Pigeon Forge officially has its first indoor waterpark at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort, only a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. We’ve got all the details on this new spot for great family entertainment!
Thank you to Country Cascades Waterpark Resort for hosting us. All opinions here are our own.
Watch! Our Visit to Country Cascades
My daughters and I love waterparks in general but especially indoor ones during wintertime. What’s better than sliding down a waterslide when it’s chilly outside and still staying warm and having fun in the water? You can do all of that and tons more at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. But read on to learn how they’ve recently renovated rooms to make sure a family of six – yes, six – can fit comfortably!
View of the waterpark from the waterslide tower
About Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Country Cascades Waterpark Resort is right on the main strip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, only about 20 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is walkable to the Island at Pigeon Forge.
The resort has two restaurants, a candy shop, coffee shop, indoor and outdoor waterpark, and tons of activities for the family right on-site. If you get there and don’t want to leave during your trip, you won’t have to since it has everything you need to have fun with your family.
They are also home to Pigeon Forge’s only indoor waterpark, which opened in November of 2024, called Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark (keep reading for a detailed review!). The resort is only a little over three hours driving distance from Greenville so it’s a great spot for a weekend adventure or just to get away for a few days but not travel too far.
The Rooms at Country Cascades
Country Cascades recently finished a large-scale, multi-million dollar addition of the River Tower, which features new cabin and treehouse suites that are just awesome with lots of thoughtful touches.
We stayed in one of their new cabin suites, which can sleep a total of six people. Yes, six. It includes a king bed and four bunk beds. The bunk beds are in their own little room that has a flat screen TV and a light and electrical outlets next to each bed. They are really cute and such a lifesaver for larger families who need more space for kids.
The treehouse suites sleep four people and have a king bed plus two twins.
Bunk beds inside the Cabin Suite
They do have other rooms that sleep six with pull out beds but the new suites are fantastic for their design. They also have really cute scavenger hunts within the room that the kids can do. Rooms do have a small fridge but no coffee maker or microwave.
One thing that I absolutely loved was that your room key is your wristband that you get when you check-in. Every member of your party has one, which honestly saved me so much stress. I’m one of those people who have to check their pockets a million times before leaving a hotel room to make sure I have the keys. This method is amazing and I loved that the kids could open the room door with their own wristbands as well.
Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark
The brand new Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark is a $14 million addition to the resort that opened in late 2024. It includes a four-story waterslide, dueling mat waterslides, a huge soaking tub, large pool with basketball hoops, a zero-entry splash pad, several smaller waterslides, and cabanas you can rent.
Obviously we loved this part of our stay. My daughters are 10 and 14 and while there is probably more to do for younger kids, they weren’t bored at all. They loved all the waterslides, pool, and soaking spa. I thought the huge water slide was super cool because of the light patterns they have throughout it. And I did the dueling mat slides a few times to try to beat my kids (they won). That was a favorite of all of ours.
One of the best parts about the indoor waterpark was that it was open late at night, until 11 pm. I really try to stick to bedtimes at home but it’s a free-for-all when we travel and my daughters took advantage of the freedom. We stayed up late both nights hanging out and playing at the waterpark, which is a lot of fun and a great way to get out the last of any energy the kids may have left. My energy was gone long before then but per usual, my kids had some left.
Splash pad
While I didn’t take advantage of this option, the resort offers a cool feature where you can order food and drinks from the Snack Shack through a QR code right on your chair and it will be brought to you. I love that, especially if you’re a parent of a smaller child who needs to keep an eye on them but you’re also hungry.
Speaking of smaller kids, they will be endlessly entertained here at the waterpark. They have so many options to have fun that you could probably spend hours here with them and it wouldn’t be enough.
The indoor waterpark has life jackets available as well as towels for guests. And I have to give the lifeguards a lot of credit. They were very attentive to every guest the whole time I was there. My daughters said the lifeguards at the smaller water slides were really nice and I saw one lifeguard stop a little kid from errantly climbing up the stairs to the big water slide. The staff were constantly on watch for any trash and emptied garbage cans regularly. So a big high-five to all of them!
The indoor waterpark is only for guests and access to it is included in your stay. They do not sell day passes. And they do have an outdoor waterpark that is open over the summer but we went in February so I can’t give you an opinion on that one! I saw some slides though and it looked like a lot of fun.
The Endless Activities at Country Cascades
The first thing I noticed after we checked into the resort was the amazing number of things to do as a family. The front desk attendant gave me a list of all the activities they had going on that weekend and it was literally something every hour from 9 am – 9:30 pm. Some of the activities were paid things to do like build-a-character doll or cookie decorating but most of the activities were totally free. Their weekday schedule is a bit shorter but still has lots of things to do.
We got there late afternoon on a Friday and just made it in time for Family Trivia, which my daughters wanted to do. They host all their activities in the Friendship Forest Activity Center which looks like you’re in the woods. It’s cute.
Playing bingo
The trivia was a blast. There were a couple other families and you play a game of 20 questions with a bonus question. If there’s a tie, you go into the tie-breaker round. The first night’s trivia theme was Disney. We had a bit of a rough go of it but ended up in the tie-breaker round with one other family amazingly.
We both got the first question wrong so went on to the next one, which we got right! It was pretty exciting I must say. My daughters were thrilled and we won a free box of popcorn from the candy kitchen.
Next up was bingo. My daughters were already wishing this would last all night. They were having so much fun. Lots of people joined in for bingo and we played several rounds. The hosts made it interesting and we had to get bingo using different shapes on the board. One of my daughters won a round and got a $5 coupon to the candy kitchen. It was a good night.
But there’s even more things to do besides the games. They have a big arcade with lots of fun games and a virtual reality arena. There’s also duckpin bowling, gem mining, and a nightly dance party. It was never-ending fun.
Be sure to get the schedule of activities when you get there or you can check out their calendar online ahead of time to plan your adventures.
Dining at Country Cascades
For dining options at the resort, you can get breakfast at Granny Cluckets, delicious fudge and other delectable sweet treats at Candi’s Candy Kitchen, pizza at Nonnaroni’s, and coffee and pastries at Refuel. The Snack Shack at the waterpark also serves up food.
We had breakfast one of the mornings we were there at Granny Cluckets, which is an all-you-can-eat setup. I loved how they did this though: you just go in and the host seats you and then your server brings you a huge platter full of breakfast food. There was bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, potatoes, and breakfast sausage. The meal comes with coffee and orange juice.
Granny Cluckets breakfast
You can ask for refills of anything you want on the platters. I thought it was efficient and better than tons of people grabbing serving spoons off a buffet table. Plus, the food was great!
Kids 13 and under eat free with a paid adult. Breakfast for adults is $14.99 or you can grab a discounted breakfast ticket online for $10, which includes a pass for one adult and one child.
They also offer meal deals and some of their hotel packages include breakfast passes so be sure to check them out before booking or just call the resort.
Honest Mom Review
I think the best part about Country Cascades was the focus on making sure that everyone in the family had fun and that they enjoyed their stay with each other. My daughters absolutely loved the Family Trivia and Bingo games. We actually rearranged our schedule on Saturday to make sure to be there that evening for them since we did the games on Friday night and it was such a huge success.
The indoor waterpark was a blast and something really fun to do over the winter months especially. It extended our family time in the evenings and I loved seeing my daughters having so much fun. We have been to the other waterparks in the area and as a comparison, Country Cascades is smaller than the others in size and water activities but it’s just as fun.
And all the activities you can do right at the resort is a huge plus. It’s also one of the more affordable trips, especially if you add on the breakfast vouchers to your room.
The behavior of the staff at the hotel was something I noticed. Every single person we talked to was kind and happy to help or just did their job so well. All the people who did the activities with the families were upbeat and funny. The front desk people were patient and helpful. And everyone working at the waterpark obviously wanted to be there.
I know so many businesses have challenges with staffing but this business got it right. The resort also communicates with their guests via text message and is quick to reply to any questions, which I found to be a seamless way to work with guests.
The location cannot be beat. We walked to the Island at Pigeon Forge and you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, or pretty much anything else you want to go if you want to explore elsewhere.
The other amazing thing I loved was the double bunk beds. I only have two kids but I know many, many families who really need that space – all in one room – to fit their families and the way that the resort constructed these rooms was very thoughtful. It was easy to see that making those memories as a family together is a focus of the entire resort, which I certainly appreciated since that’s our focus at Kidding Around as well.
Booking Your Reservation
You can easily book your trip at the Country Cascades Waterpark Resort’s website. You can get a discount when you sign up for the free Smoky Mountain Rewards program so be sure to do that when you’re there.
Are you looking for restaurants where kids eat free in Pigeon Forge, TN? Whether you’re visiting or a local, we know kids’ meal deals help keep that budget in check, and we have all the information you need on kid-friendly and family-friendly restaurants in Pigeon Forge where kids eat free, or really cheap.
Finding meals that your kid will enjoy is made easy at these local restaurants that offer meal deals throughout the week. Grab your calendar and add these restaurants to your meal plan routine for a cheap and stress-free dining experience with the family!
