Family Activities in the Smoky Mountains
From exploring nature and seeing wildlife to enjoying attractions, scenic areas, and family-friendly entertainment, there are plenty of ways to fill your vacation without everyone having to enjoy the same type of activity.
Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures or easy sightseeing, use this guide to find family activities in the Smoky Mountains that fit your trip.
Best Family Activities in the Smoky Mountains
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spend a day exploring the country's most visited national park. Families can enjoy scenic overlooks, picnic areas, historic buildings, nature walks, wildlife viewing, and easy trails. The park offers many ways to experience the mountains without committing to a long or difficult hike.
Visit Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular family destinations in the Smokies. The 11-mile loop takes you through a scenic valley surrounded by mountains, with historic structures, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and places to stop along the way. Families can make Cades Cove a relaxed half-day outing rather than trying to see everything in a hurry.
Take a Scenic Drive
A scenic drive is a good choice when family members have different activity levels. Routes through the Smokies provide mountain views, forest scenery, historic sites, and opportunities to stop at overlooks or picnic areas. Bring snacks, plan a few stops, and make the drive part of the experience.
Look for Wildlife
Wildlife watching can turn an ordinary drive or walk into an exciting family activity. Families may encounter deer, wild turkeys, birds, elk in appropriate areas, and occasionally black bears. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach or feed animals.
Visit a Waterfall
Waterfalls are a popular reason families explore the Smokies. Some require longer hikes, while others can be reached with shorter walks or viewed along roads and scenic areas. Choose a waterfall experience based on your family's ages, fitness levels, and available time.
Enjoy a Picnic
Pack lunch and enjoy a meal surrounded by mountain scenery. A picnic gives families a chance to slow down between activities and can be an easy addition to a day in the national park.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers families another way to experience the mountain landscape. Guided rides are available through authorized stables, with options depending on age, season, and availability.
Explore Local Attractions
The Smoky Mountain area also has attractions designed specifically for families, including interactive experiences, animal encounters, rides, museums, mini-golf, and family entertainment. This can be especially useful when you want to balance outdoor activities with something more structured.
Family Activities by Age
With Young Children
Families traveling with young children may prefer short walks, scenic drives, picnic areas, easy sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and attractions with plenty of breaks.
With Older Kids
Older children may enjoy waterfall hikes, biking, horseback riding, outdoor attractions, and activities that give them more independence and excitement.
With Teenagers
Teenagers often enjoy active experiences such as hiking, rafting, ziplining, mountain attractions, scenic overlooks, and exploring the area's entertainment options.
Tips for Planning a Family Day
A successful family day in the Smokies does not have to include a long list of activities. Choose one or two main experiences and leave room for stops, meals, and unexpected discoveries.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Check weather conditions before heading out.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Plan activities around your children's ages and abilities.
- Allow extra time for traffic and parking.
- Have a backup activity for changing weather.
- Keep wildlife at a safe distance.
- Download maps before entering areas with limited cell service.
Family-Friendly Smoky Mountain Areas
Families can build their itinerary around several popular destinations:
Gatlinburg
Attractions, dining, entertainment, and easy access to the national park.
Pigeon Forge
Family attractions, shows, rides, shopping, and entertainment.
Townsend
A quieter gateway to the western side of the Smokies with access to nature and outdoor activities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking, wildlife, waterfalls, scenic drives, historic sites, and picnicking.
Plan Your Family Adventure
From a simple picnic and scenic drive to a full day of outdoor activities, the Smoky Mountains make it easy to create a family vacation that works for different ages and interests. Explore our guides to find more things to do in the Smokies and build an itinerary that works for your family.