Our family trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this November was filled with incredible experiences and family-friendly attractions that kept everyone entertained.
Gatlinburg is a true hidden gem and I am so glad we got to explore as much as we could. I keep saying that it reminds me of a combination of Nashville and Las Vegas, but for kids (and parents too).
If you’re considering a getaway to the Smokies, here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do with kids in these fun-filled mountain towns!
Holiday Celebrations in Gatlinburg
All of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge was completely decked out in Christmas lights and decoration from early November. The lights were magnificent as we passed through at night and immediately put us into the Christmas spirit.
Gatlinburg also featured snowmen all over town which our kids loved taking photos at each one. Pigeon Forge even had light up figures for the 12 days of Christmas all along the highway.
We stayed 4 nights and had 3 full days there, but I wish we had at least one more day to check off more of the bucket list. Here was our itinerary and some of my favorite activities:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trip to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. November is a lovely time for short family hikes on trails like Laurel Falls (an easy 2.3-mile round trip with a waterfall) or Cataract Falls, a short and gentle hike perfect for young kids.
We did both of these hikes in the morning and the kids did great! Cataract falls was simple – you park and walk a few hundred feet and then you’re at the falls. You can continue walking up a path from there, but there’s no real ending destination. You just walk up and back when you start to get tired.
That extra hike had some steep drop offs since you’re at the edge of a mountain so it made me a bit nervous with young kids. In addition, as you’re walking the short distance to the falls, there are some very shallow creeks with rocks that the kids loved playing in.
Tip: Bring water shoes for this so the kids don’t get their shoes wet!
Laurel falls was much more complex and scary (if you’re afraid of heights like me). Although it’s not a treacherous hike (it’s a flat path), you are walking along side a mountain with a steep drop off in several different areas.
I had to keep yelling at my kids to stay closer to the mountain because my anxiety was kicking in. However, there were plenty of young kids on this hike and my 3 year old even did great!
The temperature was only in the mid 70s that day, but in full sun, we got so hot! Definitely remember to pack lots of water and cool clothes.
You also may want to bring a bathing suit and water shoes because when we finally made it to the falls, my kids wanted to play in the water to cool off. The water was freezing, but they didn’t mind!
Anakeesta
Hands down, one of my favorite must-dos in Gatlinburg. We could have easily spent the entire day there taking in the mind-blowing views and letting the kids play for hours.
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park that combines stunning views, outdoor activities, and a touch of mountain magic. Perched high above Gatlinburg, Anakeesta offers a unique perspective of the Smoky Mountains, with panoramic views, winding trails, and plenty of spots for family fun.
Getting to Anakeesta is an adventure in itself. We took the Ridge Rambler up to the top of the mountain which was an open-air safari van that went up the winding roads to get to the top. The other option is the Chondola, but we did that on the way down.
Once you reach the top, you are welcomed by charming village-style architecture, cozy fire pits, shops, and gorgeous views.
Black bear village is an area where adults can grab a beverage, families can sit and relax, and enjoy entertainment and music at times. It was my favorite spot at Anakeesta because of the views and what they had to offer.
One of our favorite experiences was the Treetop Skywalk, a series of suspended bridges that let us walk high above the forest floor. The kids loved spotting birds and wildlife in the trees, and it was a great way to take in the forest up close.
For a more thrilling view, we ventured to AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, which rewarded us with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks—perfect for family photos!
Anakeesta has plenty of options for outdoor fun, too, and the playgrounds are certainly not just for kids because they’re big enough for adults! We all had a blast at the Treehouse Village Adventure playground, and wandering through Vista Gardens, a beautiful landscaped area with whimsical sculptures and stunning flowers.
There are not 1, not 2, but 3 playgrounds at Anakeesta! Another one is the TreeVenture Challenge Course. Climb, swing, crawl and slide your way through three levels of play in these interactive treehouses. Six netted bridges and three treehouses offer a different challenge that will delight children of all ages.
Lastly for playgrounds, Birdventure offers larger-than-life bird houses, a dozen interactive adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides with light features that will wind more than 50 feet down the mountain! This unique series of slide paths marks another first of its kind in the United States. We loved the trampoline net that the whole family can bounce around in.
If you’re looking for a bit of excitement, try the Dueling Zipline Adventure where you’ll race through the trees with views of the mountains all around us. My kids weren’t tall enough for this though so it’s meant for older kids or adults.
We wrapped up the day with a delicious meal at Cliff Top Grill & Bar, where we enjoyed classic Southern comfort food on the outdoor deck overlooking the mountains. There’s something magical about relaxing with great food and a view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
There are two mountain coasters that we all enjoyed as well. Even little ones can go on with a parent so this was really fun for my 3 year old.
On the way down we took the scenic Chondola down the mountain, which gave us breathtaking views of the Smokies as we lowered above the trees.
From the scenic rides to the outdoor adventures and charming atmosphere, Anakeesta is a perfect spot for families looking to explore the natural beauty of the Smokies in an unforgettable setting. If you’re in Gatlinburg, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience!
