Our Favorite Things to Do
Dollywood Amusement Park
Thrilling rides with award-winning shows and festivals.
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Dollywood has something for everyone, from heart-stopping coasters (perfect for fearless teenagers) to tamer family-friendly rides that smaller kids could enjoy.
You've got to take a ride on the Dollywood Steam Train. This isn't your average choo-choo train! This is a genuine, coal-fired steam engine that takes you on a scenic loop around the park. We loved watching the steam billow from the engine and listening to the rhythmic whistle blow.
Every year we secure season passes, we secure season passes, eagerly anticipating the array of festivals Dollywood hosts - from the vibrant Festival of Nations and the electrifying Summer Celebration with its extended hours and nightly drone show and fireworks, to the autumnal charm of the Pumpkin Festival and the enchanting Smoky Mountain Christmas. Each festival has a unique theme. Each visit leaves us with excitement and a treasure trove of new memories.
Our tips:
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Download the Dollywood App: The app has a park map, wait times for rides, show schedules, and even a handy mobile food ordering option – genius!
Go Early or Stay Late: Dollywood gets crowded, especially during peak season. We arrived right when the park opened and were able to hit a few popular rides before the lines got too long. Staying late is another option, as some rides have shorter wait times in the evening.
Take Advantage of the Shows: Dollywood has a variety of shows throughout the day, from bluegrass music to acrobatic performances. We caught a hilarious Wild West stunt show, and the kids loved it!
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Distance: 35 min or 21 miles
Anakeesta
A Gatlinburg Gem for Your Kids!
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We spent the whole afternoon there, and honestly, we could have easily stayed longer. There's something for everyone, from heart-stopping zip lines (perfect for our thrill-seeking teenager) to a charming carousel ride for little ones.
Our eight-year-old had a blast on the "Tree Swing Canopy Adventure." It's basically a series of suspended walkways and bridges that wind through the trees. She loved feeling like she was exploring a secret world high above the ground. There's even a lookout point where you can spot incredible panoramic views of the Smokies – breathtaking!
One activity that surprised us all was the gem mining facility. It turned out to be a ton of fun! You get a bucket filled with dirt and rocks, and then you get to sift through it all to find hidden gemstones. Kids were like little treasure hunters, and their faces lit up with every sparkly gem they found (even the not-so-precious ones!).
They also have a variety of shops and restaurants on-site, so you can grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping in between adventures. We stopped for some delicious ice cream cones – the perfect way to cool down after a morning of ziplining and exploring.
The chondola, which is like a scenic gondola lift that takes you up the mountain, always has a long line. But guess what? There's also a free shuttle bus that goes up the mountain as well. It's a great way to avoid the long boring wait!
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Distance: 21 min or 13 miles
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Zipline Adventure Right at Our Doorstep
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Hey all you adventure families out there! This one's for you! Guess what's literally just two minutes away from our cozy cabin? The heart-pounding, smile-inducing CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains Zipline Tour! Our family had the most incredible afternoon there, and let me tell you, our kids had a total blast!
Now, I know ziplining can sound a bit scary, but let me ease your mind. CLIMB Works is all about safety first. Their professional guides go through everything with you, from putting on the harnesses to navigating the zip lines. They even had a special "Little Hero" tour for my younger one, with shorter lines and lower platforms – perfect for building confidence. And let me tell you, by the end, she was a ziplining champion!
But the fun doesn't stop there! The views from the zip lines are absolutely incredible.
We're talking soaring through the Smoky Mountain treetops, with breathtaking panoramas that had even our teenager glued to the scenery (and that's saying something!). The zip lines at CLIMB Works are no joke – some are long, some are fast, and all of them are a guaranteed adrenaline rush. He loved the challenge and couldn't wait to conquer each course.
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains Zipline Tour. It's the perfect way to get your heart racing, create lasting memories, and experience the beauty of the Smokies in a whole new way. Just remember to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, and get ready for an epic adventure!
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Distance: 2 min or 0.7 miles
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
The minute you walk in, you will be surrounded by the most beautiful deer – not just your average park variety, but all sorts of unique breeds with stunning markings. Our little daughter was in awe, and even our jaded teen couldn't resist feeding them from a cup (their little snorts are surprisingly endearing!).
But the deer are just the beginning! The petting zoo is a menagerie of cuddly critters, from fluffy bunnies and goofy goats to majestic camels and even a curious pot-bellied pig. The best part? You can actually get up close and personal with most of the animals, which was a real highlight for the kids. They spent ages giggling and petting a super friendly alpaca – apparently, alpaca fur is surprisingly soft!
