Cherokee is for Families

 

plan your next family vacation

Dozens of Kid- Friendly Activities

Families have always flocked to Cherokee because of all the kid-friendly activities. It’s a casual, laid-back town with lots to see and do.

There are small zoos with exotic animals; and plenty of creeks and rivers to play in. More…

Indian Village where you can learn about Cherokee life complete with blowgun demonstrations, and artisans making pottery, carving masks, making beadwork items and pottery. More…

Mountain Farm museum with a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse and a working blacksmith shop. More…

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian presents the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection. The museum is fun for the entire family and an exciting, educational event. More…

“Unto These Hills” is one of the country’s oldest outdoor dramas. A fun evening event for the entire family. More…

If you want an exciting outdoor adventure try whitewater rafting or tubing in our cool, clear waters. Have a picnic on an island, ride a train, go horseback riding or pan for gold and gems.

Check the Calendar of Events for all the great festivals and other events in the area. Plan your next Smoky Mountain family vacation in Cherokee.

Skateboard and Cycling Playground

For older children…

Cherokee’s 13,000 square-foot Action Sports Park is a state-of-the-art playground for skateboarders and BMX freestyle sports cyclists. The Acquoni Road facility is open daily from 8 am to dusk and is free for all to enjoy.

Indian Storytelling At the Bonfire

Friday and Saturday evenings during the Summer, Cherokee storytellers relate tales of Indian lore around the bonfire. Kids roast marshmallows and you might be invited to join a Cherokee Friendship Dance. 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Island Park.

Oconaluftee Island Park

In downtown Cherokee, the park is a great place for picnicking and playing in the shallow shoals of the Oconaluftee River.

20 Family Fun Ideas

  • Visit a 19th century mountain farm museum
  • Tube the Oconaluftee River
  • Check out cool Indian toys, games, drums and arrowheads
  • Fish for trout
  • Go to a zoo
  • Picnic on Island Park
  • See an Indian Outdoor Drama
  • Hike or ride horseback on miles of trails
  • Ride a train
  • Visit an Indian Village
  • Pan for gold
  • Visit a corn mill
  • Play miniature golf
  • Go whitewater rafting
  • Visit petting zoos
  • Visit a model train museum
  • Go biking
  • Play in a creek
  • Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian
  • Ski or go snow tubing in winter