Bryson City, NC, is the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Smokies, making it perfect for family-friendly outdoor activities in Bryson City. With a wide range of outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting, it’s an ideal destination for family vacations. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, enjoying kayaking, or relaxing in nature, Bryson City offers an unforgettable experience for families looking for outdoor fun and adventure.
It’s the perfect spot for a less touristy experience. It’s an undiscovered town, away from the crowds but close to nature. It has easy access to adventure, open spaces, and beautiful views.
Easy trail hikes, train trips, and other outdoor adventures are kid-friendly adventures. It is actually possible for kids as young as 7 years old to raft the Nantahala River’s whitewater.
Exciting Family-Friendly Attractions in Bryson City, North Carolina
You will never run out of family-friendly activities to do in Bryson City with all the jam packed fun we have for you!
Here are some of our top recommendations for family-friendly activities in Bryson City.
Discover the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium in Bryson City
On the Tuckaseegee River’s banks in the heart of Bryson City is a small aquarium dedicated to native animals called the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium.
- Its modest exterior hides a compact space. It holds over 4,000 gallons of water. It is home to over 30 individuals and 15 species of freshwater fish.
- They have five tanks or terrariums above our fish tanks. They house a variety of crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles. This includes the state-endangered Eastern Hellbender Salamander.
Timings: Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Closed: Sunday to Wednesday
Location: 117 Island St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-3733
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most popular national park in America is Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
- It makes sense why. Feel the majesty of these legendary mountains. Watch the low-hanging fog rise among the ridges and see if they live up to their name.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 520,000 acres (800 square miles). It lies in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.
- The blue mist that usually appears to linger over the peaks and valleys of the Smoky Mountains is well-known.
Timing: 24 hrs open
Entry: Free
Location: Great Smoky Mountains. Get Directions
The Polar Express in Bryson City
A one and a half hour round-trip passenger experience aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s THE POLAR EXPRESS comes to life as the train leaves the Bryson City depot and travels through the peaceful woods to make a special stop at the North Pole.
- Warm chocolate and a treat will be served to guests as they read and listen to the enchanted tale, which is set to the soundtrack of the movie.
- When the train arrives at the North Pole and Santa Claus is waiting, the expressions on children’s faces capture the joy of the season.
- As Santa boards THE POLAR EXPRESS, he will welcome every child and give them a unique gift—their very own silver sleigh bell—just like in the tale.
Date: November 7 – December 31
Ticket Price
| Coach Class | Price |
| First Class | $62 |
| Premium Crown Class | $57 |
| Crown Class | $50 |
| Coach Class | $44 |
Tubing at Deep Creek in Bryson City, NC
A favored activity for families is river tubing. It’s quite enjoyable and refreshing on hot days. Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee are home to the pristine water.
- Deep Creek is quite beautiful and simple, and it runs right beside Bryson City, which is why your family will like it.
- The larger kids can tube along the river, while the smaller ones can play in sections with calmer water.
Location: Deep Creek, Get Directions
Road to Nowhere in Bryson City, NC
In North Carolina, Fontana Lake was formed and the Fontana Dam was constructed between 1930 and 1940.
- Homes and streets were inundated, and hundreds of people were relocated. The state agreed to construct a new route from Bryson City to Fontana, which is located 30 kilometers to the west, north of the lake.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw the completion of 10 km of road, including a 400 m road tunnel, before work was suspended.
- Since then, the names “The Road to Nowhere” and “Nowhere Tunnel,” respectively, have become widely used to refer to this road and tunnel.
Best Parks and Picnic Spots for Families in Bryson City
Bryson City boasts endless parks and outdoor areas.
Get ready to walk and enjoy the stunning views in Bryson City. Visit its many parks, from the small Island Park to the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Island Park in Bryson City
Island Park is a calm, family-friendly area on the Tuckasegee River.
- The park is an island with tranquil waterways encircling it, creating a serene environment. It is conveniently located for a family picnic and has covered picnic tables; it is only a short stroll from Bryson City’s downtown.
- The park is a great place for families seeking a short getaway into nature because of its natural beauty and close proximity to the town.
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6:45 am to 8 pm
Location: 213 Bryson St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-3681
Swain County Recreation Park.
There are walking trails, a playground, and a public swimming pool in Swain County Recreation Park.
- For hours of fun and excitement, there are lots of slides, swings, and a rock climbing wall for all ages. You can enjoy a covered picnic shelter with snacks and beverages on Deep Creek Road.
- Pool Operating Season: Memorial Day Weekend to the start of the academic year.
- There are also pet-friendly walking pathways and a playground in the Swain County Recreation Park.
