
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just For Kids
Junior Rangers can earn a badge by engaging in specially-designed programs such as blacksmithing, creating a piece of pottery, venturing to learn about insects and other wildlife, or becoming a nature detective and learn how to identify animal sign, tracks, and scat. These are interactive and fun learning experiences . Age-specific booklets are available at visitor centers and guide kids ages 5 to 12 through a variety of activities. Expanded programs are offered through the summer. Hear tales about the settlers, the Cherokee and even ghosts. Southern Appalachian stories are told throughout the summer.
Walk with a park ranger. Get the real scoop on nature during a ranger-guided walk. Attend a slide show at campground amphitheaters. Check the park newspaper for current times and topics.
Discover at Discovery Camp. Participate in a three-day program at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, designed specifically for children ages nine through 12.
Watch millers grind corn and wheat. Visit the water-powered Mingus Mill near Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and Cable Mill in Cades Cove to learn how flour and cornmeal are made.
Take a field trip. The University of Tennessee Smoky Mountain Field School offers family programs on topics such as reptiles and amphibians, insects and animal tracks. Please call (865) 974-0150 for more information.
Take a hayride in Cades Cove. Early morning is a good time to see wildlife from a hay wagon, but it can be cool, so remember to wear warm clothing. For reservations, call Cades Cove Riding Stables at (865) 448-6286.
Go Fishing. Nearly 700 miles of fishable streams meander down the Smokies and spill in Fontana Lake. Brook, rainbow and brown trout and other sport fish thrive here. You'll need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license, available in local communities, if you are 16 years or older (13 years or older for non-residents in Tennessee). Always follow state fishing regulations. Bait fishing is prohibited to prevent accidental introductions of non-native aquatic organisms. Do your part to protect the park by only using artificial lures and flies.
Many park activities for kids are seasonal, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page