Here are Tennessee spring break vacations you can take with your family in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
As the Tennessee snow melts away Spring Break is on the way. If you are looking for a quick getaway or a change to explore around home here are some of our favorite spots for the perfect Tennessee staycation.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer your family the perfect spring break escape with their mild, comfortable temperatures and breathtaking natural beauty.
During spring, the region experiences great weather ranging from 60°F to 75°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and family adventures. The landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, blooming forests, and lush mountain scenery, transforming the area into a picturesque paradise and a tourist favorite.
With less humidity and plenty of sunshine, spring provides an optimal time to visit, allowing your family to enjoy the region’s stunning natural environment without the intense heat and crowds of peak summer season.
1. Dollywood
Why You Should Go: Dollywood is a second home to my kiddos. During spring break, the park comes alive with its annual Flower & Food Festival.
What to Expect: With more than 50 world-class rides and attractions, Dollywood caters to your whole family—from heart-pounding roller coasters like the Lightning Rod for teenagers to gentler areas like Country Fair designed specifically for your younger children. The southern charm of Dollywood is unparalleled.
Of course, the rides are a huge highlight, but don’t miss out on the indoor playground either! It makes the perfect break from line waits.
Parent Tip: The cinnamon bread is not to be skipped! It lives rent free in my mind all the time. YUM!
2. The Island
Why You Should Go: The Island is a dynamic entertainment complex provides something for every family member, featuring the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel with breathtaking views, a mesmerizing show fountain, and numerous interactive attractions.
What to Expect: Your family can enjoy thrilling experiences like the three-story Island Ropes Course, which includes thirty different adventure elements, two zip lines, and a simulated free fall. Beyond the attractions, the venue offers diverse dining options like Margaritaville Restaurant, unique retail shops, and local boutiques that ensure a full day of fun and exploration. With its blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping, The Island provides a perfect spring break destination where your family can create lasting memories while enjoying the mild, comfortable temperatures and scenic beauty of the Pigeon Forge area.
Parent Tip: The Island is a tourist area. There is lots of fun to be had but it gets really busy. Be sure to keep little ones extra close by.
3. WonderWorks
Why You Should Go: WonderWorks will be noticed by your kiddos one way or another! As you pass by you will hear, “What’s that!?” Housed in a distinctive upside-down building, this interactive amusement park features over 100 hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and ignite the imagination of visitors of all ages.
What to Expect: Your family can explore engaging activities like the Hurricane Shack, where they can experience 71 mph winds, or tackle the indoor ropes course that challenges both physical and mental agility. You can plan to spend 2-3 hours at WonderWorks.
Parent Tip: WonderWorks keeps a coupon on their website to help families save.
4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Why You Should Go: Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies is an award-winning aquarium, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, features over 100,000 exotic sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and playful penguins, all showcased in stunning underwater tunnels that provide a unique view of marine life without getting wet.
What to Expect: Your family can enjoy interactive exhibits such as the Discovery Center, where your children can touch jellyfish and stingrays, and the Penguin Playhouse, which allows for close encounters with adorable African black-footed penguins. With daily dive shows and special experiences like the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure over Shark Lagoon, your whole family will have fun while learning about aquatic ecosystems.
Parent Tip: Standard strollers are permitted at Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies, but wagons, wagon strollers, side by side strollers, push cars, and ride-ons are not permitted.
5. Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Why You Should Go: I love a good hidden gem of a family activity! This is one of my personal favorites. Parrot Mountain and Gardens in Pigeon Forge offers a unique blend of natural beauty and interactive experiences.
What to Expect: Spanning four acres, this vibrant attraction is home to hundreds of colorful tropical birds, including toucans and hornbills, set against a backdrop of beautifully landscaped gardens that resemble a living painting. Your family can stroll through picturesque pathways, feed birds by hand, and even interact with baby birds in the nursery, making it an engaging experience for children and adults alike. The serene environment, complete with flowing waterfalls and whimsical garden features, provides an ideal setting for relaxation and family bonding.
Parent Tip: This is my number one photo op recommendation location. Dress your kids to impress because you are going to be snapping some pictures!
6. Anakeesta
Why You Should Go: A tourist favorite, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta features a variety of activities that cater to all ages, such as the breathtaking TreeTop Skywalk, which allows your family to walk among the treetops and enjoy stunning views from high above.
What to Expect: The Treeventure Challenge Course and BearVenture Challenge provide exciting physical challenges for your kids, while the whimsical Treehouse Village encourages imaginative play. Your family can also experience the thrill of the Chondola ride to the top of Anakeesta Mountain, where they can explore beautiful gardens and enjoy seasonal events.
Parent Tip: Anakeesta is up hiiiigh. For some little ones this can be a frightening experience so be sure to talk through heights before you travel to Anakeesta.
7. Ober Gatlinburg
Why You Should Go: Another tourist favorite is Ober Gatlinburg. Your family can enjoy thrilling attractions like the Alpine Slide and the Mountain Coaster, which provide exhilarating rides through the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
What to Expect: The Wildlife Encounter allows your children to see and learn about local animals, adding an educational aspect to the fun. Spring also brings exciting events such as the Spring Fling, featuring competitions and vendors, making it a vibrant time to visit.
Parent Tip: Outside food and drink are not permitted at Ober Gatlinburg so be sure to plan ahead and feed your crew before or budget to eat at one of the fun sites on the mountain.
8. The Track
Why You Should Go: Another favorite of my kiddos is The Track Family Fun Park in Pigeon Forge. The Track is an exciting destination for your family during spring break, offering a wide array of activities that promise fun for all ages.
What to Expect: With multiple go-kart tracks, including the thrilling three-level Wild Woody, your family can race against each other in a safe and exhilarating environment. The park also features Blaster Boats, where guests can engage in water battles, and a variety of rides designed specifically for younger children in Kids Country, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. Your family can challenge each other to mini-golf or enjoy the extensive arcade filled with games and prizes.
Parent Tip: You can save money by purchasing point cards for the activities. Checkout the options online and find what works for your family.
9. The Titanic Museum
Why You Should Go: Guaranteed your family has never done anything like this before! This world’s largest Titanic museum attraction features over 400 artifacts valued at more than $4.5 million, providing a tangible connection to the legendary ship’s past.
What to Expect: Your family can embark on an interactive journey, receiving boarding passes of actual Titanic passengers and exploring meticulously recreated spaces like the Grand Staircase. Your children will be captivated by hands-on experiences such as touching 28-degree water, shoveling “coal” in the Boiler Room, and sending SOS signals.
Parent Tip: The museum caters to all ages with a special Tot-Titanic area for young guests and a scavenger hunt for kids.
10. MagiQuest
Why You Should Go: In need of indoor fun on a rainy spring break day? Love magic and adventure? This interactive attraction offers a magical experience that combines physical activity, problem-solving, and imaginative play, making it perfect for the whole family.
What to Expect: With four attractions under one roof, including the main MagiQuest game, a mirror maze, black-light mini-golf, and an arcade, there’s something for everyone. The highlight is the MagiQuest game itself, where your family will use magic wands to complete quests, gain powers, and explore a fantastical world.
Parent Tip: You do not have to complete all the included activities at one time. As you exit your family will receive a card with separate admission to each attraction that was not completed. This allows you to spread out the fun over multiple days!
