Attractions March 2026 3 min read

Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children

Kids can be a lot of fun while you're on vacation, but it can also be a lot of work for mom and dad. Keeping kids satisfied and happy while you're out and about in the Smoky Mountains can be easy if y

Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children

Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children

Kids can be a lot of fun while you're on vacation, but it can also be a lot of work for mom and dad. Keeping kids satisfied and happy while you're out and about in the Smoky Mountains can be easy if you just follow these 5 tips:

Even though the scenery is new, kids love having new toys to play with and new books to read. Pack a few new things for your trip and take them out when you need your little one to be patient. These new toys can also help keep him or her busy while you're cooking dinner or enjoying time in one of the beautiful cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge.

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2. Pack Extra Clothes

All kids make messes, and that's okay! Just make sure you are prepared for sudden spills or messy moments by packing a few extra outfits. It helps to keep extra clothes with you while you travel to and from each of the Pigeon Forge attractions.

3. Make Sure You Have Snacks in Your Bag

So many parents forget to pack snacks in their bags. The easiest way to make sure your little one is happy is to be sure to have a snack or two in your purse or backpack.

4. Try to Stick to the Normal Routine

As difficult as this may sound, young children need the structure of a scheduled routine. If your little one normally goes to bed at 7 p.m., do your best to make sure their 7 p.m. bedtime doesn't change. Older kids can adjust to a different sleeping pattern, but young children need the scheduled sleep to remain constant, even on vacation. If you would normally eat dinner at 5 p.m., make sure those hours stay similar as well. If you change the schedule too much, you'll wind up with a fussy child.

5. Plan for Extra Time

Twin Peaks Unit 1

One of the great things about vacationing to the Smoky Mountains is that you can relax in the comfort of one of our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge. Don't worry if you're running a little late to get from one attraction to the next. Spend time resting and enjoying the Smokies. If you plan to take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to allow for extra hiking time for the kids. There are many family-friendly hikes in the national park, so be sure to choose hikes that are easy enough for everyone in your group.

To start planning your vacation to Pigeon Forge, you can contact us at (800) 705-6346 to speak with one of our vacation specialists. We look forward to helping you make your family vacation special. Photo Credit: daylmer

Five Oaks Riding Stables is located in Sevierville in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Our trails will take you through scenic forest coves and majestic hilltops that afford views of the mountains.

Saddleback Retreat

The Great Smoky Mountains are full of amazing attractions and this guide outlines only eight of the best ones. Discover more and book a trip today!

Smoky Mountain event calendar showing events for September and October in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area!

Insider Tip: For the best experience at Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children, try visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The Smoky Mountains area gets especially busy during fall foliage season and summer holidays.

Where to Stay

The best way to experience Smoky Mountains and the Smoky Mountains is from the comfort of a private cabin. Our cabin communities offer everything from cozy couples retreats to large family lodges, all with stunning mountain views, hot tubs, and full kitchens. Browse our community guides to find the perfect base for your Smoky Mountains adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoky Mountains offers an incredible variety of activities including world-class attractions, outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, excellent dining, shopping, and family entertainment. Popular activities include hiking, visiting Dollywood, exploring the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, and enjoying scenic mountain drives.

Cabin rentals are the most popular and authentic accommodation choice in the Smoky Mountains. Cabin communities in Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas offer everything from cozy couples retreats to large group lodges with hot tubs, mountain views, and full kitchens. Browse our cabin communities guide for detailed options.

The Smoky Mountains are beautiful year-round. Fall (October-November) brings spectacular foliage, spring (April-May) features wildflower blooms, summer offers the most activities and longest days, and winter provides peaceful solitude with occasional snow. Each season has its own charm and events.

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