Tennessee offers an amazing variety of family vacation destinations, from the natural wonderland of the Great Smoky Mountains to the vibrant music cities of Nashville and Memphis.
Whether you want to enjoy outdoor adventures, waterpark fun, or immerse yourselves in Southern culture and cuisine, the Volunteer State has incredible family resorts to suit every taste. This guide covers 15 of the absolute best Tennessee family resorts to help you plan an unforgettable memory-making getaway.
Why Visit Tennessee With Your Family?
With its diverse attractions and activities, Tennessee is truly a world-class family destination. Here are some of the top reasons to put it at the top of your vacation wish list:
The Great Smoky Mountains: This stunning mountain range offers unparalleled natural beauty, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and more. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Dollywood and Pigeon Forge: From thrilling rides to musical shows, the Dollywood theme park plus the entertainment-packed town of Pigeon Forge provide non-stop family fun.
Nashville’s Music Scene: The kid-friendly resorts and honky-tonks of Music City let you experience the legendary country/bluegrass culture.
Memphis’ Cultural Attractions: Step into blues/soul/rock ‘n’ roll history at Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and more.
Waterfalls, Caverns, and State Parks: From the rushing waterfalls of Fall Creek Falls to the underground wonderland of Tuckaleechee Caverns, Tennessee’s natural attractions abound.
Diverse Culinary Scene: Get a true taste of Tennessee through its delicious smoked meats, barbecue, Southern comfort foods, and more.
Simply put, Tennessee has activities, sights, and experiences for all ages and interests packed into one family-friendly destination. Now let’s look at where to stay while you’re exploring all this state has to offer!
Top Tennessee Family Resort #1 – Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville)
For the ultimate resort experience and one of the most unique hotels in the country, look no further than the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. This massive resort absolutely wows with its incredible indoor gardens and atriums that let you enjoy indoor “outdoor” spaces no matter the weather.
The crown jewel is the 9-acre Delta atrium with winding river and garden paths, but the Cascades and Garden Conservatory atriums are just as breathtaking. And that’s just the start of the fun! Other amazing amenities and activities that make the Gaylord Opryland Resort so family-friendly include:
- SoundWaves upscale indoor/outdoor waterpark with slides, surfing, lazy river
- 12+ diverse restaurants like Mexican, Italian, seafood, sports bar, and more
- Seasonal events like an incredible Christmas experience with millions of lights
- Character tours and shows that change each season
- Full-service resort spa, fitness center, and more
“My family absolutely loved our stay at Opryland! It felt like we were on a tropical vacation inside the beautiful garden atriums. My kids couldn’t get enough of the cool indoor waterpark either. Highly recommend for a family getaway!” – Satisfied Guest
With its incredible amenities and ability to let families enjoy an “outdoor” experience indoors, the Gaylord Opryland truly offers something for everyone in an unbeatable resort setting right in Nashville.
3 More Great Nashville Family Resorts
- Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center – 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN
- Loews Vanderbilt Hotel – Kid-friendly luxury, indoor pool, steps from attractions
- Bode Nashville – Modern boutique hotel, free breakfast, proximity to fun
Best Smoky Mountain Family Resorts
When it comes to family vacations, it’s hard to top the beauty and endless opportunities for adventure offered by the Great Smoky Mountains along Tennessee’s eastern border.
From hiking and wildlife to thrilling mountain coasters and waterparks, the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas are meccas for families. And these world-class Smoky Mountain resorts put you in the heart of it all:
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort (Pigeon Forge)
There’s no more fitting family resort in the Smokies than the Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa right next door to the iconic Dollywood theme park.
This resort absolutely nails the Southern hospitality experience with its Smoky Mountain theming, indoor and outdoor pools, splash areas, and accommodations that include kid-friendly bunk bed suites.
Other stellar amenities at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort include:
- Free transportation to Dollywood via shuttle for guests
- Incredible views of the Smoky Mountains from your balcony
- Camp DW with a rotating schedule of kids activities like arts & crafts
- Multiple restaurants with varied cuisines from Southern to grab-and-go
- Awarding-winning spa for a little grownup pampering
With its unbeatable location plus amenities tailored to families, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa truly provides the complete package for magical Smoky Mountain family getaways.
Wilderness at the Smokies (Sevierville)
Looking for a waterpark paradise paired with comfortable family suites? Then the Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville was made for you! This resort goes all-out with some of the biggest indoor and outdoor waterparks in the state.
Highlights of the wild waterpark fun include:
- Indoor waterpark with a awesome multi-level treehouse play area
- Tons of thrilling slides like the Storm Chaser and Cyclone Saucers
- Massive outdoor waterpark with slides, wave pool, lazy river
- Spacious suites with living/dining areas, some sleep up to 14!
- On-site mini golf courses, arcades, organized activities
With so many wet and dry activities, the Wilderness at the Smokies delivers an incredible stay and tremendous value for families – your kids may never want to leave!
