There is so much for families here that the only real challenge is fitting it all in. Whether your crew is into animals, water, rides, mini-golf, or just running off energy, the Smokies have you covered — and a lot of it is weatherproof for a rainy afternoon. Here's where we'd start.

Animals & nature

• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg) — the shark tunnel, stingray touch tank, and penguins; a sure thing with kids.
• Cades Cove — pile in the car (or bikes on a vehicle-free Wednesday) and count the deer and bears. See The National Park.
• Easy waterfall hikes — Grotto Falls (walk behind it) and Cataract Falls are kid-sized adventures; see Hiking trails.
• Goats on the Roof (Wears Valley Rd) — feed the rooftop goats and ride the coaster, close to the cabin.

Rides, thrills & fun

• Dollywood — coasters for every age (and Splash Country in summer). More here.
• Mountain coasters — several around Pigeon Forge and Wears Valley; you control the speed, so they work for big and little kids.
• Anakeesta (Gatlinburg) — chondola up to treetop bridges, a dueling zipline, and gem mining.
• The Island (Pigeon Forge) — the Ferris wheel, dancing fountains, arcade, and ropes course.
• Go-karts, mini-golf & arcades — they line the Parkway in Pigeon Forge; you won't have to look hard.

Rainy-day backups

• WonderWorks (the upside-down building), the aquarium, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, an indoor trampoline park, or a movie — plus the cabin's own games, puzzles, and pool table downstairs.

Tell us your kids' ages and we'll happily tailor a few ideas — we've got opinions.