Cades Cove isn't just a gorgeous and historical place that adults love. It's also a favorite of kids! From seeing all the fascinating wildlife to adventures on the trail and relaxed moments enjoying the beauty, there are so many fun things to do in Cades Cove that are a blast for all ages, especially your kids. Make your next trip to Cades Cove a family outing that you're sure to never forget. Here are 5 things to do in Cades Cove that your kids will love:
1. Seeing Wildlife
One of the best things to do in Cades Cove that kids love is seeing wildlife! If you drive the Cades Cove Loop early in the morning, you are likely to see deer grazing in the meadows, raccoons looking for food, and possibly even bears walking from tree line to tree line. You could also see turkeys in the grassy areas early in the mornings. Chipmunks will be looking along the ground for nuts that have fallen, and possums will waddle across the road. If you stop to take pictures in any of the meadows, you might even spot butterflies and bees flying from flower to flower. Kids will love spotting the different animals native to this area of the Smokies.
2. Mountain Views
As you drive through Cades Cove, you’ll have incredible views of the mountains that are truly one-of-a-kind. If you live near the beach or somewhere flat, these sights are incredible, especially for the first time. Of course, they’re always incredible, even if you see them often throughout the year! The dark blue of the distant mountain range is beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and the green leaves of summer or wildly colorful trees in the fall are very impressive. Soaking up these mountain views is a must when it comes to things to do in Cades Cove!
3. Hiking to Abrams Falls
About halfway through the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, you’ll come to the trailhead for Abrams Falls. The roundtrip length is 5 miles and is considered moderate. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be along the river where people enjoy fishing and cooling off in the summer. This waterfall is 20 feet tall and has an enormous amount of water gushing to create an incredible waterfall. Your kids will have a blast hiking along the trail and seeing the waterfall before you turn around to go back to your car!
4. The Picnic Area
Cades Cove has a picnic area next to their campground where your whole family can enjoy a meal together. Pack sandwich stuff in a cooler and bring it with you. Each picnic table has a charcoal grill where you can make hamburgers and hot dogs if you want. Don’t want to have to prepare your own meal? Grab a family feast from one of the restaurants in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg before you head to Cades Cove. After you eat, the kids will have a blast playing in the creek next to the picnic tables!
5. Riding Stables
To make a whole day of Cades Cove, take your kids to the Cades Cove Riding Stables. They can see Cades Cove a whole new way on horseback and see what it was like to be a settler back in the day. If your kids love animals, this is the perfect way to explore Cades Cove. Plus, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime when you experience one of the most unique things to do in Cades Cove!
More Things to Do in Cades Cove Your Kids Will Love
Your kids will have a blast experiencing these things to do in Cades Cove! But this is only the start of all the fun you can have as a family in Cades Cove. Want to have fun while also helping to foster a learning experience for your kids? Check out some historical buildings to visit in Cades Cove where your children can learn a few things while having a memorable experience!
