It’s been a long winter, but spring is right around the corner. And there’s no better place than the Great Smoky Mountains to bring in a new season. With a dusting of snow still on the mountaintops and wildflowers beginning to bloom in the valleys, you can move seamlessly from winter to spring.

The Smokies offer families a delightful place to escape and recharge. From hiking trails to kid-friendly attractions to active outdoor adventures, there are plenty of affordable options that both the young – and young at heart – will love. Keep reading for a rundown on why the Smoky Mountains will be a family friendly spring break to remember!

Outdoor Adventures

The main attraction here is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With no entrance fees and 522,427 acres to roam and explore, there are endless affordable adventures to be had.

Opportunities for hiking abound. There are trails to fit every skill level throughout the park, so you’ll find something for everyone in the family. A lot of the hikes lead to waterfalls, which is a real treat, and this is the time of year when the spring wildflowers start to appear.

Whitewater rafting is a wet and wild spring adventure. Or if the water temps are still too chilly, then head to the treetops and swing through the trees on a ziplining adventure. The Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side of the Smokies is a fantastic opportunity to see wildlife like bear, deer, birds, and the area’s iconic wild elk herd.

For incredible valley views, go for a scenic drive or bike ride around Cades Cove Loop. Then head up to the observation tower at Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. There’s a steep half-mile walk to the top, but the hike is worth it. You’ll enjoy awe-inspiring 360-degree views that stretch out over 100 miles on a clear day.

Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 can become a Junior Ranger. Just swing by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center and purchase a Junior Ranger booklet that’s filled with fun activities. Once completed, they’ll visit with a real-life Ranger to receive their badge. Check the park schedule for details about specific ranger-led programs that the kids will love!

Family Friendly Attractions

Spring break in the Smoky Mountains serves up a wide range of family friendly attractions. Dollywood, Tennessee’s most popular theme park, kicks off the 2022 season on March 12. From thrilling rides to dynamic shows and everything in between, Dollywood offers plenty of wholesome fun that everyone can enjoy.

Over in North Carolina, they have the longest running ski season on the east coast at the Cataloochee Ski Area. Skip the sand and embrace the last remnants of winter with a snow-filled spring break. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will find runs and ski parks to delight. And right down the street, the entire family can go snow tubing together at Tube World.

If you’re looking for something a little more ‘indoorsy’, there are plenty of fascinating museums where you can learn all about the history and traditions of the Smoky Mountains. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the native Cherokee tribe when you visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. Its vibrant and engaging displays as well as interactive video are inspired by the grace and ingenuity of the Cherokee people and create a complete sensory experience.

The Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, NC promotes Smoky Mountain heritage, history and culture through programs, seminars, concerts, festivals, tours and corporate events. There’s plenty to keep the whole family engaged.

Then over in Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge together are one giant theme park with Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums, mini-golf, racetracks, and the Anakeesta Theme Park. No matter which side you travel to, the attractions in either state give you plenty of kid friendly options for an amazing spring break in the Smoky Mountains.

Kid-Approved Restaurants

Anyone who has ever traveled with kids knows that mealtime can be tough, especially if you have a picky eater in the family. But in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are dining options that will please even the toughest of critics. From pancake houses to BBQ joints to familiar chains with comfort food, everyone’s bellies will be full and happy.

The Great Smoky Mountains may get their name from the mysterious mist that rises from its peaks, but ask a foodie and they’ll tell you the real smoke in the Smokies comes from the region’s mouthwatering BBQ. Visit Delauder’s BBQ in Gatlinburg, TN for appetizers like nachos or fried green beans. Then sink your teeth into the flavors you came for with a hearty rib dinner. Over in Maggie Valley, NC, you can satisfy your cravings for the best hickory-smoked meats in the mountains and dive into award-winning homemade sauces at Pop’s Butts on the Creek. Maggie Valley also has one of the finest dining establishment for elevated mountain food that is totally kid friendly – called HomeCraft, it is situated inside the legendary Meadowlark Motel.

For breakfast, head to the Pancake Pantry  in Gatlinburg for your fill of light and fluffy made-from-scratch pancakes with 23 different varieties that will have you stacking your breakfast as high as it will go. And, of course, you can’t have spring break in the Smoky Mountains without trying some old-fashioned taffy. In Pigeon Forge, you can watch this delectable gooey treat being made right through the storefront windows of the Smoky Mountain Candy Makers.

Affordable Accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a cabin in the woods to get away from it all or a family friendly resort where all the action is right at your fingertips, there are plenty of affordable options that won’t bust your spring break budget.

Located in the heart of the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, Elk Springs Resort is mountain luxury at its best. With the perfect combination of convenience and seclusion, you’ll get all the modern comforts you desire in the middle of a classic Great Smoky Mountains experience. Explore the natural beauty surrounding your hideaway among ridges, valleys, and natural springs where you’re likely to spot the occasional deer or other wildlife. Or you could venture out to downtown Gatlinburg, only 8 minutes away.

Over on the North Carolina side of The Smokies is the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, NC. A classic “road-side motel” with rooms, cottages, HomeCraft Restaurant and creekside cabins for rent, the Meadowlark draws from the area’s Appalachian roots. Its design style and ambiance brings to life the nostalgia of a classic Smoky Mountain resort yet deliver all the contemporary conveniences that modern guests would expect with a few delightful surprises added in.

Make memories to last a lifetime on your spring break in the Smoky Mountains this year!