Gatlinburg, TN
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deserrai
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There is an aquarium that is pretty nice. If you head over to Pigeon Forge, there is go kart racing. I have to say I've been to Gatlinburg several times for the day, but I don't really remember what all there is to do. I love strolling in and out of the shops so much that is how we spend most of the time.
ngoldy
Earning My Ears
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The aquarium is wonderful, so are many of the restaurants and just walking around the town. Obviously, you are in the Smoky Mountains, which are full of beautiful day hikes. Dollywood is also in Pigeon Forge (right next to Gatlinburg), along with WonderWorks, Dixie Stampede, lots of tourist stuff.
My husband and I are taking our 3 children (ages 9,5 and 4) to Gatlinburg March 23-26th. We already have the cabin book. I'm just looking for some family friendly things to do while we are there. Any recommendations?
One of our favorite places. We have timeshare there. My DD8 was really in to the Titanic so we got a combination pass for the Titanic Museum and Ripley's Aquarium. They were both great. I wish we brought a stroller for my DS3, he was getting very heavy to hold. It took us 2 hours to make it through.
The Apple Barn is a great place to eat. They have a winery if you like that sort of thing. I usually come home with 12 bottles of the Applewood White.
We also love driving through the Smoky Mountain National Park. They have picnic areas where you can grill...bring your own charcoal. Every place we have stopped has been gorgeous and the kids have played in the streams. This year we ended up at the TN/NC border and the Appalachian Trail. That was pretty neat.
We also went to OberGatlinburg. It was really fun. Do a google search to check it out.
There is really so many family friendly things to do. Such a gorgous place! Do a search here too as there have been a few threads about Gatlinburg. Let me know if you have any other questions.
californiadopeyfreak
Earning My Ears
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We went in October and stayed in Pigeon Forge. LOVED Dollywood. DD was 4 1/2 at the time and had a blast at Dollywood. Also, the Wonderworks was alot of fun for her! The Titanic experience is awesome...even DD got into it. We took a day trip to Gatlinburg and rode the ski lift up to the top of the mountain. It was an awesome view!! There are tons of mini golf places that have other activities as well. We did an inside mini-golf that was glow in the dark..it was fun! The Dixie Stampede is kinda pricey...but great food and great show! Look on line there are tons of coupons. Just google Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Message me and I will help you with any questions!!
Jill
Jill
iheartpeterpan
Still A Kid At Heart
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You should search the forums on this, there are quite a few threads on things to do in Gatlinburg.
I like to go into the National Park. There are a lot of short hikes that are good/easy for families. I love the Grotto Falls hike out of Roaring Forks nature trail (the nature trail is nice, it is a one-way loop that you drive and has lots of neat stuff, out of Gatlinburg. Turn at traffic light #8 to get to it). The falls hike is nice, about 3mi round trip and you can walk behind the falls. If you go on Wednesday you can see the llama train that supplies LeConte Lodge.
If you go into the National Park itself, there is Sugarlands visitor center as you come into the park, on your right. There are a lot of short nature walks, some ranger led and some not, that are out of here, plus lots of info on the parks. turn right there and head up to Laurel Falls, a nice paved hike but usually super busy. Hold onto your kids at the top because the trail comes out at the top of the falls. Just beyond Laurel to the left is Elkmont campground and Jake's Creek, there are old cabins and Ogle cemetary up there, a few nice walks along Jakes Creek. Continue on past Elkmont and you will eventually get to Cades Cove which has loads of stuff to do. You can drive or bike the loop, they have hayrides some evenings, a ton of hikes, old cabins, etc.
Instead of turning right at the visitor center, if you continue straight you can go to the Chimney Top campground, it is a nice spot to stop and grill out or have a picnic. If you go at dusk you can usually see black bear here (you will also see them in Cades Cove). Carry on up the mountain and you can stop at Newfound Gap, which is where NC and TN line is, and there's a nice hike up to Clingman's Dome just past that, which is the highest point in the park and gives great views on a clear day.
