Are you planning a family trip in the South? Here’s a guide to some of the most family-friendly attractions across the region. Whether your family enjoys thrilling theme park rides, educational experiences, or cultural outings, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant part of the United States.
1. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are a haven for families seeking the beauty of nature. With over 800 miles of trails, the park offers plenty of hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, where interactive exhibits and a short film introduce the park’s diverse wildlife and plant life. From here, take the family-friendly Gatlinburg Trail, a 1.9-mile path that follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife. This easy hike is perfect for young children and strollers, making it an ideal introduction to the park’s natural beauty.
Another highlight is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. The scenic drive to Clingmans Dome is enjoyable, and a paved, half-mile trail leads to an observation tower with breathtaking panoramic views. While the trail is steep, the reward at the top is worth the effort, offering a unique ecosystem and cooler temperatures, especially refreshing in the summer months.
For more educational fun, visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum near Cherokee, North Carolina, where kids can learn about the cultural history of the Smokies and explore historic log structures and farm animals, providing a glimpse into Appalachian life in the late 1800s.
Finally, explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way loop road with stunning views, hiking trails, and historic buildings. The Grotto Falls Trail is a must-visit, offering a moderate 2.6-mile round trip hike to a unique waterfall that you can walk behind. This trail provides a sense of adventure and the chance to experience the park’s natural beauty up close. These activities offer a comprehensive and enriching experience in the Great Smoky Mountains, making it an ideal destination for families looking to connect with nature and history.
2. Anakeesta, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers a variety of fun and exciting activities that make it a perfect destination for families with kids. Begin your visit with a scenic ride up to Anakeesta Mountain on the Chondola or the Ridge Rambler. The Chondola offers the option of an open-air chairlift or an enclosed gondola, providing breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area. The Ridge Rambler, an adventure vehicle, offers a fun and informative ride up the mountain, making the journey itself an exciting experience for kids.
Once at the top, head to the Treehouse Village Adventure. This whimsical play area features interconnected treehouses with bridges, slides, and lookout towers. It’s designed to encourage imaginative play and exploration, allowing children to experience the magic of a treetop adventure. Nearby, the Vista Gardens offer beautiful walking paths through themed gardens, complete with sculptures, a whimsical willow maze, and a variety of plants and flowers. Kids can run around and explore the different garden areas while parents enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings.
For a thrilling experience, don’t miss the Dueling Zipline Adventure. This exciting activity lets kids (who meet the height and weight requirements) and parents soar through the treetops on dual ziplines. It includes multiple ziplines and three sky bridges, offering stunning views and an adrenaline-pumping adventure. If ziplining isn’t your speed, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster is another exhilarating option. This single-rail coaster allows riders to control their speed as they zoom down the mountain, providing a fun and safe way for kids to enjoy a fast-paced ride.
To wrap up your visit, spend some time at Anavista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. The tower offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Kentucky. The climb up the tower is easy and rewarding, providing a perfect opportunity for family photos and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Anakeesta also offers various dining options with kid-friendly menus, so you can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the scenic views.
3. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a mix of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and unique attractions. Start your visit with the Country Fair area, designed with younger children in mind. This section features classic carnival rides like the Dizzy Disk, Amazing Flying Elephants, and the Piggy Parade. The gentle rides and colorful, whimsical atmosphere are perfect for young children, providing a fun and comfortable introduction to the theme park experience.
Next, head to Wildwood Grove, a magical area inspired by Dolly Parton’s childhood dreams. Wildwood Grove offers a variety of rides and attractions that cater to both younger children and the whole family. Kids will love the Black Bear Trail, where they can ride bear-themed vehicles through a scenic trail, and the Dragonflier, a family-friendly suspended roller coaster that offers just the right amount of thrill. Don’t miss the Great Tree Swing and the Hidden Hollow, an indoor play area filled with climbing structures and interactive elements.
For a more educational and interactive experience, visit the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. This 30,000-square-foot aviary is home to the country’s largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles. Kids can learn about these majestic birds through live demonstrations and educational talks provided by expert handlers. Nearby, the Wings of America Theater offers fascinating bird shows featuring various raptors, providing an up-close look at these incredible creatures.
Dollywood also boasts a variety of live shows and entertainment options that are perfect for families. The Dreamland Drive-In takes visitors back to the 1950s with a fun, music-filled performance, while the Little Engine Playhouse offers children’s theater productions based on beloved books. These shows provide a great way to take a break from the rides and enjoy some high-quality entertainment.
Finally, round out your visit with some of Dollywood’s seasonal festivals, such as the Harvest Festival in the fall or the Smoky Mountain Christmas in the winter. These events feature special decorations, themed shows, and unique attractions that add an extra layer of magic to the park.
4. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, Georgia
The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a magical and educational experience for families with kids. Begin your visit with a trip to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, which features an extensive collection of puppets from around the globe. The museum includes the Jim Henson Collection, where children can see beloved characters from “The Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street,” and “Fraggle Rock.” Interactive exhibits allow kids to learn about the history and artistry of puppetry, providing a hands-on, immersive experience that brings these cherished characters to life.
Next, catch one of the center’s live puppet shows, which are designed to entertain and inspire young audiences. The shows range from adaptations of classic fairy tales to original stories, all performed with expertly crafted puppets. These performances are not only entertaining but also educational, often incorporating important life lessons and themes that resonate with children. The intimate theater setting ensures that every seat has a great view, allowing kids to fully engage with the magical world on stage.
