MomSkoop
Planning a family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains means finding the perfect place to stay that makes everyone happy. From toddlers to grandparents, the right resort can turn a good trip into an unforgettable adventure. The Smokies offer amazing family resorts with pools, activities, and easy access to all the mountain fun you’re looking for. Here are ten fantastic options that will make your family vacation absolutely perfect.
1. Greystone Lodge
Rustic charm meets modern comfort at this beloved Gatlinburg retreat. Families love the spacious suites with full kitchens, perfect for storing snacks and preparing quick meals between adventures.
The indoor and outdoor pools provide year-round fun, while the hot tub offers relaxation for tired parents. Kids enjoy the game room and seasonal activities like s’mores around the fire pit.
Located just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, you can easily walk to attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to make families feel welcome and help plan local adventures.
2. Gatlinburg Town Square
Right in the heart of all the action, this resort puts everything within walking distance of your room. Families can stroll to the SkyLift, Ripley’s attractions, and countless restaurants without worrying about parking or driving.
The resort features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a lazy river that kids absolutely adore. Parents appreciate the convenience store on-site for forgotten essentials and late-night snacks.
What makes this place special is the rooftop area with stunning mountain views. After busy days exploring, families gather here to watch the sunset over the Smokies while planning tomorrow’s adventures together.
3. Holiday Inn Smoky Mountain Resort
Water adventures await at this family paradise featuring multiple pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Children spend hours splashing while parents relax in nearby lounge chairs with mountain views.
The resort offers spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the pool area or mountains. Families appreciate the on-site restaurant serving kid-friendly meals and the grab-and-go market for quick snacks.
Evening entertainment includes movie nights by the pool and organized activities that bring families together. The location provides easy access to Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Gatlinburg attractions, making it a perfect home base for exploration.
4. Deer Ridge Resort
Cabin-style accommodations give families the space and privacy they crave during mountain getaways. Each unit features full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and cozy living areas perfect for family game nights and movie marathons.
The resort’s crown jewel is its amazing pool complex with indoor and outdoor sections connected by a swim-through tunnel. Kids love this unique feature, while adults enjoy the peaceful hot tub area.
Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, families can enjoy nature walks right from their cabin door. The resort provides easy access to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions while offering a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist areas.
5. Nantahala Village
Adventure-loving families find their paradise at this unique resort offering white-water rafting, zip-lining, and hiking trails right on the property. The Nantahala River provides thrilling rafting experiences suitable for children as young as seven.
Accommodations range from cozy hotel rooms to spacious cabins that sleep large families. The on-site restaurant serves hearty meals perfect for refueling after outdoor adventures.
What sets this resort apart is its focus on outdoor education and family bonding through nature activities. Professional guides ensure safe, fun experiences while teaching families about the local ecosystem and mountain culture, creating memories that last long after vacation ends.
6. RiverStone Resort & Spa
Luxury meets family fun at this upscale resort where parents can enjoy spa treatments while kids splash in the elaborate pool area. The multi-level pool complex features slides, fountains, and shallow areas perfect for toddlers.
Spacious condominiums provide families with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and separate bedrooms. Many units offer stunning mountain or river views from private balconies where families gather for morning coffee and evening relaxation.
The resort’s location along the Little Pigeon River offers peaceful moments and fishing opportunities. Families love the combination of resort amenities and easy access to Dollywood, dinner shows, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park attractions.
7. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Tropical vibes meet mountain charm at Jimmy Buffett’s themed resort where every day feels like a beach vacation. The rooftop pool offers incredible Smoky Mountain views while maintaining that laid-back island atmosphere families love.
Rooms feature fun tropical decor that kids adore, plus modern amenities parents appreciate. The resort’s restaurant serves island-inspired cuisine with plenty of kid-friendly options and famous frozen drinks for adults.
Live entertainment, themed activities, and the signature “chill” atmosphere make this resort stand out from typical mountain accommodations. Families create unique memories combining Parrothead culture with Smoky Mountain adventures, making it perfect for parents who grew up loving Jimmy Buffett’s music.
8. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
Dolly Parton’s hospitality shines through every detail of this magical resort designed specifically for families. The lobby’s cozy atmosphere with rocking chairs and mountain lodge decor immediately makes everyone feel at home in the Smokies.
Multiple pool areas cater to different ages, from toddler splash zones to exciting water slides for older kids. The resort offers exclusive Dollywood theme park benefits, including early park entry and complimentary shuttle service.
Family-friendly programming includes storytelling sessions, craft activities, and seasonal events that celebrate Appalachian culture. The resort’s commitment to creating wholesome family experiences reflects Dolly’s values, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and entertained throughout their mountain vacation.
9. The Resort at Governor’s Crossing
Shopping and family fun combine perfectly at this resort located within Sevierville’s premier outlet mall. Parents can browse brand-name stores while kids enjoy the resort’s pool and game room facilities.
Spacious suites provide families with separate living areas, full kitchens, and comfortable bedrooms. The convenience of having restaurants, entertainment, and shopping steps from your room makes vacation planning effortless for busy families.
The resort’s central location offers easy access to all major Smoky Mountain attractions, from Dollywood to the national park. Families appreciate the balance of relaxation and convenience, allowing them to maximize their vacation time while minimizing travel stress between activities.
10. The Park Vista
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains greet families from this hilltop resort’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Every room offers stunning scenery that changes with the seasons, from spring wildflowers to autumn’s brilliant colors.
The resort features both indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spacious accommodations with full kitchens. Families love gathering on their private balconies to watch sunrise paint the mountain peaks in golden light.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, the resort provides trolley access to major attractions while offering a peaceful retreat above the bustling streets. The combination of luxury amenities and unmatched mountain vistas creates an unforgettable backdrop for family photos and precious vacation memories.