Seeking adventure in the Smoky Mountains that will entertain both you and the little ones? Maggie Valley’s kid-friendly stays, outdoor excursions, and delicious dining make it the perfect destination to make memories that will warm your family’s hearts for years to come. Follow along as we explore just a few of our favorite kid-friendly adventures in Maggie Valley.
Kid Friendly Stays
Make a Splash at Our Local Hotels & Motels
Keep the kids occupied during your stay at one of our Creekside motels and hotels, many of which feature indoor and/or outdoor pools in addition to numerous other unique amenities for children to enjoy. Located along Soco Road, these family stays also share proximity to several of Maggie Valley’s popular children’s attractions, such as Jelly Bellies Candy Shop, Fantasy Golf and Game Room, and Maggie Valley Carpet Golf!
Explore Kid Friendly
Fish and Float
Cast your adventure along Smoky Mountain waters with Here, children and adults alike can learn basic and advanced fly-fishing techniques in some of the very best trout waters that North Carolina has to offer, including how to cast, read the water, select flies based on your desired trout, and more. Most importantly, though, you’ll want to ensure that you purchase a fishing license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Prefer a less active adventure? They also offer half-day and full-day float trips, which include lunch, snacks, and plenty of photos and videos of the trip!
Horseback Riding at Cataloochee Ranch
The views are different from up here, especially for your little knights and princesses! Ride in style atop a trustee steed at Cataloochee Ranch, and roam the hills of their gorgeous property. The kids will love saddling up and horsing around!
Cruise Down the Blue Ridge Parkway
Ride in style once more, but this time, feel the rush of our fresh mountain air blow through your hair as you cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you have your windows rolled down, the convertible top open, or rent a slingshot from nearby, even the youngest member of the family will be left breathless by the parkway’s views.
Hike Kid Friendly
Soco Falls
What’s cooler than a double rainbow? A double waterfall! And the children won’t have to hike too far to get to it, either. Just a short walk from the main road, Soco Falls is a hidden gem. It’s trail-end features a deck at the base of the waterfalls, with another short trail from the viewing deck to the base of the waterfalls. While this is one of our most kid-friendly hikes, the trail from the viewing deck to the base can be slippery. So, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the younger of the bunch and consider utilizing the ropes along the side to maintain balance.
Dine Kid Friendly
Joey’s Pancake House
Stack up the kid-friendly fun with Joey’s Pancakes! A hotspot for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts, this restaurant’s cuisine is one the entire family will enjoy. Drizzle one of their specialty pancakes, like the Banana Nut Pancakes, with their sweet syrup, or begin your day with something more savory, like their omelets.
Pizza
What’s more kid-friendly than a slice of pizza? Frankie’s Trattoria is the place to go, and it’s pretty cost-efficient as well (ranging from $14-$21 each). Order up a pizza or two for you and the family to share!
Pop’s Butts on the Creek
Here’s a restaurant that will make the kid’s laugh just from saying the name! Enjoy high quality meats and homestyle cooking on their back deck overlooking a beautiful mountain creek, and let the good times flow at Pop’s Butts on the Creek.
While these are just a few of our favorite kid-friendly adventures, there is so much here in Maggie Valley to do with the kiddos. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to share your photos on social media with #HayNow and @VisitNCSmokies for a chance to be featured in our upcoming marketing materials.
