There are lots of great family-friendly things to do and see in Tennessee! Spend some time exploring the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, check out the exciting cities of Nashville and Memphis, or listen to country music the way it was meant to be enjoyed. There is something for travelers of all ages to enjoy in the volunteer state! Check out our guide to the Best Tennessee Family Resorts. Now, where to first?
Top 13 Best TennesseeFamily Resorts
1. Gaylord Opryland Resort – Nashville, Tennessee
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a fantastic family-friendly resort located in Nashville, TN. It has three large indoor atriums (atria?) that allow you to beat the Tennessee heat in the summer months by feeling like you’re walking around outside while actually being in a comfortably air-conditioned atrium. One atrium a The Gaylord Opryland Resort even has a quarter mile-long river that you can take a trip down on a boat. No, we’re not kidding!
Enjoy a different restaurant every meal with 12 different dining options to choose from. There is an impressive variety of resort amenities and activities to entertain the whole family at the resort and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for characters that cruise around the resort and change with the seasons. There is an indoor water park with water slides, surfing, and a lazy river (pro tip: book waterpark admission with your reservation) that is great year-round family fun. The Gaylord properties across the country are also known for ICE!, a walk through storytelling exhibit made completely of, wait for it… ice! They also do an exceptional job with Christmas decorations and activities making a trip to the resort to kick off the holiday season a yearly tradition in our family!
What we love most about it:
- “Sound Waves” Indoor Water Park with water slides, surfing, splash forts, and a lazy river
- Multiple dining options on site with a variety of delicious cuisines
- Seasonal decor and the accompanying family-friendly activity schedule
📍Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center – 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
2. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is a fantastic family-friendly resort option located in Pigeon Forge, TN. Guests can jump on the complimentary trolley for transportation to the nearby Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country Waterpark, and the new The Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive exhibit that highlights Dolly’s life and inspiration, opens May 2024. This resort is located just next door to the Dollywood Heartsong Lodge and Resort.
Accommodations at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort and spa were designed with families in mind with the option for guest rooms or more spacious suites that can include bunk beds that your kiddos will love! What is it about a bunk bed? So fun! Family-friendly amenities that guests will enjoy include indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and kid-friendly Camp DW activities on the property. There are multiple delicious dining options on-site, like Song and Hearth serving southern comfort foods for breakfast and dinner, a seasonal poolside bar and grill, a lobby lounge with craft cocktails and tasty bites, and a casual grab-and-go style cafe. With the variety of dining options, there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
What we love most about it:
- Outdoor resort pool with cascading waterfalls
- Camp DW kids’ club activities that change weekly
- A (complimentary) trolley ride away from Dollywood theme park – more resorts in Pigeon Forge, TN
📍Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa – 2525 DreamMore Wy, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
3. Big Cypress Lodge – Memphis, Tennessee
Big Cypress Lodge is located inside of the iconic Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid (yes, seriously), in the heart of downtown Memphis, TN. This is a sister resort to Big Cedar Lodge just south of Branson, Missouri. Guest rooms and suites that are the epitome of “rustic elegance” each include an electric fireplace and a bird’s-eye view of the bass pro shop in the lobby right out your front door.
Be sure to check out The Lookout, a rooftop restaurant with fabulous views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River from the glass observation decks. There is also a fun, relaxed place called Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill with an underwater themed bowling alley. Resort amenities that families will enjoy include swimming in the indoor pool, a workout in the fitness center, relaxing at the full-service spa, exploring exhibits of wild animals (live and taxidermied) or taking a ride up the Sky High Ride, a 28-story tall elevator ride to the top of the pyramid (ride included in your stay). Big Cypress Lodge really is a place that you have to see to believe!
What we love most about it:
- Lunch and family fun at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill with an underwater themed bowling alley
- Stunning views of downtown Memphis from The Lookout
- The views from the 28-story elevator ride up the pyramid
📍Big Cypress Lodge – 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105
4. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park is a great family-friendly destination in Gatlinburg, TN. The big attraction here is the massive heated indoor water park, complete with water slides, a multi-level treehouse splash fort, and a lazy river. Other resort amenities families will enjoy include an outdoor pool, zip lining, mini golf, a game room, and full-service spa.
Accommodation options are perfect for families looking for a “home away from home” with spacious villas ranging from studio to 5-bedrooms that include full kitchens. We love not having to eat every meal out while on vacation! However, there are a few restaurants conveniently located on the property to choose from. There is a restaurant serving southern comfort cuisine, a fast casual option, and a grab-and-go style market.
What we love most about it:
- Floating on the lazy river at the indoor water park
- Perfect combination of adventure and relaxation with family-friendly amenities and mountain views
- Spacious accommodations with full kitchens – more Gatlinburg, TN resorts
📍Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park – 915 Westgate Resorts Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738
5. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a tropical themed, laid-back resort in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. The resort has guest rooms and suites with modern comforts and balconies with mountain views. Guest can enjoy dining at one of the on-site options, including a signature “Margaritaville” restaurant serving island-inspired cuisine that would make Jimmy Buffet proud.
