Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with kids: what to book ahead

Oct 4th, 2026 · Updated Oct 4th, 2026 · Smoky Mountains area guide

Top photo: Dawit on Unsplash

The Smokies have more to do than any family can fit in one trip. Most of the stress comes from a few things that need planning ahead. Here's what to sort out before you arrive at The Remington.

Book or buy ahead

• Dollywood tickets. Buy online before your trip. The park is about 5 minutes from The Remington, so it's easy to go for a morning, come back for a nap or a swim, and return in the evening.
• A national park parking tag. Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free, but any car parked for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag. Buy it online or at a visitor center.
• Popular dinner shows and attractions on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, especially on summer and holiday weekends.

Plan days around one big outing

Kids burn out fast in the Smokies. A rhythm that works:

• One big outing a day: Dollywood, a drive through Cades Cove, or a day in Gatlinburg.
• Afternoon downtime at the cabin: the private indoor pool is heated to the mid-80s, so it works in any season.
• Evenings in: grill on the patio, light the fire pit, and let the kids loose in the arcade loft.

Gatlinburg tips

Gatlinburg is about 20 minutes away. Downtown parking fills up, so go early or park once and use the trolley. Anakeesta, Ober Mountain and the SkyLift are all there, and each can easily take half a day.

Pool safety

The pool room at The Remington is locked and alarmed, and its door code is meant for adults only. Lounge chairs make it easy to keep an eye on younger swimmers.

When to visit

Summer is peak family season. Fall brings leaf color and weekend traffic. Winter is quieter, with holiday lights across Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Trail closures to know about

Laurel Falls Trail, long the park's most popular waterfall hike, is closed for rehabilitation, and the park expects to reopen it in 2027. Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) is open seasonally from April through late November. Check the National Park Service's closures page before you go.

Our granddaughter loved the pool! Enjoyed the fire pit area also!

Carolyn M., stayed at The Remington

Frequently asked questions

Do you need tickets for Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

No, entry is free. But any car parked for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag, which you can buy online or at visitor centers.

How far ahead should we buy Dollywood tickets?

Buy online before your trip, and check the park calendar for your dates, since Dollywood closes for part of the winter.

What is there to do in Pigeon Forge with kids when it rains?

Indoor attractions on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, and the private indoor pool and arcade loft at The Remington.

Plan your trip

See our guides to Dollywood with a big group, Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids and Pigeon Forge vs. Gatlinburg, or the full Smoky Mountains area guide. Book The Remington directly with us to skip the booking-site service fees.

Written by Megan and VladWe own and manage Remington Retreats's five homes ourselves, and we've been visiting these areas with our two girls for years.