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Posts Tagged ‘Tennessee’

10+ Places Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap) in Pigeon Forge, TN

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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!

kids eat free pigeon forge tn

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

Roma Table

Offer: Kids eat free every Tuesday
Time: 
Tuesdays after 3 pm
Age: 12 and under
At Participating Locations:
1503 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Roma Table Website

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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 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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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

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

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free if sitting in parent’s lap
Time: 
Every day
Age: 3 and under
At Participating Locations:
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Website

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

Want more Kids Eat Free Deals in Tennessee?

kids eat free Knoxville tn

Here’s our list of spots that Kids Eat Free in Knoxville, TN.

Or, check out our list of national chains where Kids Eat Free Across the USA.

You’ll Never Want to Leave the Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge Once You Go

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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. 

Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Are you looking for more fun Tennessee travel? Check out our Kidding Around Greenville guide to Tennessee.


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.

Margaritaville Island hotel pigeon forge

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.

Margaritaville Island hotel rooms pigeon forge

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.

St. Somewhere Spa Margaritaville Island Hotel Pigeon Forge

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.

Margaritaville Island Hotel
131 Island Drive, Suite 5118, Pigeon Forge, TN
844.434-6787
Margaritaville Island Hotel Website
Margaritaville Island Hotel Facebook


Are you looking for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Gatlinburg!

Winter version of Galtlinburg, Pigeon Forge silo.

Rides, Shows, and Fun at Dollywood: Parent Review & Tips You Want

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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.

Kidding Around review of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, 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.

Wildwood Grove at Dollywood

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.

View of Wildwood Grove at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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.

Dolly Parton Experience
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 at Dollywood
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:

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

For more information on the area surrounding Dollywood, check out the Kidding Around Guide to the Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg areas of Tennessee

Have you ever visited Dollywood? What was your experience?

Townsend Wye: Spend a Day at This Gorgeous Swimming Hole in the Great Smoky Mountains

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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!

Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Tennessee? Read our Travel Guide To Tennessee.

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.

Rapids at Townsend Wye

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. 

Townsend Wye swimming hole

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

Looking for more things to do in the Great Smoky Mountain? Read our Guide To Visiting The Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

best guide to the great smoky mountains national park


Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park With Kids

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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.

Kidding Around GSMNP Family Guide

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.

Find a place to stay near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

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.

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Where to see Wildlife in the Smokies

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.

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Where to Hike in the Smokies

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.

Read more about Hiking Mt. LeConte.

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.

LeConte Lodge
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!

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Where to Get in or on the Water

During the warmer months, there are plenty of places to cool off and have fun on or in the water.

Kids and adults Whitewater rafting in the Smokies

Where to Go Whitewater Rafting

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.

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Swimming Holes in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

  • Townsend Wye
  • Midnight Hole
  • Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area- No Hiking is required to get to the swimming hole
  • Elkmont Swimming Hole- On the Little River Trail

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.

Townsend Wye swimming hole

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.

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River Tubing in the Smokies

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:

Deep Creek Tube Center

1090 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City
828.488.6055

  • $7/per tube rental, life jackets available for kids.

Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft

1847 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee
828.497.4545

  • $14/person, includes shuttle service.
  • Children must be 5+ years old to participate.
  • Open 10 am – 5 pm daily

JJ’s Tubes

1399 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City
828.736.3640

Deep Creek Store & Tubes

1840 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City
828.488.9665

  • This is a campground that offers tube rentals on site April – October

Creekside Tubing

1881 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City
828.488.2587

  • Closest tubing rental place to the Deep Creek entrance
  • $8/tube

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing

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.

Tube River Rage

8303 State Highway 73, Townsend
865.448.8000

$16.99 + tax (ages 6-12) and $19.99 (ages 13+)

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Fishing in the National Park

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.

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Unique Things to See in the Smokies

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.

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Where to Find the Best Views

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 views at Great Smoky Mountain National Park

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.

Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

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Coolest Attractions Near the Smokies

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.

Waterparks

Soaky Mountain, Dollywood Splash Country, and the Wild Bear Falls Water Park at the Westgate Resort are all a lot of fun if you like the thrill of waterparks. Wild Bear Falls is indoors so you can go anytime of year.

