There’s no shortage of family fun in the Smokies — from hands-on museums and splash parks to mountaintop playlands and dinner shows, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are packed with activities that entertain kids of every age. Below are 15 well-researched, kid‑friendly experiences (no hikes — you’ll find those on the separate hikes page). Dollywood is #1 for a reason: variety of rides, shows, and dedicated kids’ areas make it a full‑day (or multi‑day) destination for families.

  1. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge) — Full theme park with Wildwood Grove & Country Fair for little ones, family rides, shows, and seasonal events; Dollywood’s Splash Country water park in summer.
  2. Anakeesta (Gatlinburg) — Mountaintop village with Chondola/ridge rides, TreeVenture play area, Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, night lights (Astra Lumina) and two mountain coasters (Hellbender & Rail Runner).
  3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg) — Large touch pools, shark tunnel, penguin encounters and aquarium shows that captivate kids.
  4. The Island in Pigeon Forge — Rides (Ferris wheel), fountains, arcades, ropes/obstacle attractions, shops and family dining in one pedestrian complex.
  5. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster / Rocky Top Mountain Coaster (Pigeon Forge area) — Rider‑controlled mountain coasters/alpine coasters for family thrills (many allow tandem rides with small children).
  6. Ober Gatlinburg (Aerial Tram & Amusements) — Scenic tram ride, SkyLift Park/SkyBridge, alpine slide, wildlife encounters, and seasonal activities (ice rink in winter).
  7. WonderWorks (Pigeon Forge) — Upside‑down interactive science center with hands‑on exhibits, ropes course and kid‑friendly exhibits.
  8. Titanic Museum Attraction (Pigeon Forge) — Immersive, well‑done museum experience with kid‑focused exhibits and family‑friendly storytelling.
  9. Soaky Mountain Waterpark (Sevierville) — Large family water park with slides, lazy rivers and kid play areas (seasonal).
  10. The Island’s Arcade City & FunStop Family Action Park (Pigeon Forge) — Large arcades and indoor play centers with games, redeemable prizes and small rides.
  11. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort activities / Dolly Parton’s Stampede (Pigeon Forge) — Family dinner show (Stampede) and resort programs/children’s offerings at DreamMore.
  12. Mini‑golf & Crave Golf Club (Pigeon Forge) — Themed indoor/outdoor mini‑golf, candy shop, and rooftop courses ideal for families.
  13. Rowdy Bear Downhill Adventures (Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge) — Adventure park with mountain coasters, zip lines and kid‑friendly ride options.
  14. Arcade Alley / TopJump Trampoline Park (Pigeon Forge) — Large trampoline courts, arcade Alley and indoor attractions great for burning energy on rainy days.
  15. Family shows & dinner theaters (Comedy Barn, Country Tonite, Lumberjack Feud) — High‑energy, family‑friendly evening entertainment with music, comedy and stunts.