Kidding Around® Travel

Whether you are looking for the perfect day trip or planning a family vacation, we have a growing list of guides and stories to help you make magical memories as a family!

Places to travel in the United States

UNIQUE TRAVEL GUIDES

Kidding Around day trip guide
Educational travel and day trips ideas
The southeast travel bucket list with unique and best places to visit in the south.


Need ideas on how to manage the kids in the car on a family road trip?

Here are 30 tips for taking road trips with kids!

how to travel cheap

South Carolina Vacations



SC State parks ultimate guide

Find outdoor fun all over the state with our Ultimate Guide to South Carolina State Parks!


Camden

Guide to Camden – We found so many great things to do, places to eat, spots to shop, and quality accommodations in this Revolutionary War town where history comes alive.

Charleston

Kidding Around Charleston – Find a world of family-friendly adventure at your fingertips when you visit our dedicated site for Charleston with in-depth articles and reviews from local families!


Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

See our Charleston Travel Page for more Charleston, SC reviews.


Bulls Island with Coastal Expeditions – One of South Carolina’s most pristine coastal landscapes, Bulls Island is just a few miles from Charleston and a bucket list item for outdoor adventurers.

Haunted Harbor Tour – Explore the haunted history of Charleston on this spooky tour around the city. 

Clemson

Guide to Clemson University – You can spend an entire day on campus at Clemson just by bowling, eating ice cream, wandering a botanical garden, and even checking out some gorgeous gemstones!

Things to Do at Clemson University with Kids – Clemson University is packed with fun things for the whole family to enjoy together.

Columbia

Kidding Around Columbia – Find a world of family-friendly adventure at your fingertips when you visit our dedicated site for Columbia with in-depth articles and reviews from local families!


Explore South Carolina’s capital with Things To Do in Columbia, SC!

Guide to Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina

EdVenture  This epic multi-story children’s museum features a larger-than-life playground in the shape of a human boy named Eddie.

The Orange Pit – This short-term rental home is family-friendly with multiple bedrooms and fantastic proximity to both Riverbanks Zoo and EdVenture Children’s Museum.

South Carolina State Museum  This museum offers several floors of exhibits and a full theater.

Riverbanks Zoo – This large zoo draws from families from all over the state, with large animals from elephants to sea lions. Kids will love the large children’s garden and splash pads in the summer.

Inside of the new aquarium and reptile house at Riverbanks Zoo

Edisto Island

Guide to Edisto Island  This quiet beach is the perfect vacation for the family looking to get away from it all.

Fripp Island

Guide to Fripp Island – Find seclusion on Fripp Island, South Carolina with our guide to places to stay and things to do.

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort – So you don’t miss out on this family-friendly oceanfront resort, we’ve put together lodging information, restaurants, kid-friendly activities, what to see, and how to access the private island.

Backporch view from Fripp Island Rental

Greenville

Kidding Around Greenville – You can find the latest and greatest things we’ve found on the Kidding Around Greenville homepage, or use the search function to browse our entire website!

Weekend Visits to Greenville – Get a taste of all that Greenville has to offer with these weekend itineraries we’ve put together.

Bed & Breakfasts Near Greenville – These highly rated bed and breakfasts near Greenville, SC are an excellent way to feel at home while exploring the area.

Day Trips for Couples – Make it romantic! Check out these day trips that are perfect for a couple looking for adventure near Greenville.

Spring Break in Greenville – Thinking about spending Spring Break in Greenville? This guide gives you great leads on the best way to spend the week with us!

Things To Do on Spring Break in Greenville – We put together a guide with 100+ things to do with kids on Spring Break in Greenville, SC.

Downtown Greenville – Check out 10 free things to do in downtown Greenville.

Greenville Drive – Watching a Greenville baseball game is a classic Greenville adventure.

Greenville Zoo – This review shares everything you need to know to visit the Greenville Zoo.

Greenville Zoo Giraffe Encounters

Mice on Main – Find all the Mice on Main in this scavenger hunt through downtown Greenville with our guide.

