7-Day Family Friendly Gatlinburg Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with delicious pancakes at this local favorite, known for its extensive menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, easily accessible by walking.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Spend the morning exploring this award-winning aquarium featuring interactive exhibits that delight children and adults alike.
It's just a short 5-minute walk from the Pancake Pantry.
USD35, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Wild Plum Tea Room

Enjoy a light and refreshing lunch at this whimsical tea room offering sandwiches and homemade desserts.
About a 10-minute walk from the aquarium.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

After lunch, ride the chairlift and walk on the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, for breathtaking views.
A short 5-minute walk from The Wild Plum Tea Room.
USD28, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Gatlinburg Strip

Stroll through the lively strip filled with shops, candy stores, and unique attractions.
Walking distance from the SkyLift Park.
USD0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

End your day with a hearty dinner at this family-friendly brewery that offers pizzas, nachos, and their famous beer.
Located on the Gatlinburg Strip, a short walk from your exploration.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Pigeon Forge Fun

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant

Begin with a hearty Southern breakfast at this historic mill known for its grits and biscuits.
20-minute drive from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Spend the day enjoying thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and family-friendly activities in this beautiful park.
Dollywood is right in Pigeon Forge, only 15 minutes from The Old Mill.
USD90, 6 hours

4:00PM

Late Lunch at Margaritaville

Relax after a long day at Dollywood with a tropical-themed late lunch offering a variety of delicious dishes.
A short 10-minute drive from Dollywood.
USD25, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge

Enjoy the fun attractions, shopping, and the famous Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for stunning views.
5 minutes from Margaritaville by car.
USD15, 3 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Delight in a family-style meal inspired by the Southern chef's home cooking.
Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Cabin Cafe

Fuel up before your day in nature with hearty breakfasts in a cozy cabin setting.
20-minute drive from Gatlinburg.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking at Clingmans Dome

Explore the highest point in the Smokies with a short hike to the observation tower for phenomenal views.
30 minutes drive from the cafe.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Newfound Gap

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic overlooks, bringing the family closer to nature.
10-minute drive from Clingmans Dome.
USD10 (for food), 1 hour

1:30PM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Drive through this beautiful valley showcasing wildlife and historic buildings along the way.
1-hour drive from Newfound Gap.
USD0, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Wildlife Watching

Keep your eyes peeled for deer, black bears, and other wildlife while you drive through Cades Cove.
Part of your drive through Cades Cove.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back to Gatlinburg and relax a bit before dinner.
1-hour drive back.
USD0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Park Grill

End the day with a delicious steak dinner at this rustic restaurant located in the heart of Gatlinburg.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: More Gatlinburg Fun

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Donut Friar

Savor warm, fresh donuts at this charming little shop in the Village.
Located in The Village Shops, a quick walk away.
USD10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community

Explore local artistry on an 8-mile loop, indulging in craft shopping and demonstrations along the way.
About a 10-minute drive from The Village.
USD0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Heartwood Snack Shack

A casual spot for a light lunch with homemade sandwiches and great views.
Located along the Arts and Crafts Loop.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Anakeesta Theme Park

Spend the afternoon at this outdoor adventure park featuring zip lines, treetop walkways, and gardens.
A short 15-minute drive back to Gatlinburg.
USD30, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina

End the day enjoying fresh Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
Located next to Anakeesta.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure Day

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Return to this beloved local spot for another round of those delicious pancakes.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ober Gatlinburg

Enjoy a mountain coaster ride, skiing, or snow tubing, depending on the season.
Short drive or take the Aerial Tramway from Gatlinburg.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Seasons of Ober

Grab lunch at the mountain lodge with beautiful views overlooking the Smokies.
On-site at Ober Gatlinburg.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Mini Golf at Hillbilly Golf

Have fun playing mini-golf on a hillside course with creative wholes and tunnels.
About 15-minute drive back down.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Escape Room Adventure

Challenge the family with an exciting escape room experience and see if you can work together to solve the puzzles.
Back in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Return to this local brewery for one last round of family-friendly dining with plenty of options.
Located close to your escape room venue.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Asheville

Asheville, NC

7:00AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with freshly baked biscuits and unique toppings to satisfy everyone's appetite.
1.5-hour drive from Gatlinburg.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Explore America's largest home and its gorgeous gardens, perfect for a family day out.
About a 15-minute drive from Biscuit Head.
USD75, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Stable Cafe

Refuel at the café located on the estate, serving delicious Southern food.
On-site at the Biltmore Estate.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Downtown Asheville

Wander the vibrant streets filled with unique shops and street performances.
A 15-minute drive from Biltmore.
USD0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Asheville Pinball Museum

Discover historic pinball machines and play to your heart's content in a unique setting.
Close to downtown, a 5-minute drive.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Taco Billy

End your Asheville trip with delicious tacos and lively atmosphere perfect for families.
Just a short drive away from the pinball museum.
USD20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Head back to Gatlinburg

Travel back after a fun-filled day, arriving around 9:30 PM.
1.5-hour drive back to Gatlinburg.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relax and Revisit Favorites

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

One last pancake breakfast at Gatlinburg's beloved spot before your trip ends.
Conveniently located downtown.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Head back to the strip for any final souvenir shopping or exploring attractions you missed.
Walking distance from the pancake breakfast.
USD0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pizza Place

Quick and tasty, grab some pizza to enjoy before you head out.
Short walk from the shopping area.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Leisurely Stroll in the Great Smoky Mountains Park

Take one last walk in nature at a spot you love, reflecting on your wonderful trip.
Quick drive to a nearby trailhead.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Pack Up and Take Final Photos

Pack up your belongings and take final family photos to remember your Gatlinburg adventure.
At your accommodation.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Park Grill

Enjoy one last meal at The Park Grill to reminisce about the fantastic week spent in Gatlinburg.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Depart for Home

End your Gatlinburg journey and head back home filled with wonderful memories.
Return home based on your location.
USD0, Varies
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