Lost Sea Adventure

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.

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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: the Margaritaville 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.

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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.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865.436.1200

For other places to go in Tennessee, see our Guide to Tennessee Vacations.

20+ Things To Do In Knoxville, TN With Your Family

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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!

The Sunsphere

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!
Tortoises at Zoo Knoxville

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:

  • Several acres of animal habitats
  • An indoor and outdoor playground
  • A carousel and train you can ride
  • A splash pad (opens every year on Memorial Day)
  • Food vendors
  • Special events
  • Birthday parties 
  • And so much more
  • Zoo Knoxville is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Address: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37914

Cost: 

  • Adult tickets:  $26.95 
  • Children ages 3-12: $21.95
  • Seniors ages 65+: $21.95
  • College student ticket ( must present student ID and buy ticket at gate): $21.95
  • Children 2 and under free
  • Active Military and Veterans: free

Follow Zoo Knoxville’s Facebook Page for more details. 

Zoo Knoxville in Knoxville, TN

Check out the Kidding Around Review of Zoo Knoxville! We have a full guide to help you plan your best trip.

Muse Knoxville 

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 

Follow Muse Knoxville’s Facebook page for more details. 

Knoxville Children’s Theatre

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 

Follow Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s Facebook Page for more details.

Visit The Sunsphere 

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 

Follow The Sunsphere’s Facebook page for more details. 

Knoxville Museum of Art

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 

Follow Knoxville Museum of Art on their Facebook page for more details. 

Explore Market Square 

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. 

Address: 604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit The Tennessee Theatre’s website to book your show.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

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: 

  • Adults: $7.95
  • Seniors (62+): $5.95
  • Youth (6-15): $5.95
  • Youth under 5: Free
  • Group discounts available 

Visit The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Website to plan your visit.

Neyland Stadium 

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

Visit Neyland Stadium’s Website to book your experience. 

Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey Team 

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

Smokies

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

Visit Navitat Knoxville’s Website to book your excursion.

The Star of Knoxville Tennessee Riverboat 

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 
  • Sundays: $25 per lane per hour

Visit Maple Hall’s Website to learn more.

Craft Axe Throwing Downtown Knoxville

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

Cost: Tickets start at $20 per person
Visit the Craft Axe Throwing website to book your experience

kids eat free Knoxville tn

Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) in Knoxville, TN

Find all the best kids’ meal deals in Knoxville.

Stay in Knoxville, TN

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.

Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.

What is your family’s favorite thing to do in Knoxville?

Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Discover more adventures in the state of Tennessee!

Kidding Around Travel Guide to Tennessee

Plan Your Best Day at Zoo Knoxville: Things to Know

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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. 

Zoo Knoxville, TN

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.

Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.

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.
  • They offer animal encounters (find the schedule on the Zoo Knoxville website).
  • Adult & child zoo camps available 
Tortoises at Zoo Knoxville

New & Notable in 2024

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. 

You can find a calendar of events, ticket information, and more on Zoo Knoxville’s website

We hope you have fun at Zoo Knoxville and would love to know what you loved most about the zoo!

Zoo Knoxville
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914

A Travel Guide to Tennessee: Family-Friendly Vacations

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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.

Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Where Would You Like to Explore?


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.

Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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!

Wildwood Grove at Dollywood

Dollywood

Homeschooling? These Homeschool days at Dollywood will save you some money on the theme park.
You’ll find a woodland-themed waterpark at Splash Country at Dollywood
Christmas at Dollywood is one of the most magical times of the year, with lights, crafters, and more!
Wildwood Grove at Dollywood is full of whimsy and rides.

Lodging in Pigeon Forge

The Inn on the River is a prime location on the river and is a great family-friendly place to stay.
If you are looking for an all-out resort, Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge is the place!


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!

Winter version of Galtlinburg, Pigeon Forge silo.

Our KA Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with reviews, lodging information, and places to eat.

Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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!

Places to Stay Near Gatlinburg, TN

Enjoy a family-friendly stay at the Greystone Lodge, which has an excellent location!
The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort has an indoor waterpark that the kids can play in.
If you are looking for luxury camping, Camp LeConte is a great option in Gatlinburg!
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort has covered wagons you can camp in!
This 17 Room Gaming Mansion is a wonderful place to stay for larger groups!

