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Outdoor Adventures

๐Ÿง— Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Gatlinburg, TN

11 hiking, farms, nature centers, and outdoor adventure spots rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Gatlinburg

11 of 11
Smoky Mountain Ziplines tourist attraction in Kodak, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Smoky Mountain Ziplines
โ˜…4.9(1,809)$$$4 mi ยท Kodak

Smoky Mountain Ziplines offers an exhilarating canopy tour adventure that lets families soar through the Tennessee forest together. With multiple difficulty levels available, this highly-rated attraction (4.9 stars from over 1,800 reviews!) provides a thrilling yet safe introduction to ziplining for older kids and adventure-seeking families looking to create unforgettable memories in the Smokies.

๐Ÿ•‘ 2-3 hours including safety training, gear fitting, and the complete zipline course
Wears Valley Zipline Adventures tourist attraction in Wears Valley, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Masha Vibrant Yoga
โ˜…4.9(816)$$$7 mi ยท Wears Valley

Wears Valley Zipline Adventures offers an exhilarating treetop experience that the whole family can enjoy together, with age-appropriate courses designed specifically for different skill levels. Soar through the stunning Smoky Mountain forests on professionally-guided canopy tours that combine adventure with breathtaking valley views, creating memories that will last long after your vacation ends.

๐Ÿ•‘ 2.5-3 hours including check-in, safety briefing, gear up, and the complete canopy tour
Parrot Mountain and Gardens garden in Pigeon Forge, TN๐Ÿฆ Zoo
Photo: Kelly Rose
โ˜…4.8(9,048)$$7 mi away

Parrot Mountain and Gardens offers an unforgettable hands-on experience where kids can feed and interact with hundreds of colorful parrots and tropical birds in a stunning mountain setting. The combination of beautiful botanical gardens, panoramic Smoky Mountain views, and friendly feathered friends creates a magical experience that's both educational and entertaining for the whole family.

๐Ÿ•‘ 2-3 hours
Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead hiking area in Gatlinburg, TN๐ŸŒณ Park
Photo: Rustan Porter
โ˜…4.8(2,947)Free

The Gatlinburg Trail is a hidden gem for families seeking an easy introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the challenging terrain. This completely flat, paved two-mile riverside path is one of the only stroller-accessible trails in the park, making it perfect for families with little ones in wagons or strollers, and it's one of just two trails in the park where leashed dogs are welcome.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1-2 hours for the full 2-mile out-and-back hike, though families often spend 30-45 minutes for a shorter stroll
Gatlinburg SkyPark bridge in Gatlinburg, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Ryan McKinley
โ˜…4.6(15,087)$$

Gatlinburg SkyPark offers an unforgettable mountain adventure that begins with a scenic chairlift ride and culminates with walking across North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge,680 feet long and stretching 140 feet above the ground! The SkyBridge features glass floor panels for the brave and breathtaking Smoky Mountain views that will leave the whole family in awe.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-2.5 hours
Five Oaks Riding Stables stable in Kodak, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Five Oaks Riding Stables
โ˜…4.6(2,626)$$9 mi ยท Kodak

Five Oaks Riding Stables offers families an unforgettable Smoky Mountain adventure with guided horseback rides designed specifically for children and first-time riders. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 2,600 families, this well-established stable pairs gentle, well-trained horses with experienced guides who lead you through breathtaking forest trails. It's the perfect introduction to horseback riding in one of America's most scenic settings.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-2 hours (including check-in time and safety briefing, with trail rides typically lasting 45-60 minutes)
Bluff Mountain Adventures tourist attraction in Wears Valley, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Carol Murdock
โ˜…4.6(971)$$8 mi ยท Wears Valley

Bluff Mountain Adventures offers thrilling outdoor experiences for adventurous families looking to explore the scenic Smoky Mountains. With guided ATV and side-by-side tours through beautiful mountain trails, this outdoor adventure park lets families experience the rugged terrain safely together while creating unforgettable memories in the Tennessee wilderness.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-3 hours depending on tour length selected
Twin Creeks Trail Trailhead hiking area in Pittman Center, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Traveling our beautiful Earth McNally
โ˜…4.6(88)FreeLess than 1 mi away

Twin Creeks Trail Trailhead serves as your family's perfect introduction to Great Smoky Mountains hiking, offering gentle, manageable paths that wind through beautiful forests where kids can spot deer, turkeys, and colorful songbirds. The well-maintained trails provide just enough adventure for little explorers without the intensity of more challenging mountain hikes, making it an ideal choice for families with varying fitness levels.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-3 hours depending on which trail loop you choose and how often you stop for nature exploration
Wears Valley Ranch Equestrian Program summer camp organizer in Wears Valley, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Wears Valley Ranch Equestrian Program
โ˜…5.0(10)$$8 mi ยท Wears Valley

Wears Valley Ranch Equestrian Program offers guided horseback trail rides through the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, perfect for introducing kids to horseback riding in a safe, family-friendly environment. With a perfect 5-star rating and experienced guides, even first-time riders can enjoy exploring scenic mountain trails on gentle, well-trained horses that accommodate various ages and skill levels.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-2 hours (including check-in, safety briefing, and the trail ride itself)
Historic Pittman Center historical place in Pittman Center, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Pam Burnup
โ˜…4.4(44)Free7 mi ยท Pittman Center

Historic Pittman Center offers families a wonderful opportunity to explore authentic Smoky Mountain trails with options for all skill levels, from toddler-friendly nature walks to more challenging hikes for adventurous tweens. The interconnected trail system means you can customize your hike based on your children's energy levels and abilities, while the historical significance of the area adds an educational element to your outdoor adventure.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-3 hours depending on which trails you choose and your children's pace
Anakeesta scenic spot in Gatlinburg, TN๐Ÿง— Adventure
Photo: Ross Lewis
โ˜…4.2(15,610)$$

Anakeesta offers an unforgettable mountaintop adventure that combines natural beauty with exciting activities for the whole family. Kids will be thrilled by the scenic Chondola ride to the summit, where they can explore treetop canopy walks, play in one of the most impressive mountain playgrounds in the Smokies, try gem mining, and take in breathtaking views. It's a full-day destination that keeps children engaged while parents enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

๐Ÿ•‘ 4-6 hours for a full experience, though families could easily spend an entire day here

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