Today we’ve got 3 top picks for the best family-friendly hotels in the Great Smoky Mountains, whether you’re just passing through on your family’s next East Coast road trip or planning a full-on 7-day vacation. We’ve taken the guesswork out of where to stay so you can focus on the fun.
The Great Smoky Mountains, one of nature’s exquisitely beautiful creations, are not only famous for their breathtaking landscapes but also for a variety of family-friendly hotels that promise a memorable vacation.
Ranging from hotels near the bustling downtown to those in the exciting territories of theme parks, these family-friendly hotels go the extra mile to ensure a blissful experience for each family member. Let’s check them out!
Family-Friendly Hotels in the Great Smoky Mountains
Black Bear Inn & Suites
Nestled among the scenic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, amidst the delightful hubbub of Gatlinburg’s downtown sits the Black Bear Inn & Suites. The Inn’s quaint and cabin-like exterior belies the ample roominess in its suites – perfect for families seeking comfort and solace without cramping their style.
Parents, imagine the joy of settling into a suite brimming with thoughtful amenities and ample space to spread out specifically for children. Amenities here include 24-7 coffee service in the lobby for my fellow parents of early risers, daily continental breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and a microwave and fridge in every room.
Fret not about packing those bulky items that spell comfort for your little ones; the Black Bear Inn & Suites has you covered with essentials such as cribs and highchairs and offers several family-friendly room options that sleep anywhere from 4-8 people.
If you’re traveling with one little one, the Delux King Room is somewhat larger than your standard hotel King Room, with plenty of space for a crip and a pull-out queen couch for more toddler-aged children.
Looking for a little more privacy? The Luxury King Rooms offer more of an efficiency apartment vibe; while they don’t have full kitchens, they do have a queen pull-out bed in the living area and separation from the master bedrooms.
For all-out family-style accommodations, the Penthouse Suite offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and spa-style tub, and a fully equipt and modern-style kitchen, perfect for families that prefer to make their meals due to allergies and lifestyle needs.
Things to do around the Black Bear Inn & Suites
The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers more than peaceful serenity and family-friendly amenities. Venture a short distance from the hotel, and you’ll find yourself in the entrancing world of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where vibrant marine life dances behind the glass. Feel like soaring above the treetops? The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park beckons with azure skies and panoramic mountain views.
Overall, a stay at the Black Bear Inn & Suites offers a perfect blend of location, leisure, and luxury wrapped in the cozy, family-friendly ambiance of a home away from home. No wonder, then, that families seeking an unforgettable vacation experience in the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains turn instinctively towards this charming retreat.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa
A Mountain Retreat Rich in Southern Charm
Perched within minutes of the famed Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa offers a rare blend of wholesome adventure and idyllic relaxation that families will surely cherish. When a brand’s slogan is “Family time comes naturally here,” you know it will be family-friendly.
Positioned as an oasis amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’d be forgiven for feeling a million miles from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Upon entering the hotel, children’s joyful laughter and delightful giggles echo through the airy lobby. The staff greets every guest with a warm, genuine smile, reflecting the authentic southern hospitality that embodies Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed, keeping families in mind. Bunk bedrooms become a cozy nest for your little ones, giving them special nooks while parents can relax in spacious, comfortable beds. The views from the rooms paint a picture-worthy panorama of the rolling hills and verdant greenery of the Smoky Mountains.
The breadth of available rooms makes this our top pick for family-friendly hotels in the Great Smoky Mountains. While many other hotels offer spacious family-friendly accommodations, they often charge a big premium for those rooms, not so here.
While Dollywood does offer larger suites that sleep up to six guests and give additional space, we love that they also offer standard king rooms with 2 bunk beds, so you can visit as a family without breaking the bank.
For the foodies in the family, the on-site restaurant has you covered with an extensive menu — including a section specially curated for kids. This ensures even the choosiest little eaters will be catered for.
With a commitment to making every stay enjoyable and stress-free for their guests, the hotel offers a private transportation service to Dollywood Theme Park. This means no parking hassles or long waits – hop on and off to a day of fun and excitement!
For the days when you want to relax and unwind, head to one of the hotel’s indoor or outdoor pools. Kids can splash around and make new friends while parents relax poolside, basking in the serene mountain setting.
Beyond the rides and attractions of Dollywood, the hotel offers an enriching experience for kids through its Camp DW. Children can participate in interactive educational activities and programs to entertain and ignite their curiosity.
This makes every stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa not merely a vacation but an opportunity for youngsters to learn, explore, and grow.
Wilderness at the Smokies
A Splash of Thrill
Listen up, theme park junkies. Nestled in the heart of Sevierville in the Great Smoky Mountains is more than just a place to sleep. Wilderness at the Smokies is like a place within a place, a massive waterpark resort that is a hub of exhilarating family adventure.
You don’t step into Wilderness at the Smokies; you plunge into it, immediately relishing the wild thrill of indoor and outdoor waterparks teeming with various water features. Find your excitement sliding down massive water slides or lazily drifting on the lazy river, depending on what spells of fun and relaxation you seek for the day.
Putt, Climb, and Play
Yet, the fun aspect of Wilderness at the Smokies doesn’t end there. After you’ve dried off, the resort beckons you to enjoy a friendly mini-golf competition with your loved ones or challenge yourself with a high-flying ropes course.
Specially designed for families with children is the Adventure Forest – a multi-level play and adventure center where the little ones can climb up walls, get lost in the immersive world of arcade games, and immerse themselves in the thrill of laser tag, all under one roof. This place is HUGE.
Home Within Adventure
When it comes to providing a retreat after a day of playful excitement, Wilderness at the Smokies shines through. Accommodations range from traditional hotel rooms to expansive condominiums that can sleep up to 15. Whether traveling in a small group or with an army of kids, the resort ensures you can sink into the warmth and comfort of a space that feels like home.
Brimming with fun and comfort, Wilderness at the Smokies does more than fill your stay with adventure; it carves unforgettable moments into your family getaway.
Undeniably, the Great Smoky Mountains harbor hotels that strike a perfect balance between the tranquility of nature and the thrill of recreational activities. The Black Bear Inn & Suites, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Wilderness at the Smokies embody this balance with their unique setups and amenities crafted for family enjoyment.
From co-op games room and interactive educational experiences to a massive waterpark, these hotels provide a versatile landscape for family fun and bonding. Whether it’s a homely atmosphere, an adventurous outing, or a blend of both, these hotels ensure that your family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains is as captivating as the vistas surrounding this mountain range.