Spend a Family Vacation at Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have been a family vacation destination for decades. Whether for a vacation or a weekend getaway you will find it hard to run out of things to do during your visit. Whatever time of year it may be this area is recognized as a great kid friendly family vacation destination.

Nestled in the Smokies these two locations feature many different attractions that includetheme parks, miniature golf, recreational activities, variety shows just to name a few. With the enormous amount of activities to take in you will be sure to find things enjoyable for all members of your family. And, while there is so much to do you will still be able to stay within the family budget.

When making the trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge you may first think to stay in a hotel, but don't rule out staying in a cabin. These cabins are amazing with the fine amenities they feature, such as hot tubs, flat screen televisions, pool tables and modern kitchen appliances. They are well decorated and really make you feel at home. And, with most cabins up in the mountains they will feature spectacular views of the Smokies. As you check into your cabin options you will see that they have their rustic appeal of living in the woods with modern conveniences.

In Pigeon Forge probably the top one is Dollywood. This 125 acre theme park is filled with thrilling rides, live entertainment, great music and much, much more. Or if a water park is in your plans visit Splash Country, which is located close to Dollywood. Splash Country has many family attractions from a tube ride down a lazy river to white-water rafting. Pigeon Forge also has 6 outlet malls for the shopping enthusiasts in the family and along Pigeon Forge Parkway you will find more family attractions that include go-carts, bumper boats, miniature golf and numerous restaurants to enjoy. And also plenty of more shopping opportunities.

While in Gatlinburg, a very popular family attraction is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This 1.4 million gallon aquarium features thousands of different creatures from all around the world. Plan to spend a couple of hours to fully take in this attraction. And if mountain views are in your plans, then make your way to Ober Gatlinburg for a spectacular ride up the side of the mountain At the top is an amusement park for the kids to enjoy. Gatlinburg also features horseback riding, museums, amusement parks, championship golf courses, specialty shops and so much more.

Regardless of your age, people who come to experience Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will find something to enjoy. It's all here waiting for you and your family so start your planning today!

Doug Maxwell is an online marketer of family vacation ideas as well as high quality products at great prices with exceptional service. Check out our blog for family travel ideas at Family Vacation Deals.

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Taking Kids to Islands

Going on a holiday with the kids? With so many tropical islands all over the world, you have a varied choice when it comes to choosing an island as your family vacation spot. The best thing about selecting a vacation in the tropics is that it won’t turn out to be outrageously expensive and most importantly is meant for the whole family. The sand, the sun, and the lapping of the waves as they hit the shore- nothing is as soothing as a quite, serene holiday at a tropical island destination, unless of course, you are taking the children. Holidays with children require parents to rethink what they will do while away.

You and your family can obviously jump start your day by simply lazing around the beach, sun bathing, with kids swimming in the waters or digging in the sand making castles. But if your little ones are like most other kids, they will want to run around. There are plenty of activities you can do with them. Kids can indulge in a half day sailing trip and have a snorkeling experience around the island’s coral reefs. They can grab a look at the magical and awe-inspiring universe of the vibrant, vivid and vivacious sea creatures and plant life that live below the water. Children as young as 8 yrs old, with the aid of a scuba instructor can safely descend to a depth of 20 ft. For younger kids who don’t want to dive in the water, they can be guided through glass bottom tours that are great for kids.

Tropical islands can be non-stop fun for children where children can swim in clear water, find Nemo as they snorkel just meters from the shore or discover the sea while scuba diving. Kids who are nature lovers can explore the beauty of the wilderness by hiking through the forests of the island. The children will be able to swim in the cooling waterfalls as well as spot animals and birds. Jungle trekking can also be an exciting alternative and good break from the beach allowing the kids to do something different as constant time at the beach, which might make them bored. Besides scuba diving and snorkeling, kids can enjoy other beach activities like parasailing and kayaking as well. Playing sports like beach volley ball or staying by the pool can keep the kids occupied and active while on your holiday.

A well struck balance between both inside and outside adventures will enable your young ones to prize and enjoy their tropical island holiday while keeping them busy and keeping you sane. Going on vacation with your children doesn't have to be a stressful adventure. There is plenty to keep your children busy on a tropical island besides just going to the beach. Kids have a lot of energy so it's important to find activities that use that energy.

Matthew Kepnes has been exploring tropical islands for years and knows a lot about how to keep people, especially children, happy on a tropical island. You can visit his resource on the best tropical islands in the world and good family places such as going on a hawaii vacation.

By MATTHEW KEPNES