Monday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Tuesday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Denny’s
Offer: Kids eat free Time: Every Tuesday from 4 pm to 10 pm Age: Kids under age 12 At Participating Locations: 3716 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Denny’s Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Roma Table Pigeon Forge TNCeasar Salad at Roma Table in Pigeon Forge, TN
Reagan’s House of Pancakes
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Wednesday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
McAlister’s Deli
Offer: Two free kids meals with purchase of one adult entree valid for takeout as well Time: 5 pm Age: Kids 12 and under At Participating Locations: 3784 Parkway Suite 103, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 McAlister’s Deli Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Thursday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Friday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse Website
Saturday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Sunday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Mama’s Farmhouse Website
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Huck Finn’s Catfish Website
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet Website
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reagan’s House of Pancakes Website
Gaucho Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 111 Valley Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Gauchos Urbano Brazillian Steakhouse Website
Thinking about a vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez traveled to the Pigeon Forge Margaritaville Island Inn with her family. This hotel has so much to offer, including a spa, roof top pool and onsite dining. Kristina is sharing all the little details about this hotel that made is perfect for her family.
If you ever have a chance to go to Margaritaville, you go, right? When a hotel takes up the Margaritaville theme in a small mountain town that offers families everything from a theme park to dinner theater shows, from race tracks to the best magic and singing performances around – you pack up your family and go.
And if you’re just dying for some relaxation with your family or friends, a place called the Margaritaville Island Hotel is just the prescription.
I had the chance to stay at this four-star hotel in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee during their huge Winterfest celebration and I’m already planning a return trip because it was so amazing. If you’re thinking this aptly named hotel is all about the tequila and lime drink, well, you’re not wrong. But that’s only a small part of what the Margaritaville Island Hotel offers.
**I was given a complimentary room and spa treatments from the Margaritaville Island Hotel. The opinions in this article are all my honest opinions.
Rooftop Pool & Hot Tub
Kids love pools. Adults love pools and hot tubs. Put them together on a rooftop overlooking the Island at Pigeon Forge where the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel towers over you, then you’ve got the perfect mix.
The pool is heated for those chillier evenings and feels cool during the warmer months. The rooftop also has a full bar for summertime fun, cabanas and chairs for any time of year, and views that stretch out over the Island at Pigeon Forge and into the Great Smoky Mountains beyond. If you’re lucky, you can even see the snow-capped peaks during winter months.
To avoid overcrowding, the hotel only allows guests to enjoy the rooftop pool and bar.
Beautiful and Comfortable Rooms
The rooms are tastefully decorated in the beach vibe of Margaritaville, with cool blues and greens. The bathrooms – and specifically the shower – are gorgeous and spacious. I could have spent a lot of time in the shower but I had my kids with me so I couldn’t leave them unsupervised for too long. The shower is tiled with what looks to be wood but it’s actually tiles. It has a bench inside the shower and my favorite thing is that it has two shower heads, one that shoots water normally at an angle and then another above your head that makes it rain.
Please tell me I’m not the only person who is obsessed with beautiful showers.
OK, so after you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the amazing shower, you can relax in front of the gas fireplace (available October-April), lounge in the super soft beds, and enjoy coffee on your balcony. Rooms overlook the river, the village on the Island, or the most popular view: The Island’s Show Fountains.
There is a mini-fridge, coffee pot, and microwave in each room. There is also your own personal margarita-making station – the Frozen Concoction Makers they are called. You can either order all the margarita ingredients from the front desk or bring your own ingredients.
Rates vary per season. At this writing, a double queen overlooking the village started at $179. Prices will be highest during the busiest months of July and October.
I got a tour of the Penthouses at the hotel as well, which are on their own floor and span the entire top of the building. These are actually perfect for families, especially if you’re traveling with more than one family or extended family members. These rooms are massive, have more than one bathroom, and a full kitchen. Wraparound balconies adorn the outside so you can see the Island and the river. Of course, the make-your-own margarita section exists here as well. Prices vary depending on the season (at this writing, a night in January started at $779).
Dining at the Hotel
While the Margaritaville Island Hotel is situated at the Island at Pigeon Forge – which has several great restaurants – you don’t even need to leave the hotel to enjoy great food and a cozy atmosphere.
I grabbed a coffee one morning at the coffee shop that’s right off the lobby. They also have pastries and sandwiches, which make grab & go snacks as you head out the door for your fun day.
On the other side of the well-decorated lobby is the Finns Bar & Chill, which has lots of tables and couches for relaxing and enjoying one of their signature margaritas. I chose just a regular margarita with salt on the rim and it was delicious, as you may imagine. I thought the prices for the food and drinks were reasonable as well. My margarita was $7 and we also ordered pretzel bites with a mouth-watering cheese dip ($12.00) and the chicken fingers and fries off the kids menu ($8.00). The portions were huge and I almost want to go back to this place solely for the pretzels and margaritas.Check out their full menu.
Over the summer, the Chill Bar at the rooftop pool, where you can relax all day with margaritas close by. And Margaritaville at the hotel is a full-service, two-story restaurant that overlooks the Little Pigeon River. It’s laid back with live music and entertainment with menu items such as coconut shrimp, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, fried chicken, chicken fajitas, and spinach dip.
St. Somewhere Spa
After all the fun you’ll be having in Pigeon Forge, take a step back and relax at the St. Somewhere Spa at the hotel. It’s a beautiful retreat that offers massages, manicures, pedicures, haircut and coloring, expert facials, waxing, eyelash tinting, and foot baths.
My two girls, ages 7 and 4, received the Princess Mani-Pedi ($40+), where they were treated to warm towels on their little feet and nail polish of their choosing – which they took forever to pick out at the Port of Indecision wall. After the pedicure, they received a manicure that is a pared down version of what adults get – cleaning and cutting nail if need be and painting.
When my youngest was done with her pedicure, the woman taking care of her carried her over to the manicure chair so she wouldn’t have to walk and possibly ruin her cute toes. Now that’s service!
While my girls were enjoying their mani-pedis, I was drifting away to paradise with the Pedicure in Paradise ($90). This consisted of a “hydrating foot soak,nail care,exfoliation, foot detox mask, relaxing foot massage, luxurious paraffin treatment, and choice of polish or buffing.” I really didn’t want to leave.
The spa has two relaxation rooms with tea and water available. Luxuriously soft robes are available for guests, as is a shower if they like.
After your treatment, feel free to browse in the spa’s storefront for makeup and skincare products or gifts to take home for loved ones/yourself. The entire staff at the St. Somewhere Spa are very kind and welcoming. Certainly carve out some spa time when you visit the hotel.
Entertainment + Shopping + Food
The Margaritaville Island Hotel is located right on the Island at Pigeon Forge, an entertainment, dining and shopping mecca in the town. You can easily stay at the hotel and spend a couple days on the Island enjoying all it has to offer and never leave during your trip to Pigeon Forge.
Read my review of the Island at Pigeon Forge and learn about all the neat stuff you can do there!
Parking at the hotel is free in a lot that is maybe a 10 minute or less walk away. You can unload your car and then park it if you want. They also offer valet parking for, at the time of this writing, $25/per night.
The Margaritaville brand has other properties in the area, with one of them, the Margaritaville Island Inn, very close to the hotel in Pigeon Forge. They are different lodgings that offer slightly different amenities to the guest. They also have a property in Gatlinburg called the Margaritaville Resort.
Dollywood is such a perfect destination from Greenville! At just about three hours from the Upstate, it’s a favorite with Kidding Around readers and their families. See what advice Kidding Around’s Bethany had to offer after most recent trip at the park in Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Find a place to stay near Dollywood. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Why We Keep Coming Back to Dollywood (With Kids AND Grandparents)
🎠 Preschooler-friendly rides like Busy Bees, Frogs & Fireflies, and the indoor Hidden Hollow playground 🚂 Family rides everyone can enjoy, including old-school water rides like Dollywood Express and River Rampage 🎢 Coasters for big kids & teens—Dragonflier, Big Bear Mountain, Wild Eagle, and more 🎭 Great Shows: Gazillion Bubble Show, Stunt Dog Experience (fun for all ages!) 🌳 Playgrounds and Splash Zones throughout the park, plus tons of shade and rest spots 🍞 Great food options—don’t miss the famous Cinnamon Bread at The Grist Mill ✨ Clean & friendly park with helpful staff and thoughtful details for families
Only 3 hours from Greenville, Dollywood is an easy getaway that works for toddlers, teens, and grandparents alike.
App Tip: Download the Dollywood app before you go—it’s great for checking showtimes, ride wait times, and setting reminders for meet-and-greets.
Why You Should Consider Dollywood For Your Next Theme Park
I’ll be honest; we truly have such great family memories from visiting Dollywood that I’m not even quite sure where to start. During our visits, I always notice the carefulness and attentiveness of the Dollywood theme park staff. The park was well-maintained, clean, and attractive.
This year marked our third Dollywood trip with our children and their grandparents. We’ve visited the park now with our kids from the ages of 2 to 17 and still have a great time.
Dollywood: Review of The Rides & Play Areas
From all our years of visits to Dollywood, we are impressed by how there are rides for all ages and thrill level. Here’s how our multi-generational crew had fun from when our kids were little to now that they are teens.
Rides Even a PreK Age Kid Would Love
As a family with young children, we were thrilled by how many rides even our little ones could enjoy.
Our five-year-old could ride several small roller coasters and most other rides with an adult.
Our two-year-old happily rode attractions specially designed for toddlers in the Country Fair:
Busy Bees
Amazing Flying Elephants
Wildwood Grove also has a few low-thrill rides for younger children, plus lots of shady paths and splash areas perfect for preschoolers.
Staff Shoutout: We noticed that Country Fair attendants were especially kind and quick to help if a little one got scared or changed their mind by pausing a ride and helping a kid off so that the experience stayed positive for everyone.
✅ Family Tip:Stop by the Centralized Measuring Station when you enter the park. Your child will get a colored armband showing which rides they’re tall enough for—no surprises in line!
