Tennessee is one of those states that surprises you—in the best way. Our vacation in Tennessee surpassed my expectations and may just be one of the best trips our family has taken. From scenic mountain drives and roller coasters to aquariums and train rides, it offers an unforgettable mix ofnature, adventure, and family fun.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through five must-visit family destinations across the state—Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Chattanooga, Nashville, and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Get ready for waterfalls, roller coasters, music shows, and memory-making adventures.
📍 Gatlinburg, TN
Gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town perfect for nature-loving families and first-time adventurers.
Top Things to Do:
- 🚠 Anakeesta – Ride the scenic gondola, explore the treetop skywalk, and let kids loose in the adventure zone.
- 🐠 Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Voted one of the best aquariums in the U.S. for families.
- 🌉 Gatlinburg Skylift Park – Ride up to panoramic mountain views and walk across the SkyBridge.
- 🏞️ Easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hiking and wildlife watching.
Where to Stay:
- Cozy mountain-view cabins with fireplaces & hot tubs. We stayed at a cabin way up in the mountains and although the view was spectacular, the ride up was a bit heart-stopping. It was quite a thrill in itself.
- Downtown family-friendly hotels near shops and attractions.
Travel Info:
- ✈️ Closest airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville (about 1 hr drive)
- 🚗 From Pigeon Forge: ~15 minutes
- 🚗 From Chattanooga: ~2 hours
- 🚗 From Nashville: ~3.5–4 hours
📍 Pigeon Forge, TN
Just down the road from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is packed with family-friendly entertainment, from theme parks to interactive museums and dinner shows.
Don’t Miss:
- 🎢 Dollywood – Coasters, water rides, and shows for all ages in a wholesome, country-themed park.
- 💦 Dollywood’s Splash Country – Great waterpark option in warmer months.
- 🎡 The Island in Pigeon Forge – Free entry area with restaurants, shops, and the Smoky Mountain Wheel. You have to ride SkyFly: Soar America-it’s a must!
- 🎭 Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud or Pirates Voyage – Comedy, stunts, and food rolled into one fun night.
- 🧠 WonderWorks – A science-meets-fun museum with ropes courses and laser tag.
Where to Stay:
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort – Extra perks like shuttle rides and early park entry.
- Margaritaville Resort.
- Cabin resorts for bigger families or multi-generational travel. Check Vrbo rentals.
- Click Here to explore more!
Travel Info:
- 🚗 15 minutes from Gatlinburg
- ✈️ Fly into Knoxville (TYS), then drive ~1 hour
- 🚗 About 2 hours from Chattanooga
- 🚗 About 3.5–4 hours from Nashville
📍 Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains are ideal for families wanting time in nature—with options for all ability levels. We loved driving through and playing the “whoever spots the black bear first, wins” game! Sadly, on our trip, we did not see any bears but we did see Deer.
Top Family-Friendly Spots:
- 🌲 Clingmans Dome – Short hike to the highest point in the Smokies (great views!).
- 🚗 Cades Cove – A scenic loop for biking or driving with wildlife sightings galore.
- 💦 Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, or Elkmont Nature Trail – Easy, beautiful hikes perfect for kids.
- 📖 Junior Ranger Program – Free educational fun for kids of all ages.
Where to Stay:
- Choose nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for easy park access.
- Rustic campgrounds available inside the park for adventurous families.
Travel Info:
- Entrances near Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Cherokee, NC
- Cell service is limited—download maps in advance
📍 Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga is a riverfront city known for its blend of outdoor activities, hands-on museums, and historic charm.
Top Activities:
- 🐟 Tennessee Aquarium – Two connected buildings featuring freshwater and saltwater exhibits.
- 🚂 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum – Ride vintage trains through scenic areas.
- ⛰️ Lookout Mountain Attractions:
- Rock City Gardens – Fairy tale trails, gnomes, and panoramic views
- Ruby Falls – A dramatic underground waterfall tour
- Incline Railway – One of the steepest passenger railways in the world
- 🌉 Coolidge Park & Walnut Street Bridge – Walk, play, and relax by the water.
Where to Stay:
- Downtown Chattanooga hotels near the aquarium and riverwalk.
- Nearby vacation rentals and B&Bs for a cozy feel.
Travel Info:
- ✈️ Closest airport: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
- 🚗 About 2 hours to Pigeon Forge
- 🚗 ~2.5 hours to Gatlinburg
- 🚗 ~2 hours to Nashville
📍 Nashville, TN
Nashville is more than honky tonks—it’s full of music history, family museums, and big city fun that kids and adults will love.
Best Family Attractions:
- 🎤 Grand Ole Opry – Take a backstage tour or enjoy a kid-friendly show.
- 🎶 Country Music Hall of Fame – Exhibits even young kids can enjoy.
- 🏞️ Centennial Park – Home to the Parthenon replica and wide-open green space.
- 🧪 Adventure Science Center – Planetarium and interactive exhibits.
- 🎨 Frist Art Museum – Offers hands-on family art programs.
Where to Stay:
- Downtown hotels near Broadway and museums for walkable convenience.
- Suburban vacation rentals for quieter stays and family space.
Travel Info:
- ✈️ Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- 🚗 ~2 hours to Chattanooga
- 🚗 ~3.5–4 hours to Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg
- 🚗 ~3.5 hours to Pigeon Forge
Final Thoughts: Tennessee Is Made for Family Memories
From misty mountains to music legends, Tennessee offers an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventures, theme park thrills, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re hiking through national parks, exploring underground waterfalls, or singing along at the Opry, it’s a state that brings families closer together—one stop at a time.