After the show, participate in a puppet-making workshop, where kids can create their own puppets to take home. These workshops are tailored to different age groups and skill levels, making them accessible and enjoyable for all children. Guided by experienced instructors, kids will learn basic puppetry techniques and unleash their creativity in crafting unique characters. This hands-on activity not only reinforces the themes of the show but also provides a tangible souvenir that children can cherish and continue to play with long after their visit.
5. NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, North Carolina
Visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a thrilling and educational experience for kids and families. Begin your visit at the High Octane Theater, where an introductory film provides an exciting overview of NASCAR’s history, showcasing memorable moments and legendary drivers. The theater’s high-definition screens and surround sound create an immersive experience that sets the tone for the rest of your visit.
Next, head to the Heritage Speedway exhibit, which offers a deep dive into the history and evolution of NASCAR. This area features interactive displays, historic race cars, and memorabilia that will captivate both kids and adults. Young visitors will enjoy the hands-on exhibits where they can learn about the mechanics of race cars, the history of the sport, and the science behind speed and aerodynamics. The interactive nature of these exhibits ensures that kids are actively engaged and learning while having fun.
For a more hands-on experience, the Race Week exhibit is a must-visit. This interactive area simulates the excitement and activities of a real NASCAR race week. Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as practicing their pit stop skills, experiencing the thrill of a race through driving simulators, and testing their reaction times. The Pit Crew Challenge, in particular, is a highlight, allowing kids to experience the fast-paced world of a NASCAR pit crew by changing tires and refueling a car in a timed setting.
Finally, don’t miss the Glory Road exhibit, which features a collection of iconic NASCAR vehicles displayed on a banked ramp that mimics the turns of a racetrack. Kids will be fascinated by the evolution of race cars over the decades, from early stock cars to modern-day racing machines. The exhibit provides an excellent opportunity for family photos and a closer look at the design and technology that have shaped the sport.
6. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, offers an out-of-this-world experience for families with kids. Begin your visit with a trip to the Rocket Park, which features an impressive collection of rockets and space vehicles, including a full-scale Saturn V rocket. Kids will be amazed by the sheer size of these iconic rockets and can learn about the history of space exploration through informative plaques and displays. This outdoor exhibit provides a great opportunity for some memorable family photos with historic spacecraft.
Next, head inside to explore the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, home to an actual Saturn V rocket suspended overhead. This interactive exhibit hall includes a variety of hands-on displays and simulators that allow kids to experience the challenges and excitement of space travel. They can try their hand at docking the space shuttle, perform a spacewalk, or experience the sensation of a moonwalk in the Lunar Module Trainer. The center also houses artifacts from the Apollo missions, giving kids a tangible connection to the history of human spaceflight.
For a more immersive experience, don’t miss the Mars Climbing Wall and the G-Force Accelerator. The Mars Climbing Wall simulates the rugged terrain of the Martian surface, challenging kids to scale the heights just like astronauts might on a future mission to Mars. The G-Force Accelerator, on the other hand, simulates the intense forces of gravity experienced during rocket launches and re-entry. This thrilling ride gives kids a taste of what astronauts endure, making it both an educational and exhilarating activity.
Finally, take in a show at the INTUITIVE® Planetarium or the National Geographic Theater. The planetarium offers spectacular shows that explore the wonders of the universe, from the birth of stars to the mysteries of black holes. These shows are designed to be both informative and visually stunning, captivating audiences of all ages. The National Geographic Theater often features space-themed documentaries and films that provide further insights into space exploration and science.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a vibrant city that offers a variety of fun and educational activities for families with kids. Start your visit with a trip to the Audubon Zoo, one of the country’s best zoos, nestled in historic Uptown New Orleans. The zoo features animals from around the world, including rare white alligators and a Louisiana swamp exhibit that highlights local wildlife. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, petting zoo, and the Cool Zoo, a splash park with water slides and fountains that provide a refreshing break on hot days.
Next, explore the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located along the banks of the Mississippi River. The aquarium is home to a stunning array of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and playful sea otters. The Caribbean Reef exhibit offers a walk-through tunnel where kids can feel surrounded by colorful fish and coral. Don’t miss the hands-on touch pool where children can get up close with sea stars and other marine creatures. The adjacent Entergy Giant Screen Theater often features nature and space documentaries that can be a thrilling complement to the aquarium visit.
For a mix of fun and learning, visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park. This state-of-the-art facility offers interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. The museum includes a kid-sized market, an art studio, a giant bubble maker, and a section dedicated to the Mississippi River, complete with water play areas. Outside, the museum’s beautiful garden and playgrounds provide additional space for kids to run and play.
Lastly, take a stroll through the French Quarter to soak in the unique atmosphere of New Orleans. Although some areas can be crowded, places like Jackson Square are family-friendly and offer street performances, artists, and historical landmarks. Consider taking a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River for a different perspective of the city. The Steamboat Natchez offers daytime jazz cruises that combine music, views, and a narrated history of New Orleans, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for kids.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan Ahead: Especially for attractions that are popular and can be crowded, like Dollywood or the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
- Stay Flexible: Weather in the South can be unpredictable. Have backup plans ready for outdoor activities.
- Educational Opportunities: Use visits to places like the Center for Puppetry Arts and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center as learning opportunities for children.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local specialties. Southern hospitality is renowned for its delicious food.