Mountain Shire

Live like a Hobbit at Mountain Shire in TN


Spend the Weekend in Sevierville, Tennessee

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!)

These 23+ Special Things to Do in Sevierville, Tennesse will make for a memorable vacation.

Sevierville TN

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.

Glamping tent at the Ridge Outdoor Resort

Lodging in Sevierville, Tennessee

The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville offers glamping, RV camping, and amenities.
Wilderness at the Smokies is wonderful for families, with multiple waterparks and cozy hotel rooms.


Explore the Outdoors in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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 Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Check out our KA Ulitmate Guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee for ideas on places to stay, things to do, and our honest reviews of popular attractions!

Meercats at Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee.

Meercats at the Tennessee Zoo

The view from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee.

Overlook at Lookout Mountain

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chattanooga, TN

The iconic Rock 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!

The Read House hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Where to Stay Near Chattanooga, Tennesse

The Read House Hotel is iconic and even has ghost stories to learn about.


More Tennessee Travel


Places to travel in the United States

Our Travel Page will give you tons of ideas for day trips, weekend getaways, or family vacations to destinations throughout the Southeast.

Lost Sea Adventure: Take a Boat Across an Unforgettable Underground Lake

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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!  

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. 

Winter cabin rentals: Owl's Nest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. VRBO photo credit

Traveling to nearby Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? Here’s over 40 things to do in Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN.

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41+ Things to Do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN: Our Ultimate Travel Guide

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Is your family planning a vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN and the Pigeon Forge area that we have put together a full Gatlinburg Travel Guide for you. Our guide is full of places to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.

We share attractions, places to eat, suggestions on where to stay, and more for this East Tennessee region vacation destination.



A few tips:

  • While there is no entry fee to the park, 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.
  • Almost all shows in Pigeon Forge offer combo tickets, which are significantly discounted when bought together. So do the math and figure out what works for your family. Pigeon Forge has a wonderful guide with coupons that is available online and via hard copy at the Welcome Center. It can also be mailed to you.
  • There are a bunch of coupon books in almost every restaurant and shop in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge. They all offer a least a couple of dollars off attractions, which can save money in the long run if you do a lot of activities. 
  • Sign up for the email list of your favorite attractions and hotels since they often send out discount codes throughout the year. 
  • If you come to East Tennessee more than a couple times a year, consider a season pass to some of the attractions like Dollywood and Anakeesta, which can pay off in just a couple of visits. 

What is There to Do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge?

Check out these Gatlinburg attractions and things to do near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.

Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster

Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster

Imagine flying on twists and turns on the side of a mountain and racing your kid, friend, or partner to see who can complete the course first.

If it sounds like go-kart racing, it is modeled after racecar driving, but the brand-new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is even cooler since it’s faster, has amazing views, and you can totally trash-talk your competitor the whole time since you’re racing on parallel tracks. 

Anakeesta
This mountaintop village theme park hosts a Rail Runner alpine coaster, ziplining, stunning gardens, a beer garden, a village with restaurants and shopping, an outdoor movie space, a treehouse play area, seasonal-themed events, and an awesome Chondola ride up and down the mountain. Admission ticket prices range from $20 – $29. The alpine coaster, Astra Lumina light display, gem mining, and ziplining are extra costs. You’ll want to read our Anakeesta review of tips and tricks on how to make the most of your visit to Anakeesta.

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta

Anakeesta view through the heart sculpture.

Read our KA review of Anakeesta to see how amazing this place is!

Outdoor Gravity Park
The Outdoor Gravity Park is the only place in the entire country where you can go zorbing. This is where you get into an 11-foot inflatable ball filled with some water and then get pushed down a 1,000 foot hill. You don’t know what you’re missing until you try this crazy adventure! Read our review for all the info.

203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN

Zorbing
One of the balls going down the Red track

PINK Jeep Smoky Mountain Tours
Ride around in a bright pink Jeep and see all the very best sights in the Great Smoky Mountains and get the adrenaline going with their 4×4 off-roading course, built especially for PINK Jeeps. Tickets depend on the tour you choose but kids ages 18 months+ are able to do the tours and costs range from $57-$74 per person. Our PINK Jeep review gives you the lowdown on what to expect with the tour.