Timing: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm
Location: 30 Recreation Park Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Directions
Deep Creek Picnic Area
A lovely picnic area next to Deep Creek is called the Deep Creek Picnic Area. There is a grill and at least one table at each picnic area. Several locations offer multiple tables for larger families or smaller gatherings.
- Pets are permitted along highways, in picnic areas, and in the campsite at Deep Creek, but they must always be leashed and no longer than six feet. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Deep Creek hiking paths are pet-free.
- The public can access Deep Creek all year round.
Location: Deep Creek Picnic Area Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713. Get Directions
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Bryson City
The City offers a lot, whether you’re searching for a quick bite to eat after a day of outdoor activities, a nice supper location, or somewhere with kid-friendly features like a kids’ menu and a laid-back ambiance.
A list of some of Bryson City’s best family-friendly eateries can be seen below.
Everett Street Diner in Bryson City
For more than 20 years, Everett Street Diner has been providing delectable meals in a traditional country setting.
- For biscuits and gravy prepared the way your grandmother did, this is the place to go. You’ll swear you woke up to breakfast in your grandmother’s kitchen because it’s so delicious!
- Lunch is also fantastic. For breakfast and lunch, there’s an extensive selection of sandwiches, burgers, seafood, soups and salads, desserts, and delicious sides to pick from.
Essential Information
| Timings | Monday to Saturday: 7 am to 2 pmSunday: 7:30 am to 11:30 amClosed: Tuesday |
| Amenities | Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible |
| Cuisine | American |
| Price | $10 to $20Menu |
| Location | 126 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United StatesGet Directions |
| Contact No. | +1 828-488-0123 |
Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant in Bryson City
One of Bryson City’s top destinations for Italian cuisine is Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant.
- In addition to serving a range of Italian dishes for lunch and dinner, such as spaghetti and lasagna, they also make their own hand-thrown pizzas.
- They even provide rib-eye steak, all in a welcoming setting that you will adore.
Essential Information
| Timings | Thursday to Tuesday: 11: 30 am to 10 pmClosed: Wednesday |
| Amenities | Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible and Parking |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Price | $10 to $20 |
| Location | 25 Everett St Rear, Bryson City, NC 28713, United StatesGet Directions |
| Contact No. | +1 828-488-9555 |
Jimmy Mac’s in Bryson City, NC
All-American grill restaurant Jimmy Mac’s welcomes families and serves lunch, supper, and takeout.
- In addition to hand-cut steaks, they also specialize on pasta, seafood, and the greatest burgers in Bryson City.
- They opened their restaurant in Florida in 1978, and when they moved to North Carolina, they carried on serving up fresh food at reasonable costs.
Essential Information
| Timings | Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 9 pm |
| Amenities | Takeout, Seating, Parking |
| Cuisine | American |
| Price | $10 to $20 |
| Location | 121 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United StatesGet Directions |
| Contact No. | +1 828-488-4700 |
Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant in Bryson City, NC
Family-run Guayabitos is a real Mexican restaurant with two locations where it serves food every day. Bryson City and Maggie Valley in North Carolina.
- They serve hot, fresh Mexican food with a smile.
- They even provide vegetarian and seafood options. Try Guayabitos if you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine.
Essential Information
| Timings | Monday to Friday: 11 am to 9 pmSaturday: 12 pm to 9 pmSunday: 12 pm to 8 pm |
| Amenities | Takeout, Seating, Parking |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Price | $10 to $20Menu |
| Location | Valley Village Shopping Center, 236 19 S, Bryson City NC28713, Bryson City, NC 28713, United StatesGet Directions |
| Contact No. | +1 828-488-1336 |
Conclusion | Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Bryson City NC
Families seeking outdoor adventures will find Bryson City perfect. It offers unforgettable experiences.
There is fun for all ages. You can take scenic train trips. Or, you can visit parks with playgrounds and picnic spots.
Both parents and kids will enjoy the trip. The food is kid-friendly, and the atmosphere is warm.
Bryson City is the perfect spot for a fun family trip. You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains or join in local festivals.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Bryson City NC FAQs
1. What family-friendly outdoor activities can we enjoy in Bryson City?
Bryson City offers a variety of activities including hiking, tubing on the Nantahala River, scenic train rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and visits to the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium.
2. What is the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, making it accessible for visits at any time.
3. Are there kid-friendly restaurants in Bryson City?
Yes! Popular options include Everett Street Diner, Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant, Jimmy Mac’s, and Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant, all offering a family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menus.
4. Can children participate in rafting activities?
Yes, children as young as 7 years old can enjoy rafting on the Nantahala River.
5. What are the hours for the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium?
The aquarium is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and is closed Sunday to Wednesday.
