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Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and the neighboring resort towns of Gatlinburg and Sevierville are designed as places for families to have fun. Most of the attractions in these mountain towns are kid-friendly and that means most area hotels understand what parents need when vacationing with their kids. Roll-out or bunk beds, better-than-average swimming pools, in-room refrigerators, and kids’ activities are the norm, not the exception in hotels in this corner of Tennessee. Here are six places sure to please both the adults and the kids in your group.

RELATED: 10 kid-friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort

Dolly Parton grew up in these mountains and the country music star’s larger-than-life persona shines brightly throughout the region. Nowhere is her passion for showing the best of East Tennessee to families more evident than at her Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. Among the perks both kids and parents will appreciate (each available depending on the season) are: indoor and outdoor swimming pools; nightly s’mores by the firepit; bedtime stories read under the stars from Parton’s Imagination Library; kids’ crafts and activities; and shuttles to the nearby Dollywood and Splash Country amusement parks.

The Park Vista

Towering a few blocks above Gatlinburg’s Parkway, the Park Vista is an equal-opportunity pleaser. Kids will like the large water slide that splashes into an indoor swimming pool and the banks of glass elevators that whisk up past 15 floors, plus plenty of grassy areas on which to play. Adults will appreciate the mountain views, balconies designed so that little hands and heads can’t get stuck in railings, and the lobby piano player entertaining guests each night. Don’t miss the giant bear, set up for selfies, in the lobby.

Margaritaville Island Hotel

What could be more fun than staying in a welcoming, comfortable suite-like room that is just steps away from a Ferris wheel and other attractions? That’s the setup at Pigeon Forge’s tropical-themed Margaritaville Island Hotel, which is located in the mountain town’s Island village. The area is home to restaurants and shops, including a fudge shop and candy store, a ropes course, an escape game, and the aforementioned Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which lights up the night sky. Rooms have fireplaces for cozy winter nights, microwaves, refrigerators, and other amenities when you need a break from the Island festivities.

Inn on the River

Located on the main Pigeon Forge Parkway, Inn on the River is designed for families. Each room number is denoted with a photo of one of the famous black bears that are often sighted in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kid-centric activities include ice cream sundae-making, arts and crafts, and guided games. Inn on the River has both indoor and outdoor pools, so you can swim no matter the weather, plus free breakfasts for the whole family.

The Inn at Christmas Place

If the twinkle of the lights and the beatific smile of Santa are things that lift your family’s cares away, then The Inn at Christmas Place is the place for you. At this 145-room hotel, it is Christmas 365 years a year. You’ll find garland hanging from the fireplace, colored lights dotting the trees, and, of course, Old Saint Nick kicking back in a few places, such as in the fitness area. While the décor may scream Christmas, the amenities say year-round fun, with indoor and outdoor pools, free breakfast and parking, and easy access to all the Pigeon Forge Parkway fun.

Wilderness at the Smokies – Stone Hill Lodge

With more than 700 rooms and year-round pool temps of 84 degrees, Wilderness at the Smokies – Stone Hill Lodge is the place to stay to run out of the room and into some fun. The resort includes not one, not two, but three waterparks (depending on the season), ice skating (again, in season), plus restaurants, shops, candy stores, and other family-vacation essentials. Many rooms include sleeper sofas and children ages 2 and under are free and don’t count toward room occupancy maximums.

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