All of that is free - you've already paid for it with your taxes. It is also my favorite place in the world.
In Gatlinburg proper, the aquarium is worth the admission ticket. I actually like to ride the sky ride up the mountain, it is cheesy and sort of expensive, but you do get nice views. I would stay away from anything with Ripley on it except for the aquarium, tourist trappy. My kids like the Hillbilly Golf at the entrance to Gatlinburg. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is actually surprisingly nice. I'd rather stay up in the parks though.
Have fun!
I like to go into the National Park. There are a lot of short hikes that are good/easy for families. I love the Grotto Falls hike out of Roaring Forks nature trail (the nature trail is nice, it is a one-way loop that you drive and has lots of neat stuff, out of Gatlinburg. Turn at traffic light #8 to get to it). The falls hike is nice, about 3mi round trip and you can walk behind the falls. If you go on Wednesday you can see the llama train that supplies LeConte Lodge.
If you go into the National Park itself, there is Sugarlands visitor center as you come into the park, on your right. There are a lot of short nature walks, some ranger led and some not, that are out of here, plus lots of info on the parks. turn right there and head up to Laurel Falls, a nice paved hike but usually super busy. Hold onto your kids at the top because the trail comes out at the top of the falls. Just beyond Laurel to the left is Elkmont campground and Jake's Creek, there are old cabins and Ogle cemetary up there, a few nice walks along Jakes Creek. Continue on past Elkmont and you will eventually get to Cades Cove which has loads of stuff to do. You can drive or bike the loop, they have hayrides some evenings, a ton of hikes, old cabins, etc.
Instead of turning right at the visitor center, if you continue straight you can go to the Chimney Top campground, it is a nice spot to stop and grill out or have a picnic. If you go at dusk you can usually see black bear here (you will also see them in Cades Cove). Carry on up the mountain and you can stop at Newfound Gap, which is where NC and TN line is, and there's a nice hike up to Clingman's Dome just past that, which is the highest point in the park and gives great views on a clear day.
All of that is free - you've already paid for it with your taxes. It is also my favorite place in the world.
In Gatlinburg proper, the aquarium is worth the admission ticket. I actually like to ride the sky ride up the mountain, it is cheesy and sort of expensive, but you do get nice views. I would stay away from anything with Ripley on it except for the aquarium, tourist trappy. My kids like the Hillbilly Golf at the entrance to Gatlinburg. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is actually surprisingly nice. I'd rather stay up in the parks though.
Have fun!
There are many family adventures waiting for you in the Gatlinburg area. Dollywood opens March 24th. My DD is 8 and we have been to Dollywood, Wonderworks, Titanic, Fort Fun, Ripley's Aquarium, Knoxville Zoo plus various other attractions. I live a short distance away so send me a message if you need any more info.
iluvwdw4ever
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Ripley's Aquarium
Titanic Museum
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
Wonderworks
Putt putt golf
Cade's Cove in the Smokies..we have seen soooooo many bear here!!!!
Some great restaurants...
Applewood Farmhouse
Best Italian
Calhouns
The Old Mill
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
And you MUST try the Pancake Pantry!!!!! The BEST pancakes and crepes ever!!!
Titanic Museum
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
Wonderworks
Putt putt golf
Cade's Cove in the Smokies..we have seen soooooo many bear here!!!!
Some great restaurants...
Applewood Farmhouse
Best Italian
Calhouns
The Old Mill
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
And you MUST try the Pancake Pantry!!!!! The BEST pancakes and crepes ever!!!
2Monkeys
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2007
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- 588
Ditto everyone above. We also went here http://www.smokymountainfun.com/ and bought the 'Do It All' pass. The kids had a blast, especially with the laser maze!
Gatlinburg is very expensive, which we were not necessarily expecting. We spent about $1500 (including gas, cabin, food, boarding the dog, everything!) for 3 nights. That may not sound like a lot to some folks, but for us, that was alot for a few days. We had a lot of fun, and the Smokies are breathtaking (and free!), but I was in a bit of sticker shock.
