Plan a Smoky Mountain Spring Break Your Family Will Love
Jennifer writes for Venture Smoky Mountains, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in East Tennessee.
Over the course of January, we’ll gain an hour of daylight, which can only mean one thing—spring is coming and with it, spring break! If you’re wondering if Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park would make a good family-friendly destination, we’re here to show you all the incredible ways the answer is a resounding YES! Check out our top to-dos and plan a Great Smoky Mountain spring break your family will love.
In This Article:
- Gatlinburg Spring Break Weather
- Things to Do in the National Park
- Family-Friendly Fun
- Educational Experiences
- Where to Stay
- FAQs
What is the weather like in Gatlinburg in spring?
Spring break typically falls in early to mid-April. During that time, you can expect average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s (all temperatures given are in °F) and evening temps in the low 40s. And, as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” so you should also prepare to encounter some precipitation during your stay. It’s best to bring raincoats, light layers and water-resistant shoes, especially if you plan to hike.
The best thing about rain, though? It really shows off why our peaks are called the “Smoky Mountains.”
Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park attracts more than 10 million visitors each year, and spring is a wonderful time to explore. Easily accessed from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can find a cozy home base like the vacation rentals at Venture Smoky Mountains and have the park right in your backyard! Our top picks for park-based spring break fun include:
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
When: April 22-25, 2026
This week-long annual event features a packed calendar that will get you out into the park and exploring its rich biodiversity in unique ways. Go birding, learn nature skills, explore foraging techniques and types of fungi, try nature journaling, go on wildflower hikes and hear secret stories of the region as you wander hidden trails. Each day is packed with excursions and opportunities to learn about the park. Check out previous event programs for a full scope of what to expect, and keep a lookout for this year’s announcements coming soon.
Guided Hikes
If you’re itching to hit the trails but are unsure where to go, guided hikes are the perfect thing. Head to the Visitor Center inside the park to see if any ranger-led walks are happening during your stay, or check out Smoky Mountain Guides’ selection of day-hikes. You can choose from waterfall strolls to summit views. Regardless of which trail you hit, make sure you come prepared with quality hiking boots so you can navigate the damp spring conditions.
For a truly unique hike kids (and adults) will love, visit Smoky Mountain Llama Treks in Cosby, TN, just 30 minutes from Gatlinburg. Each of their treks comes complete with your own private llama walking buddy. As you stroll, you’ll get to engage with these lovable creatures, learn about them, and explore the foothills of the mountains all at once. It’s one of those experiences that makes spring break in the Smokies different from all other areas.
Cades Cove
A can’t-miss for your Gatlinburg, Tennessee spring break, Cades Cove offers a little bit of everything right inside the park. You can see wildlife like elk, deer and wild turkeys. Hit the trails on two wheels with a bike ride (or four legs with a horseback riding) adventure, use your own two feet to hike to historic cabins and landmarks, or jump in the car to enjoy a scenic drive. It’s the most visited spot inside the park, so you’ll certainly want it on your list.
Read More: The Most Unique List of the Top 15 Things to Do in Cades Cove
White Water Rafting
Big Creek Expeditions has been operating in Gatlinburg since 2004, and their Pigeon River white water trips are a great spring break addition, especially if you have older kids or teens. Different parts of the river are best for different groups. Experienced riders will love the rapids of the Upper Pigeon River. For families with kids ages 3-7, the lower, calmer part of the river is best. They even offer full-day trips that incorporate a little bit of everything from gentle, scenic floats to exciting currents.
Safety is their top priority, and each guide is certified in CPR and first aid and has an average of 10 years of rafting experience, so you’re in great hands no matter which adventure you choose.
Want more vacation planning tips or first dibs on low rates? Our newsletter recipients are the first to know about savings, specials and new listings. Sign up and get Smoky Mountain trip planning info sent straight to you in time for spring and summer travel dates.
Send Me Smoky Mountain Updates
Family-Friendly Fun on Your Great Smoky Mountain Spring Break
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, TN, were made for family-friendly outings. No matter what kind of fun you’re looking for on spring break, you’ll find it here! Adventure parks like Dollywood, Anakeesta and the Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark offer exciting roller coasters, thrilling slides and high-flying rides.
Dinner theaters and comedy clubs will have you entertained with stories from the Hatfields and McCoys to Medieval Times. Crave Golf Club features mini golf, escape rooms and mini bowling. And at Ober Gatlinburg, you can ride the tram, race each other on ziplines, test your skills on rock walls, soar on chair swings and more!
Don’t worry if you’re not the adrenaline junky type – there’s plenty to do at each of these parks for folks who prefer to keep their feet on the ground or in a lazy river.
Educational Experiences During Spring Break in Gatlinburg
Just because school’s out doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in some edu-tainment during your spring break getaway. At Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Habitat, you’ll find all kinds of creatures that call the Smoky Mountains home. Black bears, bobcats, otters, foxes, bald eagles, reptiles and more await!
Want to peek below the surface? Ripley’s Aquarium offers the chance to see and even touch a variety of marine life.
If your kid is more of a hands-on learner, WonderWorks has more than 100 hands-on exhibits ranging from weather systems to space to physical sciences. There’s even an art gallery and imagination lab where they can let their creative juices flow.
Something we very much recommend for those interested in learning about the area is heading through the park to Cherokee, North Carolina. You can visit the Museum of the Cherokee People, hike to Mingo Falls, picnic beside the Oconaluftee River and visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village to see what life was like for the indigenous people of the area.
Where to Stay During Your Great Smoky Mountain Spring Break
Featured Property: I'll Always Love View
Beyond exploring the park and towns, part of spring break in the mountains means actually relaxing and enjoying time with the family away from the hustle and grind. When you want a vacation rental that feels like home, Venture Smoky Mountains has just what you need.
Find a home with an indoor pool or hot tub and relax without ever leaving the property. Cozy up in plush living room furnishings to play games or watch movies after a day of exploring. You can even spot wildlife right from your balcony. Plus, when you book your stay directly with Venture Smoky Mountains, you get the peace of mind that comes from working with local experts who know the homes and area inside and out.
Get the best rate on your spring break vacation rental when you book directly with Venture Smoky Mountains. We can’t wait to welcome your family on your next getaway!
Browse our complete inventory.
Helpful Trip Planning Resources:
Categories: