There’s just something magical about a Gatlinburg family vacation. Tucked at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, this charming Tennessee town is one of those places where you can hike to a waterfall in the morning, play mini golf on a mountain in the afternoon, and watch taffy being pulled downtown before dinner. It’s a spot our family keeps coming back to, year after year. Because there’s always more to explore, more to taste, and more memories to make.
In this guide, I’ll share our favorite family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg—from scenic streamside picnics and waterfall hikes to llama treks and candy shops. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re planning a return trip, this post will help you craft the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway. And if you’re wondering how to spend your time, don’t miss the sample printable 5-day itinerary at the end.
Planning Your Visit to the Smokies
Before you dive into the fun, here are a few helpful tips to know when visiting Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Check out our free printable road trip packing list.
- Parking Pass Required: A national park-specific parking tag is required for visits longer than 15 minutes. Daily, weekly, and annual options are available here.
- Dogs in the Park: Dogs are only allowed on two trails in the Smokies. The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail—plus in campgrounds and picnic areas.
- Bear Safety: Stay alert and store food properly. Use bear-proof trash cans and never leave food unattended—even in a car. Keep your cars locked, bears can open them. And please don’t feed the bears at your vacation rental! We had a mom, and three cubs sneak up on us while trying to enjoy morning coffee watching the sunrise. They were clearly used to humans giving out scraps.
- Weather by Season: Spring is cool and floral. Summer brings heat and afternoon storms. Fall is crisp and colorful. Winter can bring snow and closed roads—check updates here.
🚗 Road Trip Tips for Your Journey
Planning a trip to Gatlinburg is half the fun—and a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re driving from a nearby state or coming in from across the country, don’t miss these essential road trip resources from the blog:
- 🧳 What to Pack for a Family Road Trip
From must-have gear to kid-approved comforts, plus a free printable packing list to keep you organized. - 📅 Things You Should Book Ahead
Avoid road trip stress by knowing what to reserve in advance—lodging, tours, tickets, and more. - 🎲 Classic Road Trip Games for Kids
Keep backseat boredom at bay with fun, screen-free games the whole family will enjoy. - 🍎 Budget-Friendly Snacks and Easy Meal Ideas
Smart (and tasty!) ways to feed your crew on the go without constantly stopping or overspending. - 🛠️ My 25 Best Road Trip Tips & Hacks
From avoiding crowds to capturing memories, these practical tips will help make your road trip smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
Our Favorite Smoky Mountain Activities
🧺 Picnicking in the Smokies
One of the best parts of a Gatlinburg family vacation is how easy it is to slow down. We love spending a full day at a picnic area with a stream, a hammock, and plenty of snacks. No matter how hot the summer gets, there’s always a shady spot with your name on it:
- Chimneys Picnic Area – Arrive early and claim a table near the cascading creek. We make breakfast on a camp stove, hang a hammock nearby, and soak in the mountain air.
- Cades Cove Picnic Area – Ideal for pairing with a morning or late afternoon scenic drive. The shallow streams and gentle terrain are perfect for younger kids to explore.
- Metcalf Bottoms – Our reliable fallback if others are full. Bonus: a short, easy trail here leads to an old schoolhouse.
🥾 Family-Friendly Hikes
Short hikes like Cataract Falls or the Gatlinburg Trail are ideal for younger kids. Moreover, a great way to kick off your Gatlinburg family vacation with some fresh air and low-stress adventure. Whether you’re looking for a quick nature walk or something a little more adventurous, there are great options for every age and energy level.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Gatlinburg & The Smokies?
- Cataract Falls Trail (0.75 mi) – A short, shady trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center—perfect for day one.
- Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 mi one way) – Find parking early near the entrance. Grab sandwiches for a picnic at Old Dad’s General Store, and hike along the river to the visitor center. Stop at Cataract Falls, picnic, then return.
- Grotto Falls (2.6 mi) – Skip the Laurel Falls crowds and walk behind a waterfall instead.
- Spruce Flats Falls (1.8 mi) – Lesser-known, moderate hike to a gorgeous cascade. Careful, the last bit of the trail is steep and with wet leaves, slippery.