Gatlinburg is very expensive, which we were not necessarily expecting. We spent about $1500 (including gas, cabin, food, boarding the dog, everything!) for 3 nights. That may not sound like a lot to some folks, but for us, that was alot for a few days. We had a lot of fun, and the Smokies are breathtaking (and free!), but I was in a bit of sticker shock.
You should search the forums on this, there are quite a few threads on things to do in Gatlinburg.
I like to go into the National Park. There are a lot of short hikes that are good/easy for families. I love the Grotto Falls hike out of Roaring Forks nature trail (the nature trail is nice, it is a one-way loop that you drive and has lots of neat stuff, out of Gatlinburg. Turn at traffic light #8 to get to it). The falls hike is nice, about 3mi round trip and you can walk behind the falls. If you go on Wednesday you can see the llama train that supplies LeConte Lodge.
If you go into the National Park itself, there is Sugarlands visitor center as you come into the park, on your right. There are a lot of short nature walks, some ranger led and some not, that are out of here, plus lots of info on the parks. turn right there and head up to Laurel Falls, a nice paved hike but usually super busy. Hold onto your kids at the top because the trail comes out at the top of the falls. Just beyond Laurel to the left is Elkmont campground and Jake's Creek, there are old cabins and Ogle cemetary up there, a few nice walks along Jakes Creek. Continue on past Elkmont and you will eventually get to Cades Cove which has loads of stuff to do. You can drive or bike the loop, they have hayrides some evenings, a ton of hikes, old cabins, etc.
Instead of turning right at the visitor center, if you continue straight you can go to the Chimney Top campground, it is a nice spot to stop and grill out or have a picnic. If you go at dusk you can usually see black bear here (you will also see them in Cades Cove). Carry on up the mountain and you can stop at Newfound Gap, which is where NC and TN line is, and there's a nice hike up to Clingman's Dome just past that, which is the highest point in the park and gives great views on a clear day.
All of that is free - you've already paid for it with your taxes. It is also my favorite place in the world.
In Gatlinburg proper, the aquarium is worth the admission ticket. I actually like to ride the sky ride up the mountain, it is cheesy and sort of expensive, but you do get nice views. I would stay away from anything with Ripley on it except for the aquarium, tourist trappy. My kids like the Hillbilly Golf at the entrance to Gatlinburg. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is actually surprisingly nice. I'd rather stay up in the parks though.
Have fun!
You have a lot of good info on the parks. My boys like to play in the creek and skip rocks. I have a 3 yr old though so we do not want to do any strenuous hikes. Where do you recommend to go for this?
iheartpeterpan
Still A Kid At Heart
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- Jun 25, 2008
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- 356
When my kids were 3 they could handle the 2 waterfall hikes I mentioned (Laurel Falls & Grotto Falls). Laurel Falls is paved as well, so if your youngest still has a stroller you could take that along and it will stroll all the way up. However, if you do not want to do that then there are a lot of ranger led short hikes out of Sugarlands, and stuff your younger kids would love (stuffed wild animals, bears, movies, etc). Also I failed to mention, if you do not want to drive, there is a shuttle bus/trolley thing that runs out of Gatlinburg and into the park, and stops at both the visitor center and at Elkmont.
Both Elkmont campground and the Chimneys picnic area have the river running through them, and there are plenty of spots to go skip rocks and do other generally cool boy stuff. If you bring a couple of tubes, you can go tubing down the river at Elkmont for free (depending on how warm it is when you go, March could go either way) - you can pick those up at Wal-Mart for almost nothing and the river there at the campground has a little deep spot/swimming hole at the bridge. Make sure you bring an old pair of tennis shoes if you plan to do that, the river is rocky and you don't want them bare footed there.
I'd also suggest Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, there is a cool old school house there your boys might be interested in. Definitely go to Cades Cove. You might also, if you have some time to kill, take a drive over to Cherokee, NC. If you do go across the mountain then stop at the Mountain Farm Museum & Minhus Mill - they have a working old mill on Mingus creek and a working blacksmith, which my kids always found cool when they were younger.