Roper Mountain Science Center – This large science center offers plenty of space to play and learn, both indoors and outdoors, and highlights each year include their themed Summer Adventure programs and Starry Night events.

Waterfalls Near Greenville – There is nothing quite as spectacular as a gorgeous waterfall, and there are dozens just a short drive outside of Greenville!

Hilton Head Island

Things To Do Indoors on Hilton Head Island – Your vacation doesn’t have to be ruined by rain! We have an excellent list of indoor things to do that your family will love.

Things To Do With Kids on Hilton Head Island – Discover 30+ family-friendly things to do in Hilton Head with kids.

Island Explorer Dolphin Tour – Venture out into the Atlantic Ocean for a dolphin tour.

Pirates of Hilton Head – Your kids will have a blast trying to keep Stinky Pete from stealing the treasure!

Rockfish and The Art Cafe – This restaurant is situated right beside the art cafe, so your kids can play while you enjoy a date night on vacation.

Murrells Inlet

Brookgreen Gardens – Immerse yourself in 9,000 acres of paradise just a couple minutes from Huntington Beach State Park.

Huntington Beach State Park – This park offers an all-in-one camping experience which includes the beach, an abundance of wildlife, a castle, a nature center, and opportunities for learning and adventure.

Myrtle Beach

Guide to Myrtle Beach – Find out where to stay, dine, and play in and around one of South Carolina’s most popular beaches.

Spring Break in Myrtle Beach – Ring in the start of spring with a vacation to Myrtle Beach, where you can enjoy indoor pools, local amusement parks, gardens, and more!

Winter in Myrtle Beach – The off-season is one of the best times of year to enjoy all that Myrtle Beach has to offer without all the crowds.

Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach – This is an oceanfront escape with heated indoor pools and fun outdoor ones, a calmer vibe than busy boardwalk hotels, and all the quality you expect in a Tapestry by Hilton.

Embassy Suites at Kingston Resorts – This hotel is perfect for families with spacious rooms, separate living areas, and big balconies that all have full or partial ocean views.

Humbug Suite at Kingston Resort – You could not ask for a more unique Christmas experience that isn’t a Hallmark movie than booking a stay in this Grinch-themed suite.

Grinch suite at Kingston Resort

Medieval Times – Let your kids dine as a medieval lord or lady while knights joust and a fantastic performance unfolds before their eyes.

Pirates Voyage – This dinner show experience is a popular choice among adults and children! Reserve your tickets before going.

Ripley’s Aquarium – One of the absolute highlights of the entire Myrtle Beach area, this aquarium offers two stories of phenomenal aquatic exhibits including a stingray touch tank, a hall of jellyfish, two different indoor playgrounds, and so much more.

Vereen Memorial Gardens – Located in Little River just a few minutes from Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, this 115-acre nature preserve offers peaceful walking trails, towering trees, marsh views, and beautiful azaleas in bloom every spring.

Image shows pink azaleas in full bloom at Vereen Memorial Gardens.

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort – This family-friendly resort is located right on the beaches of Myrtle Beach, with several pools and close proximity to everything your family will love! 

Newberry

Things To Do in Newberry – After it was named one of the “Most Charming Small Towns in America” by Travel Channel, we couldn’t resist exploring Newberry and putting together this list of the top things for families to enjoy there.

Newberry Parks – We visited every park in Newberry and put together this handy guide with our top recommendations for every kind of family outing.

Newberry Recreation Complex – This amazing recreation complex in Newberry features a fully inclusive playground and splash park, hiking and fishing on a hidden pond, and athletic facilities including high-quality pickleball courts and batting cages.

Pickens

Things To Do in Pickens – Discover 25+ fabulous things to do in Pickens, whether you’re there for the day or even longer.

Christmas in Pickens – Find out the best holiday events in Pickens, Easley, and beyond in this part of the Upstate.

Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center – Step back in time with classes and tours through a grist mill, working water wheel, blacksmithing shop, and other historic facilities and nature trails.

