Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Aquarium and Anakessta for sure

Ever done Magiquest at a Great Wolf Lodge? They got a big one there that has a lot of the stuff from the Myrtle Beach one that closed that is a lot of fun for kids that age, my daughter loves those. Their mirror maze is fun for adults.

Aquarium is definitely nice.

Food wise, nothing really stands out as must dos up there besides one of the pancake places. A lot of chains I'm use to up there though, so I'm kinda biased on their lack of quality options for families. Apple Barn seems to be a favorite of a lot of people, just tastes like frozen food to me.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is neat.

Lots of putt putt and go karts for the kids to check out.

Do one of the alpine coasters.

Anakeesta and skybridge

Ripley's is fun for the kiddos.

Get hammered off repetitively doing the samples at Sugarlands Moonshine and see if you can keep your kids and yourself from getting run over in Gatlinburg, lol.

Honestly what I remember most about my trips as a kid when my parents took me to the mountains from Louisiana is when we would go get a bucket of fried chicken or make some sandwiches and bring snacks and go have a picnic on one of the creeks in the park. Probably too cold for that now though,

Enjoy the park as much as you possibly can, they will remember that so much more than the tourist garbage in PF and G'burg.

Rent a guide from Little River Outfitters in Townsend and learn to fly fish with the family.

Take as many hikes as you can, don't just ride around roaring fork and cades cove.

Take them on some of the easy waterfall hikes in the park.
My kids' favorite thing was the horse rentals.
They also enjoyed the mini golf and the alpine coasters.

We enjoy Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg (was cash only).
Paula Deens in The Island, Pigeon forge
Holstons Kitchen in Sevierville
A&W root beer in Sevierville
Ole Smoky candy kitchen Gatlinburg

Alpine coasters near both towns
The aquarium in Gatlinburg
Tons of laser tag, Go karts in both towns
Dollywood in Pigeon forge

We have seen a huge uptick in visitation in GSMNP yesterday (Saturday) Cades Cove was extremely busy we had buck jams several times. If you plan to hike at all I would suggest and early start before 9:00AM or or after 3:00 depending on the daylight situation and hike length. There will be crowds at popular trailheads and March is getting close to the wildflower bloom.

“Masks are required” signage is up but only enforced when you go indoors.

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Dollywood may be my favorite theme park. Its food is fantastic for a theme park. A lot of its rides may be intimidating for the 6 year old though.

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I agree with this. That cinnamon bread...

And Lightning Rod is easily in top 3 roller coaster experiences.