Rides for the Entire Family
Some of our favorite moments were the rides we all did together. These were easygoing enough for everyone to enjoy, but still fun:
Dollywood Express: A scenic ride on a coal-fired steam engine through the Smoky Mountains. Pro tip: Avoid naptime! One of ours when they were young had a meltdown mid-ride—and there’s no getting off once it starts rolling.
Blazing Fury: Another great rollercoaster for younger riders is Blazing Fury, which starts as a sightseeing ride through a mine but ends with a minecart off the rails twist. This rollercoaster only has a couple of small hills and quick twists but is completely dark in the last seconds of the ride.
River Rampage: This 6 person raft is a ride that you might want to wear your water shoes for. It’s not too scary, but you will definitely get wet.
✅ Travel Tip: Keep a set of dry clothes and shoes in the car so that you can change if you accidentally get wet in the park or get caught in a storm.
Roller Coasters for Big Kids and Adults
Once our kids were tall enough (and brave enough!), the big coasters became a huge part of our Dollywood adventures. Here’s what our thrill-seekers loved:
Wild Eagle: Smooth, fast (up to 60 mph!), and full of loops. It’s a standout for both teens and adults. While this ride is fast and scary, the harness fits snugly which can help some kids feel more secure.
Lightning Rod: A wooden coaster with hot-rod theming. It’s wild, fast, and a huge hit with older kids.
Big Bear Mountain: Opened in 2023, this one zooms through Wildwood Grove with surprise launches and a fun bear-chase storyline.
Dragonflier: Also in Wildwood Grove, this one lets your feet dangle and is a great “first big coaster” for tweens and teens.
Mystery Mine: This coaster has been on my family’s favorite list from the time the kids were tall enough to ride all the way up to teens.
Thunderhead: We got to ride at the very front of this coaster at night this year, and it was an experience we will never forget.
✅ Parent Tip:Use Dollywood’s Parent Swap option. One parent rides while the other waits with younger kids—then you swap without waiting again!
In addition to the Dollywood rides, my kids enjoyed playing in the playgrounds and water spray areas of the park.
Wildwood Grove at Dollywood
When you go to Dollywood, head right for Wildwood Grove because there is so much to see and do for your whole family! Wildwood Grove is based upon adventure, curiosity, and a little fairy dust. It beckons guests to use their imagination to explore a world with exciting possibilities around every corner. You enter Wildwood Grove through what looks to be an old tree and wind your way past the Treetop Tower and Giant Tree Swing, back towards the indoor playground at Hidden Hollow and splash pad at Wildwood Creek.
Our kids loved every minute we spent here because they not only got to experience age-appropriate adrenaline rushes in the rides but really did feel like they got to explore a world that was uniquely set up to trigger their imaginations. For both kids and adults, we mostly live a life of structure, and it’s good to get out of that box and have fun together and try new things, which is exactly what is encouraged at Wildwood Grove.
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at Wildwood Grove throughout your time at Dollywood. We started the day there, and before we knew it, it was time for lunch. We headed back at the end of the day to go back on our favorite rides and see if the Dragonflier line was shorter (it wasn’t – the ride is crazy popular).
Let’s Eat & Meet in Wildwood Grove!
You can’t go anywhere in Dollywood without smelling the delicious food offered throughout the park, and Wildwood Grove is no different. Till & Harvest is the anchor restaurant at Wildwood Grove. They serve Smoky Mountain Mexican cuisine like burrito bowls, with grilled meat and vegetables.
A sweet shop is located next door, and there are popcorn stands and ice cream carts throughout the area. Don’t forget that free ice water is offered at most concession stands and all restaurants. This was a lifesaver for my kids and me throughout our time at Dollywood.
There are also Meet & Greets with characters at Wildwood Grove, which we totally missed because I forgot to set the reminder on the Dollywood app, which you should absolutely download for your trip there. So if you’d like to meet some cute bears and fairies, set that reminder on your app.
Rides at Wildwood Grove
Here are all the rides offered at Wildwood Grove:
Frogs & Fireflies A super cute ride for little kids where they get in a frog or firefly car and bounce around in circles in a motorized ride.
Giant Tree Swing An old school favorite updated to be in Wildwood Grove’s theme, the Giant Tree Swing is a big boat-like swing that goes back and forth, getting higher and higher each time. We did this a couple times as it was a favorite of my kids.
Hidden Hollow This is the most genius activity in Wildwood Grove, so props to Dollywood for thinking of it. Hidden Hollow is a black-lit indoor playground for kids that also has comfy seats for parents. There are slides, sensory objects, climbing apparatuses, and a section for kids under three years of age. Again, this is indoors – which means a nice, cool, respite from the summer heat. And it’s located right next to the restrooms.
Dragonflier This roller-coaster is crazy popular and looks like quite the thrill ride for people of any age, yet even my almost 5-year-old was big enough to ride. But she chickened out, so we had to back out. If you decide to go on this ride, go first when you get there or get the TimeSaver pass and use it to skip the line here. Guests need to be at least 39”.
Big Bear Mountain This roller-coaster is a fast and fun ride through the story of getting chased by a bear. It’s also the longest coaster at the park.
Wildwood Creek Another genius creation in Wildwood Grove is the creek, which is basically a splash pad, which feels divine in 90+ degree heat.
Treetop Tower A non-scary ride for any age that goes up and spins around a couple of times before coming back down. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Mad Mockingbird I could have gone on this ride all day long. It’s a swinging ride from the carnival days of my youth but way better. Guests sit in a swing that looks like a mockingbird and are spun around in the air to the point where it feels like you’re flying. There’s a handle where you can move the bird’s wings to make the swing change position in the air. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Black Bear Trail Guests ride around on a motorized bear through some bushes and trees. It’s cute and great for kids, although I saw plenty of adults riding around on the bears, which was hilarious. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Dollywood Shows You Don’t Want to Miss!
When the kids were little, they loved The Little Engine Playhouse. I love children’s books, so I was delighted to find out that the shows were based on books. I was equally impressed that the performances kept not only me entertained but my two-year-old mesmerized. Outside The Little Engine Playhouse, we also had fun watching a small magic show.
Now that my kids are older, we’ve found even more shows to enjoy together. This year, we made time for the Gazillion Bubble Show—and it was incredible. The special effects, music, and unbelievable bubble tricks had all of us (teens and adults included) totally hooked. Last year, we also stopped by the Stunt Dog Experience, which features rescue dogs doing tricks, jumps, and agility stunts. It’s a heartwarming and high-energy show that’s perfect for all ages.
Dollywood Tip: Schedule a show during the hottest part of the day to give everyone a break from the heat! The Dollywood app is a great way to track showtimes and set reminders so you don’t miss anything.
Each summer features a different lineup of live entertainment—from bubble shows to dog stunt performances, and everything in between. The shows don’t run every day and the theaters fill up fast, so be sure to consult the daily schedule and arrive early.
This year we also visited in peak season and were able to see the nightly fireworks and drone show during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. It was a highlight of the trip—totally worth staying until closing time. The best view is near FireChaser Express at the top of the park. Most rides continue to run until closing, though a few near the fireworks area begin shutting down at dusk.
Dollywood Review of the Food
Outside-the-Park Tips
If you’re looking to save a little money or have picky eaters in your group:
Pack a meal and tailgate in the parking lot. Pack a couple of chairs in your trunk and don’t forget napkins.
Bring snacks and refillable water bottles. While outside food isn’t allowed in, sealed water bottles and baby food/formula are permitted. We have also brought in small snacks like granola bars without it being an issue.
Inside the Park: Food Worth Planning Around
Dollywood has built a reputation for theme park food that’s amazing and much better than just chicken fingers.
Dollywood Eats We Want to Eat Again! 🥖 Cinnamon Bread from The Grist Mill — a warm, gooey must-try 🦃 Giant Turkey Leg from Hickory House BBQ — perfect for sharing 🧀 Gouda & Bacon Loaded Tots from Potato Tornado — teen-tested, parent-approved 🐾 Buffalo Chicken Bear Paw from Ned’s Bear Paws (Splash Country) 🥤 Vanilla Milkshake from Red’s Dine-In — cool and creamy retro treat 🌀 BBQ Pork Twister Taters from Hickory House BBQ — crispy, savory, fun to eat
Dollywood Tip: You can get free ice water at any of Dollywood’s food vendors. This helps fight the heat of the summer.
The Dolly Parton Experience
New in 2024 is the Dolly Parton Experience where guests can walk through different Dolly museums that hold many of her dresses, shoes, and even wigs that she’s worn throughout her career. There are really cool sets of movies and shows she has been on, a room that looks like a giant bus as she made her way to Nashville, and papers that she wrote some of her most famous songs on.
Front of one of the buildings at the Dolly Parton Experience
You can also walk through her tour bus/RV. The Dolly Parton Experience is all part of your admission ticket is to your right when you walk into the park.
The entire experience is just so cool and you learn a lot about East Tennessee’s most famous resident and the stories behind her songs. My kids loved the “Dress Up Dolly” part where kids (or adults) use magnetic cutouts of Dolly’s dresses and wigs to dress her up on a big board in the Behind the Seams building.
Dress Up Dolly!
Definitely be sure to stop here during your time at the park. It’s worth the time to see many of Dolly’s over-the-top dresses and learn about the stories behind her most famous music.
Dollywood Extras
I felt like one of the biggest perks of visiting Dollywood was the unique variety of attractions for our family. Here are just a couple of the enjoyable spots we enjoy throughout the park:
Lots of scenic spots & plenty of shade and benches
Baby-Care Stations If you are breast-feeding or bottle-feeding an infant, you will be happy to find out that Dollywood does have a nursing station with gliders and a changing station. I also noticed several family bathrooms throughout the park. The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean during our visit.