Happy Kids Playhouse – This indoor playspace is curated for entertaining ages 10 and under, with large inflatable slides, tons of toys, creative play stations, character appearances, and more.

Mile Creek Park on Lake Keowee – If you’re looking for a simple little park with a small beach and access to crystal-clear water, look no further.

Nine Times Nature Preserve – Nestled on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with 500+ acres of protected land and 100+ species of native wildflowers, this is a nature experience like no other.

Table Rock State Park – This state park just 30 minutes from Greenville offers waterfalls, boating, and hiking.

Town Creek Bike Park – Found inside the Pickens Recreation Center, this bike park is a large playground for kids on bikes with a single track, pump track, half-log trails, and more.

Spartanburg

Ultimate Guide to Spartanburg – Find current events, things to do, classes and activities, seasonal information, restaurants, and way more from a local’s perspective.

Visitor’s Guide to Spartanburg – Wondering what to do when you’re only in town for a visit? We’ve put together the top places to stay, dine, and play with your kids of all ages.

Things To Do on Spring Break in Spartanburg – We put together a guide with 100+ things to do with kids on Spring Break in Spartanburg, SC.

Camping Around Spartanburg – We have a guide to all the places you’ll want to check out when looking for a place to camp near Spartanburg.

Anchor Park – You’ll find a fully fenced playground, shady picnic spots, and easy access to water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating all in this scenic park on Lake Bowen.

Image shows the central picnic shelter at Anchor Park.

Cleveland Park – This gorgeous park centers around a reflective bird pond with a large white gazebo at its center, and it also offers an adventure-themed playground sure to ignite any child’s imagination.

Downtown Spartanburg With Kids – Discover 10+ adventures that kids can have without breaking the bank in downtown Spartanburg.

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve – This 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve features about 1 mile of interconnected paved walking trails with abundant water features and a children’s garden with natural playscapes.

Hub City Railroad Museum – Housed in the historic Magnolia Street Station, this little free museum highlights Spartanburg’s history as a major railway hub in the southeast.

Hub City Spartanburgers at Fifth Third Park – This baseball team plays at the High-A level of Minor League Baseball, and the stadium provides a fun vintage feel with theme nights, gift shops, and a playground.

Mary Black Rail Trail – This 2-mile exercise trail is paved, level, and tons of fun for families as it cuts through the heart of Spartanburg and passes an obstacle course, skate park, bike park, and market.

River Birch Trail – This 2-mile paved nature trail follows Lawson’s Fork Creek, where you can spot deer, otters, and even more wildlife.

Sparkle City Mini Putt – Enjoy free mini golf in the middle of downtown Spartanburg, highlighting some of Spartanburg’s most iconic places.

Spartanburg Art Museum – This free local museum offers classes for children and adults, tours, and more.

Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center – Newly opened in 2025, this 135-seat planetarium theatre offers new shows monthly, each lasting about 30-45 minutes.

TCMU Spartanburg – The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) has a location in Spartanburg with two floors of immersive exhibits for children ages 5 and under.

Tyger River Park – Large playgrounds and even a splash pad await in this sprawling recreation complex operated by Spartanburg Parks.

Underpin Lanes ‘N Lounge – Enjoy an upscale bowling experience with the whole family, and expect both traditional bowling alley bites alongside southern favorites like brisket and pork belly.

Sunset

Sassafras Mountain Tower – At the highest point in South Carolina, check out the stunning views and learn more about Sassafras Mountain Tower! 

Walhalla

Stumphouse Tunnel and Isaqueena Falls – Explore the darkness down an old mine shaft at Stumphouse Tunnel near Walhalla, SC. You can also make a short drive to Isaqueena Falls, maybe for a perfect day trip!

Walhalla State Fish Hatchery – Ever wonder where your grocery store fish comes from? Take a tour of a working fish hatchery near Clemson, SC, and learn a little about the food you eat!


North Carolina Vacations


Kidding Around's Travel Guide to North Carolina

Explore the best of the state with our Travel Guide to North Carolina!