Jason Aldean’s Restaurant and Ole Red
I’m from New Jersey, but a country girl at heart, so I loved that Gatlinburg had a few restaurants where I could hear live music and dance with the kids. We had dinner up on the 3rd floor bar area at Jason Aldean’s where we could listen to live music, order from a limited bar menu, and dance the night away.
Another night we went to Ole Red which was a similar vibe, but different layout. Both were awesome if you love live music.
Exploring Downtown Gatlinburg
We took a leisurely stroll through Gatlinburg’s charming downtown on Parkway. From candy shops to ice cream parlors and unique craft stores, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Of course, you’ll spend a small fortune buying all the tickets to all the attractions and shows, but on the bright side, your kids will never be bored!
There were so many charming shops, plenty of kid’s activities and arcades, and a ton of places to eat. November is also when Gatlinburg gets decked out with holiday lights and dozens of snowmen, adding to the festive feel.
The Village area is such a quaint little section right off of Parkway with the famous Donut Friar shop, Pancake Pantry, and a few other small boutiques and cafes.
Impossibilities Show
During our time in Gatlinburg, we went to the Impossibilities show, an amazing mix of magic and mind-reading that left us stunned! The mentalist’s performance was incredibly interactive, and he somehow managed to read our minds and even guess personal details that we hadn’t shared.
At one point, he asked us to think of a random word, and within seconds, he revealed it perfectly! The kids were on the edge of their seats, and we were completely mesmerized by his ability to anticipate our thoughts and reactions.
It was a mind-bending experience that added a touch of magic to our trip, making it a memorable night for the whole family.
Pigeon Forge
While I think that staying in Gatlinburg was the right choice for us, I did love visiting Pigeon Forge. There were SO many activities for kids to do that we couldn’t even possibly do them all.
Pigeon Forge truly has something for everyone. Between the thrills, the delicious food, and the warm atmosphere, it was the perfect November family getaway in the heart of the Smokies.
The Island
One of our favorite spots was The Island, a vibrant entertainment complex full of shops, attractions, and that iconic Ferris wheel, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. It’s free to get in, but you’ll definitely spend money for all the attractions.
The kids loved watching the dancing fountain show, and we all enjoyed wandering through the shops with everything from unique souvenirs to sweet treats. The lights really made everything come alive at night, especially during the holiday season!
There were plenty of rides for the kids to enjoy and you pay individually for each ride. One perk is that if a child is too small to ride alone, you don’t have to pay for the accompanying adult!
Taking a ride on the Wheel gave us an incredible view of the Smoky Mountains, especially with the fall colors adding a golden backdrop.
There were even more complex rides like SkyFly: Soar America, a state-of-the-art virtual reality ride system that gives you the feeling of flight, as well as moonshine and wine distributers that offer free samplings.
Margaritaville
When hunger kicked in, we headed to Margaritaville, where the relaxed, beach-themed atmosphere and fun music instantly lifted our spirits. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, from classic burgers to tropical-inspired entrees, and each bite was a hit!
The laid-back vibe and friendly service made it feel like an oasis in the mountains.
Pirate Show
The highlight of our trip was the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. From the moment we stepped inside, the pirate-themed decor set the mood, and the kids were in awe of the huge pirate ships and the impressive theater setup.
The show itself was action-packed, featuring acrobatics, diving stunts, live animals, and catchy music. Watching pirates “battle” right in front of us while enjoying a delicious meal made it an experience to remember!
There was actual water surrounding the stage, seals and dogs came out, fire throwing, and the acrobatics of the actors was phenomenal.
They even had games for the kids to play in the center hall waiting area before the show started. I thought this was a great addition. The meal was great including fried chicken, ham, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, soup, and dessert. My kids are picky eaters and they even ate very well here!
Dollywood
If we had more time, we would have visited Dollywood, which, in November, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland for their Smoky Mountain Christmas event. The park is decked out in millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music that fills the air.
You can ride the classic coasters, explore Wildwood Grove with its amazing tree display, and enjoy special holiday shows that put you right into the Christmas spirit. As the evening sets in, stroll through the illuminated displays, and become mesmerized by the synchronized lights and music along Glacier Ridge.
WonderWorks
Another stop that we didn’t have time for, but was on my to-do list was WonderWorks, the “upside-down” interactive museum. From the moment you walk in, everything is designed to amaze, challenge, and inspire curiosity.
With hands-on exhibits that teach kids about physics, space, and even the power of nature. The ropes course and 4D simulator add some thrill to the educational fun. It’s the perfect blend of entertainment and learning, and we spent hours exploring every exhibit.
Between the mountains, the lights, and endless kid-friendly attractions, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were the perfect destinations for a November family adventure. There’s something for everyone, and whether you’re seeking outdoor exploration, holiday magic, or interactive fun, the Smoky Mountains deliver an amazing experience for families of all ages. We can’t wait to go back and make even more memories!