First-Aid Stations We managed to scrape a knee within moments of getting in the park and had the opportunity to visit the first-aid station. The nurse was able to save the day by applying an Angry Bird bandage to my kid’s knee.
More Dollywood Tips for Families
Dollywood Quick Tips for Families
🚼 Baby care stations offer gliders, changing areas, and clean family restrooms 🍼 Restaurants can warm bottles for bottle-feeding parents 🎟️ Use the Parent Swap pass to take turns on thrill rides without waiting twice 📏 Visit the Centralized Measuring Station to get a colored armband for ride eligibility 🧃 While outside food isn’t allowed, you can leave and re-enter the park on the same day with a hand stamp 🚉 Don’t skip the tram—there’s stroller parking at the front of each tram car 🎢 Try the coaster sample seats outside each ride to check comfort before waiting in line 💧 Ask any food vendor for free ice water (total lifesaver in summer!) 🩴 Bring extra clothes or water shoes for splash zones and River Rampage 📱 Download the Dollywood app to check wait times, show schedules, and meet-and-greets 🎟️ Turn your day ticket into a season pass credit before leaving 👶 Look for the Preschooler Season Pass—it’s free with paid adult admission 🎓 Homeschool families can visit during Homeschool Days for discounted tickets 🎟️ Planning a longer stay? Choose a 2- or 3-day pass to visit Dollywood and Splash Country together
I received media tickets in order to write about Dollywood but this post contains my honest opinion about our trip. We had such a great time that we have made several additional family trips to Dollywood since the original publication of this review.
More To See At Dollywood
The team at Kidding Around are huge fans of the country music legend and her amusement parks and because of that, there is no shortage of information from our trips to share with readers. If you are planning a trip to Dollywood, we encourage you to make the most out of your trip with the information offered on Kidding Around.
Homeschool Days If you are looking to have an adventure, Dollywood will be offering Homeschool Days for families that are utilizing the homeschool option. These days focus on mostly science and math – and really, what’s cooler than learning about the laws of physics by riding a roller coaster?
Christmas At Dollywood – Smoky Mountain Christmas The famous theme park becomes a mecca with over five million lights draped across every single building. Shows like It’s A Wonderful Life play throughout the month-long festival. And a Christmas parade is held nightly at 8:15 pm, an engaging entertainment show full of lights and colors.
Splash Country Water Park Dollywood is a popular place to visit for Greenville families as it’s tons of fun and only three hours away. While you’re there, you can beat the heat by spending some time at Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Dollywood 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains this summer? Kidding Around’s Kristina Hernandez spent a few summer days in the Smoky Mountains and visited the Townsend Wye swimming hole. This swimming hole is FREE and perfect for families. You’ll want to add this one to your vacation things to do if you’re headed up to the Smoky Mountains!
Imagine a super hot summer day in the mountains. The heat is blistering. The humidity has made your clothes stick to your body. There is nothing you’d like better than a dip in cool, mountain water – and maybe a chance to chill out in a tube down small rapids.
We’ve got just the place. If you’re headed out to the Great Smoky Mountains or just want an awesome day trip, the Townsend Wye swimming hole is the most perfect place to enjoy a hot day. And it’s free!
Stay Near Townsend Wye
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Townsend Wye
The Townsend Wye, locally known as just the Y, is a huge swimming hole with a jump-off rock, small rapids, a few large pools, and enough space to spread out a picnic blanket and make summer memories with your family.
We brought along tubes and my oldest floated down the easy rapids several times, enjoying the thrill of a natural waterpark, perfect for her level of comfort (and mine). Several people were jumping off a big rock into the refreshing water and I swam out into one of the deeper holes to cool off. It felt divine.
There is a small parking lot and when that is full, you can easily park your car in the pull-offs nearby. There is a sidewalk to get to the little paths to walk down to the swimming hole as well as a huge grassy hill that overlooks the water where you can sunbathe.
The swimming hole landscape is just stunning. The mountains hug the curves of the river and even though there were a lot of people the day we went, it was peaceful. Visitors were also respectful of nature and thankfully cleaned up after their time spent at the swimming hole, making it enjoyable for everyone.
What to Bring to Townsend Wye
Plan like you are going to the beach so bring a lot of sunscreen, snacks, water, and a blanket or two. Camp chairs are great as well. We saw some people with portable grills, which seemed like an awesome idea.
If you want to use a tube, bring a few. Life jackets are a good idea for non-swimmers or weak swimmers as there are several deep spots, currents, and some rapids.
Alcohol is not allowed in the park.
Getting To Townsend Wye Swimming Hole
The swimming hole is located right at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains in Townsend, Tennessee, and is between Cades Cove and Gatlinburg. It’s about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg and a little over three hours from Greenville.
We went there the same day we explored Cades Cove, an 11-mile one-way loop in the Great Smoky Mountains that was initially a settlement in the 1800s and is known for the high concentration of wildlife, especially black bears (we saw a mama bear and her two cubs on a recent trip!). Visiting these two places on the same day made for an exceptionally perfect time in the Smokies.
Swimming Caution
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited in the country, with over 11 million visitors last year alone. The official policy of the Great Smoky Mountains National park website is that they never encourage visitors to participate in water activities as drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the park.
There are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains and people swim and go tubing regularly throughout the summer months but it’s important to take note of the caution recommended by the National Park Service. They note that flash flooding can cause serious injuries if people don’t pay attention and give specific tips on how to avoid injuries, like closely supervising children, not diving into the water, and not climbing on or near waterfalls.
While both my children can swim, I did put a life jacket on my youngest and closely watched her older sister as she had fun tubing the rapids. And I made sure I was in the water with both of them when we went swimming as well as watching the weather since spotty thunderstorms had been predicted that day. It’s awesome to visit these swimming holes but proper precautions should always be taken for safety.
Townsend Wye Laurel Creek Road & Little River Road, Townsend, TN 37882
Have you visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or maybe looking for things to do in the Smokies? The park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, and it is the most visited national park in the entire nation. And the best part? It’s less than three hours from Greenville.
This park has been on my bucket list of places to visit for a while and the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to take a trip there with my kids. When I finally got the chance, it blew me away. The scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful. The mountains stretch for miles, green upon green upon green. The fall colors are unreal. The park has the highest concentration of black bears in this part of the country, two per square mile, along with other abundant wildlife like elk, deer, turkeys, and coyote.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country, with 13.3 million people setting foot there in 2023. While the park is majestic and beautiful, it is also highly accessible to a big part of the nation and there is no entrance fee but there are parking fees.
You must have a parking pass on your car if you park for more than 15 minutes inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass is $15, and a yearly pass is $40. You can purchase them at any visitors center or online.
I’ll tell you all about places to visit in the park plus where to stay, eat, and play.
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GSMNP Visitors Centers
Sugarland Visitors Center & Nature Trail
If you are visiting the Tennessee side of the park, start your visit at the Sugarland Visitors Center, only a ten-minute drive from nearby Gatlinburg. You can pick up maps and booklets and explore a small nature center that has stuffed snakes, turtles, boar, and other wildlife native to the park. You can also attend a short presentation by a Park Ranger and learn about different aspects of the park. We listened to a fascinating presentation on elk, where the ranger showed us an elk skin, rack, hoof, and cast skull. It was really cool.
There is a one-mile round trip easy nature trail you can take along a creek that goes to the small but pretty Cataract Falls. It’s perfect for families with small kids. We saw parents even pushing strollers along the flat path.
If your kids want to become Junior Rangers, they can fill out a book ($2.50) that has several activities divided by age and then have a ranger sign off on the book and get the pin. My oldest did this with her scout pack and we had a blast. We learned about different vegetation, trees, and wildlife in the park. It’s fun and educational and I highly recommend it as a great introduction to the park.
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
On the North Carolina side of the park, the Oconaluftee Visitors Center is super cool. You can also do the Junior Ranger program there but one of the big draws is the elk that roam the grassy area outside of the building. I’ve seen elk almost every time I’ve visited there. The best time of year to see the elk there is in mating season, which is September mostly, because the bull elk make a bugle call and it’s just incredible to hear.
The Visitors Center there also has an amazing bookstore, topographical map of the park, clean bathrooms, and plenty of Park Rangers to answer your questions. There is also an old village you can tour as part of the Junior Ranger program on that side of the park. My kids and I really enjoyed doing this as part of our homeschooling field trip there.
This is the question I see on every major social media page about the Smokies. This isn’t a zoo so you can’t just go and see animals whenever you want. While there are places you are more likely to encounter wildlife, the most important part of visiting the Smokies and seeing wildlife is to be respectful of the animals and keeping your distance. In fact, you can be fined thousands of dollars if you are too close to the wildlife. And do not, under any circumstances, leave trash or food outdoors in an unsecured area because as you’ll see on signs all over the park, a fed bear is a dead bear.
Now that you know to keep your distance and take out your trash, here are a few places to possibly see wildlife in the Smokies.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is about an hour drive from the Sugarlands Visitors Center through a winding road. It’s beautiful and goes by quickly since there is so much to view along the way. The Cove is a one-way 11-mile road that snakes through a valley amongst the mountains. It is rich in history and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the information center on your way in and grab the Cades Cove guidebook for a $1. It helps to explain what you’ll see along the way.