Arden

Mountain Play Lodge – This play venue in Arden is worth the drive for its unique and large indoor playground.

Asheville

Asheville Adventure Park – This zip-line course in nearby Asheville provides fun for the entire family.

Biltmore Estates – The Biltmore Estates includes the restored 250-room home of George and Edith Vanderbilt and 2.5 miles of trail through gardens.

Biltmore Estate with Kids – This article is full of useful tips for families wanting to take their children to The Biltmore Estates.

French Broad Chocolates – Every chocolate lover’s dream exists in this downtown chocolate shop. Beware the line can often wind far outside the door.

North Carolina Arboretum – This property offers gorgeous gardens, hiking trials, a miniature train exhibit, and rotating art exhibits of epic proportions.

Western North Carolina Nature Center – This popular science center in Asheville features animals indigenous to Western North Carolina, including otters, bears, and mountain lions. The center also includes a petting farm, a walking trail, and a play area.

Blowing Rock

Guide to Blowing Rock – Find out what makes this city feel like a European mountain village and how many wonderful events and attractions you can find there throughout the year.

Appalachian Ski Mountain – Visit for an affordable, family-friendly experience with skiing, with classes available and ice skating, too.

Mystery Hill – Stand in a vortex, throw axes, and ride a mechanical bull at this place where weird meets fun.

Tweetsie Railroad – Located in Blowing Rock near Boone, this is a sweet theme park with a special history.

Ghost Train at Tweestie Railroad – Experience spooky season at Tweetsie Railroad with an epic ghost train ride.

Boone

Guide to Boone – Check out all the coolest things we’ve found for families to enjoy together in Boone, North Carolina.

Hawksnest Adventures – Zipline over 4 miles across valleys and creeks with incredible mountain views in the greater Boone area.

Hawksnest adventures in Seven Devils, NC
The view from one of the decks at Hawksnest

Brevard

Guide to Brevard – Browse things to do, places to eat, and unique shops.

Cradle of Forestry – This fascinating place offers a lot of special events, and both indoor and outdoor fun, including an indoor helicopter ride.

Davidson River Tubing – A full day of floating fun awaits for a small fee in Pisgah National Forest during the summertime.

Moore Cove Falls – Find out about this short hike (only 0.6 miles!) that will take you behind a waterfall in Pisgah National Forest.

Bryson City

Guide to Bryson City – Get a bird’s eye view of Bryson City with this guide based on our team’s favorite things to do and places to stay in the area.

Holiday Season in Bryson City – Learn more about the regionally renowned Polar Express, ice skating, tree farms, and more to do in this city during the holiday season.

Deep Creek Tubing – Find out everything you need to know about visiting this popular river tubing destination with your kids.

Mountain Getaway in Nearby Almond – Stay in this private mountain cabin just minutes from Bryson City to experience stunning views and luxury accommodations that are perfect for a family escape.

Mountain views from short-term rental in Almond, NC

Nantahala Outdoor Center – Discover whitewater rafting, deep creek tubing, kayaking, creek stomping, and more outdoor activities, plus restaurants and highlights for kids in this detailed guide.

Sky Ridge Yurts – Check out these fabulous outdoorsy accommodations in Bryson City with these yurts that take glamping to a whole new level.

Cashiers

Guide to Sapphire Valley – Also known as the Land of the Waterfalls, Sapphire Valley and the greater Cashiers area offer extraordinary hiking, creek stomping, boating, fly-fishing, seasonal events, and more.

Frozen Falls Tube Park – This family-friendly snow tubing option in Sapphire Valley is a great experience with a ski lodge, skiing, snow boarding, and snow tubing available all in one place.

Lake Glenville – Take a waterfall boat tour on the highest elevation lake in the eastern United States, located right by Cashiers.

Shadow of the Bear – For only two weeks every fall, a shadow with the appearance of a bear emerges that can only be seen from Whiteside Mountain.