They usually also have a lot of "Jr. Ranger" type programs that the rangers do with the kids, when you go to the park stop off at the visitors center and they will have a list of activities for the week you are there. There should be a lot of stuff because that's prime spring break time.
I'm jealous!
You could also stop at the Alum Cave trailhead (just past the Chimneys) and walk just a short way in, there is a nice little river there with easy access that is good for rock skipping. (Just don't go up the trail, that is too strenuous for your little guy unless you want to carry.) All the stuff behind Elkmont, including the newly restored Appalachian Club and all the cool old cabins run along Jakes Creek.
You can also stop at the Sinks, which is probably halfway between Elkmont and Cades cove. Lots of water going there, but don't let the boys get in the water. Wait until you see a sign that says "congested area" and then park at the first parking lot you see.
The roaring fork nature trail has loads of stops by the river that runs through it, and lots of cool old barns/outbuildings and the Ogle place. It is worth doing even if you don't stop to do the trail. That time of year you will see a lot of great wildlife there as it is a virgin hemlock forest. A lot of the land in the park was logged, but this area was not so you can see different growth here.
Both Elkmont campground and the Chimneys picnic area have the river running through them, and there are plenty of spots to go skip rocks and do other generally cool boy stuff. If you bring a couple of tubes, you can go tubing down the river at Elkmont for free (depending on how warm it is when you go, March could go either way) - you can pick those up at Wal-Mart for almost nothing and the river there at the campground has a little deep spot/swimming hole at the bridge. Make sure you bring an old pair of tennis shoes if you plan to do that, the river is rocky and you don't want them bare footed there.
I'd also suggest Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, there is a cool old school house there your boys might be interested in. Definitely go to Cades Cove. You might also, if you have some time to kill, take a drive over to Cherokee, NC. If you do go across the mountain then stop at the Mountain Farm Museum & Minhus Mill - they have a working old mill on Mingus creek and a working blacksmith, which my kids always found cool when they were younger.
They usually also have a lot of "Jr. Ranger" type programs that the rangers do with the kids, when you go to the park stop off at the visitors center and they will have a list of activities for the week you are there. There should be a lot of stuff because that's prime spring break time.
I'm jealous!
You could also stop at the Alum Cave trailhead (just past the Chimneys) and walk just a short way in, there is a nice little river there with easy access that is good for rock skipping. (Just don't go up the trail, that is too strenuous for your little guy unless you want to carry.) All the stuff behind Elkmont, including the newly restored Appalachian Club and all the cool old cabins run along Jakes Creek.
You can also stop at the Sinks, which is probably halfway between Elkmont and Cades cove. Lots of water going there, but don't let the boys get in the water. Wait until you see a sign that says "congested area" and then park at the first parking lot you see.
The roaring fork nature trail has loads of stops by the river that runs through it, and lots of cool old barns/outbuildings and the Ogle place. It is worth doing even if you don't stop to do the trail. That time of year you will see a lot of great wildlife there as it is a virgin hemlock forest. A lot of the land in the park was logged, but this area was not so you can see different growth here.
ceecee
DIS Legend
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- Apr 6, 2001
- Messages
- 10,478
Just drive thru the mountains there are pull offs everywhere. It's a few steps to creeks in many spots. DD and I still enjoy walking the rocks!
Cade's Cove
Dollywood
Aquarium
Ober Gatlinburg
Walk the streets in Gatlinburg (you can play laser tag, putt putt and other assorted fun things and it's not that expensive. We went to a place that sold a ticket good for two days and you could choose 4 or 6 things for one price.
Old Mill (which is closer to Pigeon Forge) to eat for sure!
Hi- I live in TN and we will be in the Smokies at the same time. It is cold that time year for Dollywood- just be aware. We have done the wet rides on spring break, but a change of clothes and towel were a must because it was really cold.
This year we are staying at the Wilderness so most of our time will be at the Water park, but we have bought a few groupons. The Gatlinburg ones are under Knoxville if you decide to look. The current one is for miniature golf and is a pretty good deal.
I agree with the previous posters and love the free stuff at the national park. We try to only pay for one thing a day and usually only eat out every other day. IMO none of the restaurants are all that great. They are just too expensive for what you get and not as good as you would expect.
This year we are staying at the Wilderness so most of our time will be at the Water park, but we have bought a few groupons. The Gatlinburg ones are under Knoxville if you decide to look. The current one is for miniature golf and is a pretty good deal.
I agree with the previous posters and love the free stuff at the national park. We try to only pay for one thing a day and usually only eat out every other day. IMO none of the restaurants are all that great. They are just too expensive for what you get and not as good as you would expect.
AshleeH
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 10, 2011
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I agree what everyone else has said. Our favorites were:
The Aquarium
The Sky Lift
Dollywood
The Car Museum (can't remember the exact name, but had a lot of famous Hollywood cars)
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
And the smaller things like putt-putting, go-carts, and just walking around the town. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are practically the same town now with how much they've both expanded in recent years, so there is a lot to choose from.
The Aquarium
The Sky Lift
Dollywood
The Car Museum (can't remember the exact name, but had a lot of famous Hollywood cars)
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
And the smaller things like putt-putting, go-carts, and just walking around the town. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are practically the same town now with how much they've both expanded in recent years, so there is a lot to choose from.
ceecee
DIS Legend
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- 10,478
We did that! It was much fun and inexpensive!
North of Mouse
DIS Legend
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- 13,235
I agree with iheartpeterpan, it seems to be a novel idea for a lot of people to actually be touching distance to on of the most beautiful national parks and hardly take advantage of what it offers. If your 3yr. old is like ours were, and many others I've seen, he/she will be able to do a lot of the hikes. We always went on them and our kids did/do still love them. You see things there that you won't see in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge (those things are everywhere that's touristy). iheartpeterpan has mentioned most of them so won't repeat, but we have gone there every year since we were married (a lot of them from So. LA where I'm from). Enjoy
By the way, most of these hikes are not strenuous .
North of Mouse
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Can't resist asking, iheartpeterpan, are you from the Smoky Mtn. general area? We love it as much as you seem to, have camped in Elkmont too many years to say, and have done all the things you mentioned plus some of the longer hikes. We would love to go up to Mt. Le Conte, but having to make reservations so far in advance, it would be our luck it would be socked in with fog, cold as could be, or storming buckets 
That happened to us on the Chimney's trail - all the way to the top (now that's strenuous 
) then the worst thunderstorm of all hit and was with us all the way down - drowned scared rats we were 
. OP, sorry to sort of hijack your thread 
Next to Disney, the GSM's are our passion 
Ressies there in June, ressies at Disney in April
That happened to us on the Chimney's trail - all the way to the top (now that's strenuous ) then the worst thunderstorm of all hit and was with us all the way down - drowned scared rats we were . OP, sorry to sort of hijack your thread Next to Disney, the GSM's are our passion Ressies there in June, ressies at Disney in April I was just in Gatlinburg last month! There is actually a Disney Outlet Storw at Tanger Outlet Mall which is amazing! Definitely stop there! There is the aquarium which is phenomenal. The Skylift is fun aswell as Ober Gatlinburg. You can ice skate, ski, etc.... Theres go karting and such. Many fun attractions down there.
But some of the stores on the main strip are kind of scummy. People sell paraphanelia and weapons which is a big turn off. But if you stay closer to the aquarium and the titanic exhibit youre fine! I stayed at the hotel right next to the aquarium and it was magnificent!
But some of the stores on the main strip are kind of scummy. People sell paraphanelia and weapons which is a big turn off. But if you stay closer to the aquarium and the titanic exhibit youre fine! I stayed at the hotel right next to the aquarium and it was magnificent!
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