Whether you’re treating your family to a getaway or traveling with a group of friends, there’s no question that the Smoky Mountains are the ideal vacation spot for you! From hiking all the beautiful trails to exploring unique attractions, there are hundreds of exciting activities to choose from. To help you plan an itinerary, here are some fun things to do in the Smokies with your family and friends:
1. Experience a Pigeon Forge Show
Pigeon Forge is home to family-friendly attractions like Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and The Island, but a show is one of the must-do experiences for any vacation! Some of our favorite family-friendly shows include:
- The Comedy Barn
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
2. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Gatlinburg is also full of fun attractions, one of the most popular being Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where you can learn all about life under the sea! The kids will love getting up close and personal with penguins, sting rays, and other fascinating creatures. Be sure to stick around for one of the Coral Reef Dive Shows, where you can watch feeding times and learn fun facts!
3. Browse the Great Smoky Mountain Arts & Crafts Loop
If you want to visit the quieter side of Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop that boasts the largest group of independent crafters and artisans in all of North America! In these shops and galleries, you’ll find all sorts of handmade items, including soaps, jewelry, paintings, pottery, baskets, quilts, and fine photography!
Learn more about things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that you should add to your Smoky Mountain bucket list!
4. Hike in the National Park
Looking for fun things to do in the Smokies and want a one-of-a-kind experience? Take a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking is ideal for families and groups because of the abundance of trail options; you can take it easy on a short trail and take time to observe all the beautiful sights, or you can get your blood pumping on a fast-paced trail leading straight up the mountain!
- Best Short Hikes: Gatlinburg Trail, Cataract Falls, Elkmont Nature Trail
- Best Hikes for Mountain Views: Andrews Bald, Kuwohi, Gregory Bald, Alum Cave Trail
- Best Hikes for Historic Sites: Schoolhouse Gap, Middle Prong, Twin Creeks Trail
5. Explore Cades Cove
If you want to experience the beautiful Smoky Mountain views without all the walking, you will love the 11-mile loop road at Cades Cove. You might see black bears and other wildlife along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, as well as the chance to walk around historic homesteads, beautiful churches, and other unique buildings.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and the best chance to see wildlife!
Fun at Your Cabin in the Smokies
If you’re wondering what to do in the Smokies that won’t cost extra, don’t forget about the amenities and entertainment options already at your cabin! From game rooms and home theaters to swimming pools and hot tubs, we bet you’ll want to stay forever!
To help you get the most out of your Smoky Mountain vacation, we always have a variety of cabin deals that will stretch your budget even further!
Now that you know all about the fun things to do in the Smokies with your friends and family, check out all of our cabin rentals in the Smokies and get ready for an awesome getaway!
