The Track - Pigeon Forge

The Track in Pigeon Forge has been a Smokies family vacation anchor for decades, and the Wild Woody is the reason. This wooden roller coaster-style go-kart track twists and winds two stories up in the air, with dips that make little stomachs drop and enough speed to feel genuinely exciting without being scary. Kids who've been on it once are usually begging for a second run before the car even stops.

What makes The Track work well for mixed-age families is the range of options. The Kiddie Track is wide open for shorter kids to solo-drive without parents hovering over them, which is a big deal for a 5 or 6-year-old. Meanwhile, older siblings and teens can hit the faster tracks while parents grab a spot near the game room or watch from the walkway above.

Pricing is per-ride, which adds up fast. A family of four hitting the go-karts twice each is already looking at $60-$80 before the arcade. If you know your kids will want to loop the Wild Woody four or five times, the wristband is a no-brainer.

Summer evenings after 6pm are when locals tend to visit — the day-trip crowd has thinned out, lines are shorter, and the lights on the Parkway give the whole park a more festive feel.

One thing parents often overlook: closed-toe shoes are required on all go-kart tracks. If your kids are in flip-flops, you'll be making a quick shoe run. Check the height requirements on the website before you go to avoid disappointment at the gate.