Family Trip to Gatlinburg

Today I’m sharing a recap of our Family Trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It was a beautiful time in the mountains spent with the family I love!

All About Our Family Trip to Gatlinburg

We currently live in a suburb of Atlanta, so it takes around 3 1/2 hours by car to drive to the Gatlinburg, TN. However, when you are traveling with a toddler everything takes a little longer, so Brandon and I finally made it to the Smoky Mountains after 4 1/2 hours for family weekend.

We met everyone at The Chop House and Annabelle joined us while we ate, laughed, and caught up with one another. Annabelle LOVED the fire place in the restaurant. I can’t wait until we can light ours for her!

What is Gatlinburg, TN Like for Families?

Nestled at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a charming mountain town known for its scenic views, quirky attractions, and family-friendly vibes. It’s a go-to spot for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike, offering everything from pancake houses to chair lifts, moonshine tastings (for the adults!) and interactive museums. Whether you’re hiking in the Smokies or pushing a stroller down the bustling Parkway, Gatlinburg is an easygoing destination that’s surprisingly toddler-friendly.

Apparently Annabelle is now more like a puppy than ever. She carries these little toys around in her mouth EVERYWHERE. They go to some bigger toy that my inlaws have – so I am going to have to buy it just to get the little rings that she is obsessed with.

Where to Eat in Gatlinburg with a Baby or Toddler

Dining in Gatlinburg with little ones is not as frightening as it sounds, thanks to the town’s array of family-friendly restaurants. We visited just a few restaurants with Annabelle because we liked to eat at the cabin with the family. She is an easy baby to bring to a restaurant, as she just enjoys eating and people watching.

We ate breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, had lunch at Calhouns and Mellow Mushroom, and dinner at The Chop House. I will say The Chop House is a fine dining steak house, but Annabelle is a chill baby. Here are more family friendly restaurants in Gatlinburg.

• Mellow Mushroom offers a vibrant, art-filled atmosphere and a menu that caters to all ages, including customizable pizzas and a dedicated kids’ menu with smaller portions.
• Calhoun’s is another excellent choice, known for its Southern BBQ and steaks, and it provides a kids’ menu featuring favorites like grilled cheese and chicken tenders.
• For breakfast, the Pancake Pantry is a must-visit, serving a variety of pancakes and offering a welcoming environment for families.
• Other notable spots include The Park Grill, which boasts a diverse menu and a large salad bar, and Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, where kids can enjoy watching their pizzas being made in a wood-fired oven.

Funny thing about this photo showing the “Best Pizza in Town” is Mellow Mushroom because it is pretty much the only pizza I like in the South. Yes I know Mellow Mushroom is a chain, but all of the family owned pizza places around here are not good. #SpoiledbyNewEnglandPizza

Our ONE and only family photo taken after lunch at Calhoun’s. Brandon and I didn’t even take any photos together. I spent most of the weekend laughing with my sister-in-laws, Annabelle, and my MIL. B, his brother, and his dad did their own thing.

Annabelle had a fun time with her Auntie Tootie. The two of them crack me up.

Toddler Friendly Activities in Gatlinburg

Let’s be honest—babies and toddlers don’t need much to have a good time. A stick, a puddle, and a snack usually do the trick. That said, Gatlinburg has plenty of low-key, family-friendly spots perfect for the littlest travelers.

Who knew an streamer on the side of a building would be the most exciting thing Annabelle saw in Gatlinburg? We need to buy her some of these from the party store because she thought it was hilarious.

Best Things to Do with a Toddler or Baby in Gatlinburg

• Stroll the Gatlinburg Strip (lots of lights and people-watching)
• Visit Anakeesta for its scenic views and open spaces to roam
• Explore the Ripley’s Aquarium
• Feed The Ducks At Patriot Park
• Take A Stroller Friendly Hike
• Visit A Park With A Playground

Our Favorite Moment of the Gatlinburg Trip

Oh Davy Crockett’s Moonshine Palace. We sure had a great time sampling some Moonshine at the extension of Ole Smokey Moonshine. Our kid-free visit to the distillery was fun, but it is best that our baby was taken home. It is definitely a place for adults only.

When the boys took the baby home, my sister-in-laws and I, plus my inlaws, were able to shop a little more. We convinced my inlaws to try some Moonshine too. I figured since I had to suffer through the tasting, they had to as well! I am very well aware that I am no longer a college student, so most of my moonshine “shots” were accidentally dumped on the floor or in my sister-in-law’s mouth. It was fun to sample different flavors – but some of the flavors were atrocious. And contained dairy. So I stuck to the free Diet Coke in a glass bottle that Ryan-Ron the bartender gave me.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg with Kids

During our trip, we stayed in a cozy cabin nestled in the Smoky Mountains. While I don’t recall the exact name, it offered the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities—think a bubbling hot tub, a crackling fireplace, and a deck with breathtaking mountain views. If you are traveling with kids or a large family, a cabin is the best place to stay.

Gatlinburg boasts numerous cabin rental companies catering to families, such as Cabins USA Gatlinburg, Cabins of the Smokies, and VRBO. These cabins often come equipped with family-friendly features like game rooms, fully stocked kitchens, and proximity to local attractions. Staying in a cabin allows families to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of home.

My sweet little bean and I twinning in our pink. Clearly she was sleepy and needed to go to bed!

Annabelle is in the process of cutting THREE teeth on top. She rode so well for the first three hours in the car on the way  home – and then she lost her cool when her teeth started bothering her.

Annabelle was absolutely terrified of the bear that was in our cabin. This bear on the street was a little less scary apparently. She had fun bopping him on the nose.

Overall we had a great weekend in Gatlinburg. There was quite a bit of traffic (that drove us all nuts) and the weather was pretty sucky – but that didn’t stop us from having a good time together!