Cades Cove was one of the earliest settlements in the area dotted with log cabins and primitive churches. The coolest part is that you can explore them all. My kids absolutely loved checking out these buildings that dated in the 1800s. They look like something out of an old movie and are a unique part of the experience.
My favorite stop is always at the Primitive Baptist Church, which dates back to the mid-1800s and set off the main road. We love to explore the old building and twice have stumbled upon people singing or making music – once was a youth group and their leader with a guitar singing worship songs and the other was an older gentleman playing a harp. The setting, the music, all of it made it easy to picture what this place may have been like when people lived there all those years ago.
As we traveled through the Cove, we pulled over many times, as signs instruct you to do if you want to stop, and jumped out to take photos of the mountains and log cabins. We have seen bears and other wildlife every time we have visited Cades Cove.
There are multiple signs along the route that urge visitors to stay 50 yards away from wildlife because they can be dangerous and result in injury or death. Nevertheless, we saw many people getting way too close to these bears, including a mama and her cubs. Remember you are in their home and you have to be careful. Basically, use common sense.
There is no charge to enter Cades Cove but you must have a parking pass. With the weather changing quickly at times and icy winters, always check with the Visitors Center or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Twitter account to make sure the road to Cades Cove is open.
Biking Cades Cove
Cades Cove is closed to vehicles every Wednesday during the summer months (it starts on May 1, 2024) and in my opinion, this is the absolute best way to see Cades Cove. It is so peaceful without the noise from the cars and motorcycles. I’ve done this twice with my kids and both times were amazing. We camped there one of the times, which made it easy to get an early start on the bike loop and the other time, we stayed about 45 minutes away and just got there early, around 8:30am. Both times I’ve biked the loop, it took us about four hours just because we stopped so many times at the cabins to check them out.
We brought our bikes but you can rent them from the Cades Cove campground store. They don’t take reservations so you need to get there early. They start renting bikes at 7 am and are usually sold out by 8:30 am. They rent by the hour so if you decide to go later in the day, there’s a decent chance they will have some bikes back from those who went out in the morning. Prices are $10/hour for age 15 and under and $15/adult.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Accessed from traffic light #8 off the main strip in Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5 mile one-way loop that includes access to popular hiking trails like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. You can also stop at the Noah Bud Ogle cabin and take the short hike to the creek and back, which is just beautiful. There are other historical spots to stop at along the way.
Since the road is very narrow, if a bear is spotted, you’ll likely be caught in a bear jam for awhile as tourists will want to stop and take photos. Keep your distance from those cuddly creatures. I’ve seen bears and turkeys during my travels through Roaring Fork. The first time I drove through the trail was with the Pink Jeep tour – it was fascinating because I learned so much about the history of the area. I highly recommend that tour!
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
As mentioned above, there is an elk herd at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. They are usually out in the open field next to the Visitors Center or down the road a bit. If you don’t see them, they are probably just in the woods. I have been at this place at all hours during the day and have usually seen elk there. I’ve also seen elk on the way over to Cherokee, NC just outside the borders of the park.
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and tourists always go to just a few of the trails, notably Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Grotto Falls. The only one I have not been to of those is Laurel Falls because I don’t want to deal with the crowds. My best piece of advice is to get to wherever you want to go early, like at sunrise or before, if you want to find parking and avoid the mass of tourists. While there is no admission fee to enter the Smokies (they cannot charge one by law) but they have instituted parking fees.
Need to know: Dogs are not allowed (except on two trails)
One important point to note about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is that dogs are not allowed on any trails except two (and they must be leashed): the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconoluftee River Trail. This is for the safety of both the dogs and wildlife. If you are caught with your dog on a trail by a Ranger, you will be asked to leave and likely fined.
Alum Cave
This trail is so cool and it’s not hard to figure out why it’s beloved by tourists and locals alike. The pinnacle of the hike is to a cave-like rock outcrop that is more like a bluff than a cave. The views are beautiful and you can walk through stunning scenery the whole way. It’s about a five-mile round trip hike to Alum Cave and back. If you want to keep going to Mt. LeConte, another popular place, then you’ll be hiking about 10 miles in total. You can stay at Mt. LeConte at the lodge there but reservations are hard to come by!
Mt. LeConte
I’ve hiked Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave with my daughters (they were 8 and 12 at the time) and it was fantastic. The steepest part was right after Alum Cave and near the top of the mountain. The views were spectacular and hanging out at the lodge was fun. We hiked to the Cliff Tops viewpoint, which added about another .75 miles to the hike. It was worth it. We felt like we were on top of the world.
We bought the sack lunch – my kids called it a “snack lunch” because it consisted of all their favorite snacks and a bagel – for $14 and we each got a commemorative t-shirt that said we hiked Mt. LeConte. The gift shop opens at Noon so we had to wait a bit until it opened since apparently we got up there faster than I expected. Are we doing this again? Absolutely yes. Total mileage was around 11 miles.
We made it!
Grotto Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind and the route that the llamas take up to Mt. LeConte (we got to see them when we went, which was super neat!). Grotto Falls is only 2.6 miles roundtrip and it’s not a difficult hike. But you need to get there early as there is not a lot of parking at the trailhead off Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Roaring Fork is closed during the winter but you can still walk on the road to get to the trailhead, although it adds many miles to your hike.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a moderate 5.2 mile round trip hike that you have to access through Cades Cove. It’s about halfway through the 11-mile loop and you can park in a gravel lot. I loved this trail. It winds through a beautiful forest and comes out at an incredible waterfall. We went over the summer and lots of people were swimming. We even saw a family of otters!
Midnight Hole
On the North Carolina side of the park is a super popular trail to Midnight Hole, a crystal clear swimming hole that is freezing – but gorgeous! It’s only a three-mile hike and not hard. We even got to see some horseback riders on the trail. If you go only about a quarter mile further past Midnight Hole, you’ll get to see Mouse Creek Falls.
Deep Creek
Deep Creek is also on the North Carolina side of the national park and consists of three waterfalls and a great spot for river tubing. It’s not a hard hike but again, it’s a popular place so if you want to hike there, go early as the parking lot fills up, especially during the summer. We saw some dogs on this trail – they are not allowed – and a Ranger was about to go fine them and ask them to take their dogs out. So be aware of that rule and leave your pups at home.
Mt. Cammerer
Mt. Cammerer is an awesome trail because it ends at a spectacular lookout/fire tower. To get there is a beast though. My daughters and I tracked about 12 miles total and it was really hard. We started at the Cosby campground and it took us about seven hours total. As cool as the fire tower was, especially when we went in the fall, I’m not sure I’d do this one again!
Other Trails
There are a lot of amazing trails throughout the park and it doesn’t take much time to find some of the less traveled ones – Google is helpful, as is this popular Facebook group. We have also hiked the short trail to the Elijah Oliver homestead in Cades Cove – it’s just a mile but is off the beaten path and totally worth the walk. I have a long list of other hikes I want to do in the Smokies. Do your own research and find your next adventure on the trails there!
We took a whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors and had a blast. They have several different trips but the one we did was best for smaller kids – they allow kids ages 3 and up, which is great for families. The Upper Pigeon River has more rapids and kids need to be at least 8 years old for that trip. Make sure you check their website when making a reservation since they often have great deals online.
Other places to go whitewater rafting are Smoky Mountain River Rat and Rafting in the Smokies.
The Townsend Wye swimming hole is a lot of fun in the summer. We brought our own tubes and towels and hung out there for a couple hours. You can chill in the water or take your tube down the small rapids or swim as it is deep enough. It’s right at the Townsend, TN entrance to the park and not too far from Cades Cove.
You can also swim at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and Greenbrier swimming hole outside Gatlinburg. You may see that The Sinks is a popular swimming hole but we do not recommend this place as several drownings have happened there. Always use caution wherever you choose to swim.
I’ve tubed in Deep Creek a few times and while the water is really cold, it’s also a lot of fun! You have to walk the trail back to the starting point every time but it’s totally worth it and pretty cheap, especially if you bring your own tubes. A new rule that the national park has instituted is that every child ages 13 and under must wear a life jacket while tubing. Here are some places to go tubing in the Smoky Mountains:
They have two tubing locations in East Tennessee near the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area: 205 Wears Valley Road, Townsend (Ages 3+) 8435 State Highway 73, Townsend (Ages 6+)
Tubing passes for both outposts are $16.99 (6-12 years old) and $21.99 (13+ years) in advance online. Day of tickets online are $26.99/adult and $21.99/kids. Walk-in ticket purchases are $30+. Dog passes start at $14.99.
Every time we’ve got to the Smokies, we have seen fisherman in the creeks and rivers that run through the park. As long as you have a fishing license, you can fish the 2,900 miles of streams and creeks within the park. Take a look at the Smokies website to get all the best information and rules on trout fishing within the park.
I think the park harbors many secrets just given its history (read about it before you go!) but there are some pretty incredible things to see here that you’ll find hardly anywhere else.
Synchronous Fireflies
These fireflies are very unique because unlike other fireflies, they will light up all at the same time, which is quite the show. Because they are so cool, the Park severely limits visitors during May and June to the areas where the fireflies light up because humans have done so much damage to the environment over the years. To see the fireflies, you have to enter the lottery, which costs a dollar. If you manage to win, you’ll pay a parking fee at Elkmont -around $25 – to take a shuttle into the park to see the fireflies. The lottery opens in late April just for a few days and you will be notified by mid-May if you won.
My daughters and I have seen the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont and it’s hard to describe just how special that experience was. It felt like you were walking in space with an otherworldly light show happening everywhere you looked. You’re in complete darkness and are so mesmerized by what you’re seeing that you don’t want to go anywhere. You just want to watch the magic happen.
