As you start to emerge from your coronavirus safety caves why not head to the Smoky Mountains. A short 4-hour road trip from central Alabama could land the family in Sevierville, Tennessee with a plethora of adventures for all ages. They have plenty of outdoor excursions for those daredevil family members and a few waterparks for those who want to cool off and take it slow on a lazy river. At night, the family can take a walk in historic downtown Sevierville for a great place to eat dinner before heading back to one of the many places to stay.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
175 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
833-687-6259
SoakyMountainWaterpark.com
After opening for business last summer, this waterpark is full of fun, new, and exciting times for the whole family. They have thrilling slides for older kids like the Whoop & Holler and a one-of-a-kind Avalaunch Watercoaster! The little ones don’t have to miss out on the slides either, with mini slides that look exactly like the ones for big kids.
They have an entire area dedicated just for toddlers to play all day in Boomer’s Bay. Families can even ride the waves together in the not-so-lazy river, Black Bear Rapids. The season starts on May 22, single-day passes are $45 for adults and $39 for children over 2.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-1200
Nps.gov/grsm
Hiking in the Smokies is a great way to spend time with the family. Take in the scenery and the wildlife this spring by hiking some kid-friendly trails in the national park.
For younger children who are just discovering a love for nature, try out the Porter’s Creek Trail. It is only about 2 miles round trip, and they can discover evidence of the old community that was once settled here in the 1700s. The Kephart Prong Trail boasts several log bridges for slightly older children that they can have fun crossing. This trail is about 4 miles round trip and is filled with beautiful wildflower blooms in the springtime. There is no entrance fee to the park.
Related: Airplane Travel with Two Under Two
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
109 Nascar Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-428-4091
RfAdventures.com
For children that love animals, this is the perfect place! They are located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, and they are open year-round. This zoo features over 600 animals and represents over 130 unique and beautiful species.
The newest exhibit is something they call the Goat- N- Gate Bridge, where the kids can walk through the goat exhibit! For children who love to learn and discover new things, take the opportunity to teach them about the creatures of the rain forests from all over the world. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $14.99 for adults and $8.99 for children 3 – 12.
Foxfire Mountain Adventures
3757 Thomas Ln, Sevierville, TN 37876
865-505-2995
FoxFireMountain.com
Children who love the thrill of adventure will love Foxfire. A park filled with zipline excursions and the opportunity to walk rope bridges, adrenaline will be at an all-time high. This park has a high-flying zipline called the Goliath, a heart-pumping 400 feet high through the Smokies.
They also have a scenic waterfall canopy tour that is the only one that flies over a waterfall in the mountains. All safety gear is provided, so the only thing families need to worry about is having fun. This adventure is sure to be a wonderful memory for parents and their children to share.
