3-Day Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Itinerary for Families
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I absolutely love Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a family trip!
There are endless things to do including outdoor adventures in the Smokies, easy nature walks, rainy-day attractions, and so much more!
Lodging is great, too: roomy cabins and hotels that actually work for big families, plus lots of kid-friendly places to eat.
With so much to choose from, it’s not possible to see and do everything in a single visit.
The challenge isn’t finding activities—it’s prioritizing the ones you’ll do this trip.
This is why I created this itinerary to help you out!
This 3-day itinerary does the narrowing for you: one anchor activity each morning, a real break in the afternoon, and flexible fun at night so everyone stays happy.
Built from multiple family trips with our four boys (toddler to big kid), this plan includes mom-tested timing, parking tips, and rainy-day swaps plus links to my in-depth guides for Downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta, free things to do, and where to stay.
- Day 1: Downtown Gatlinburg + Anakeesta (rain plan: Ripley’s Aquarium)
- Day 2: The Island (AM) + Gatlinburg SkyBridge (PM)
- Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park + easy evening (mini golf or downtown stroll)
Use this as a starting point—swap mornings/afternoons based on your kids’ energy, weather, and where you’re staying. Do what works best for you.
Day 1: Downtown Gatlinburg + Anakeesta
The first day of our Gatlinburg itinerary with kids incorporates an easy downtown morning with playtime and views at Anakeesta.
Morning: Downtown Gatlinburg
Arrive earlier in the day for easier parking and quieter sidewalks. I like to grab coffee, and then window-shop a few blocks before the crowds build.
Our kids love walking downtown and calling out everything they want to do next. Don’t be surprised if you end up popping into a mirror maze along the way.
Midday: Anakeesta Adventure (located downtown Gatlinburg)
Once you’ve settled into downtown, head straight to Anakeesta, Its entrance is right on the Parkway, so you’re likely already nearby.
Ride the Chondola or Ridge Rambler to the top, cross the Treetop Skywalk, see the views from the top of AnaVista Tower and let the kids climb and play in the BirdVenture play area.
We always make sure to take a picture of the boys with Willow, too!
For timing, dining information, and play-area tips, see my Anakeesta: Ultimate Guide for Your Visit
👉 Time-saver: Buy Anakeesta tickets online in advance. This will save you a TON of time on the day of your visit.
Afternoon: Rest & Recharge at Hotel or Cabin
Head back for naps, pool time, or quiet screens.
We’ve learned the trip goes smoother when everyone gets a real break.
Need space for 5–6+ and a pool break? Start here:
Gatlinburg hotels · Pigeon Forge hotels · Cabins for large families
Or read my full guide: Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge with Kids
Evening: Dinner + Free Fun
Plan for dinner at The Island in Pigeon Forge (can do sit-down restaurant or a quick eat) and then watch the dancing fountain show.
- Timberwood Grill — casual, kids’ menu, usually the easiest with little kids.
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen — family-style feast; great when everyone’s starving. Expect a wait.
- Grab-and-go — pick up something quick and watch the fountain show on the lawn.
Want something light to do between plans? Try these easy add-ins from my Top 10 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Day 2: Pigeon Forge Favorites + Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Day 2 is another combination of Pigeon Forge and downtown Gatlinburg.
Morning: The Island (Pigeon Forge)
Whether you previewed The Island last night or you’re seeing it for the first time, morning is the sweet spot.
Everyone’s fresh, it’s cooler, and lines are short to non-existent.
Do a few rides and the ropes course (our kids LOVE this!), pop into the arcade or a mirror maze, catch a fountain show, and grab easy snacks.
Rest + Reset
Head back to your hotel or vacation rental for an hour or two, Even a short break makes the evening happier.
Late Afternoon: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park + SkyBridge
Ride the SkyLift up for sweeping views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
At the top (SkyDeck), walk the SkyBridge which is one of North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges.
The glass panels in the middle made it an extra thrill!
That said, I felt 100% safe and absolutely loved the experience.
We went in the early evening; the cooler temps and softer light were perfect.
While you’re at SkyDeck, grab a snack or even a light dinner. There’s often live music and a few yard games, too.
Don’t rush—take a few photos and soak in the views.
