Top 5 Kid Friendly Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to take a getaway with the whole family! The cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are absolutely loaded with fun attractions that children (and parents) are sure to love. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we have put together a guide to the top five kid friendly things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Voted the best aquarium in America by the readers of USA Today, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a can’t-miss destination for any vacation in Gatlinburg. This popular aquarium is ideal for kids because it boasts numerous interactive exhibits. For instance, at the Penguin Playhouse, your little ones can climb through transparent tunnels that allow guests to get up close and personal with the aquarium’s friendly African penguins. Other highlights of the aquarium include glass bottom boat tours of Shark Lagoon and Touch A Ray Bay, where kids can pet a real live stingray.
2. Have Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry
If your kids are anything like the ones we know, they probably love pancakes! For the very best hotcakes in town, head over to the Pancake Pantry. This legendary restaurant has been serving mouthwatering flapjacks since 1960. Your children will love the Pantry’s M&M pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, bear-shaped pancakes with powdered sugar, or another one of the creative dishes offered on the Kids Menu.
3. Explore MagiQuest
MagiQuest is a giant medieval castle on the Parkway that is home to four of the best kid friendly things to do in the Smoky Mountains. The signature attraction at the castle is MagiQuest, a fantasy role-playing adventure where kids use magic wands to cast spells, unlock treasure chests, and fight dragons. Other activities available at MagiQuest include the world’s longest mirror maze, a blacklight mini golf course, and a heist-themed laser challenge. Each of these activities can be enjoyed separately, or you can bundle them together for one low price.
4. See the Birds at Parrot Mountain
Animal lovers will have a blast at Parrot Mountain and Gardens! This unique attraction is home to hundreds of gorgeous tropical birds who love to interact with kids. As your family strolls around the majestically landscaped garden, you will have the chance to feed lorikeets, chat with macaws, and pose for pictures with a plethora of feathered friends. Guests can even play with baby birds in the nursery!
5. Spend the Day at Dollywood
Dollywood truly has something for the entire family. The world-famous theme park is home to a variety of thrilling rides that accommodate guests of every height and age. Tiny tots can enjoy the park’s wonderful kiddie rides, while older kids will find a great collection of junior coasters and family adventures. Even children who don’t like rides will have a wonderful time watching Dollywood’s fantastic shows. Little kids will definitely want to stop by the Little Engine Playhouse, which produces 20-minute musical adaptations of famous children’s books (with original music composed by Dolly Parton herself)!
When you stay with Smoky Mountain Chalet Rentals, you will be near all of the amazing kid friendly things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Our cabins come with your choice of incredible amenities, including Jacuzzi tubs, mountain views, flat screen TVs, pool tables, and even more excellent features. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains!