Where do you turn for strength, support, and smiles for miles? Friendship is powerful to say the least. And with all the sorrow and sadness plaguing the world, it’s important to take time to focus on the good and the greater found in positive relationships. Celebrated across the globe on July 30 is the International Day of Friendship — a day meant to cherish your friends, from lifelong pals to newly formed relationships. At the heart of this holiday is the overwhelming desire of the United Nations (UN) to showcase the power of friendship and how it can change the world for the better.
This year, make the International Day of Friendship a priority and bring your besties and buddies to the Great Smoky Mountains to explore and play at top group attractions! Scream aboard whipping roller coasters, chill in a wave pool, ice skate year-round, duel zipline through the treetops, wave at passing sharks, hike to waterfalls, and bond at your cabin rental — all in the name of friendship!
Dollywood & Splash Country
Pulling double duty in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton presents 2 unique mountain attractions in Pigeon Forge: Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Zoom around sharp twists and turns on rides of all kinds, hop aboard the coal-fired steam engine, visit a few museums, watch musicals and educational shows, sample Southern favs, and admire local crafters at work at Dolly’s theme park. And head to her water park for summer fun — splashing in the wave pool, relaxing down the lazy river, and shooting down water slides!
Combo tickets + group pricing available.
Ober Gatlinburg
Shopping, play, dining, and scenic mountain views all in one? Visit Ober Gatlinburg with your friends and make epic memories — riding the tram to the mountaintop, ice skating year-round, summer tubing, rock wall climbing, encountering wildlife, putt putting, and beating the highest arcade scores! There are also 15+ shops and eateries, including 2 top-notch restaurants overlooking mountain peaks with one of the largest dance floors around. Buy commemorative souvenirs, dine together, and boogie all night long! Who knows? There may even be a live performance…
Group rates available.
Anakeesta
Turn up the magic in your friendships at the tippy top of Anakeesta, an aerial adventure park atop a mountain in Gatlinburg. There’s plenty to do, spectacular views, and an entire village to explore! Start with a chondola (chair lift + gondola) ride, then step into Firefly Village where you’ll find unique boutiques and restaurants ready to serve your group of friends. Follow up with outdoor fun, like duel ziplining, crossing the Treetop Skybridge, playing in treehouses with the kiddos, walking through Vista Gardens, and soaring down the mountain on Rail Runner!
Group rates available.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Get ready to explore an award-winning aquarium in Gatlinburg with your gal pals and best dudes. This multi-level underwater adventure will take you through a tropical rain forest, ocean realm, coral reef, shark lagoon, touch a ray bay, gallery of the seas, discovery center, stingray bay, and even a penguin playhouse. Create memories with special experiences, like feeding Sally the sea turtle, riding in a glass-bottom boat, splashing with stingrays, or meeting adorable penguins…while they paint a one-of-a-kind souvenir for you!
Combo tickets + group pricing available.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
From hiking and biking to horseback riding and bird watching, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-explore stop on your International Day of Friendship trip! See the rolling Smokies from a valley perspective in Cades Cove, visit Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the park and TN) for 360 views, follow the trail to the cascading Laurel Falls, make your way to Charlies Bunion (a stone outcrop) for Lord of the Rings-esque mountain views, enjoy a meal together alongside a sparkling river at the Greenbrier Picnic Area, reel in a winning catch in the many streams, and oh-so-much more.
This one is totally FREE!
Cabins for YOU
After playing all day at top local attractions, you’ll love returning to your private cabin oasis in the Smokies. Featuring homey conveniences, like fully equipped kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus entertaining amenities galore, Cabins for YOU has the perfect cabin (ranging from 1-16 bedrooms and budget friendly to luxury) for your group of friends. Spend International Day of Friendship bonding with coffee on deck with mountain views, splashes in the private indoor pool, chats by the firepit, movie nights in the home theater, and game tournaments in the rec room!
Ask about our first-time guest offer!
Celebrate International Day of Friendship with a memorable group trip — playing at top attractions and relaxing at your cabin in the Smokies!