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Distance: 37 min or 22 miles
Adventure Park Ziplines at 5 Oaks stables
Ziplining & Horseback Riding Fun
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First up, the zip lines! These weren't your average zip lines – we're talking soaring through the trees, feeling the wind whip through our hair, and getting incredible mountain views.
Even our usually cautious little one surprised us all. The park has a fantastic "Little Rangers" course that's perfect for younger adventurers. It's lower to the ground and not as long, which was perfect for her confidence level. And let me tell you, the smile on her face as she zipped through the trees was a picture!
But Adventure Park isn't just about zip lines! Even if you are not a horse enthusiast, you will enjoy exploring the Smokies on horseback. They offer horseback riding adventures with knowledgeable guides and gentle horses, perfect for beginners or experienced riders alike. He said it was a great way to soak up the scenery and enjoy some family time at a slower pace
So, whether you're a zipline daredevil or a horseback riding enthusiast (or maybe a little bit of both!), Adventure Park has something for everyone. The staff is fantastic, super friendly and professional, which put even the little nerves at ease. We left with huge smiles, epic photos, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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Distance: 38 min or 23 miles
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Mountain Splashtastic! Waterpark Fun for the Whole Fam
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Let's talk cool-off time in the Smokies – because after all that hiking and exploring, sometimes you just gotta scream and get soaked, right? That's where Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville comes in, and let me tell you, it's a SMOKIN' good time
Every year we spend a whole day there with the kiddos (6 and 15), and let's just say they didn't wanna leave! There's something for everyone, from heart-pounding slides like the "Avalanche" to relaxing wave pools where we could just bob around and soak up the sun.
Listen up, mamas of little ones: Soaky Mountain is a lifesaver for us! They have a fantastic separate zone called "The Hive" just for small kiddos, with pint-sized slides, fountains, and a giant beehive that dumps water – pure giggles guaranteed! And the best part? Plenty of comfy lounge chairs surround the area, so you can actually relax with a book while keeping an eye on your little explorer. Plus, the food options are way better than your typical greasy park fare – we're talking tacos, anyone?
If you're looking for a guaranteed fun day trip that'll leave everyone with giant smiles and maybe a little sunburnt, then Soaky Mountain Waterpark is your jam! Just don't forget the sunscreen and those swimsuits!
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Distance: 42 min or 25 miles
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
ENJOY THE 8 MILE LOOP ROAD WITH OVER 100 ARTISTS & CRAFTSMEN
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Ditch your hiking boots for a treasure hunt in Gatlinburg's Art District! Imagine this: eight miles of colorful shops filled with cool crafts, all nestled in those gorgeous Smoky Mountains!
The best part? It's not just shopping (although we bought there some awesome handmade pottery). You will get to see artists working their magic – glassblowing fire, woodcarving hammers – super cool! Our little daughter tried her hand at painting a picture.
So if you're looking for a fun activity that's a little different and totally doable with the kids, check out the Art District. It's a hidden gem that won't disappoint!
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Distance: 16 min or 10 miles
Pigeon River Rafting: Upper Pigeon Gorge
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting with stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains, ideal for families with kids 8+
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This adventure offers a perfect mix of excitement, natural beauty, and family-friendly fun, all packed into a few short hours. From thrilling rapids that get your adrenaline pumping to calm spots where you can take in the scenic surroundings, the experience is both exhilarating and relaxing. With safety as a priority, it’s ideal for first-timers and experienced rafters alike. The well-organized setup, stunning views, and the chance to capture memories with professional photos make it a memorable, convenient, and action-filled day. A must-do for families looking for adventure!
We had an absolute blast rafting down the Pigeon River! It was the perfect mix of adventure and family fun, even with our two very different-aged kids. Our 8-year-old was a little nervous at first, but the guides were so patient, making sure she felt safe and excited. The scenery was breathtaking, and we even spotted a few curious wildlife creatures along the way.
The entire experience was super organized. From the moment we arrived, the team made everything seamless. The rafting instructions were clear, and they made sure we knew exactly what to expect on the river. Safety was a top priority, which put my mom nerves at ease.
If you have little ones or first-timers, don’t worry! The rapids were the right balance—just thrilling enough for the teen, but not too overwhelming for the younger ones. Plus, there’s a nice spot at the end of the trip where the water is calmer, and the kids could even splash around.
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Distance: 28 min or 19 miles