The Smoky Mountains is a top destination for family vacation! From attractions to entertainment, there are so many things you can enjoy together as a family while you are here. When you stay at Appleview River Resort, you will be just a short drive away from all the excitement that the area has to offer! To help you plan the best vacation, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains for families:
1. Dollywood
Not only is Dollywood a world-class theme park, but it is one of the best places to visit with your family! There is something for everyone at Dollywood, from kids to adults. Whether you want to take a relaxing ride through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains on the Dollywood Express, or try a more thrilling ride on the FireChaser Express, you will have an amazing time! Rides aren’t the only way to have fun at Dollywood, though. There is show-stopping entertainment, delicious treats and shops where you can find the perfect souvenir! We recommend trying a slice of Dollywood’s famous 25-pound apple pie — one slice is big enough to feed the whole family!
2. The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a great place to go for affordable family fun. With more than 60 retail and specialty shops, a number of popular restaurants and eateries, rides and games, live music and more, everyone will have a great time! When you visit with your family, be sure to take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The wheel has all-glass gondolas that can seat up to 8 guests and offers spectacular views of the Smokies from as high as 200 feet in the air! You can also sit back and admire the Island Show Fountains, which offer a magical performance of water dance and light, perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music. There are plenty of kid-friendly rides to try as well, and an arcade filled with fun games and amazing prizes!
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Your family vacation wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty of the mountains with your family by your side. We recommend going for a family hike and taking in all the gorgeous views! One of the best family-friendly hikes is Porters Creek Trail, along which you can see historic sites, beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer, and a waterfall. If you brought your dog along with you on vacation, hike the Gatlinburg Trail, one of only two pet-friendly trails in the national park! After your hike, enjoy a family picnic together in one of the many picnic sites in the park.
Where to Stay
When you visit the Smoky Mountains with your family, there is no better place to stay than at Appleview River Resort. We have affordable condos near Pigeon Forge that provide you with all the comforts of home! You will even have access to our amazing resort amenities, such as our resort saltwater pool, our kiddie pool, our playground and more. For a small family, you should check out our 2 bedroom condos. For a larger family, see our 3 bedroom condos!
Now that you know all the amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains with your family, it’s time to start planning your trip! Browse all of our condos near Pigeon Forge and find the best one for your family vacation.