3152 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pink Jeep tours in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
PINK Jeep Smoky Mountain Tour

Wonderworks
A truly fun experience for the whole family, Wonderworks is an indoor entertainment facility with a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, a 3-D roller coaster, a bubble room, laser tag, a climbing wall, an earthquake simulator, and tons more. You can easily spend all day here but allow at least two hours at Wonderworks to really do everything, more if you see the magic show (extra charge). Read our review of Wonderworks to get all the details.

100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge

Wonderworks could easily fill up a day of adventure while in Pigeon Forge. Learn more in our KA review of Wonderworks!

Outside view of Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood
The iconic theme park is fun to visit any time of the year but they do have special events for summer, fall (a big pumpkinfest), and winter (a huge festival with a nightly parade and lights). The new Wildwood Grove encourages guests to explore their imaginations with an indoor black-lit playground, splash pad, rides for the whole family, and the new DragonFly coaster. Our KA Dollywood review will tell you all the best places to visit while at Dollywood. Adult tickets are $89 and kids are $79/each ages 4-9.

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN

Dollywood’s Splash Country
A wet and wild theme park that opens right next to the Dollywood theme park over the summer, Splash Country has a wave pool, multiple water slides, a lazy river, concessions, and a tube coaster. We love this theme park and it’s on our must-do list every summer! For the 2021 season tickets were $49.95/ages 10-61, $39.95/ages 4-9, and $39.95/senior citizens 62+. Parking is $15/day.

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN

Dollywood’s Splash Country

Dollywood Splash Country: Review and tips

Read our Dollywood Splash Country review, written by a local mom with lots of tips. Learn about the best things to do at the park. 

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
If you don’t know, the Hatfield and McCoy families were two groups who really hated each other in rural West Virginia in the 1800s. The show is a dinner theater experience so you get all-you-can-eat soup, rolls, pulled pork, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slow, and corn plus a dessert. This was the best meal I had while in Pigeon Forge and my kids loved it as well. At the end of this show, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. The total time you’re in the theater is a little over two-and-a-half hours. Tickets are $59.99/adults and $34.99/kids ages 3-11 and under 2 are free.

119 Music Road, Pigeon Forge

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Ready to cheer on pirates, feast like royalty, and see mermaids & sea lions? Kristina and her kids LOVED Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, TN!

📅 1.5 hours of thrilling action
🍗 Full, delicious meal (with dessert!)
🔥 South Pacific fire show = WOW
🦭 Sea lions + swimming pups = adorable overload

Pirates Voyage dinner

Get all the details in our review of Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, TN

Titanic Museum
Experience the history of the Titanic, and the stories of those aboard, at the Titanic Museum. You’ll find hands on exhibits, an audio tour, and even the largest Titanic replica ever built out of lego bricks! Want to know more? Check out our KA review of the Titanic Museum.

2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Learn why the Titanic Museum is a must-see when visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

Grand Staircase at the Titanic Museum

Wild Bear Falls Water Park
This is an enormous indoor waterpark at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg. It’s open year-round and you can go even if you’re not a guest at the resort.

915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN

Dolly Parton’s Stampede
This is one of the more popular shows in Pigeon Forge and features horse stunts, lots of special effects, and a four-course meal plus dessert. Families love this show especially.

3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pirates Voyage
Lots of energy and fun at this dinner show in Pigeon Forge, the newest show to come to town. Kids will love the mermaids and pirate fights plus the water features of the show are always fun. Read our full review here.

Pirates Voyage dinner
Part of the Pirates Voyage show

2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (and other Ripley’s attractions)
This aquarium was voted best in the nation with sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and a glass-bottomed boat and it sits right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. You can read our review of the aquarium plus other reviews of Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg such as the Mirror Maze, 5D moving theater, and Guinness World Records Museum

88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN

Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Located just 15-20 minutes north of Gatlinburg is an enormous 50-acre waterpark with tons of slides, a lazy river, watercoasters, and a 35,000 wave pool. You will learn everything you need to know before going in our KA review of Soaky Mountain Waterpark.