Hotel amenities include an outdoor resort pool with a water slide, kids pool with splash features, hot tub, fitness center, and a full-service spa. There is another Margaritaville Island Resort located in nearby Pigeon Forge, but in our opinion the Gatlinburg Resorts is larger and has a better resort pool situation. The Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a great pick for a fun and relaxing getaway – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
What we love most about it:
- Outdoor resort pool with a tanning step and water slide
- Relaxing in a hammock with a tropical drink in hand – more Gatlinburg, TN resorts
- Enjoying a rejuvenating spa treatment at St. Somewhere Spa … I mean, it is vacation, right??
📍Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
6. The Resort at Governor’s Crossing – Sevierville, Tennessee
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing is a fantastic family-friendly resort option in Sevierville, TN. Spacious accommodations are perfect for families with up to 3-bedroom condos, each with a fully equipped kitchen. The resort is fun year-round with an indoor water park and seasonal outdoor water park with multiple pools, a splash fort, water slides, and a lazy river ensuring endless hours of fun… and tired kids! Other amenities both kids and parents will enjoy include a playground, an arcade room, put putt golf, and fun scheduled family activities like outdoor movie night!
What we love most about it:
- Both indoor and outdoor water parks for year-round family fun
- A variety of water slides perfect for guests of every age – more Sevierville, TN resorts
- Family-friendly resort amenities like playgrounds, arcade games, and family activities
📍The Resort at Governor’s Crossing- 225 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862
7. Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge and Resort – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
HeartSong Resort and Lodge is a charming Smoky Mountain resort located in Pigeon Forge, TN. It is just next door to the Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa (#2 on the list) and a short complimentary trolley ride from Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park. Guests of the Dollywood properties also enjoy Priority Park Access and a complimentary TimeSaver Pass. Families will appreciate accommodations designed for a comfortable stay in either a guest room or a more spacious suite with Smoky Mountain views.
Guests will enjoy swimming at the outdoor pool with cascading waterfalls, the relaxing hot tub with mountain views, the fitness center on site, and the family-friendly game room. There are multiple dining options on site, including the more upscale Ember & Elm, the more casual High Note, a seasonal poolside option, and a grab-and-go market, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy!
What we love most about it:
- Enjoying Southern cuisine favorites at one of the restaurants on the property
- Relaxing at the outdoor pool with a Smoky Mountain view
- A stones throw from Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park – more Pigeon Forge, TN resorts
📍Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge and Resort – 1210 Dollywood Resorts Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
8. Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge – Sevierville, Tennessee
Club Wyndham Great Smoky Mountains is nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, TN. This resort is a timeshare so you may have to sit through a sales pitch, but in our opinion, it’s well worth it to stay in a spacious one to three bedroom condo with a full kitchen and washer and dryer during your stay!
This resort is great for families looking for fun-filled adventure with spacious accommodations surrounded by nature. There is an indoor/outdoor water park with thrilling water slides, splash forts, and multiple pools for kids (and adults!) of all ages to enjoy. There is also a golf course, fitness center, game room, and playground on the property. Truly a great place to make some core families memories in eastern Tennessee!
What we love most about it:
- Is it even a question… the indoor/outdoor water park!
- Nice onsite dining options – more Sevierville, TN resorts
- Spacious condo accommodations with a full kitchen and washer/dryer in the unit
📍Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge- 1425 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
9. Riverstone Resort and Spa – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
RiverStone Resort and Spa is a riverside getaway in the heart of Pigeon Forge, TN. This resort features spacious accommodations ranging from one-bedroom condos to three-bedroom villas, many offering private balconies or patios with mountain or river views. Each unit has a full kitchen making it easy to prepare homemade meals, or opt for the on-site casual restaurant (I mean… vacation, right?) Resort amenities that will appeal to families include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, golf course, fitness center, game room, playground, and a full-service spa offering a range of treatments.
What we love most about it:
- Stunning golf course with mountain views – more Pigeon Forge, TN resorts
- Relaxing in the indoor/outdoor resort pools
- Spacious accommodations perfect for a family getaway
📍Riverstone Resort and Spa – 212 Dollywood Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
10. Margaritaville Island Hotel – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Margaritaville Island Hotel is a family-friendly hotel option that brings a taste of the tropics to the heart of the Smoky Mountains (an unlikely combination, but it works!) in Pigeon Forge, TN. It is conveniently located near The Island, making it an ideal “home base” for exploring the fun rides, shops, dining options, and entertainment in the area. Families will enjoy relaxing by the rooftop pool, the live entertainment, and delicious dining options at the hotel. Psst – there is another Jimmy Buffet-inspired resort just down the road in Gatlinburg, Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg.
