Discover the Smoky Mountains, where families can enjoy everything from gorgeous mountain views to exciting activities. From hiking scenic trails to exploring lively nearby towns, there's something here for all ages. This guide covers everything you need to know about where to stay, play, hike, and eat, plus a 4-day itinerary to get the most of your family adventure in the Smoky Mountains.
Where to stay:
Roamstead - A Modern Campground Resort
Roamstead offers a cozy, family-friendly base close to the Smoky Mountains’ best spots. With year-round options from cabins and yurts to RV and tent sites, this campground resort has a great balance of rustic charm and modern comforts, making it perfect for families (and dogs!). We absolutely loved our stay here, the fire pits and yard games were a hit, and the on site pizzas and drinks were delicious. Plus they have an on site trail that was gorgeous in the fall!
Bonus Tip: Ask about their pet-friendly options to bring your furry friends along!
Where to play:
Cades Cove – Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Loop
Drive or bike the scenic 11-mile loop through Cades Cove to spot black bears, elk, deer, and turkeys in their natural habitat. We saw 13 bears there one year! Historical sites and cabins along the way offer a glimpse into the area’s past.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see wildlife.
Great Smoky Mountains SkyPark – Scenic Bridge & Adventure
Walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in all of North America. Walk to SkyTrail and check out the 70 ft. Tulip Tower. We even saw wild bears up close (but from a safe area!) while we were there.
Tip: sunset is the best time for photos there.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Marine Life Exploration
Discover fascinating marine exhibits with hands-on learning experiences perfect for kids. Don’t miss the shark tunnel and touch tank.
Tip: Check their schedule for live feeding times and educational talks.
The Island at Pigeon Forge – Entertainment & Shopping Hub
Home to SkyFly: Soar America, voted "Best New Attraction" by USA Today, a flying simulation ride. A fun destination with family-friendly restaurants, shops, and rides, including a Ferris wheel and fountain show. Try one of their free cider or whiskey tastings.
Tip: Plan a visit in the evening to see the colorful fountain lights and music show.
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster – Thrilling Alpine Ride
This coaster lets you control your speed as you race down the mountain, perfect for thrill-seeking families.
Tip: Go at dusk for a unique view of the mountains lit up at night.
Ripley’s Mirror Maze – Fun for All Ages
An immersive mirror maze with lights and twists around every corner.
Tip: Bring your best dance moves for the dance floor halfway!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium – Fascinating Curiosities
Explore strange artifacts, unusual art, and mind-bending exhibits in this unique museum. A hit for curious kids and parents alike!
Tip: Don’t miss the optical illusions and interactive displays—great for family photos!
Best Hikes:
Laurel Falls Trail - Waterfall views, ideal for all ages.
Difficulty:Â Easy
Distance:Â 2.3 miles
Dog Policy:Â Not dog-friendly
Alum Cave Trail - Forest canopy and cave formations. Great for sunrise!
Difficulty:Â Moderate
Distance:Â 4.4 miles
Dog Policy:Â Not dog-friendly
Chimney Tops Trail - Scenic overlooks and rock scramble.
Difficulty:Â Challenging
Distance:Â 3.3 miles
Dog Policy:Â Not dog-friendly
Where to eat:
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que - Smoky Mountain BBQ favorites with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families.
Typical Hours:Â 11 am - 9 pm
Tip:Â Try the pulled pork platter, and don't miss the homemade BBQ sauces!
Applewood Farmhouse - Known for homestyle meals and their famous apple fritters.
Typical Hours:Â 8 am - 9 pm
Tip: Enjoy a warm apple fritter while waiting for your meal—it’s a local favorite!
Smoky Mountain Brewery - Family-friendly atmosphere with pizza, burgers, and craft beers.
Typical Hours:Â 11 am - 10 pm
Tip:Â Their garlic knots are a must-try and pair perfectly with pizza!
Homeschooling/Learning Resources:
1. Smoky Mountains Ecosystems and Wildlife - Explore local habitats, native plants, and animals unique to the Smoky Mountains. Kids can study black bears, salamanders, and wildflowers and discover conservation efforts.
Online Resources:Â National Park Service Smoky Mountains Page, Friends of the Smokies
Field Trip Ideas:Â Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove Loop
Suggested Books:Â
Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Gary D. Robson (ages 6+)
The Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball by Lisa Horstman (ages 4-10)
The Wild Muir by John Muir (ages 12+)
2. Mountain Geology - Discover the geological history of the Smoky Mountains and learn how these ancient mountains were formed.
Online Resources:Â Geology.com, Great Smoky Mountains Association
Field Trip Ideas:Â Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap Road
Suggested Books:Â
"Mountains"Â by Seymour Simon (ages 6+)
Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas by Kevin G. Stewart (ages 10+)
Roadside Geology of Tennessee by Fred W. Ziegler (ages 12+)
3. Cherokee Culture and History - Discover the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people who have called the Smoky Mountains home for centuries.
Online Resources:Â Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Website
Field Trip Ideas:Â Oconaluftee Indian Village, Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Suggested Books:Â
Cherokee History for Kids by Cynthia P. Smith (ages 8+)
Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears by Cornelia Cornelissen (ages 9+)
The Cherokee by Raymond Bial (ages 10+)
Our 4 Day Itinerary:
Day 1
Morning: Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, with highlights like the shark tunnel and touch tank.
Midday:Â Check in at your cabin in Roamstead.
Afternoon: Head to the Great Smoky Mountains SkyPark. Walk the SkyBridge and capture the panoramic views. The sunsets here are amazing!
Evening: Have dinner at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que to unwind with Southern BBQ classics.
Day 2
Morning: Hike the Laurel Falls Trail to enjoy a scenic and accessible waterfall.
Lunch: Stop by Applewood Farmhouse for a hearty meal with their signature apple fritters.
Afternoon: Experience the thrill of Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Evening: Visit The Island at Pigeon Forge for entertainment, shopping, and the evening fountain show. Be sure to check out their newest award winning ride, SkyFly: Soar America. We loved dinner at Mellow Mushroom.
Day 3
Early Morning: Drive through Cades Cove for a chance to see deer, turkeys, and perhaps a black bear or two. Enjoy historical sites and beautiful valley views along the loop.
Morning: Tackle the Alum Cave Trail for a more challenging hike with stunning canopy views and interesting rock formations.
Lunch:Â Grab lunch at Smoky Mountain BreweryÂ
Afternoon: Check out Ripley’s Mirror Maze and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Kids will love the wacky exhibits and optical illusions.
Evening: Grab a few pizzas and drinks at Roamstead
Day 4
Morning:Â Take a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road, stopping at overlooks for family photos and breathtaking views.
Lunch:Â Pack a picnic and enjoy it at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, which has nearby trails for a relaxed exploration.
Afternoon: Wrap up your trip with a cultural visit to Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about Cherokee history and daily life in a reconstructed 18th-century village.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
For more family-friendly road trips and our favorite destinations for adventurous families check out our adventures at We Chose Adventures. Join us as we explore more family-friendly trails, scenic drives, and outdoor getaways in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! Check out some of our videos of our trip here:
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