4 More Top Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Resorts
- Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – Tropical island vibes, waterpark, near attractions
- Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark – Indoor waterpark heaven
- The Lodge at Buckberry Creek – Secluded mountain paradise, chalets with fireplaces
- Riverstone Resort and Spa – Beautiful riverside location, outstanding amenities, golf
Memphis Family Resort Spotlight – Big Cypress Lodge
For a totally unique resort experience that’s more like visiting a natural attraction than a hotel, head to the Big Cypress Lodge located inside the iconic Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in downtown Memphis. That’s right, this resort is situated inside one of the most famous and distinct buildings in the South!
From your hotel guest room, you’ll gaze out at the incredible cypress swamp and lodge theming of the Bass Pro shop. Wildlife exhibits featuring thousands of critters, a free-standing elevator that rockets up 28 stories to the peak of the Pyramid’s apex, and an underwater-themed bowling alley will wow the whole family.
The resort amenities and activities are just as impressive:
- The Lookout open-air restaurant with panoramic views of the Mississippi River
- Tranquil indoor pool and whirlpool surrounded by trees and natural touches
- Full-service Big Cypress Spa offering a full menu of treatments and services
- Fireplace suites, presidential log cabins, and luxury “doghouse” villa options
For a resort stay unlike any other that lets you step into a majestic cypress swamp right in downtown Memphis, look no further than the amazing Big
3 More Fun Memphis Family Stays
- The Guest House at Graceland – Themed luxury resort, great for Elvis fans
- DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown – Awesome pool, free cookies, river views
- Holiday Inn Express Memphis Arpt Elit Cir – Affordable with free breakfast, near top sights
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Other Great Family Resorts in Tennessee
Beyond the major cities and Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has several other fantastic family resort destinations that shouldn’t be missed:
The Inn at Christmas Place (Pigeon Forge)
Experience the magic of Christmas year-round at this delightfully festive resort in Pigeon Forge! From the dazzling lights and decorations in the lobby to visits from Santa, you’ll be surrounded by holiday cheer. Kids will love the Christmas story times and activities, while parents appreciate amenities like:
- Indoor pool and massive outdoor waterpark opening in 2024
- Complimentary hearty breakfast buffet included
- Proximity to all the attractions and shows in Pigeon Forge
It’s a holiday fantasy brought to life that will enchant the whole family!
Ancient Lore Village (Knoxville)
For a truly unique “once upon a time” themed family getaway, spend a few nights at the whimsical Ancient Lore Village resort near Knoxville. This fairytale-inspired property will ignite imaginations with its:
- Storybook accommodations like cozy cottages and treehouses
- Mythological theming and ancient archaeological exhibits
- Nature hiking trails, swimming ponds, and outdoor experiences
- Seasonal events like jousting tournaments and medieval feasts
It’s a one-of-a-kind place to unwind, be entertained, and make magical memories!
Blackberry Farm (Walland)
Nestled in a breathtaking setting in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the luxurious Blackberry Farm offers an unparalleled upscale family escape. This all-inclusive boutique resort delivers an exceptional experience:
- Multi-course gourmet meals showcasing Appalachian cuisine (included in rates)
- Spacious estate rooms and houses ideal for families
- Abundant activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly fishing
- Award-winning spa, wellness programs, cooking classes, and more
- Complimentary kids camp with daily activities and evening programs
It’s a luxurious home-away-from-home in a peaceful mountain paradise.
How to Choose the Right Tennessee Family Resort
With so many tremendous options across the state, how do you pick the perfect Tennessee family resort? Here are some key factors to consider:
Location & Activities: Do you want an outdoorsy Smoky Mountain adventure basesetting a fun Nashville getaway with shows? Or maybe waterparks are the priority?
Resort Size & Atmosphere: From smaller boutique properties to massive full-service resorts, think about the type of experience you prefer.
Accommodations: Determine if you need just a standard room or if spacious suites/villas with kitchens, living spaces and more will be required.
Dining: All-inclusive resorts can streamline budgeting, or choose a la carte options to sample the local cuisine scene.
Need for Speed?: If you have thrill-seekers in your crew, you may want to prioritize hotels near parks with roller coasters and adrenaline-pumping rides.
Budget: As with anything, prices can vary greatly for Tennessee resorts. Set a realistic budget range to narrow your options.
Ultimately, there’s a fantastic Tennessee resort to fit every family’s unique needs and interests! Whether you want a quiet mountain retreat or a non-stop action-packed trip, the perfect property is waiting.
Start Planning Your Tennessee Family Getaway Today!
From the incredible natural scenery of the Smoky Mountains to the rich musical heritage of cities like Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
And with world-class resorts like Dollywood’s DreamMore, Gaylord Opryland, Big Cypress Lodge and so many others, you’ll have extraordinary places to call “home base” during your memorable Tennessee adventures.
So what are you waiting for? Tennessee’s family-friendly attractions, outdoors activities, mouth-watering cuisine, and first-rate resorts are calling! Start dreaming about which one will be home to your family’s next unforgettable vacation.
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Gatlinburg (Great Smoky Mountains)
- Pigeon Forge (Great Smoky Mountains)
- Sevierville (Great Smoky Mountains)
- Knoxville
What Tennessee family resort destination is catching your eye? Drop a comment to share where you’re hoping to make wonderful vacation memories!
Ava, boasting five years in home blogging, shares expertise in domestic living. With a sharp eye and passion for details, she navigates home decor and lifestyle intricacies effortlessly.