Charlotte

Kidding Around Charlotte – Find a world of family-friendly adventure at your fingertips when you visit our dedicated site for Charlotte with in-depth articles and reviews from local families!

Things To Do in Charlotte – Check out 20+ of the Kidding Around team’s favorite things to do when visiting Charlotte.

Discovery Place – This science center includes over 10 exhibits and a full 3-D theater.

Panthers Training Camp – Watch the Carolina Panthers train at the Carolina Panthers Practice Fields and let the kids play on the Play 60 obstacle course.

Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, & Preserves – Offering nearly 1,000 acres of hiking trails, beautiful forests, a fantastic natural playscape for kids, and a one-room nature center, this is a favorite for families in the region.

Reedy Creek Park Nature Preserve playground
Nature Playground at Reedy Creek Park in Charlotte, NC

Cherokee

Oconaluftee Visitor Center  This wildlife preserve in Cherokee County is the perfect place to see elk and moose.

Clyde

Buffalo Creek Vacations – Stay in a decommissioned train caboose or a luxury log cabin surrounded by American Bison on this private farm.

Dillsboro

Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro – Immerse yourself in this charming Hallmark mountain town for their beautiful Lights & Luminaries festival the first two weeks of December.

Flat Rock

A Day in Flat Rock – Use this day itinerary to plan your next trip to Flat Rock.

Carl Sandburg Home – Visit the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg.

Fall leaves at the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, North Carolina

Hendersonville

Things To Do in Hendersonville – Check out 25+ of the Kidding Around team’s favorite things to do with kids in Hendersonville.

Christmas in Hendersonville – Get the latest on holiday happenings in Hendersonville.

Black Bear Snow Tubing in Fall – If you don’t want to wait until the thick of winter to enjoy the snow, then check with Black Bear Snow Tubing for an early snow experience.

Black Bear Snow Tubing in Winter – Celebrate winter each year with a day tubing through the snow at Black Bear Snow Tubing.

Hands On! Children’s Museum – This small children’s museum offers fun at an affordable price.

Moonshine Mountain – Delight in snow tubing during winter months.

Sky Top Orchard – Sky Top Orchard is one the top apple orchards in the Carolinas, offering u-pick apples, hay rides, a bamboo forest, a petting zoo, and a farm-themed playground for kids.

Western North Carolina Air Museum – Learn about the history of airplanes and even climb in a few at this hangar and FREE airplane museum.

Highlands

Highlands, NC – Explore the beauty of Western North Carolina, and enjoy dining, downtown fun, hiking ideas, and places to stay.

Rutherfordton

Rutherfordton City Parks – We visited every city park in Rutherfordton and put together this complete guide to make a day out with the kids a dream.

Rutherfordton Restaurants – Check out our top three picks for the best family-friendly restaurants in all of Rutherfordton.

Day Itinerary for Rutherfordton – If you can only spend one day exploring Rutherfordton with the kids, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your time there.

KidSenses Interactive Children’s Museum – Discover one of the coolest children’s museums in the Carolinas with two stories of hands-on.

Alphabet Trail at KidSenses Museum

Kiwanis Park – This family-friendly park is just blocks from Historic Downtown Rutherfordton, offering not one but two scenic bridges, a tall two-story play structure, and access to the Purple Martin Greenway.

Saluda

Little Saluda Falls Hike to this three-tiered waterfall!


Georgia Vacations


Georgia Travel Guide

Check out our epic Guide to Travel in Georgia, from the mountains to the coast!


Alpharetta

Things to Do With Kids in Alpharetta – Read our 10+ favorite things to do with kids in this upscale Atlanta suburb.

Athens

Guide to Athens – This small city packs quite a punch for budget-conscious families looking to enjoy something new.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia – With over 300 acres of gardens, trails, and even play areas, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is must-see if you’re in Athens.

Atlanta

Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse – This exotic vacation rental nestled in a bamboo forest gives you the chance to actually pet the aplacas and llamas roaming past!

Atlanta Braves at Truist Park – Watch this Major League Baseball team play at the recently constructed Truist Park ballfield in Atlanta.