What we love most about it:
- Relaxing at the rooftop resort pool with a tropical drink in hand… it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
- Literally steps away from the family-fun entertainment at The Island in Pigeon Forge – more Pigeon Forge Resorts
- It’s a tropical-themed resort that quickly puts you in a vacation state of mind
📍Margaritaville Island Hotel – 131 Island Dr, Ste 5118, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
11. The Inn at Christmas Place – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Inn at Christmas Place, located in Pigeon Forge, TN, is a delightful family-friendly resort where you can experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year! You’ll feel like you’re “home for the holidays” (or at least on a Hallmark movie set) when you walk into the lobby decorated with an impressive collection of festive holiday decor on display. Feel like you’re a kid being taken care of at the holidays again with a complimentary breakfast buffet to start your day. The children will be enchanted by visits from Santa Clause, story times, and other family activities during your stay. There is a heated indoor pool and an outdoor resort pool with lazy river planned to open in late 2024. The Inn at Christmas Place is the perfect spot for a joyful family getaway that childhood dreams are made of!
What we love most about it:
- Experience the magic of Christmas everyday
- Complimentary breakfast buffet included in resort stay – more Pigeon Forge, TN resorts
- Heated indoor pool and impressive outdoor resort pool coming soon!
📍The Inn at Christmas Place – 119 Christmas Tree Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
12. Wilderness at the Smokies – Sevierville, Tennessee
The Wilderness at the Smokies River Lodge Suites located in Sevierville, TN is a wonderful place for fun-filled family memories. A variety of suite sizes can comfortably accommodate families or groups of families with up 17 guests. The big draw for this resort is the massive indoor and outdoor water park with thrilling water slides, lazy river, and splash areas of kids of all ages. Families will also enjoy resort amenities like mini golf, arcade room, and organized resort activities.
What we love most about it:
- Racing water slides at the water park
- Family-friendly mini golf and arcade room – more Sevierville, TN resorts
- Multi-story splash fort that is fun for all ages
📍Wilderness at the Smokies – 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
13. Ancient Lore Village – Knoxville, Tennessee
Ancient Lore Village is a unique, immersive resort inspired by folklore and ancient civilizations located in Knoxville, TN. This whimsical resort has a variety of instagram-worthy accommodation options, including charming cottages and treehouses. True to the theme, there is a restaurant on-site that has a menu inspired by ancient recipes and locally-sourced ingredients. Hotel amenities that families will enjoy include a swimming pond, hiking trails, fire pits, and an outdoor amphiteater for events and performances.
What we love most about it:
- Being transported into a fairytale land of whimsy and folklore
- Enjoying family time on hiking trails and in the swimming pond
- Unique experience for an unforgettable family vacation
📍Ancient Lore Village – 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
Honorable Mention: Best Tennessee Family Resorts
1. Blackberry Farm – Walland, Tennessee
The Blackberry Farm is nestled into a serene piece of land in Walland, Tennessee, about 45 minutes south of Knoxville, the with scenic mountain views with stunning sunrises as the mist clears. Dining and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the nightly rate at this all-inclusive retreat. Daily breakfast and lunch are served at the Main House. Dinner may be enjoyed casually at the family-friendly The Dogwood restaurant (children under 10 seated from 5:30-6:30 pm) or more formally at the James Beard award winning The Barn restaurant (children under 10 not permitted).
Outdoor activities like fly fishing, hiking, or a working farm tour are abundant, but not included in the all-inclusive rate. There is a Camp Blackberry childcare program with a 5:1 ratio as well as private babysitting (2 hour minimum) available on site for an additional fee.
What We Love Most About It:
- Serene setting with misty mountain views in the mornings
- All-inclusive rate includes meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Childcare options if parents want to indulge in a spa treatment or upscale dining at renowned The Barn restaurant
📍Blackberry Farm – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
2. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg, TN, is a charming family-friendly resort nestled in the Smoky Mountains. This rustic lodge provides spacious cabins with stunning mountain and foliage views from the balconies. There are two 1/2 mile hiking trails maintained by the resort that allows families to explore the natural beauty of the area.
After a devastating fire in 2016, the majority of the buildings at the resort were unfortunately lost. Although there are plans to rebuild, there is currently only one suite building accepting reservations and there is no longer a restaurant on the property. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek has historically been a wonderful place to spend a relaxing Smoky Mountain getaway in Gatlinburg. We wish the resort owners well as they continue to rebuild.
What we love most about it:
- Watching the mountain sunrise from the cozy balcony
- Spacious accommodations with a fire place
- Hiking trails around the resort to reconnect with nature
📍The Lodge at Buckberry Creek – 961 Campbell Lead Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tennessee Family Resorts by City
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Sevierville, TN (Eastern Tennessee / Smoky Mountains)
Pigeon Forge, TN (Eastern Tennessee / Smoky Mountains)
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa
- Margaritaville Island Resort
- Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge and Resort
- Riverstone Resort and Spa
- The Inn at Christmas Place
Gatlinburg, TN (Eastern Tennessee / Smoky Mountains)
Knoxville, TN
Looking for more? Related resort guides you may enjoy
- Tennessee Smoky Mountain Family Resorts
- Tennessee Family Water Park Resorts
- Missouri Family Resorts
- Florida Family Resorts
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