos place their rocks in a screen-bottomed box, then into the water to find gemstones at The Island Miner’s Gems
102. The Great Smoky Mountain Railway is located in Bryson City, NC, just right outside the National Park. Enjoy a few hours on a diesel or steam-powered train.
103. Do some white water rafting on Big Pigeon River Rafting at Wildwater Adventure Center in Hartford.
104. Take the kids on a hike on the Rainbow Falls Trail (about 5 miles, 3 hours – may be better for older children and teens).
105. Enjoy The Island Show Fountain at the Island. The shows are every Monday through Sunday. They play about every 30 minutes beginning at the top of each hour. You can watch during the day or see the fountains lit up at night. The shows run from 10 am until 11:30 pm.
106. Take the family for a lovely, scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road
107. Take the family to try some German Food and Belgium Fries at Poynor’s Pommes Frites in Pigeon Forge
108. Visit the shops, galleries, and studios at The Great Smoky Mountain Arts Community
109. Try some Lobster Ravioli or Clams at Taste of Italy of Gatlinburg
110. Treat yourselves to a hearty lunch or dinner at the Timberwood Grill at The Island.
If you’re looking for FREE family-friendly activities in the Smoky Mountains you should read THIS POST.
What are your family’s favorite things to do and eat in the Smoky Mountains? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Amazing post!! I would love to visit this area!!
Me and my dad are planning a trip for the week of Memorial Day, and we haven’t decided on a destination yet. I had nothing written down for the Smoky Mountains before I stumbled across this page, and now I have so many ideas of things to do there. Thank you so much! This was really helpful!
This was such a great trip down memory lane!!! My parents took us to the Smoky Mountains almost every year when we were growing up! I forgot just how much there really is to do there. Got to take the nephews there soon!
That sounds like a wonderful childhood!
It seems this is the best place to go on holidays with kids. I can use this post as a guide. Thank you.
I’m so glad you found it helpful! It is a great place to take a family vacation!
I could only dream of taking my daughter to vacation in the mountains! I would likely do most of this with her. Maybe one day we could budget for it.
I hope you get to go, Sarah. We have to save up and do the activities that we can afford. There are a lot of free things to do in the Smokies, too. That helps a lot with our planning and budgeting.
Oh wow. This is a complete list of fun activities! I would love to try everything with the whole family if given the chance.
I know, Ruth! It’s impossible to do everything in one trip. I guess that’s why people keep coming back.
This is a great list! I have always wanted to go to the Smoky Mountains.
I hope you get to go soon, Adaleta! You will have a great time!
We absolutely love visiting the mountains. It’s always such a thrill. It sounds like you found an amazing spot!
We love visiting the mountains too, Cindy. We’ve made a lot of great memories here.
This looks like such a great place to go on a family vacation something for everyone to do. Not to mention the name smokey mountain just reminds me of lord of the rings so much that I am in love!
We LOVE the Smoky Mountains! There is so much to do there!
Wow. What an epic list. I wish I lived near here as my daughter would love to do so many of these things.
I know, Danielle! We live about 5 hours away, and I still wish we lived closer! I have so many great childhood memories of visiting the Smokies.
Oh my goodness what a great post! This is going to keep a family headed to the Smoky Mountains in things to do for ages!
I’d like to watch the Hatfields and McCoy Dinner Show and we’d all enjoy the Rain Forest Adventures along with many other things.
There is so much fun here. I would have a hard time deciding where to go first.
This was super useful! I’ve never been anywhere near The Great Smoky Mountains before, but seeing all that there is to do, it looks like I may have to make the trip.
We head up that way a couple of times a year. I’ve never heard of Clingman’s Dome. That looks amazing!
WOW! So much stuff that you can do with the kids when you go here! I’m pretty sure they don’t want to leave after all of these. Lol. I think it’s a lovely place to go to!
I always love where there are options at any location. Thanks for sharing!
I traveled a lot to the mountains when I was a child with my parents. I can not wait to take my own children to experience it!
this is an insane amount of things. Do you live in the area? i need to conquer the national parks of the east sooner than later
This looks so fun and adventurous! Thanks for sharing such a detailed list of activities!
This is a great list. I love the items you picked. I’m going to have to try some of these for sure.
Wow there is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. I haven’t been there but I have seen photos and it is absolutely stunning. My family would enjoy the water park, Dollywood and hiking in the mountains.
Wow, it looks like you guys had quite the adventure! I’d love to check all of these places out when I visit one day. 🙂
Oh wow what a brilliant list of things to do, 110 is certainly a massive amount of adventure to explore and it looks like such fun!
That is a lot of stuff to do for the whole family. We haven’t been up there in a long time, I am saving this for the next time we go up there. Its a very beautiful place.
So much information in one post! I would have to go to the Ripley’s Aquarium for my oldest son, Hatfield and McCoys Show for myself. The Guinness stops for my oldest and the other Ripley’s stops. Dollywood and Dollywood Splash for all my children and grandchildren as well as the scenic helicopter. Oh boy, I think we’ll need a few weeks.
Hi Kristy, Wow! There are so many things to do with kids in the Smokies. The Grotto Falls and Rainforest Adventures look especially appealing.
Thank you so much! We’ve been to the area multiple times and were looking for new things to do. This list had plenty of things we haven’t tried yet!
I live in Nashville and we’ve only done 6 of these things! I guess I better try out some of these other great places! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Love how comprehensive this is!
I know – there is so much to do! Sometimes my favorite thing to do is NOTHING, but that’s hard to do with my hyper kids.
I love mountains and its so amazing that there are so many family activities to do.
You would love the Smoky Mountains Anne!
Wow there is so much to do there! I’d love to go see the waterfall and go to the trampoline park (even if it’s just for kids).
Haha! I know Marissa! Those trampolines are hard to resist!
Thanks so much for all information here, we’re planning a road trip with kids soon. This is so helpful.
I’m so glad! I hope you have a great road trip.