Georgia Aquarium – The largest aquarium in the entire United States is a wonder to behold, with a massive whale shark exhibit as one of its highlights.

LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta – If you love LEGOs, then you have to add LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta to your bucket list!

World of Coca-Cola – Find hours, admission costs, parking details, nearby attractions, places to stay, and more in this detailed guide to visiting the World of Coca-Cola.

Blairsville

Weekends in Blairsville – Find places to do, dine, and play on a weekend in Blairsville, Georgia.

Cartersville

Guide to Cartersville – Check out our complete guide to Cartersville, a destination with award-winning museums, mountain lakes, gem mining, and more.

Dillard

The Dillard House – This inn offers beautiful grounds, family-friendly horseback riding, and farm animals.

Dunwoody

Guide to Dunwoody – One of the prettiest and most family-friendly of the Atlanta suburbs, Dunwoody offers wonderful places to stay, eat, explore, and play with your kids.

Gwinnett County/ Duluth

A complete weekend itinerary for experiencing Gwinnett County, Georgia’s extraordinary cultural food scene, international markets, and architectural landmarks – all just two hours from Greenville.

Visiting Gwinnett County Georgia with family

Helen

Guide to Helen – Find out favorite activities, hikes, places to eat, and more from real parents visiting Helen, Georgia.

Cool River Tubing – Tube down the Chattahoochee River, pack a picnic, and even bring your pet with Cool River Tubing.

Unicoi State Park’s Barrel Cabins – These unique cabins offer the perfect home base to explore the beach, lake, nature trails, waterfalls, and more you’ll find in Unicoi State Park.

Jekyll Island

Guide to Jekyll Island – Jekyll Island, Georgia is one of those pristine, unspoiled beach towns where you can relax and recharge in a quiet setting while still having access to plenty of entertainment options.

Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island – Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is located right on the coast and offers beachfront access directly from the hotel.

LaGrange

Holiday Guide to LaGrange, GA – Spend a weekend exploring this charming town in Georgia with that Hallmark holiday feel.

Great Wolf Lodge of Georgia – Experience family-focused entertainment and attractions with fun, woodland-themed lodging at this hotel & resort.

Marietta

Guide to Cobb County – The greater area of Cobb County surrounds Marietta, and it is packed with major attractions like the Major League Baseball, rollercoaster rides, and historic sites.

Newnan

Guide to Newnan – The town of Newnan in Coweta County, Georgia is a great place for a getaway in western Georgia right off I-85.

Pine Mountain

Callaway Resort and Gardens – This is truly a treasure of Western Georgia. The gardens are huge, with azaleas, bike trails, a gorgeous lake (with an aquapark in summer), a huge butterfly exhibit, and a Discovery Center, plus so much more. The resort onsite is fantastic, and pairing them together can save you some money.

Day butterfly exhibit at Callaway Resort and Gardens

Whitesburg

Banning Mills – Just an hour outside of Atlanta, you will feel a world away at the lodge, on the hiking trails with historic ruins, and in endless adventures like the ropes course and zip-line.


Tennessee Vacations

We have traveled to several major cities in Tennessee, and there are so many family-friendly things to do! We’ve found and reviewed things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Chattanooga that will help you plan your trip. We have suggestions on lodging, reviews of major attractions, and even guides to each of your favorite cities.


Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Check out our family Guide to Travel in Tennessee for your next vacation!


One of Tennessee’s most family-friendly travel destinations!

KA Guide to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Family Guide

Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee is a wonderful mix of outdoor nature with an urban city vibe. There are lots of things to do in Chattanooga with kids, including checking out some amazing rock formations, underground waterfalls, the Chattanooga Zoo, the Tennessee Aquarium, and of course the Chattanooga choo choo! You can use our Ultimate Guide to Chattanooga, along with some of our site-specific reviews, to plan out the perfect trip for your family!



Chattanooga Zoo – Hang out with prairie dogs, feed giraffes, and venture through an epic petting zoo.

