Things to Do with Your Kids in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

1. Resorts.
2. Motels.
3. Cabins.
4. Campsites.
5. Timeshares.
6. Vacation rentals. 

The first thing you need to consider when planning a trip to the mountains is where you are going to stay.  This is mainly a question of personal preference.  If you like to be pampered, go for a resort-style property.  This is probably the most expensive option, though.  Most people I know prefer to get a cabin if they are going to stay for several days.  This allows for more than one family to stay together as a group, lodge-style.   If you're more adventurous, there are a plethora of KOA campsites available to get you closer to nature than ever.  But be ready to rough it.  This is truly a rural area of the United States.  If you're willing to go on a 2-hour sales tour of some new timeshare properties, you can score tickets to the shows and discounts off your lodging at nearby motels.  There is no lack of your traditional motel/hotel type places...from dated to brand spanking new.  Most are clean and vary in amenities.  Indoor/outdoor pools abound.  It's all about what you are willing to spend.  Many are pet-friendly, but some are not.  Just remember to ask first before booking.

For our most recent trip, my son and I stayed at the River Chase Motel. http://www.riverchasemotel.net/  The property has been there several years, but has been updated.  The rooms were affordable, clean, and the staff very helpful.  My son loved the indoor pool/water slide, which saved us a ton of money.  As long as he was swimming, we weren't out spending money at the other tourist attractions, of which there are tons.  You will not lack for entertainment here.  This motel is located at redlight #8.  Within walking distance there are plenty of dining choices such as Denny's, McDonald's, or Pizza Hut.  You might have to drive a mile or so down the strip if you want a fancy place like Tony Roma's.  They also have dinner shows at some of the theatres.

Are you surprised at the variety of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains?  This area is so diverse.  Everyone can find something to love.  The populated towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Townsend all have fun things to do.  We stayed in Townsend the first night because it was the closest to the entrance to the National Park and Cades Cove, which has fabulous scenery, photo opportunities, and wildlife viewing.  If you love to see the leaves in autumn, this is the place to go.  Pastoral vistas, bubbling creeks and waterfalls, historic cabins and churches--unbeatable bang for the buck.  Entrance to the park is free with donation boxes along the route to help support the park.

1.Clingman's Dome

2.Ober Gatlinburg

3.Dollywood--A major amusement park built by Dolly Parton in her hometown, Pigeon Forge, with thrilling rides, fun shows, and fabulous music.  Wear your walking shoes, though.  It's a huge park!  In the summer, prepare to get wet on the rides.   Dolly has outdone herself!

4.Shows--The Comedy Barn, The Black Bear Jamboree, The Lumberjack Feud, The Hatfields and McCoys, the Dixie Stampede--and much, much more.  Magic, music, comedy. 

5.Hiking--If you love to hike and get active, this is the place.  Nature's trails, fresh mountain air, and panoramic breathtaking views.

6.Cades Cove

7. Scenic drives

8.Shopping--At least three outlet malls, maybe more.  We didn't have the time to take all of them in.  There are Christmas shops, candy shops, hunting and fishing stores, major brand outlets, specialty boutiques, bookstores.  You name, it's here.

9.Go-Karts--Buy a bracelet and visit 4 properties on one bracelet.  That's what we did.  In all, my son did four tracks of varying sizes and speeds.  We also played mini-golf and did the arcade.  If you like lazer tag, it's there too!

10.Arcades

11.Mini Golf

12.Indoor Skydiving--Sounded interesting.  My son wanted to do this until he found out you must take a half-hour course to learn and then spend 20 minutes getting suited up for a 3-minute flight.  Still, if you're an adventure seeker, this is a unique opportunity.

13.Helicopter Tours

14.Zip Lining

15.Tubing

16.Swimming

17.Antiques.

18.Christus Gardens

19.Apple Orchards.  Get local.  We drove out Dolly Parton Parkway over to Cosby, Tennessee, to a beautiful apple orchard that sells over 100 varieties.  There is a candy shop there as well.

20.Tuckaleechee Caverns