Our 5-Day Spring Break Family Adventure to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Eat & What to Pack
Hello friends! I’ve been getting a lot of questions about our recent family trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee—so here’s the gist of it. For spring break this year, we packed up the car and drove south from Maryland to explore the magic of the Smokies. It was our first time visiting Gatlinburg, and it turned out to be one of our favorite family trips yet!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or looking for a family-friendly Tennessee itinerary, I’ve got you covered with what to do, where to stay, where to eat, and what to pack.
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Day 1: Road Tripping and Settling In
After an 8-hour drive from Maryland (yay for no tolls going south!), we arrived in Gatlinburg in the late afternoon. We were definitely ready to unwind. We checked into our Marriott Bonvoy hotel in a nearby city—not right in downtown Gatlinburg—because I always look for hotels with free parking, free breakfast, and a pool for the kids. That combo just works for our family of five!
Dinner that night was low-key—we found a nearby pizza spot and let the kids enjoy the hotel pool while we relaxed from the long drive.
Day 2: Lunch by the Stream & Fun at Anakeesta
Our original plan was to hike to Alum Cave at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but we learned a few tips the hard way:
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Parking at trailheads is limited—you’ll need a paid parking pass (available at the visitor center). Tip: Go early!
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Cell service is spotty in the area (especially with T-Mobile).
So, we pivoted to Plan B: Anakeesta, and wow—we’re so glad we did!
Lunch at Howard’s Restaurant
Before heading to the mountaintop park, we had lunch at Howard’s in downtown Gatlinburg. I tried the pulled pork to get a taste of authentic southern BBQ. We ate al fresco right by a peaceful stream, and the ambiance was perfect.
Anakeesta: A Must-Visit in Gatlinburg with Kids
Anakeesta is perched at the top of a mountain, and you can get there by either a scenic chondola ride or a shuttle bus if heights aren’t your thing. Our whole family fell in love with this place.
Here’s why we loved it:
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Teens & tweens enjoyed the mountain coaster.
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Our toddler had a blast at the treehouse adventure playground (slides, climbing, jumping fun!), actually it was the whole family.
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My husband and I soaked in the views and fresh mountain air while taking turns on bench breaks.
We easily spent 5 hours there. The kids didn’t want to leave, but we had evening plans for dinner and live music!
Day 3: Hiking Alum Cave + Ripley’s Aquarium
The next day, we got an early start and finally tackled the Alum Cave hike. It’s about 4.5 miles roundtrip, and it took us about 3 hours with plenty of rest breaks for snacks and water.
Tip: Wear good walking or hiking shoes, pack water bottles, and bring snacks. It’s a great family hike with rewarding views at the cave.
Post-Hike Eats at Sun Diner
After the hike, we were starving! We grabbed lunch at Sun Diner, and the food was a hit with the whole crew. From classic comfort food to kid-friendly dishes, we were all happy campers.
Afternoon Fun at Ripley’s Aquarium
We spent the afternoon exploring Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The exhibits are interactive and engaging, especially for our youngest. There’s even a playground area for little ones, which was a great break for them to get some energy out.
Dinner was at Hard Rock Café, which offered familiar favorites and a lively atmosphere for the kids.
Day 4: A Magical Day Trip to Ancient Lore Village
On our last full day, we took a short road trip to Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, and it felt like stepping into a storybook! We booked a day trip package that included lunch, and it was such a unique experience. The village is whimsical, beautifully themed, and super kid-friendly. I already wrote a detailed post about our visit [here—link your Ancient Lore blog post].
Final Dinner at Ole Red Gatlinburg
For our last dinner, we wanted somewhere fun—and Ole Red Gatlinburg did not disappoint. Owned by Blake Shelton, this spot has great country music, live performances, and the kind of food that makes you want seconds. Plus, we left with souvenir mason jar glasses, which I now use at home all the time!
Where We Stayed
We chose a Marriott Bonvoy hotel located outside the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg but still close enough to everything. The reasons we always stick to Marriott Bonvoy:
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Free hot breakfast (saves so much with a family of 5!)
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Indoor pool to keep the kids entertained
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Free parking
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Clean, comfortable rooms and good service
If you’re a family traveling with kids of varying ages, having a reliable hotel with these amenities is a game changer.
What to Pack for Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Packing for this trip involved being ready for all kinds of weather and activities. Here’s what I recommend bringing:
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Sunscreen (lots of it—especially for those sunny hikes)
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Swimsuits (hotel pool time is a must)
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Comfy walking shoes
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Hiking gear (lightweight backpack, snacks, water bottles)
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Layered clothing (mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm)
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Rain jackets or ponchos (just in case)
And of course—bring your camera or phone charger because there are so many beautiful and fun moments to capture!
Final Thoughts
Spring break in Gatlinburg, Tennessee was the perfect mix of adventure, rest, and family bonding. Whether you’re hiking through the Great Smokies, riding the mountain coaster at Anakeesta, or exploring magical villages in Knoxville, there’s something here for every age group.
If you’re planning a family-friendly Gatlinburg vacation and need a flexible itinerary that works for toddlers, tweens, and teens alike—save this post!
If you’ve been to Gatlinburg or are planning a trip, I’d love to hear what’s on your list. Drop a comment or send me a DM over on Instagram @SimplyChristianne!