Big Soddy Creek Trail – Check out this magical swimming hole after your hike.

Read House – This haunted hotel in downtown Chattanooga is absolutely spectacular.

Rock City – Wander this famous rock garden with caverns and spectacular views.

Tennessee Aquarium – Visit blue macaws, a 3D IMAX studio, and more!

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a stunning mountain town situated on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and it offers a wonderful mix of tourist attractions and nature. You can ride a chair lift up to Anakeesta and spend a day playing, or check out one of several Ripley’s attractions. These reviews will guide you in planning your next family trip to Gatlinburg!

Anakeesta – The mountain village of Anakeesta has tons of activities for the family!

Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort – Experience glamping at its finest at Camp LeConte.

Go Lodge – This game-themed mansion has 17 rooms to explore.

Greystone Lodge on the River – This comfortable lodge is located in the heart of Gatlinburg.

Guinness World Records Museum – Learn about all of the wonderful records broken throughout history!

Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater – Take a 5D adventure ride at this moving theater.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Walk through a shark tunnel at this amazing aquarium.

Ripley’s Mirror Maze – A fun way to show your kids how tricky mirrors can be.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Wild Bear Falls Water Park – Hotel and a waterpark? Yes please!

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a tourist hotspot but for good reason! You can literally drive down the main road of town and see things you have never seen before, such as a lifesize replica of the Titanic or King Kong scaling a building. Plus, it is home to Dollywood! Plan our every detail of your family vacation with our KA Guide to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN. You can also use our individual reviews of some pretty epic attractions and lodging options to finalize your itinerary.

Dollywood – This theme park is quite an adventure for your family! With roller coasters, special holiday events, maker’s markets, and more, you will have a blast at Dollywood. 

Dollywood’s Splash Country – The perfect waterpark to cool off at to avoid that humid mountain heat.

Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove – An amusement park full of whimsy and exploration!

Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood – A holiday celebration at Dollywood with lights, rides, special shows, and events that bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Inn on the River – An inn in Pigeon Forge with an indoor pool, excellent views of the river, and a cozy vibe.

Island at Pigeon Forge – This one-stop shop for fun is a great way to spend the day in Pigeon Forge.

SkyFly: Soar America at Island at Pigeon Forge – Experience this unique augmented reality ride found at Island at Pigeon Forge.

Margaritaville Island Hotel – is a wonderful family-friendly place to lodge for your vacation.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge – Enjoy the great outdoors at this RV resort and lodge.

Pigeon Forge Snow – Take a stroll through the light walking trails and enjoy indoor tubing for a truly magical winter experience!

PINK Jeep Tour – Check out the Great Smoky Mountains in an awesome pink Jeep!

Titanic Museum – The venue is even shaped like a replica of the ship for a truly unique experience.

Wonderworks – This tourist attraction is truly unique! First off, the building is literally flipped upside down, and it just gets even more interesting as you explore it.

Winterfest – Enjoy the town of Pigeon Forge shimmering with lights, Christmas trees, and holiday events.

Wonder of Lights Walking Tour of Winterfest – A part of Winterfest, this lights tour is spectacular.

Sevierville

Situated right outside of Pigeon Forge, there are so many things to do in Sevierville, Tennessee! With epic waterparks, underwater lakes to explore by boat, outdoor resorts, family-friendly attractions, and the largest Buc-ee’s in the world to explore, it makes for a wonderful family trip. You can pair our reviews with our Ultimate Guide to Sevierville, Tennessee to plan out your entire vacation to Sevierville!


Sevierville TN

Have the ultimate family-friendly with our Ultimate Guide to Sevierville, Tennessee!


Buc-ee’s Sevierville – Shop a humongous store with literally everything you need.

Lost Sea Adventure – Take a boating adventure across an underwater lake.

Ridge Outdoor Resort – Enjoy glamping and pools at this resort.

SkyLand Ranch – Experience coasters, chair lifts, western entertainment, and more.

