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Spring Break in the Smokies: 5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do with Your Family

butterfly flower sculpture at Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival
March 3, 2025

Getting away with the family for spring break is a must, and the Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination! There are so many attractions and activities to explore that the whole family will love! To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this list of some of the can’t-miss things to do during spring break in the Smokies.

1. Dollywood

When you spend spring break in the Smokies, you don’t want to miss visiting Dollywood! Featuring more than 50 world-class rides and attractions, this Pigeon Forge theme park offers all sorts of family fun. Your little ones will enjoy all the kid-friendly rides in Country Fair and Wildwood Grove, and older kids will love exciting roller coasters like Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod! You’ll also find a variety of entertaining shows and live music as well as delicious dining options throughout the theme park. Make sure you visit during the Flower & Food Festival to enjoy beautiful flower sculptures, spring displays, and tasty themed foods!

2. Spring Wildflower Hikes

Porters Creek Trail

One of the biggest reasons to spend spring break in the Smokies is the opportunity to see gorgeous spring wildflowers! From mountain laurel to violets, there’s no shortage of breathtaking flowers that bloom throughout the mountains this season. A great way to see these flowers is by going on a hike! Some of the best spring wildflower hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains include Middle Prong Trail, Porters Creek Trail, and Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

3. Picnic in the Park

Spring is the perfect time to spend time outdoors in the fresh air! An excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors with your family during your spring vacation is to go on a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There are a number of picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. Some of these picnic areas include charcoal grills where you can cook a hot meal, or you can bring a to-go meal or sandwich fixin’s for an easy outdoor lunch.

4. Anakeesta

Anakeesta

Another can’t-miss attraction that you should visit during your spring break in the Smokies is Anakeesta. This attraction is situated on a mountaintop that overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Your visit starts with a ride up the Chondola on an open-air chair or in an enclosed gondola cabin. At the top, there are so many activities to experience, including mountain coasters, ziplines, play areas, and more! Climb to the top of AnaVista Tower to see breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smokies. Vista Gardens features a lush botanical garden with colorful flowers and interactive areas. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options to explore!

5. Miniature Golf

If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity during spring break in the Smokies, check out one of the many miniature golf attractions in the area! There are so many great courses to choose from in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Crave Golf Club and Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay have both indoor and outdoor courses, and you can choose to play just one or both! Other popular miniature golf courses include Hillbilly Golf, Toy Box Mini Golf, and Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf.

Where to Stay During Spring Break in the Smokies

Now that you know what you’ll do during your spring break in the Smokies, it’s time to choose where to stay! Our Smoky Mountain cabins offer so many great amenities to love this spring, including game rooms, indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, and more. Take a look at our selection of Pigeon Forge cabin rentals to find your perfect place to stay for your spring vacation!