Walker Sisters Cabin
Pick up this trail to the Walkers Sisters Cabin at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. The cabin was built in 1859 where John and Margaret Walker lived with their 11 children. Only one of the girls married, another died a decade later, and the last five Walker sisters ended up living at the cabin together as their homestead. They stayed after the park was acquired by the U.S. Government and sold handmade items to visitors who happened upon their cabin. The trail isn’t hard and goes past an old schoolhouse and cemetery as well.
I have never gotten tired of the views of the Smokies no matter how many times I see the majestic peaks and clouds weaving through the tree tops. Here are a few places to see some incredible views.
Newfound Gap
In the other direction from Cades Cove is Newfound Gap, which is on the way to Clingmans Dome. There is a large parking lot at the pull off for the site, with plenty of viewing points and photo opportunities.
Newfound Gap sits at just over 5,000 feet above sea level and is the lowest possible pass through the park. Since it’s so high up, it gets a hefty amount of snow a year, average is 69 inches, and is about 10 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg.
The Appalachian Trail crosses here so you can take a stroll to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.
Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, in Tennessee, and on the Appalachian Trail as well as the third highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Clingmans Dome is about 40 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and just seven miles from Newfound Gap. The road to Clingmans Dome is closed from December 1 through March 31st, although the observation tower is open year round, but can also close at other times for weather to be sure to check to make sure its open before you go.
The drive up there is stunning. You feel like you’re one top of the world and can see into Tennessee and North Carolina on clear days. The parking lot for Clingmans Dome sits a half mile from the observation deck and it’s a steep hike up there. It’s straight up and not suitable for people with health problems, strollers, or wheelchairs. Don’t worry too much if you can’t make it to the top because the views from the parking lot are amazing.
The storied Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and up to Clingmans Dome and you can take a short part of it on the way up or down to the observation tower if you like. It connects to the Clingmans Dome Trail for a total length of almost a mile to the parking lot or back, one way. The vegetation is so vastly different from that of the parks and trails near Greenville that is feels like you’re in another world. It’s beautiful.
Once you huff and puff your way to the top of the observation tower, you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the park. I’ve seen so many stunning photos of both the sunrise and sunset from this point and while I’m not hiking up there in the dark, the views during the day are breathtaking. It is absolutely worth it to hike up there (maybe bribe the kids with a snack when you get to the top).
The history of the area surrounding Clingmans Dome goes back to the Cherokee tribe as they were pushed out of their lands and walked through what is known as the “Trail of Tears.” Even with the crowds up there, I found the area to be peaceful, especially as we took the trail from the observation tower back down to the parking lot where we only saw a handful of people. Perhaps those spirits of the Cherokee still linger.
Foothills Parkway
Don’t miss the less traveled Foothills Parkway, where you’ll be rewarded with less traffic and beautiful views of the Smokies. This was the first place I stopped on my maiden visit to the national park and it did not disappoint.
I’ve done a lot of things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and it’s really hard to choose my favorites but I’ll try. You can see more things to do and reviews in our larger guide to the Gatlinburg area.
Anakeesta
I think this mountaintop village is amazing. You can either take an open air chondala or ride up to Anakeesta in a huge truck to the top. Once there, you can run through the treetops on swinging bridges, eat lunch or dinner while enjoying beautiful views, climb the highest tower on a mountain, go zip lining and ride the mountain coaster, play on the forest-themed play areas, and cool off in the splash pad.
Sky Bridge
You can see the Sky Bridge from downtown Gatlinburg and it’s no wonder you can: it’s the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. They have two glass floor partitions on the swinging bridge which will probably test your courage. There are short trails at the top and a new Tulip Tower to climb plus a cool gift shop and snack bar.
Dollywood
The iconic theme park is a lot of fun for families as it has areas for little and big kids plus a locomotive train and awesome shows. Dollywood at Christmas is especially fun with the unique shows and massive display of Christmas lights.
Take a boat ride in an underground lake at the Lost Sea Adventure. This is absolutely as cool as it sounds.
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
This is on my bucket list and one of the things I really, really want to do in the Smokies. You can hike with llamas with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks and I am sure this is super cool.
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
There are lovely campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I’ve stayed at Elkmont, the Cosby one (quiet and spacious) and the Cades Cove one, which is beautiful and also pretty spacious, plus right next to the Cove. Greenbrier and Smokemont are other popular campgrounds.
There are so many great spots to stay: theMargaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, the Go Lodge, Westgate Smokies, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort, Camp LeConte, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge, The Ridge Outdoor Resort, and Wilderness at the Smokies. This Gatlinburg area guide has several options and reviews.
Where to Eat Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Your best bet is to bring food with you for a day at the park. We enjoyed probably the best pancakes I’ve ever had at the Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg one of the mornings and brought lunch and snacks the rest of the time. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is 25 minutes north in Sevierville.
Townsend is the nearest town to Cades Cove and there are a few places on the way back to Pigeon Forge if you drive through there. We ate at Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen, which had a great selection of catfish, crawfish, and gumbo.
With one of our national treasures being so close to Greenville – and nearly free! – it is absolutely worth the time to make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Are you looking for things to do in Knoxville, TN with your family? We’ve got your list! Local mom, Jordan, shares her family’s favorite things to do in Knoxville, TN. So whether you’re a local looking for a fun new adventure, or you’re traveling to Knoxville with the kids, this list will give you some fabulous ideas for things to do in Knoxville, TN with kids!
Alexa, play Rocky Top! Sorry, we know you will be singing that song all day but we couldn’t help ourselves.
If you’re traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the Tennessee Volunteers, the iconic Sunsphere, and a fun place to have fun with your family, we’ve got a list of 20 things for you to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Before you go on an adventure, here are a few tips:
The sunshine has returned so make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of water to stay hydrated.
Don’t forget your snacks, strollers, and comfortable walking shoes.
Check the social media pages of each attraction to be aware of any unexpected closings.
Have fun!
Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is WILDly fun, as they say, and a perfect spot for family adventures. Our family loves to spend a whole day at the zoo during the Summer months because you can walk around and see the animals and then cool off at the splash pad at the end of your walk around the zoo. You can easily spend an entire day here as The zoo offers:
Muse Knoxville is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) children’s museum. My kids love the art exhibit where they can create any craft they can imagine and it works out for me because I don’t have to worry about cleaning up the mess! They offer:
A Planetarium
14+ exhibits to explore
Outdoor play areas
Gift shop
Special events
Birthday parties
They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm
Address: 516 N. Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914
Cost:
General admission (ages 1-64): $12
Reduced cost admission: $6
Senior citizens (65+), Tennessee educators with valid ID, military & guests of military personnel with valid ID, members, and children under age 1: free
The Knoxville Children’s Theatre is a great place to enjoy a show with your family. They perform a new show every month. You can purchase tickets on their website and select your preferred showtime. They sell refreshments at the front desk for their shows.
We had so much fun watching the Three Little Pigs at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre. If you want a seat close to the stage, make sure you get there early so you can grab your snacks, use the bathroom, and then enjoy the show!
Here are the plays showing by month for the remainder of 2024:
May 3rd-19th: Little Women
June 7th-23rd: Fantastic Mr. Fox
July 12th-28th: Cinderella
August 7th-25th: Tom Sawyer
September 13th-29th: Magic Treehouse: Dinos Before Dark
October 25th-November 10th: Beowulf: The First Avenger
Address: 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 Cost: Tickets are $12-$15 each and can be purchased online
When visiting Knoxville, you must visit the iconic Sunsphere that is located in World’s Fair Park. The Sunsphere was built back in 1982 for the World’s Fair. When you go inside the Sunsphere you can enjoy an amazing view of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains.
They are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm
Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm
Your ticket is for a 30-minute visit
NOTE: The Sunsphere observation deck is closed daily from 1:30 to 2:30 pm excluding Sundays.
World’s Fair Park does not have parking on-site. You must park in a parking garage.
They are handicap accessible as the elevators can take you to the observation deck.
There is a gift shop.
Address: 810 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee
Cost:
Adults & Children 12+: $5
Children 12 and under: $1
You can purchase tickets online or at the base of the Sunsphere
Knoxville Museum of Art is located in World’s Fair Park and features contemporary and historical art pieces from the East Tennesee region. They host events often for the community to participate in.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Closed Mondays
Address: 1050 World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916 Cost: Admission is free
Market Square is nestled in downtown Knoxville and a perfect spot to enjoy a meal, shop, enjoy dessert, splash in the splash pad, and enjoy the sounds of the city. There are several restaurants on Market Square including, Emilia, Not Watson’s Kitchen & Bar, Soccer Taco, Ruby Sunshine, and Tupelo Honey. There are also shops including Urban Outfitters, Tree of Life Salon & Spa, and Rocket Fizz.
My favorite restaurant for date night is Emilia but if you want a great spot for your family to enjoy a meal, Myrtle’s Chicken & Beer is great!
After you eat dinner, you have to walk over to Gay Street and enjoy ice cream at Cruze Farm Dairy! They have so many fun ice cream cone options for kids and a really fun seating area.
Take a stroll after dinner through Krutch Park which is located in Market Square.
Market Square is open Monday through Sunday 24 hours but shops are open according to their own individual hours.
Local parking garages close to Market Square: Market Square Garage, Langley Garage, & Locust Street Garage. Parking is free on nights and weekends.
The Market Square Farmer’s Market is a seasonal open-air market that lines the street every Wednesday morning from 10 am to 1 pm starting on May 1st to November 20th, 2024 and they are open on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 1 pm starting on May 4th to November 23rd.
