Best Trip to take boys 6-11 on?

My boys enjoyed hiking the Smoky mountains at that age as well as going to the knife factory. Other vactions they enjoyed at that age was Lego World amusement park in Central FL. I think its just outside of Orlando.

We most recently took them to the Rockie Mountain national park and they loved it. They are older now but I think they would have loved it at that age.

Good for you!

Some thoughts...

If you're up for flying...

Estes Park Colorado. Tons of hiking, fishing, rafting options. We loved staying at the Pine Haven Resort!

Cabin Examples

Driving

Base at Amicalola Falls State Park! If you want, they actually have a hike in lodge that's about 5 miles in. This whole park is the trail head for the Appalachian Trail, so plenty of hiking. Highest waterfall in the Eastern US. Nearby, in season, you can tube near Helen or Dahlonega.

Do a multi day trip through AL, TN, NC, GA, SC

Little river canyon (outside of Ft Payne, AL)—about a mile hike and then swim for a bit
Hop on the road and head to the Hiwassee/Ocoee scenic state park where you tent camp
Next day do the upper and lower sections of the Ocoee
Hop on the road and head over the mountain to the Chatuge Lake where you can tent camp again. Stop in Murphy, NC on the way to grab some pizza and ice cream
The next day is driving through Highlands and Cashiers—plenty of hikes can be done such as whiteside mountain. End the day in Dillard, GA at the Dillard House for a well-deserved bed and buffet.
Last day is a fairly short drive to the Chatooga in SC. You should come off the river by 3ish. Can make it to Atl very easily for 6 flags or any other entertainment options such as a Braves game.
Head home the next day

I took two grandsons who were 8 and 6 at the time to the camp ground on the Little Red River in Heber Springs Arkansas a couple of years ago. We loved it. We pitched a tent and camped but they had electricity and showers on site too

If he likes baseball, bring him to the college World Series. I brought my boys when they were 8 & 11 and they still talk about that road trip as the coolest guys trip they ever went on.