175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Soaky Mountain Waterpark near Gatlinburg, TN

Ole Smoky Moonshine
The distillery is the oldest in the state and you can taste several moonshine varieties for $5 – they are really good! Be sure to try the Buckeye if you like peanut butter. You can also see how moonshine is made through the glass walls of the distillery at the Holler in Gatlinburg, which totally counts for homeschooling your kids.

Locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge Snow

This snow tubing place is open all year round because it’s indoors! This place has real snow for the tubing lanes plus a snow area where kids can build forts and snowmen. Plus, it’s always around 60-70 degrees inside so you aren’t freezing. Kids must be 38″ tall to tube. If not, you can buy them a ticket just to play in the snow. Tickets start at $29.99 for an hour of snow tubing and at $36.99 for tubing plus 30 minutes of snow play. No reservations are needed. See our full review here.

2533 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN

You can snow tube indoors at Pigeon Forge Snow

Learn why Pigeon Forge Snow is such an epic place to play while visiting Pigeon Forge!

Gatlinburg SkyPark

The SkyBridge is a mile high and has a glass bottom in the center. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and overlooks this mountain town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. They also have a gorgeous Tulip Tower, SkyWalk, trails, and restaurants. You have to take a chair lift up to the mountain to access the SkyBridge. Buy tickets in advance online to save a couple of dollars off each ticket. Read more in our KA review of the Gatlinburg SkyBridge here.

765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 

Kids walking down the SkyBridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Boot Factory Outlet

I’m not big into shopping but the Boot Factory Outlet was awesome. They have amazing customer service – people who help you until you find what you want and make suggestions. They seem to genuinely care about service. I was blown away. The outlet offers a continuous deal of buy one pair of boots and get two free. I had to see it for myself because that didn’t seem real. It was! I walked out with three fantastic pairs of boots for my family, all well-made and of excellent quality. Highly recommend.

1842 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN

The Lost Sea Adventure

This is such a cool experience that we recommend for anyone looking for a super unique adventure underground. The Lost Sea tour explores the expansive Craighead Caverns with its rare rock formations. But the coolest part is the boat ride in the underground lake! You can read our KA review of The Lost Sea Adventure to learn more. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from the Gatlinburg area. Visit Sweetwater Valley Farm nearby for awesome grilled cheese and milkshakes.

140 Lost Sea Road, Sweetwater, TN 423.337.6616

The Great Escape Room

If you’re looking for something the family can do together from older kids to teens, parents, and grandparents, The Great Escape Room is a very good option. Our multi-generational group had a lot of fun with this one.

3784 Parkway, Suite 102, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863


Free/Cheap Things to do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The park is the most visited in the whole country, with over 11 million people visiting every year. And there is no admission cost whatsoever. The park boasts over 850 miles of hiking trails plus two long stretches where you can drive to see wildlife and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Get up to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park, or Newfound Gap for stunning views of the smokies. Cruise through Cades Cove or Roaring Fork Motor Trail to see if you can spot black bears. Read more in our KA review of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all there is to do and see in the Smokies.

Please note that since March 1, 2023, the National Park has instituted parking fees to be able to handle the millions of visitors each year. Parking tags must be displayed anywhere in the Park, except for cars spending 15 minutes or less there. Fees are $5/single day, $15/up to 7 days, and $40/annual parking pass. You can buy them at the Visitor Centers or online.

Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

See Elk in Cherokee or Cataloochee Valley
Elk were originally native to the area and have been reintroduced. They are thriving thanks to the protection of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Guests can see the majestic animals at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC, right outside the park, or in the Cataloochee Valley. In the fall, the bulls loudly bugle and it’s quite the animal sound to hear!

Elk in the Smokies

Go Swimming
The Smoky Mountains have some desirable swimming holes during the hot summer months. One is the Townsend Wye right near the entrance to the park in Townsend, TN. It’s a huge swimming hole with small rapids for tubing and deeper waters for swimming. The National Park’s official stance on swimming is that it discourages it. 