- Alum Cave Trail (4.6 mi round trip to Alum Cave Bluffs) – A step up in difficulty but with views that reward every step.
🏞️ Scenic Drives
Sometimes the best views are from the passenger seat.
- Cades Cove Loop Road – An 11-mile drive through meadows, old cabins, and regular wildlife sightings.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – One-way loop with pull-offs for short hikes and waterfall views.
🛶 Other Family Adventures
Whether it’s tubing in Townsend or riding the gondola at Anakeesta, there’s no shortage of ways to add excitement to your Gatlinburg family vacation.
- Tubing in Townsend – Cool off with River Rat Tubing.
- Llama Treks – Book a guided llama hike at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks.
- Anakeesta – Ride the gondola, walk the treetop bridge, and explore the fairy gardens.
- Hillbilly Golf – Play minigolf…on the side of a mountain.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Always a hit, especially on rainy days. Check out Ripley’s other attractions as well – they have a combo pass.
- Dollywood – A full day of coasters, shows, and old-fashioned Southern fun.
- Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen – Watch taffy being pulled right in front of you.
- Arts & Crafts Community – Take a scenic drive and explore handmade Appalachian crafts. Some artists hold classes where you can make take home art pieces.
🍴 Where to Eat in and around Gatlinburg?
Some meals are just better in the mountains.
- Breakfast: Pancake Pantry or Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
- Lunch: The Old Mill (plus the shops!), Clifftop at Anakeesta, Wild Plum Tea Room, No Way Jose’s or Applewood Farmhouse
- Dinner: The Peddler, Cherokee Grill, or Smoky Mountain Brewery
- Dinner Shows: Hatfield & McCoy or Dolly’s Stampede—goofy, over-the-top, and always a kid favorite
- Sweet Treats: The Applebarn (get the ice cream), Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, The Donut Friar, or a slice of fudge from Kilwin’s
🚙 5-Day Gatlinburg Itinerary for the Ultimate Family Vacation
If you’ve got five days to explore Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. This flexible itinerary blends nature, fun, and classic family-friendly attractions to help you make the most of your time—without feeling rushed. It’s packed with our favorite trails, scenic drives, places to eat, and can’t-miss experiences that will leave the whole crew smiling (and probably asking when you can come back).
Day 1: Welcome to the Smokies
Morning: Gatlinburg Trail hike + stop at Cataract Falls
Midday: Picnic lunch near the Visitor Center
Afternoon: Ride the Anakeesta Gondola + explore fairy gardens
Evening: Dinner downtown or takeout and relax
Day 2: Picnic + Play
Morning: Set up early at Chimneys Picnic Area – cook breakfast, stream play,
hammock time
Midday: Grill lunch at your picnic site
Afternoon: Head back to town for mini golf at Hillbilly Golf
Evening: Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse
Day 3: Water Play & Comfort Food
Morning: River tubing Easy morning or optional visit to Aquarium of the Smokies
Lunch: Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville
Afternoon: Souvenir shopping, candy shops, or fudge run
Evening: Dinner in at your cabin, enjoy the hot tub and play some games.
Day 4: Scenic Drive & Arts
Early Breakfast: Pancake Pantry or Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Morning: Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Optional Hike: Grotto Falls (moderate 2.6 mi round trip)
Afternoon: Explore the Arts & Crafts Community Loop
Evening: Catch a dinner show (Hatfield & McCoy or Dolly Parton’s Stampede)
Day 5: Dollywood Day!
Full day of rides, shows, and Southern charm
Treat yourself to cinnamon bread and lemonade slushies
Optional: Evening stroll through downtown Gatlinburg if energy allows!
📝
Want to take this itinerary on the road with you? Grab our free printable version – perfect for planning, highlighting, and sharing with the whole family.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Gatlinburg Family Vacation
Gatlinburg hits that sweet spot between outdoor adventure and small-town charm. It’s the kind of place where your kids will climb rocks all day and fall asleep early, dreaming of mountain streams and roller coasters. Whether you’ve got three days or five, this town packs in enough memories to last for years.
Let me know in the comments what your must do items are for Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
