There’s nothing better than a trip with your family. After all, who doesn’t like making sweet memories and enjoying precious moments with their loved ones? And nothing’s better than a vacation at the Smokies. The Great Smoky National Park, which is located between Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most visited natural areas in the United States. More than 12 million people come down here every year, and why wouldn’t they? The Smokies are one of nature’s greatest treasures.

The park itself is stunning, home to numerous wildlife, and is part of Tennessee’s rich cultural history. If you’re eager to start a family-filled adventure, there’s no better place. But if you’re wondering what there is to it apart from natural beauty, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some fun things to do in the Smokies:

Making the Most of the Weather

If you’re planning to visit the Great Smokies during the summer, you’ll need to prepare for the summer rain. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun; the Smokies offers both indoor and outdoor activities. So, don’t let a little splash ruin your day. Your first step should be to head down to Gatlinburg. This is a quaint city that is just a short drive away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While you’re there, you can explore indoor activities in Gatlinburg and enjoy some wholesome family fun. From museums to aquariums, there’s always something to keep you entertained. You can also use this opportunity to teach your children valuable lessons or give them a glimpse into history.

Enlist Your Children as Junior Rangers

The summer is a great time to teach your children essential survival skills. The Smokies offer you an opportunity to do just that. You can help your child become a junior ranger and let nature be their teacher. The process is simple: pick up any junior ranger booklet for $2.50 at Cades Cove, Elkmont campgrounds, or any park visiting center. Once you obtain the booklet, your child will have to complete a range of activities to earn their badge. However, this program is only for children aged 5 to 12, so if you have teenagers, they’ll have to sit this one out.

Furthermore, you can also enroll your children in ranger-led activities for children. While these activities change yearly, past programs have included family bonfires and exploring the wilderness with a ranger.

Take in the Scenery

The Smokies have an abundance of breathtaking views. The mountains, the trees, and the wildlife make this place extremely spectacular. No other place comes close to the sites that the Smokies has to offer. Whether you go on a scenic drive or hike, you’ll be greeted with awe-inspiring visuals.

If you plan to drive, you should check out the Cades Cove Loop Road, the Foothills Parkway, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If you’re up for a challenge, then you should attempt to drive to Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest point. It is located along the state line ridge. Once you reach here, you can follow a paved trail on foot to a 54-foot observation.

Go on the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

There is something enticing about watching flowers in their full bloom. If you want to witness the various flowers in the Smokies, you should attend the annual spring wildflower pilgrimage in Gatlinburg. You can also use this occasion to take scenic pictures with your family. This event is about five days long. Apart from getting to see the flora that grows in the Smokies, you will also get a front-row seat to witness some of the conservation efforts being undertaken by local experts.

Additionally, you will get to walk through human history, get to sit through seminars, and also enjoy photographic tours of the wildlife. There are also various guided hikes that you can relish with your family as you navigate through nature. The pilgrimage takes place around May, so be sure to make your bookings in advance to reserve a spot.

Treat Yourself to Whitewater Rafting

The Smokies isn’t just about hiking and trekking forest trails. It also has impressive rivers on which you can whitewater raft. Nothing brings a family closer than splashing in the water together, and if you like thrill-seeking activities, this is the sport for you. Whitewater rafting is slightly more action-packed than traditional rafting. You will need your family with you to conquer the rough tide. Generally, you need a team of eight to twelve people to raft. So, if you have a big family, you can enjoy this activity with all of them. Before you start guiding your raft through the water, understand that this requires agility and skill.

If you’re new to this activity, you should try class 1 white water rafting. This relatively easy route is best if you want to have fun with your family. Class 2 requires some amount of paddling since you may encounter rocks on your way, while classes 3 and 4 are for slightly seasoned rafters. Classes 5 and 6 are for professionals only. The tides are far too rough, and you can seriously injure yourself while attempting to complete the route if you don’t have the expertise.

Go on a Picnic

When you get tired of hiking, whitewater rafting, and driving, stop for a picnic. Take a moment to savor a meal with your family, surrounded by nature’s beauty. If you’re looking for a spot to indulge in your picnic, you should try the Chimney Picnic Area. It is located off Newfound Gap Road between Sugarland’s Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome. If you want to wind down near a water body, you can also pull over near the Little Pigeon River and munch on delicious goodies down there. After a refreshing picnic, if you’re up for it, take your children fishing and end the day by catching trout and sea bass.

Final Thoughts

The Smokies is a great holiday spot, especially if you crave downtime with your family. Nothing beats the views and the refreshing atmosphere the Smokies offer. However, like any popular holiday spot, you need to plan on what activities you want to do. The Smokies has both indoor and outdoor activities. You can visit museums and then, immediately after, conquer the hiking trails. The possibilities are endless at this holiday destination, so don’t waste your time and start planning your vacation to this beautiful place today!