Address: Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Free Visit Downtown Knoxville’s Website for more information.
Cruze Farm Dairy
Cruze Farm Dairy has several locations in East Tennessee. The downtown Knoxville location is located on Gay Street near the Tennessee Theatre. Their ice cream experience is unforgettable and its locally made at Cruze Dairy Farm. My kids love enjoying the chocolate ice cream cone dipped in rainbow sprinkles and sitting in the seating area to beat the summer heat.
They are open:
Monday through Wednesday from 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Thursday through Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm
They have inside dining at the downtown location.
There is a parking garage directly in front of Cruze Farm’s downtown location.
They sell merchandise and fresh milk for you to purchase.
Address: 445 S Gay St #3, Knoxville, TN 37902 Visit Cruze Farm’s Website for more details.
Tennesse Theatre
After your ice cream break, catch a show in the iconic Tennessee Theatre located on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The theatre offers many shows throughout the year.
Box office is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 3 pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can tour the theatre by selecting a tour ticket on their website or request a private tour if you have 10+ participants.
Shows and show times vary according to the schedule.
When driving around Downtown Knoxville, you might notice a big basketball on the roof of a large building. That’s the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and it is the largest basketball in the world. You can take a tour of the facility, learn about famous women’s basketball players & coaches, and try your hand at basketball on one of the courts.
They are open every Spring/Summer starting May 1st to August 31st from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
They are open in the Fall/Winter starting September 1st to April 30th from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday.
Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37915 Cost:
You can tour the iconic Neyland Stadium while visiting Knoxville. Home of the Tennessee Vols, Neyland is the 6th largest college football venue in the United States. They offer 60-minute tours of the facility.
They are open Monday through Thursday ONLY.
Tours are only offered at 10 am and you must pre-book online.
No walk-ups are allowed as booking is limited.
Tour check-in is at Gate-21 Plaza at Neyland.
Parking is available at Volunteer Hall Garage located at 1525 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 and the cost is $1 per 30 minutes.
Address: 1235 Phillip Fulmer Way SW, Knoxville, TN, 37996 Cost:
Adults are $20
Children (13 and under) are $10
For large groups please call the office at 865-974-1205
If you’re visiting Knoxville in the fall, you can enjoy a Knoxville Ice Bears hockey game. Their season runs from fall to early spring each year. They offer an electric experience that is sure to keep your family entertained. The Ice Bears have a kids zone, concessions, merchandise to buy, and plenty of photo opportunities with their mascot Chilly Bear.
My kids are particularly sensitive to loud noises but we didn’t have an issue at this hockey game. It is loud when the fun music plays but not overbearing. However, if you have little ones who are sensitive to noise, take headphones with you. Don’t forget to buy popcorn and enjoy the kids’ fun zone before the game ends!
They are open seasonally starting in the fall of 2024
Address: Knoxville Civic Coliseum, 500 Howard Baker Jr Drive, Knoxville, TN 37915 Cost: Tickets start at $15+ Visit the Knoxville Ice Bears website to learn more.
Tennessee Smokies Baseball-MOVING To Knoxville Soon
If you love baseball, the Tennessee Smokies baseball team (a minor league team) is a quick drive outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. The stadium is currently located in Kodak, Tennessee but they are building a brand new stadium in Knoxville that is set to open in 2025. A Smokies game is fun for the family as they have activities for kids, food vendors, fun events, and more.
We love getting to the game right as the gate opens so we can take advantage of the kid’s activities and grab dinner at the Batter’s Box Bar & Grill. The cheeseburger and fries are amazing!
A game day schedule is available on their website.
Get to the game early to get a good parking spot.
Some of the stadium is shaded but take a hat and sunscreen just in case.
Batter’s Box Bar & Grill is a family favorite! Their burgers & fries are amazing!
Address: 3540 Line Drive, Kodak, TN 37764 Cost: General admission starts at $11 a ticket Visit The Tennessee Smokies’ Website to purchase tickets and learn about their promotions
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center is an urban nature park right outside of downtown Knoxville that features over 10 miles of trails perfect for hiking, walking, biking, and bird-watching. They also offer swimming, climbing, natural playgrounds, canoe rentals, and more. My kids especially love the natural playgrounds and looking at the indoor animal exhibit.
Grounds are open daily from 8 am to dusk.
The visitor center is open Sunday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Bathrooms are located in the visitor center.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Parking is $5 per car per day.
Ijams is dog-friendly but dogs must be on a leash and you must clean up after them. No dogs are allowed in the visitor center.
They have a gift shop, hallway art gallery, and an exhibit hall with some animals on display that you will find in the park.
Ijams offers many educational opportunities including field trips, homeschool opportunities, camps, nature preschool, and more.
You can rent their facility for birthday parties, weddings, meetings, retreats, and more.
Don’t forget bug spray, a towel if you plan to swim, comfortable tennis shoes or sandals as you will walk a lot, and water.
Address: 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 Cost: Admission is free but donations are always welcome. Parking is $5 per car per day. Follow Ijams Nature Center on their Facebook page for more details.
Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center
Located in Farragut, Tennessee, about 35 minutes from downtown Knoxville, is Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center. They have paintball, a splash zone, a mini-golf course, and golf carts. Sir Goony’s also offers birthday party packages.
They are open year-round (weather permitting):
Monday through Thursday 12 pm to 8 pm
Fridays from 12 pm to 9 pm
Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm
Sundays 12 pm to 8 pm
If you reserve the park for a party, they can open at any time for your event.
Address: 10925 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Cost: Each attraction in the park is priced separately depending on how long you stay. Follow Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center on their website for pricing details.
Main Event
At Main Event Knoxville, you and your family can enjoy bowling, gravity ropes, laser tag, arcade games, billiards, and good food.
They are open:
Mondays 11 am to 1 am
Tuesdays through Thursdays 11 am to 12 am
Friday 11 am to 2 am
Saturdays 9 am to 2 am
Sundays 11 am to 12 am
You can book and purchase your activities online.
Address: 9081 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 Cost: You can book your activities on their website. Follow Main Event Knoxville on their website to book your activities.
Bijou Theatre & The Bistro at the Bijou
Catch a performance and a meal at the famous Bijou Theatre in Downtown Knoxville. They have a wide variety of music and performance art showings each year.
They are a cashless venue
No large backpacks, purses, or duffel bags are allowed. Clear bags are not required but all bags are subject to be searched by security upon entry
They have a concession stand and on-site bistro
Tickets and showtime are subject to the performance schedule
Address: 803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Tickets start at $25 Visit The Bijou Theatre’s Website for more details
Navitat Knoxville
At Navitat Knoxville you can enjoy one of their 6 adventure trails with your family. They offer zip-lining, swings, nets, climbing, bridges, and more. They are located in Ijams Nature Center near downtown Knoxville.
They are open:
Mondays, Wednesdays Thursdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm
Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm
They have two ticket options (a daytime ticket and a nighttime ticket) that include all of the adventures in the park.
You must be 7+ years old and weigh between 30-265 pounds to participate.
An adult is required to attend with all children under the age of 17.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.
Book in advance to be sure you get the date(s) you are visiting.
Address: 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 Cost:
Tickets for the Treetop Adventure Park are $52 + tax per person
Tickets for the Navitat At Night are $65.95 + tax per person
This admission price is the same for adults and children
Take a ride along the Tennessee River in Downtown Knoxville on The Star of Knoxville Riverboat. You can enjoy a lunch, dinner, or sightseeing cruise depending on what you’re looking for. They have several cruise options that include a meal and some options that do not include a meal depending on the date you select.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Make a reservation in advance.
No dress code is required.
Parking is at Calhoun’s on The River on Neyland Drive.
Cruises are non-refundable.
Address: 300 Neyland Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 Cost: Tickets start at $25 for adults and $15 for children. Pricing depends on the date and type of cruise you select. Visit The Tennessee Riverboat’s Website to learn more and book your cruise.
Maple Hall
Maple Hall is a boutique bowling alley that offers 11 lanes of bowling, a cocktail lounge, life-sized board games, a full food and drink menu, and more. They are located in Downtown Knoxville.
They are open:
Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm
Friday from 4 pm to 1:30 am
Saturday from 11 am to 1:30 pm
Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm
You must be 21+ after 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights to attend.
They do not take reservations.
Address: 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 Cost: Bowling rates are per lane per hour:
Monday through Thursday: $25 per lane per hour
Fridays: $39 per lane per hour
Saturdays: 11 am to 4 pm: $25 per lane per hour, 4 pm to 1:30 am: $39 per lane per hour
Try your hand at axe throwing in Downtown Knoxville at Craft Axe Throwing. You can book your experience (or walk-ups welcome if availability allows), learn a few safety tips from the team, and then have fun throwing axes with friends. There are two locations in Knoxville.
Downtown Knoxville Location Hours:
Mondays through Thursdays from 5 pm to 10 pm
Fridays from 2 pm to 11 pm
Saturdays from 1 pm to 11 pm
Sundays from 2 pm to 7 pm
West Knoxville Location Hours:
Closed on Mondays
Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm
Fridays through Saturdays from 12 pm to 11 pm
Sundays from 2 pm to 8 pm
Both locations only allow those who are 16+ after 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Address:
Downtown Location: 119 W. 5th Avenue – Suite 150, Knoxville, TN 37917
West Knoxville Location: 320 N. Peters Road, Knoxville, TN 37922
Where can you stay near Downtown Knoxville? Use the map below to find great hotels, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals near attractions you want to visit.