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort – This wonderful lodging option is perfect for lovers of the outdoors.

Soaky Mountain – This epic outdoor waterpark is an adventure and memory maker.

Wilderness at the Smokies – This is a great hotel/waterpark combination close to Pigeon Forge.

Townsend

Townsend Wye Swimming Hole – Enjoy a morning swim at this local swimming hole on the edge of Great Smoky Mountain National Forest.


Virginia Vacations

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon – Visit the plantation home of the first United States President, the legendary George Washington himself.

Roanoke

Family Travel Guide to Roanoke – Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is known as the Star City of the South, and it combines everything you love about the Blue Ridge Mountains with a family-friendly urban experience.

Tall star monument above the trees
Roanoke Star in Roanoke, VA

Center in the Square – Roanoke’s Center in the Square offers 7 stories of family-friendly fun including aquariums, arcades, and hands-on museums.

Mill Mountain Park – Mill Mountain Park is the top outdoor attraction for tourists to Roanoke. Featuring the Roanoke Star, Discovery Center, Mill Mountain Zoo, and more, don’t miss this on your visit to the city!

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg – Find out how to make the most of a short visit to Virginia’s Historic Triangle, with details on Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.


Washington DC Vacations

Guide to Washington DC – Find places to stay, things to do, and the most educational experiences in our nation’s capital city.


Florida Vacations

It’s hard not to love vacationing in Florida. The weather is pretty great all year long, there are tons of family-friendly beaches, and some pretty unique adventures you will not find anywhere else in the world. We have guides for travel to places like Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND, and even the Kennedy Space Center. If you are looking for a nature adventure, you will also find reviews of state parks, airboat rides through the Everglades, a visit to an Alligator zoo, and so much more!


Travel Guide to Florida

Find all our favorite destinations in this Travel Guide to Florida!



Cape Canaveral

Guide to Space Coast – Understand Cape Canaveral and the surrounding Space Coast area through the eyes of a Florida local.

Kennedy Space Center – Tour the launch pad areas, see a massive rocket, and learn about the history of the space program.

Daytona

Things To Do Near Daytona Beach – Discover our list of family-friendly things to do anytime you’re in the Daytona area.

Fort Lauderdale

Sawgrass Recreation Park’s Airboat Through the Everlades – There are a ton of companies that do tours in the Everglades, but Sawgrass Recreation Park near Fort Lauderdale is a great option for families with its 30-minute group rides and nature park admission.

Kenansville

Wild Florida – Get up close to gators, goats, birds, and more at this gator-themed park for families.

Orange City

Blue Spring State Park – See manatees and go swimming in crystal clear springs.

Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort – Get 10 tips for planning a family vacation to Disney World from a former Orlando local.

St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos – This national park is right on the water with cannons and a pretty amazing history.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park – One of the oldest accredited zoos in the country, you can watch gator feedings, see gators in the lagoon, and even spot crocodiles and some more funky-looking creatures.

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum – This museum spans about 5,000 square feet and is designed to feel like you’ve actually entered a pirate ship as you check out exhibits of real artifacts from real historical pirates.

Winter Haven

LEGOLAND Florida – Just an hour outside of Orlando, this unique theme park is designed for children ages 2 to 12, offering fun rides, attractions, and interactive exhibits.


Seasonal Travel

Certain destinations just pack an extra special punch during specific seasons or holidays. If you’re looking for seasonal fun while you’re on a family getaway, then be sure to check out some of our favorite places to go for every time of year!

Spring Season

Spring Break Trips – Browse some of our favorite Spring Break travel destinations!

Spring Break on a Budget – Get our top tips for planning an affordable family vacation over Spring Break.

Summer Season

Fall Season

Halloween Holiday

Guide to Halloween Travel – Browse some spooky travel destinations in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Halloween Hotels and Cabins – Discover accommodations across the southeast with haunted histories and spooky stories.

Winter Season

Christmas Holiday


What’s New in Travel?

See where we’ve been recently, plus some of our favorite travel highlights.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter