OT- Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge with Toddler

[VeroBeachGirl]

We're thinking of taking a short road trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forger, TN at the end of August. Our daughter will be 19 months then. Any advice on where to stay, what do do, and where to eat. I've been there before, but its been years so a fresh perspective would be great.
Thanks!

 

[jen22984]

One really fun thing for the kids is Ripleys Aquarium. We took our oldest daughter there when she was 13 months. It was the end of Feb. when we went though and very snowy so we didnt do much.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

We have been to Pigeon Forge twice in the last year. We have stayed at both the Inn at Christmas Place and Music Road Inn. The Inn is gorgeous, but pricier. However, you can get some decent rates and 10% off from AAA. The Music Road Inn is also nice, just one step down from the other. I also recommend the aquarium; it is awesome and well worth the money. Finally, Dollywood is also fabulous. It is very "Disney-esque." And if you go in after 3 pm you get in the entire next day as well for the ticket price.
Have fun!

 

[Skyw]

There is a lot to do there with youngins. I agree with the aquarium and Dollywood. Bring up the site and you will see how many rides a small child can ride. It is pretty cool. It also did remind me of Disney.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

Finally, Dollywood is also fabulous. It is very "Disney-esque."

LOL! You hit the nail on the head with this one! We really want to go to Disney, but the August heat and crowds with me 8 months preggers and waddling after a 19 month old is not happening! We thought a slow day at Dollywood might give us our theme park fix until we can hit the real deal as a family of 4!

 

[MissNurse]

We had a family reunion in Gatlinburg when my daughter was around 1 1/2, and the Ripley's Aquarium was an absolute hit! I think there may be a Dixie Stampede there, too. I've been to the one in Branson, MO, and it's really great. Kids really get into all of the lights and trick riding. Have fun!

 

[2Tiggers]

I think Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is a good choice for any family. We went when our kids were 3 and 4 years old. We stayed at the Music Road Hotel (not the Inn) We really injoyed it there. The rooms are very nice. We had one that faced the water out back. That was nice, we sat on the balcony after the kids went to bed and relaxed. They serve continental breakfast with hot selections as well. They have an outdoor pool with lazy river and slide as well as an indoor pool. I would definitely go back there. The biggest hit for us was Dixie stampede. We really enjoyed black bear jamboree dinner show (the cheese soup was yummo). The aquarium was fun for the kids as well. When we went pigeon forge had boyd's bears store a 3 story store, where the kids built a bear. That was fun. But check to see if they even have that because I think I heard they closed. But if it is still open that was neat to go do.

I hope this helps!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[mommalissa]

My sister-in-law took her kids when her youngest was around 16 months. They didn't want to spend the money on Dollywood so instead they took the kids to the kiddie ride area by the Track (I think that is what it was called) If you went early enough in the day they gave you a discount.

I agree that the Aquarium is good for kids.

Boyds Bear is closed. I'm not sure what is there now.

The Flying Horse is a restaurant that has good food, I think they are reasonably priced for a resort area. They also have a carousel inside that your daughter could ride for $1.

 

[jdkk424]

There is a tram that you can ride to ober. In the summer there are rides up there for small children and a ski lift to the top. Also you can see black bears. We took our child when she was 18 months. We live in West TN so we usually go up there either once a year or every other year. As mentioned the aquarium is awesome and you can ride a ski lift in downtown Gatlinburg, also there are rides at the track. The wonderworks is good for older children but not much for younger children. Us adults enjoyed it though.

 

[gymboqueenkaylee]

The Track...on the corner of Winnfield Dunn Pkwy and Walden Creek Rd is a cool place for kids, even 19 mos old. My niece was about that age last year when we went and she could ride a lot of the rides on the kiddie side. They are 1 ticket each which costs about 2.99 per ticket. There are coupons at all welcome centers that have buy 2 get 1 tickets. Also Ripley's Old Mc Donald Mini Golf area also has games, it's at the Tanger outlets, is fun even for little kids. Dollywood is great and has lots of rides for that age. Ripley's Aquarium is awesome. I love that place every time we go we have to go there.