Planning a family getaway can feel overwhelming, so we created this guide to lighten the load of researching and preparing for a vacation that everyone will enjoy. Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures, sweet treats, or hands-on activities, this 3-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of every moment in and around the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From easy scenic stops to memory-making experiences, consider this your stress-free map for a fun, family-approved Smoky Mountain vacation.
Day 1: Friday – Sevierville Day
Breakfast: Buffalo Breakfast Company
Serving delicious brunch dishes with a Southern twist, Buffalo Breakfast Company is the perfect way to start the day. From waffles to omelettes, this restaurant located in Downtown Sevierville will fuel the family up for a day of adventuring in the Smoky Mountains.
Morning: FoxFire Adventure Park
Zip line, hike, and climb at FoxFire Adventure Park! This exhilarating outdoor park is rated #1 in the Smoky Mountains for its scenic views, daring activities, and expansive trails. Your family will love soaring through the mountains and experiencing the great outdoors.
Lunch: Quaker Steak and Lube
Race to Quaker Steak and Lube for burgers, steaks, and wings for lunch! Located along the Parkway, this motor-themed restaurant is perfect for the automobile enthusiast in your family. With an arcade area, this spot is perfect for families with young kids to grab a bite to eat.
Afternoon: MyFlight Tours
A scenic helicopter tour is an unforgettable experience in the Smoky Mountains that your family will love! MyFlight Tours offers six different flight paths across the Smoky Mountains and the Parkway, so that you can get a bird’s-eye view of the mountain range. Each helicopter can seat up to three passengers and allows you to talk to each other via headset, so you can share this adventure with your kids.
Dinner: Applewood Farmhouse Grill
Applewood Farmhouse Grill serves classic Southern food that makes you feel like you’re at Grandma’s house. This delicious spot is located at the Apple Barn Village along with several other shops, sweet treats, and wineries. You have to try their fritters!
Evening: Red’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlor
Take a trip down memory lane at Red’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlor in Downtown Sevierville. This 1950’s-themed shop serves hand-mixed soda pops, ice cream sodas, sundaes, floats, banana splits, and more delicious sweet treats. End your day adventuring with a trip to this hidden gem.
Day 2: Saturday – Gatlinburg Day
Breakfast: Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
A cozy, cabin-style breakfast from Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin is the best way to start the day when you’re in Gatlinburg. This family-friendly restaurant along the Parkway offers fluffy pancakes, hearty skillets, and shareable appetizers for everyone to enjoy.
Morning: Go on a hike to Grotto Falls
If you’re looking for an easy hike for the family in the Smoky Mountains, Grotto Falls is a great option. This 2.6-mile round-trip hike features a 25-foot waterfall and a cool mountain cove that will make the journey worthwhile.
Lunch: Blue Moose Burgers
After working up an appetite in the mountains, stop by Blue Moose Burgers & Wings along the Parkway for lunch. This casual burger and wing spot serves mouth-watering food that will give you the fuel you need for exploring Gatlinburg.
Afternoon: Gatlinburg SkyPark
The #1 lookout spot in the Smoky Mountains is at Gatlinburg SkyPark. With one of the longest cable bridges in North America, this attraction gives you panoramic views of the mountain range that you won’t find anywhere else. The kids will love the scenic ride on the chairlift up and down the mountain to complete today’s adventures.
Dinner: The Best Italian on the Parkway
The name says it all! The Best Italian on the Parkway specializes in classic Italian food – pizzas, pastas, garlic knots, calzones, and more. With a laid-back environment, this restaurant allows you to wind down after the end of a busy day and enjoy comfort food for dinner.
Day 3: Sunday – Pigeon Forge
Breakfast: Smoky Mountain Pancake House
Who doesn’t love pancakes? Smoky Mountain Pancake House is known for its pancakes, but they also serve waffles, French toast, omelettes, biscuits, and more. Located along the Parkway, this family breakfast spot is a must-visit location in Pigeon Forge.
Morning: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
A fun way to experience the Smoky Mountains is by riding a mountain coaster! Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the longest coaster in East Tennessee, with the ride being over 9 minutes long. With twists, turns, and tunnels, kids from 3 years old and up will love this attraction.
Lunch: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
You can’t visit the Smoky Mountains without stopping for BBQ! Corky’s Ribs & BBQ serves Memphis-style BBQ and hickory-smoked ribs that will be the highlight of your trip. From shareable appetizers to hearty entrees, the whole family will love this restaurant along the Parkway.
Afternoon: The Island – Escape Room, Great Big Game Show, Ferris wheel
The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of Tennessee’s top attractions with live music, dining, shopping, amusement park rides, games, and more. There are plenty of family-fun activities on the Island, but we specifically recommend the Great Big Game Show, The Escape Game, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Dinner: Country Roads Axe Co.
As a family-friendly eatery, this axe-throwing attraction and restaurant is a popular option in Pigeon Forge. Country Roads Axe Co. serves West by God Coalfired Pizza along with traditional American favorites. While you enjoy your meal, you can throw axes in one of their several lanes, and they even offer a kids’ lane if you request it.
After three days of making memories in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll see why families return to this destination year after year. From exploring natural beauty in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to eating and shopping in Pigeon Forge, this Smoky Mountain itinerary for families with kids will make the vacation planning easy for you and your family. Save this guide and get ready for a getaway that your family will be talking about for years to come.
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