A vacation in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains offers breathtaking views, plenty of nature-themed activities, and comfortable cabins and lodges. Instead of spending time cooking a family meal in your cozy Smoky Mountains vacation rental, treat yourselves to scrumptious local fare. Consider these kid-friendly restaurants that are popular within the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg regions.
1. Dixie Stampede
Treat the kids to a show-stopping performance and a hearty meal with a trip to Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge. As one of the most entertaining dinner shows in the Smoky Mountains, your kids get a four-course meal of rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecued pork loin, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup, and a dessert while amazed at the special effects, music, and entertaining sets. Dixie Stampede also features a vegetarian option to accommodate family members with varying tastes and preferences.
2. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Voted as one of the most family-friendly restaurants in the county, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria is sure to please even the most picky eaters in your crew. Enjoy the fresh breads, salads, and sandwiches available on the menu or make your own pizza, choosing from more than 50 ingredients. The hand-crafted dough and fresh toppings make this pizzeria a popular place to dine when venturing from your Smoky Mountains vacation rental in Pigeon Forge. After dinner, send the kids into the arcade for even more fun.
3. Reagan’s House of Pancakes
If your kids are up for a hearty start to their day, then Reagan’s House of Pancakes in Pigeon Forge is the place for your crew. The menu is stocked full of family-friendly favorites, such as french toast, hash browns, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and of course, pancakes. Make sure you wake the kids up early and head out from your Smoky Mountains vacation rental before noon because the two locations are only open for breakfast.
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4. Bennett’s BBQ
When the kids are craving something sweet and spicy, then Bennett’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge is the obvious choice. The mesmerizing aroma of slow-smoked ribs, sausage, pork, chicken, and beef awaken your senses before you even walk into the restaurant. If the kids want something different, they’re in luck at Bennett’s. The menu includes chicken wings, mozzarella squares, and homemade fried pickles. Satisfy the taste buds of your amorous eaters, too, with the all-you-can-eat buffet available.
5. Mama’s Farmhouse
You can’t vacation in the Smoky Mountains without treating the kids to some southern hospitality. A meal at Mama’s Farmhouse offers hospitality and family-style meals designed to make you miss home. Choose from a variety of dishes, such as honey ham, meatloaf, turkey, chicken fried steak, and fried chicken or try out Mama’s famous chick-n-dumplings or mac and cheese. Mama’s Farmhouse also features homemade desserts and breakfast food, and with a crew of kids, you’ll be happy to know that kids under 5 eat free.
6. Huck Finn’s
Take the family to a family-owned restaurant that caters to kids. Huck Finn’s in Pigeon Forge offers some of the best fish in the area, but you don’t have to be a seafood lover to enjoy this establishment. The kids can choose from chicken, country fried steak, and pork loin while adding on sides such as french fries, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. Don’t forget to try the world-famous hush puppies available at Huck Finn’s while dining near your Smoky Mountains vacation rental.
7. Hard Rock Cafe
Show your kids artifacts and memorabilia from famous musicians while treating them to a tasty meal while vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. The Hard Rock Cafe boasts a Rock Shop where your kids can purchase souvenirs before diving into some American cuisine such as appetizers, burgers, and desserts. This restaurant features a kid-friendly menu and a variety of tunes to keep the kids entertained before and after their meal.
8. Taste of Italy
Show your kids a taste of Italy when visiting this quaint, family-friendly restaurant in Gatlinburg near your Smoky Mountain vacation rental. Not only does the menu include favorite Italian dishes such as cannoli and lasagna, but the kids can also dive into mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, and their favorite pasta. Make sure you secure a reservation for your dinner at Taste of Italy to minimize the wait with the kids.
9. Crocketts Breakfast Camp
Get ready for a rustic experience when taking the kids to Crocketts Breakfast Camp for breakfast or lunch. Featuring a traditional hunting lodge environment, Crocketts appeals to families with kid-friendly meals, pancakes ‘o plenty, and sandwiches their little fingers can navigate. Beyond traditional American cuisine, you and the kids can also opt for vegetarian and gluten-free options.
10. Donut Friar
Satisfy your sweet tooth and opt for a breakfast full of sugar to energize the kids for the day. Donut Friar not only offers scrumptious donuts with sprinkles and icing, but also cinnamon rolls, French crullers, and cinnamon twists. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while the kids quench their thirsts with milk or juice while dining at Donut Friar, located in Gatlinburg, just minutes from your Smoky Mountain vacation rental.
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