The Great Smoky Mountains are more than just a scenic getaway for hikers and nature lovers. They are also packed with exciting attractions and hands-on experiences designed just for kids. While exploring the national park is a must, there is an entire world of adventure waiting beyond the trails. Whether your kids love animals, interactive exhibits, or thrilling rides, the Smoky Mountains offer unforgettable experiences that will keep them entertained throughout your stay.
Here are some of the best activities for kids in the Smokies, from action-packed adventures to educational fun.
Outdoor Adventures for Young Explorers
Anakeesta - A Mountain Adventure Park
Anakeesta is a mountaintop playground where kids can experience treetop adventures, gem mining, and scenic gondola rides. The Treetop Skywalk, one of the longest in North America, allows kids to walk through the canopy on a series of suspension bridges. The Treehouse Adventure Play Area offers climbing structures, rope bridges, and slides, making it perfect for younger visitors.
Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is a year-round adventure spot for families. During the winter, kids can try snow tubing and ice skating, while in the summer, they can ride the Alpine Slide, take the scenic chairlift, or meet wildlife at the small zoo featuring bears, river otters, and owls. The Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober provides stunning mountain views and an exciting ride to the top.
Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
For thrill-seeking kids, Rowdy Bear Mountain offers two exciting rides. The Mountain Coaster lets kids control their speed as they race down a twisting track through the trees. The Tubing Hill provides year-round fun with an artificial surface that allows tubing in every season.
Animal Encounters and Interactive Experiences
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
Located in Sevierville, this zoo introduces kids to more than 600 animals from rainforests around the world. Kids can get up close with lemurs, kinkajous, toucans, and even a two-toed sloth. The interactive exhibits allow children to learn about exotic species while having a hands-on experience.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is a must-visit for families. Kids can crawl through underwater tunnels in the Penguin Playhouse, touch stingrays at Touch-a-Ray Bay, and even sign up for a Penguin Encounter. The highlight for many children is the moving sidewalk through the Shark Lagoon, where sharks and sea turtles glide overhead.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
For kids who love birds, Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge is a one-of-a-kind experience. This four-acre park features hundreds of tropical birds, many of which kids can feed and interact with. There is even a baby bird nursery where visitors can hold and pet young parrots.
Hands-On Fun and Educational Activities
WonderWorks - The Upside-Down Museum
This interactive science museum in Pigeon Forge blends education and fun with over 100 hands-on exhibits. Kids can experience hurricane-force winds, lie on a bed of nails, create giant bubbles, and even feel what it’s like to land a space shuttle. The indoor ropes course and laser tag add to the excitement.
Titanic Museum Attraction
This massive replica of the Titanic offers an immersive experience for kids who love history. Each visitor receives a boarding pass with the name of a real Titanic passenger and can explore recreated rooms from the famous ship. Kids will enjoy touching a real iceberg, walking the Grand Staircase, and feeling the icy temperature of the Atlantic water.
Toy Box Mini Golf
A unique, toy-themed mini-golf course in Pigeon Forge, Toy Box Mini Golf features oversized toys, interactive elements, and a fun, colorful environment that kids will love. After finishing a round, families can check out the on-site toy store for classic and modern toys.
Action-Packed Attractions for Thrill-Seeking Kids
Dollywood
Dollywood is the ultimate family-friendly amusement park with rides, live entertainment, and classic Southern charm. Kids can enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and themed play areas. The Country Fair section has smaller rides perfect for younger children, while Wildwood Grove offers an enchanted forest with magical attractions. During the summer, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park provides slides, a lazy river, and interactive water playgrounds.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island is an entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and plenty of activities for kids. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel provides a bird’s-eye view of the area, while the Island Ropes Course and bumper cars offer fun for all ages. The dancing fountains and arcade make it a great place for an evening visit.
Go-Karts, Ziplines, and More
For high-energy kids, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a wide selection of go-kart tracks, zipline courses, and indoor trampoline parks. Adventure Park Zip Lines and Legacy Mountain Zip Lines provide kid-friendly courses with stunning mountain views.
The Perfect Place to Stay for Kid-Friendly Fun
While there is no shortage of exciting activities in the Smoky Mountains, the key to a stress-free vacation is choosing the right place to stay. Angel’s Window in Gatlinburg and Vistas to Behold in Pigeon Forge are family-friendly cabins located just minutes from the best attractions.
Both cabins offer:
- A convenient location close to kid-friendly activities
- Spacious interiors perfect for families
- Beautiful mountain views without difficult roads to navigate
- Easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation
Book your stay today and give your kids an unforgettable adventure in the Smokies.