Evening: Dinner + Light Entertainment
Pick a dinner show if you want a splurge night, or keep it low-key with ice cream and mini golf.
We usually vote for mini golf and ice cream!
- Hillbilly Golf (Gatlinburg) — tram ride up the hillside to tee off; old-school fun with a quirky vibe.
- Crave Golf Club (Pigeon Forge) — candyland theme with both indoor and rooftop layouts.
- Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf (Gatlinburg) — frontier-style sets and two courses; friendly for younger players.
- Toy Box Mini Golf (Pigeon Forge) — giant toy props and playful holes; easy photo ops.
- Pirate Golf at MagiQuest (Pigeon Forge) — glow-in-the-dark indoor course—great for rain or extreme heat.
Have extra energy? Try a mountain coaster. Our picks are Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (long track, open late) and Goats on the Roof (fun theming—yes, goats on the roof—and a solid coaster run). Parent tip: check height requirements before you go!
Day 3: Smoky Mountains Adventure
For Day 3, we head into the Smokies in the morning and keep the evening easy.
Morning: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Choose an easy win: Laurel Falls (go early), Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, or the scenic Cades Cove loop.
We pack water, snacks, wipes, and an extra pair of clothes for everyone just in case someone gets wet!
Mom tip: Snap a quick photo of your parking spot or trailhead sign; it helps find your spot quicker when everyone’s tired and ready to get back to the car.
Afternoon: Picnic + Pool/Nap
Picnic in the park (budget-friendly and fun), then head back for rest or pool time.
If energy allows, add one short attraction afterward.
Optional short side trip: Bush’s® Visitor Center — free, interactive, and indoors; there’s a café if you want a simple meal.
Evening: Last-Night Memory
Keep it light with an activity such as mini golf, a downtown stroll, or dessert to celebrate a great trip.
Here are a few easy, kid-approved spots:
- Chocolate Monkey — fudge, caramel apples, chocolate bark; easy crowd-pleaser.
- Funnel Cake Factory — classic fair-style funnel cakes; share one or get minis.
- Mad Dog’s Creamery — ice cream + donuts; quick and kid-friendly.
- Old Mill Creamery (Pigeon Forge) — house-made scoops near the Old Mill district.
- Kilwin’s — classic fudge and cones; good for a quick walk-up treat.
- The Fudgery (The Island) — rich fudge and fun to watch them make it.
Optional Day 4: Dollywood or Rest Day
If you have an extra day, Dollywood is a full-day pick with rides and shows.
Otherwise, spend another day in Great Smoky Mountain National Park or do a slow day at your rental/hotel with one short outing. Our boys never mind more “pool time”.
Easy Swaps & Rainy-Day Alternatives
If you want to swap something out, switch mornings and afternoons, or adjust for moods, weather, or where you’re staying, here are easy options that plug in anywhere:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is perfect for rain, heat, or for more of a laid back afternoon.
- Bush’s® Visitor Center (Chestnut Hill): Free, laid-back, and weather-friendly with interactive exhibits that the kids will love! Plan ~60–90 minutes. There’s a country store and a café if you want an easy lunch.
- Adrenaline add-in: Mountaintop Zipline ( about 2 hours, ages 5+) — side-by-side lines, aerial bridges, a short rappel, and an ATV ride to the top; big views and strong reviews. Note: higher price—this is a splurge. Book the zipline tour here.
- Budget-friendly ideas: find a few free things to do from Top 10 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg for no-cost afternoons.
- Comparing mountaintop parks? See Ober Mountain vs. Anakeesta for seasonal pros/cons and plug your pick into Day 1 or 2.
Need space for 5–6+? Start here:
Gatlinburg hotels · Pigeon Forge hotels · Cabins for large families
Or read my full guide: Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge with Kids
Final Thoughts
This Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge itinerary balances fun with flexibility. Plan one anchor activity each day, some real downtime, and lighter evenings to protect everyone’s energy and keep the trip doable and worth it.
Before you go, grab my free Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Quick-Start Guide below for a printable version and extra tips.
Ready for the full plan? Grab my Family-Friendly Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Guide for day-by-day schedules, lodging picks, printable checklists, and money-savers.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
