Summer is officially here! And the Great Smoky Mountains are filled with exciting opportunities for that epic family vacation you all deserve. The Smokies offer families a wonderful 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 how to have an unforgettable family friendly summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains!

Outdoor Adventures

The main attraction 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 are everywhere. 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. Ride the rapids on a wet and wild whitewater rafting trip, or take to the treetops and zoom over the canopy on a ziplining excursion.

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!

Venturing out of the park, the Cataloochee Valley, located right near our motel in Maggie Valley, is a fantastic opportunity to experience wildcrafting and go foraging for your own food. Plus, you may even see wildlife like bear, deer, birds, and the area’s iconic wild elk herd.

For incredible mountain and valley views, go for a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you time it just right in the early evening, you can take advantage of those wide-open vistas and catch a spectacular sunset. One of the most stunning sunsets visible along the Parkway is just a short way up from the Maggie Valley entry point at Waterrock Knob. Don’t forget your camera because you’ll have incredible, long-distance views from both the east and the west. (P.S. There are also picnic tables and a gorgeous meadow right off the parking area!)

Family Friendly Attractions

Summer in the Smoky Mountains serves up a wide range of family friendly attractions. Maggie Valley Carpet Golf has two 18-hole championship courses that pack a ton of fun! Play 18 holes of miniature golf for just $4 per person. If you’re looking for a group rate, they have a 10 Game ticket for $30 which saves you 25% and never expires.

You can’t visit Maggie Valley without getting a true taste of Appalachia, and music and dancing is high on the list. The Stomping Ground Dance Hall hosts live performances, featuring mountain and bluegrass music along with clogging and square dancing. Only open on Saturday nights, you can sit and watch the performances or even join in on the massive dance floor. Make your way to the large barn-like building on Soco Road for a toe-tapping good time!

And if you’re wanting to sneak some education into your family -riendly summer vacation, 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 our very own Meadowlark Motel 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.

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. 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. 

For breakfast, head to Joey’s Pancake House, where you can have your fill of old-fashioned pancakes with a choice of delicious syrups and classic southern sides. Enjoy endless rounds of coffee while you chat with the locals or swap stories with your fellow travelers. All you have to do is come hungry – owners Joey and Brenda and their team will take care of the rest.

And, of course, you can’t have a Smoky Mountain summer vacation without trying some handmade treats. Taste a bite of classic Appalachian taffy and other sweets at fun shops like Jelly Bellies Mountain Gift Shop or Maggie Mountaineer Crafts. In addition to treats like fudge and candy, you’ll find a fascinating selection of souvenirs, handcrafted art, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Affordable Accommodations

We love hosting family friendly summer vacations here at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley. Our classic “road-side motel” has rooms, cottages, and even creekside cabins that can sleep the whole family comfortably. Plus, our four expansive acres are filled with tons of opportunities for summer fun.

Take a dip in the pool, go fishing in Jonathan Creek, roast marshmallows in our outdoor fire pits, play family games on the lawn, and enjoy live music and entertainment at the BackPorch Pavilion.

Make memories to last a lifetime on your family friendly summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains this year!