The Smoky Mountains is such an excellent family friendly destination, one of the questions we often see asked in the many Facebook groups we follow is about Kid Friendly Restaurants in the Smokies. There are so many places to choose to eat, we can assure all travelers they will be able to find what they are looking for, short of fresh seafood, (after all we are not the beach,) but we thought, since we have lived here and “grown up” here we would give our two or three cents about the restaurants we would recommend for our family. There are many more than what we feature here. You will find buffets and pancake houses, fast food and deli type locations, along with Mom and Pop, locally owned restaurants to enjoy.
Wears Valley is a great place to find some of the locally owned restaurants and shops. Hillbilly’s Restaurant would be a fun stop for all ages including kids, Paw Paw’s is just great fixin’s and there is really a lot to experience in Wears Valley that is not as crowded and a more down home experience.
Where to Eat in Wears Valley
Here are a few we like to recommend to our guests:
Families with children may enjoy:
Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse.
Located in Pigeon Forge, on the parkway, this restaurant is also an affordable choice as they honor kids with a free meal with an adult! 100 singing chickens will entertain the kids while they wait for their food!
Big Daddy’s Pizza
Located in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, we can recommend this place for its excellent pizza and menu that accommodates many diet types families may have. Find a great atmosphere and excellent food at Big Daddy’s Pizza. Find arcade games and good diet choices.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. It is likely easiest to access if you are planning a day exploring downtown Gatlinburg. Find a fun menu and atmosphere when you stop for some good eats at Johnny Rockets. It’s just a cool atmosphere and fun.
Pancake Pantry
Located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. The Pancake Pantry is one of the best restaurants in the area, serving breakfast and lunch only, it is an experience you will want to have over and over. People stand in line to enjoy the traditional menu and excellent food and service. It is hard to explain what makes it so great. Take cash they accept cash only. The kids will like Pancake Pantry because of the meal but may not be a good fit for other things. Standing in line for a table is common.
The Flapjacks Pancake Houses and Reagan’s Pancake House and the Log Cabin Pancake Houses are ALL GREAT! There is an IHOP in town on the Parkway between Sevierville and Pigeon Forge also if that is a favorite.
Three Jimmy’s Local Eatery
Three Jimmy’s Local Eatery is a scratch kitchen, locally owned by some of the best cooks you will find in Tennessee. Known for their BBQ, their Pizza and Burgers, their location has free parking, has spacious area inside and out for families and is a welcome environment with a delicious menu.
Mel’s Diner
Great menu, good location in Pigeon Forge a block off of stoplight #3, with a fun atmosphere, the kids will love Mel’s Diner. Whether you want a good breakfast or a burger, Mel’s won’t disappoint.
English Mountain Trout Farm
This is a great family experience all the way around. Catch your dinner if you like! Try some gem mining and enjoy a mountain experience and a delicious meal at the same time! This is located outside of Sevierville but worth the trip for families as it will be as much of an attraction as a meal.
Older Kids may enjoy:
Hard Rock Cafe, located on the Parkway in the area between Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, near the Titanic Museum. They have a new Pet Patio also if your pet is traveling with you.
JT Hannah’s, located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, JT Hannah’s just has a delightful menu, great atmosphere and makes for a great family dinner location. Look for JT Hannah’s near Cheddars ( also a good and affordable family choice.)
The Best Italian, Gatlinburg. Find the original in the Elk’s Plaza on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. The food here is just top notch and it is the best pizza in the area hands down. Our kids always wanted to go here for their birthday meals. It is just such great pizza!!
As far as Discounted Kids Meals or Free Kids Meals, please contact the restaurant to be sure they are continuing the most recent deals we are aware of.
Cici’s Pizza allows kids 3 and under to eat for $1.99, includes drink.
Golden Coral allows the 3 and under to eat free with an adult meal.
Texas Roadhouse allows older kids eat for $2.99 with an adult meal.
Shoney’s allows kids under 4 to eat with an adult at no cost.
We hope you like these suggestions. There are so many more but these are some of our favorites.
