Gatlinburg is a mountain town that rests on the side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town is primarily a resort destination that is a popular spot for people who enjoy the outdoors, the mountains and doing a little outside exploration. The town of Gatlinburg is of historical significance, so there are lots of important places to see and go, and on top of which, there are also tons of family activities nearby. Check out the Gatlinburg Space Needle for some amazing views or the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for some family fun activities.
With many things to do in Gatlinburg, you’ll definitely want to vacation here with your family. So if you are travelling with the family, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg. Luckily, you have many options. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to kid-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 21, 2025.
1. River Edge Motor Lodge Gatlinburg (from USD 94)
This hotel is located right in the middle of Gatlinburg and it has everything for the family. A pool area is accessible to guests, and it has a kids’ pool on site. Every room comes with a TV, WiFi access as well as a microwave and coffee maker. A buffet area is available as well as a kid-friendly buffet for the children you may be travelling with. The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for getting around town and seeing some of the highlights in Gatlinburg.
River Edge Inn
Address: 665 River Road
11.26 km (7.0 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. The Park Vista (from USD 134)
Delicious breakfast buffet, good restaurant options, but some complaints about high prices
Reasonable pricing, but additional charges for parking and pets
Convenient location near main attractions, trolley stop, but uphill walk from town
Spacious rooms, indoor pool with slides, pet-friendly, beautiful mountain views
Located right outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this hotel is an amazing place to stay with the family. The indoor pool area is great for kids and free WiFi is available throughout the hotel so you and the family can always stay connected. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a coffee maker and guests can enjoy the onsite fitness centre and arcade that both kids and grown-ups will love. The Vista grill offers a southern style breakfast, lunch and dinner and there’s a 24-hour snack shop on site too.
The Park Vista - A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 705 Cherokee Orchard Road
10.53 km (6.6 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
3. Baymont Inn & Suites Gatlinburg On The River (from USD 84)
Located right in Gatlinburg, this hotel is a beautiful space that features private balconies overlooking the river, daily continental breakfast and free WiFi. The warmly decorated rooms have a coffee machine, fridge and microwave as well as children’s TV channels. There is also a games rooms onsite that kids will enjoy, as well as a year-round indoor pool.
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Address: 293 Parkway
12.61 km (7.9 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4. Edgewater At the Aquarium Hotel (from USD 99)
With the Great Smoky Mountains practically next door, this hotel also features an interesting half indoor and half outdoor pool. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV as well as a small refrigerator and microwave as well as a private balcony. The fitness centre is available for all guests and kids will enjoy the games room available onsite, and the kid-friendly buffet.
Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center
Address: 402 River Road
11.61 km (7.3 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
5. Brookside Resort (from USD 79)
Located only a short walk away from the city centre of Gatlinburg, the Brookside Resort offers a great place to stay for the whole family. There’s a children’s playground on site as well as hotel-wide free WiFi and two outdoor pools. The Brookside resort is a great place for the outdoorsy types as there are hiking trails located right in the hotel grounds as well as fishing that can be done right from the river at the hotel.
Brookside Lodge - Gatlinburg - On the River
Address: 463 East Parkway
12.35 km (7.7 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
6. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg (from USD 219)
This resort is next to tons of local Gatlinburg attractions from the Aquarium to the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Spaceneedle. The hotel comes with a seasonal outdoor pool as well a fitness centre. For kids, there is an indoor pool on site as well as family-friendly rooms available for rent. For the adults out there, book a stay in the spa centre and relax with a massage or facial treatment. All rooms come with a TV, WiFi and complimentary toiletries.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Address: 539 Parkway
11.9 km (7.4 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
7. Days Inn Gatlinburg on the River (from USD 109)
Days Inn Gatlinburg is located only 10-minutes away from Dollywood theme park and it has an outdoor seasonal pool with kid’s pool on site. The spacious rooms feature WiFi, so you’ll always be connected, and there’s a private balcony to enjoy the view. Guests can find a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee making facilities in their room as well, and there’s a hot tub on site available throughout the year, so you can sit back and relax as you soak away the stress.
Gatlinburg River Inn
Address: 324 Hemlock Street
12.5 km (7.8 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
8. Reagan Resorts Inn (from USD 61)
Various dining options within walking distance, though breakfast area may not be fully operational yet.
Reasonable pricing for renovated rooms and central location.
Conveniently situated on the Gatlinburg strip with easy access to dining and entertainment.
Close to attractions, free parking, and spacious rooms.
The Reagan Resorts Inn is located only five minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains so you can head out and hike in this national park. Or take a dip in the on-site pool that kids and adults will love. There’s also a kid’s pool on site for those travelling with smaller children. WiFi, TV and a private balcony are available in every room as well as a mini fridge and a microwave.
Reagan Resorts Inn
Address: 938 Parkway
11.15 km (7.0 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
9. Gatlinburg Town Square (from USD 95)
Fully equipped kitchens in the condos, but no on-site dining options available.
Great value for spacious, well-equipped condos within walking distance to downtown.
Convenient location within walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg and close to the national park entrance.
Indoor and outdoor pools, fire pit, games, and laundry facilities available. Some units feature fireplaces and balconies.
Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, this hotel has family-friendly rooms and it gives guests access to hot tubs and outdoor pools. The hotel is near the Smoky Mountains National Park and each room features a balcony, TV, WiFi and microwave. There are also basketball courts as well as a fitness centre on site, if you want to get some exercise in.
Gatlinburg Town Square
Address: 515 Historic Nature Trail
10.79 km (6.8 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
10. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown (from USD 145)
Delicious and varied breakfast options, though some minor issues with specific items.
Reasonable pricing for the location and amenities offered.
Conveniently situated within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg, near attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Well-maintained indoor water park, spacious rooms, and friendly staff.
Nestled along the foothills of the Smoky Mountains National Park, the Holiday Inn is a great place for a family vacation. Every day, a complimentary breakfast is served in the lobby and guests can then enjoy a nice day by the pool, slide down the waterslide or take the kids to the kid’s splash zone pool. If it is a little chilly outside, guests can head to the indoor pool instead, that’s open all year round. WiFi is available on site and each room comes with a TV with access to kid’s channels, a mini-fridge and coffee-making facilities. Ripley’s Aquarium is nearby and the Gatlinburg space needle is only a four-minute walk away.
Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG
Address: 322 Historic Nature Trail
10.98 km (6.9 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains are calling
Gatlinburg is an amazing place for a family vacation, even if you’re travelling for a few days or for something extended. Gatlinburg has lots to see and do like taking in the sights from the space needle or hiking up the Smoky Mountains and getting back to nature a little bit. Many of the hotels here are family-friendly, offering amenities like a kid’s pool or games area and of course, WiFi. So if you’re travelling with the kids, check out these great family-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg.
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