Townsend Wye swimming hole
Townsend Wye

Go Fishing
Trout are stocked in the miles of rivers and streams that cut through the Smokies and visitors are allowed to fish from those waterways. In Tennessee, both residents and non-residents ages 13 or older must have a fishing license. In North Carolina, ages 16 and older need a license. Fishing is permitted all throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

See the Synchronous Fireflies

Every year around June, the synchronous fireflies appear in the Smoky Mountains to do their annual mating dance. And it is a sight to see! Millions of these fireflies light up all around you then go quiet for about eight seconds and then light up again.

It is completely fascinating to see and we highly recommend trying to get a lottery ticket or booking a campsite at Elkmont during that time of year to see them. To enter the lottery, you pay $1 and if you win, your parking pass is $25. A campsite at Elkmont is around $30.

Synchronous fireflies at Elkmont Ghost Town in Tennessee.
Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont

Things to Do During the Holidays in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
The experience at Dollywood at Christmastime deserves its own review because it is so beautiful and enchanting. You and your kids can step into a life-size snow globe, watch a nativity show, and enjoy the rides. They have beautiful light displays as well. It’s an amazing time to visit the amusement park. Read what we loved about the Smoky Mountain Christmas in our review.

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN

Winterfest at Dollywood in Tennessee
Smoky Mountain Christmas in Dollywood

Winterfest in Pigeon Forge
From the end of November until early February, Pigeon Forge is decked out in Christmas lights and guests can ride the trolley all around town (small fee) to check out the beautiful decorations. Shows and events correspond with the Christmas theme and the whole town becomes a winter wonderland. It’s totally free to drive around and see all the lights. Learn more with our KA review of Winterfest and be sure to pick up the guide that the City of Pigeon Forge offers, which includes coupons.


Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

There are hundreds of places to stay in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. All of these places we list below are places we have personally stayed at and where we’ve had excellent experiences. Reviews are all linked below. If you are not staying in a Gatlinburg cabin, then these campgrounds and hotels are the best there is for a family-friendly vacation Gatlinburg vacation. So, start planning your lodging today!

You can also use the map below from Stay 22 to find other options! When you book through the map and links, we may earn through an affiliate relationship with Stay22.

https://stay22.com/embed/64aff43e17da6c003ce794b2

Margaritaville Island Hotel
A stay at this beautiful and trendy hotel will be a relaxing experience. Margarita makers are in every room and balconies overlook either the river or the Island at Pigeon Forge. You can explore the Island, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, grab a margarita at the bar (or in your room), and just chill. Read our KA review of Margaritaville Island Hotel to learn why it is such a great option.

131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN

View of the pool at the Margaritaville Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge

Greystone Lodge By the River
One of the very last family-owned hotels in Gatlinburg, the Greystone dates back originally to the early 1960s and has become the go-to hotel for generations of families. The location cannot be beaten as it is steps from the aquarium and across the street from Anakeesta, within walking distance to shops and restaurants.

They also have a great pool and free breakfast. It’s perfect for families looking to have a restful and accommodating place to call home during their trip. We stayed there and absolutely loved it

559 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Greystone Lodge By The River

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge
A water slide, pool, beautiful rooms, on-site restaurant, arcade, and amazing staff make this spot an incredible place to stay. Relaxation and fun are perfectly balanced here. Read our review of Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge to plan your own trip.

149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN

 

Pool at Camp Margaritaville

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Stay in a Cabin Suite that has four bunk beds and a king bed in Pigeon Forge’s only indoor waterpark. They have tons of activities for the whole family, dining options, an arcade, and much more. Read our review for all the info.

204 Sharon Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 

Country Cascades indoor waterpark
View of the waterpark from the waterslide tower

Compass by Margaritaville
With two waterparks – an indoor and outdoor one – plus free breakfast and two-bedroom family suites, the Compass by Margaritaville should be high on your list of places to stay in Pigeon Forge. The staff is so kind, the fitness center is state-of-the-art, the the rooms are so, so spacious and comfortable. Read our full review of this amazing hotel.

125 Music Mountain Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN

Outdoor waterpark at Compass by Margaritaville
Part of the outdoor waterpark

Camp LeConte
Kicking up the glamping a notch further is Camp LeConte, which offers a treehouse, safari tents, and a retro camper. You can even catch the trolley into Gatlinburg from the campground. Depending on the time of year, the two-person safari tent starts at around $136/night. Read our KA review of Camp LeConte and learn why we love it so much.

