Nestled close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of the most exciting cities in Tennessee for a family getaway. After settling into your Gatlinburg vacation rental, finding kid-friendly restaurants is as easy as taking a stroll or hike at the park. An ideal dining option may be dinner with a show; after all, entertainment and food keeps everyone happy. Check out the top 10 kid-friendly eateries in Gatlinburg.
1. Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs
The variety of hot dogs at Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs makes it one of the most unique eateries in Gatlinburg. The menu includes the chili cheese fry dawg, pretzel dawg, Philly cheese steak dawg, and mac ‘n’ cheese dog. They also serve a variety of brats and burgers on hoagie buns and pumpernickel buns. In addition to the dawgs and sandwiches, the restaurant serves milkshakes made from Amish buttercream ice cream.
2. Glades Soda Fountain
Glades Soda Fountain serves old-fashioned sundaes, floats, milkshakes, malts, and other classic ice cream treats. Take a seat at the counter and take a step back in time to get a hot dog and a phosphate soda, or satisfy a sweet tooth with a cold dessert. It’s a nice way to cool off for a few minutes while you’re browsing the arts and crafts community in Gatlinburg.
3. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Start a big day with a hearty meal at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp in a delightful mountain lodge setting with special touches added to your breakfast favorites. Instead of regular pancakes, Crockett’s features their special griddle cakes that are extra thick and fluffy. Their other choice dishes include fried cinnamon rolls, candied apple waffle, and the breakfast quesadilla, all in very generous portions.
Find the perfect Gatlinburg vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Fannie Farkle’s Family Fun Parlor
Fannie Farkle’s Family Fun Parlor features carnival-style food, including its signature foot-long corn dog. Kids enjoy watching employees make the corn dogs from scratch when ordered. The arcade games are safe for kids, including nostalgic favorites such as PacMan, Skee Ball, and driving games. The game room fun includes Sponge Bob, Monster Drop, and Down the Clown. Enjoy some fun food and play some of your favorite games with the kids.
5. Old Dad’s
Managing your vacation time includes fitting in a little shopping to pick up essentials as well as grabbing a quick bite while on-the-go. Old Dad’s grocery store and deli is just right for families with lots to do. Order sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and sides from the deli and pick up essentials from the grocery store. You can get breakfast sandwiches and coffee to start your busy day.
6. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
It’s only seven miles from your Gatlinburg vacation rental to Pigeon Forge where Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede features a four-course dinner and an exciting arena show. This dining experience is great for the kids as they get to eat with their hands while watching a show that includes horses, actors, dramatic lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics. It’s loud, and it’s okay to be loud; what a win-win for families with kids.
7. Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant
When you’re exploring the Gatlinburg arts and crafts community with your tweens and teens, Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant features a casual atmosphere. It gives you a friendly place to relax and enjoy each other’s company for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Look for standard American dishes, including pancakes for breakfast to sandwiches and BBQ plates for lunch and dinner. Optional outdoor dining under umbrellas is available during pleasant weather.
8. Three Jimmy’s
Spending a lot of time in a restaurant eats into the time you want to use sightseeing and experiencing vacation adventures. When you grab lunch at Three Jimmy’s, you choose from a menu of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. Besides offering options for vegetarians in the family, a separate children’s menu features grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, burgers, and more. Dinner features authentic southern BBQ dishes, including the pulled pork meal and BBQ chicken with sides the kids love, from fries to mac and cheese.
9. Ripley’s Aquarium Feeding Frenzy Restaurant
Remember to stop and eat while enjoying your day exploring Ripley’s Aquarium. Feeding Frenzy Restaurant offers a wide variety of items for you and your family to choose, including seafood, burgers, chicken fingers, and meals. Dining in view of stingrays, little sharks, fish, and other sea creatures keeps the kids occupied and entertained, especially when they get to see a diver feeding the rays. It’s located near the end of your aquarium tour, just before the ramp that leads to the gift shop.
10. Big Bear Pizza and Subs
After a fun-filled vacation day, timing is everything when it comes to eating out, as you want to get seated and put food in front of the kids before they get too cranky to eat. If you can get everyone fed within that window of good moods, that’s great. If not, head for your Gatlinburg vacation rental and order delivery from Big Bear Pizza and Subs. Let the kids take their baths, enjoy some juice or milk, and unwind while waiting for the food to arrive; and the whole family can relax.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Gatlinburg vacation rentals on Tripping.com.