Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains? Don't miss these attractions and things to do

There are about 80 days of summer vacation before school comes along to end it. Have you decided how to spend them?

The communities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville are hot summertime destinations for millions of people from across America. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at the heart, but the fun branches out from there.

Whether you're planning on spending several nights in the area or just a day trip, there's a spot for you to make memories. The Smokies have everything from the tried-and-true Dollywood to the brand-new Dig'n Zone.

Here are things to do and attractions what will be open this summer if you're planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you're taking a trip to the Smokies, you should probably visit the namesake national park. It's the most-visited national park in the country for a reason.

There are plenty of trails for hikers of any skill level if you want to explore on foot. Or, you could drive through the mountains and soak in the gorgeous views from your air-conditioned car.

The most popular drives are to Cades Cove on the western side of the park and the observation tower atop Clingmans Dome. Get oriented at one of the visitors center and go!

If you plan on parking for the day, it will cost $5.

Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country

Dolly Parton, the patron saint of East Tennessee (some may argue the world), was born in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her roots and many business ventures are centered there.

Dollywood theme park is the crown jewel. Visit for a full day of roller coasters, music shows, food and wholesome family fun.

The new Dolly Parton Experience opens in May, allowing you to get an up-close peek into Parton's life through interactive displays featuring relics of her career.

If you're looking to cool off in the heat, Dollywood's Splash Country separate water park opens May 11.

Get tickets at dollywood.com.

Soaky Mountain Water Park

If Splash Country isn't in the cards but you still want to hit the pool and some exciting waterslides, check out Soaky Mountain, which opens May 11. Tennessee summers get very hot!

The park will have live music performances all summer and is adding some snack options like Philly Nachos to its Philly Up Food truck menu, a Tropical Snow shaved ice stand and is revamping Summit Snacks.

Wilderness at the Smokies, the resort next to the water park, will be running a deal from June 8 to Aug. 4. If you book a stay at one of the three new cabin options, each registered guest will receive a free ticket to the water park.

Get tickets at soakymountainwaterpark.com.

WildSide

Maybe you want to do something more extreme than just a hike in the mountains. Does mountain biking and UTV driving scratch that itch?

WildSide is expected to open this summer between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, offering guests a chance to do everything they'd want to do in the national park but can't.

With over 15 total miles of purposefully unkempt trails and some incredible views, you're bound to have fun ... and get pretty muddy.

Visit wildsidetn.com for more information and to watch for an opening date.

Dig'n Zone

If you're looking for something unique that's not a mountain coaster, there's Dig'n Zone, which will let you unleash your inner Bob the Builder and operate heavy machinery.

The new Sevierville park features rides like The Decimator, an excavator will spin you at dizzying speeds. There are also updated versions of your favorite childhood games like Plunkey Monkey, which is like a barrel of monkeys except the monkeys are metal and you have to pick them up with a mini excavator.

Get tickets at dignzone.com.

SkyLand Ranch

Looking for some ranch-themed fun with a view? Check out SkyLand Ranch at 1620 Parkway in Sevierville.

SkyLand is accessible via The Horizon Skyride, a chairlift bringing you to the top of the overlook. But if you don't want to take the lift, don't worry, there are shuttles to take you up.

Once you're at the overlook, you'll find plenty of activities, like miniature animals, a mountain coaster and retail shops. If you're hungry, there's a bakery and a food barn that offers a variety of barbeque, chicken, burgers and more.

Get tickets at skylandranch.com.

Anakeesta

The popular Gatlinburg mountaintop destination always has plenty to offer, from shops to ziplining to restaurants to roller coasters.

This summer, it'll host a new food and drink festival to give guests a taste of cuisines from around the United States. A $49 pass gets you seven food "tastes" (appetizers or small entrees) from your choice of the 13 available states.

There are over 20 food and drink offerings, including a Chicago dog, Dole Whip, peach ice cream and gumbo.

Get tickets at anakeesta.com.

Embassy Suites resort in Gatlinburg

Looking for an extended stay in the mountains? You could book your stay at the brand new Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort at 604 Historic Nature Trail.

It combines the amenities you'd typically find at an Embassy Suites with those of a resort. Every single one of the 164 rooms are suites and there are two pools, a lazy river and an upscale restaurant.

There's also The Guide Room where you can sit down with a concierge and book events and schedule your whole trip.

To book a stay, visit hilton.com.

Ober Mountain

A ski mountain destination in the summer? Yep! Ober Mountain has plenty of fun attractions once the snow melts.

You can choose to only ride the popular aerial tramway, or buy a wristband that gives access to the tram and all the other attractions. You could check out the Alpine Slide, rock wall and summer tubing.

And if you're missing winter, there's ice skating and ice bumper cars.

Get tickets at obermountain.com.

Coming this fall: Crayola and Nerf

You might have heard about these new attractions or saw them under construction, but you'll have to wait just a little bit longer!

With over 20 hands-on attractions like naming your own crayon color, creating wax art and a custom coloring book, the Crayola Experience will surely bring out your inner kid in Pigeon Forge.

But if your more rambunctious side wants to come out, head next-door to the Nerf Action Xperience and have a blast in the blaster battle zones, sports challenges and obstacle course.

Both attractions are slated to open in the fall.

Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email silas.sloan@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Spice up your summer break with these Smoky Mountains attractions