1739 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN

Luxury camping tent at Camp LeConte near Gatlinburg, Tennessee


Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

The Westgate Smokies is a beautiful resort overlooking Gatlinburg that has lots of different room types to choose from, a huge indoor water park, spa, zip line, mini-golf, two outdoor heated pools, and a fabulous restaurant. Read our review KA review of the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort to learn more.

915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN

View of Gatlinburg from the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort

Go Lodge

Be blown away by the 17-room game mansion in Gatlinburg! It has more than 300 indoor and outdoor games and sleeps up to 20 people. This is perfect for a multi-family or big friends vacation and is about 15 minutes from the main strip in Gatlinburg.

Go Lodge near Gatlinburg, Tennessee with epic kitchen

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort
Stay in a covered wagon or tipi at this resort in Sevierville, TN for the ultimate pioneer adventure. The resort is close to Soaky Mountain and minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies. Read our review of the Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort to get a good idea of why it’s so cool!

660 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Smoky Hollow Wagon camping near Sevierville, Tennessee

Foothills RV Park & Cabins
If you are not into tent camping but are still looking for a cheaper option than a hotel, Foothills has bare-bones cabins to rent where you bring your own linens/sleeping bags and pillows. This is a good option if you’re really trying to stay within a budget but want someplace clean and comfortable.

The location is right on the cusp of Pigeon Forge and maybe ten minutes from Gatlinburg. Camping cabins are rented from April through October and start at $58/night.

4235 Huskey St, Pigeon Forge, TN

Inn on the River
The Inn on the River has pretty awesome amenities like both indoor and outdoor pools, free breakfast, free popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, a free gift bag for kids, and really nice staff. Plus, they are located right on the main strip in Pigeon Forge and within walking distance to several restaurants and attractions. Read our KA review of the Inn on the River to help you decide where to lodge.

2492 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pool at Inn on the River
Inn on the River

Wilderness at the Smokies
This family-friendly hotel has three waterparks on-site, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. You won’t even need to leave the resort for entertainment and dining once you get there! Rooms are spacious and some suites offer bunk beds for kids. And it’s directly across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Learn why we love Wilderness at the Smokies for families in our KA review!

1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN

Indoor waterpark at Wilderness at the Smokies

Where to eat in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

If you’re not headed to a lunch or dinner show, there are plenty of options to enjoy a good meal. Gatlinburg is known as the Pancake Capital of the World so be sure to hit up a good pancake house while you’re there. 

Pancake Pantry
Gatlinburg’s first pancake house, which opened in 1960, is hugely popular. Get there when they open and bring cash since they don’t take credit cards. 

628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Log Cabin Pancake House
Opening in 1976, the Log Cabin Pancake House serves up breakfast all day long and also has delicious pancakes (of course). 

327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

Apple Barn & Cider Mill
The fried apple pies and apple cider donuts are what people usually come to the Apple Barn for. It’s worth it. Both are delicious and well-worth the calories. 

230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN

The Old Mill Restaurant
This is the place that people who have been to Pigeon Forge will recommend. They have generous portions and authentic, local Southern cuisine. Country fried steak, cornbread, and chowder are staples of a great meal here. They served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN

Cliff Tops Bar & Grill at Anakeesta
If you are spending a day up on the mountain at Anakeesta, the Cliff Tops Grill & Bar is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. The Brisket Philly Cheesesteak is especially tasty and the kids meal of mac & cheese is also quite delicious. 

576 Parkway Suite A, Gatlinburg, TN

Cliff Top Bar and Grill at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cliff Top Bar & Grill at Anakeesta

Big Daddy’s Pizza
With a handful of locations in both towns, Big Daddy’s is a decent option for families who want something simple, easy, and pleasing to everyone. 

Various locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN

Southern Comfort
The flagstone restaurant at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Southern Comfort serves up Lowcountry cuisine with a Cajun twist. It’s delicious and you’ll want to keep coming back for more. The hospitality is just as sweet as the s’mores dessert.

915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN


Places to travel in the United States

Looking for more travel ideas? Check out our Travel Guide, with ideas for travel throughout the Southeast and beyond!


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