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What is your family’s favorite thing to do in Knoxville?
Discover more adventures in the state of Tennessee!
Inside: A local mom review of Zoo Knoxville with all the tips and details you need for your visit.
If you’re looking for a day of fun in Knoxville, Tennessee, Zoo Knoxville is WILDly fun! You can spend a whole day here and not run out of things to do. In this guide to Knoxville, TN’s zoo, one local mom shares her favorite exhibits, plus tips and things to remember so you’ll have the best visit with your family. Use our guide to plan your trip to the zoo!
About Zoo Knoxville
The 53-acre zoo is in East Knoxville, about 13 minutes from Downtown Knoxville. There are around 1,200 animals to see and learn about throughout the zoo. When we moved to Knoxville, I took my kids to the zoo and was immediately sold on a membership simply because of how much there was to do. We visit several times a month and never tire of spending time here.
Stay Near Zoo Knoxville
Coming from out of town? Book a vacation rental or hotel near Zoo Knoxville. Use the map below with options nearby to find the perfect place to stay.
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Zoo Knoxville Tips & Things to Know
Before you visit, here are a few tips from a frequent Zoo Knoxville visitor:
Hours, Rules & Ticket Information:
Zoo Knoxville Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking is $5 and free for members. Memberships pay off!
You can bring your own food & drinks to the zoo but glass containers and straws are not allowed. Or you can enjoy one of their 5 eateries if you don’t want to pack a lunch.
Ticket Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: $26.95
Children (3-12): $21.95
Seniors ages 65+: $21.95
College Student with ID: $21.95
Children 2 and under: Free
Active Military & Veterans: Free
Firearms are not permitted on Zoo Knoxville grounds.
Zoo Knoxville is a vape and smoke-free campus.
Accesibility Feautures in the zoo:
Wheelchair, strollers, and scooter rentals start at $12+
Sensory bags are located at the front desk
Quiet Zones (Located at the Barn Loft & Painted Dog areas)
Headphone Zones (Located at the Kid’s Cove, Wee Play Adventure & Safari Splash)
There are bathrooms throughout the park with changing stations.
Things to See at the Knoxville Zoo
Now that we’ve covered hours, rules, accessibility, and parking, let’s jump into all the exhibits & fun things to do at Zoo Knoxville.
What Animals are at Zoo Knoxville?
Zoo Knoxville has 12 habitats you can enjoy across the zoo. Grab a map of the zoo when you purchase tickets and plan a route that works for you.
Habitats include:
The ARC (Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Campus): This newer building is so neat to explore as it features Joe the sloth, lots of turtles, gigantic snakes (even a Reticulated Python), crocodiles, and more! This exhibit is mostly indoors but you can view the turtles outside as well.
Black Bear Falls: At Black Bear Falls, you can watch the North American Black Bears sleep, play, and interact. There is a large tunnel (resembling a bear cave) that will take you right up to their enclosure so you can get the best view of what they’re up to. This is an indoor/outdoor exhibit.
Boyd Family Asian Trek: Here you can laugh as beloved Georgie the Gibbons monkey swings in his enclosure, watch the Malayan Tigers take their afternoon nap, and admire the many Langurs swinging across their enclosure.
Chimp Ridge: This habitat is solely for the beautiful & majestic Chimpanzees. This enclosure is large and contains several viewing areas depending on where the chimps are hanging out for the day.
Clayton Family Kid’s Cove: This habitat contains many farm animals that you would find on a farm. The Kids Cove contains turkeys, raccoons, goats, beavers, guinea hogs, and more. This habitat also includes a small wading stream (best for toddlers), the Clayton Cabin playground, a large sandbox, and animal interactions.
Clayton Otter Creek: This habitat might be my favorite. You can watch the North American River Otters splash and play in their large water habitat. They are very active and are a popular exhibit at Zoo Knoxville.
Gorilla Valley: Gorilla Valley is another large habitat that houses beautiful Western Lowland Gorillas. They like to hang out in their indoor enclosure but often run through their large open-air enclosure.
Grasslands Africa: A safari in Knoxville? Yes! You can see elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, and zebras! This area is all open-air and the animals are usually easily visible.
Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure: Here your preschool & elementary-aged kiddos can play on the indoor playground surrounded by a Komodo dragon, lizards, snakes, and more. This area features a sandbox, slide, and baby playspace.
The Boyd Family Red Panda Village: This habitat features fuzzy and sleepy red pandas. They like to sleep high up in their nets in the trees so be sure to look up when you visit.
Tiger Forest: This habitat is solely for the Malayan Tigers. Zoo Knoxville has a breeding facility for the endangered Malayan tigers.
Valley of The Kings: Here you can see the African Lions and Baboons. They are in two separate enclosures located near the Clayton Safari Splash Pad.
Clayton Safari Splash Pad
During the spring & summer months, you can cool off after a long walk around the zoo at Clayton Safari Splash Pad. This is included in your admission ticket so no need to pay extra! They are opening on May 17th, 2024 this year and typically stay open until Labor Day each year. This area offers a gift shop, changing areas, and picnic tables to sit and watch your kids splash.
More Things to Do At Zoo Knoxville
Additional Fun Activities:
Take a ride on the carousel located near the Clayton Family Kid’s Cove. Rides are $4 for visitors and $2 for annual pass holders.
Zip through the trees on the Soaring Eagle Zipline. This is a tandem zip ride. Single rides start at $13 per rider.
Take a spin on the Zoo Choo Train. Rides are $4 per ride.
Planet Predator: This new exhibit will be available starting on May 1st, 2024, and will run until October 31st, 2024. You can see several prehistoric predators including an animatronic snake, dinosaur, and more. This is included with your admission.
Looking to vacation in Tennessee? The beautiful backdrop of the Appalachians, southern charm, and unique vacation destinations make it an excellent choice for a family-friendly vacation. We’ve visited several cities throughout the state and collected dozens of reviews to help you plan your next trip. You’ll find unique places to lodge, dining options, adventure recommendations, and more for cities like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
A Family-Friendly Vacation to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
If you have never been to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you are in for a treat! The area has grown rapidly over the last 50 years and includes some out-of-this-world attractions, is near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has a lot of great places to lodge.
Enjoy snow tubing all year round at Indoor Snow Tubing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee See the magical Christmas lights at Winterfest, which starts in November and ends in February! During Winterfest, you can enjoy the epic lights on the Wonder of Light Walking Trail The Island at Pigeon Forge is a great one-stop for an amazing day of shopping, fun attractions, and food. Ever seen the world from upside down? You can at Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge! Soar over America in an immersive theatre at Skyfly at The Island at Pigeon Forge Cruise around the Smoky Mountains with Smoky Mountain Pink Jeep. The Titanic Museum is a truly immersive experience in a replica of the ship itself, right off the Boulevard!
Visit The Charming Mountain Town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is one of the most popular travel destinations to take a vacation in Tennessee. With stunning mountain views and dozens of attractions that are unquestionably unique to the town, you could spend an entire weekend with a packed itinerary. There is an aquarium, mountain coasters, and even a sky-high bridge you have to see to believe!
See ocean creatures and walk under sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Anakeesta is a sky-high destination that offers fantastic views, dining, and special attractions. The Mirrormaze is a fun attraction for families to try and navigate the maze. Get rocked while experiencing the 5D Theatre in downtown Gatlinburg! Take the ski lift to the Skybridge, and you’re in for a real thrill as you walk the suspension bridge. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an American treasure, you have to visit it at least once. Elkmont Ghost Town is a ghost town that your family can explore! How neat!
Do not overlook Sevierville while planning your vacation to Tennessee! Situated right next door to Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, Tennessee. If you didn’t know, Sevierville is the birthplace of America’s greatest gift, Dolly Parton! There are also a lot of fun things to do, and one of the most epic hotels in the area (it has an indoor and outdoor waterpark!)
Activities and Things to Do in Sevierville, Tennessee
You have to make a pit stop at Buc-ee’s Sevierville, where you will find everything you need and more! There are coasters, chair lifts, cowboy demonstrations, and more at Skyland Ranch. Soaky Mountain Water Park is THE BEST waterpark, with some epic slides to try out.
In the Southeastern part of Tennessee near the Georgia line, you will find an amazing city that has perfectly balanced city life with the outdoors, Chattanooga, Tennessee! The downtown area is bustling with art, interesting things to do, and exceptional dining. Plus, there is an aquarium, a zoo, a famous train hotel, and Rock City is just down the road.
The iconicRock City is just a few minutes drive from Downtown Chattanooga! Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail has a mesmerizing swimming hole that is crystal clear. The Tennessee Aquarium has two buildings full of ocean creatures to visit. You can feed giraffes and red pandas at the Chattanooga Zoo!
Where to Stay Near Chattanooga, Tennesse
The Read House Hotel is iconic and even has ghost stories to learn about.
The Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, TN is one experience you really won’t want to miss. This one is unforgettable. If a crystal clear lake, a glass bottom boat, cave flowers, and a guided tour through amazing geologic features sounds like your kind of adventure, then put America’s largest underground lake on your bucket list.
We visited the underground lake and caverns in Tennessee and it did not disappoint. So, get planning! Here’s everything you need to know about the Lost Sea Adventure!
Always looking for my next adventure, when I heard of the Lost Sea just outside Knoxville, Tennessee, I knew I had to go. I actually keep a running list of all the cool things I want to do and places to go and this one had been on my list for the past couple of years because it is legitimately a crystal clear, cold lake 150 feet underground amongst creepy and cool caverns. An underground lake.
Did it live up to my expectations? Oh yeah, it did.
