My review is based on the two places I visited at Santa's Land. A stop at Santa's Land on the way…read moreto Cherokee, NC of a family day trip. I've seen the signs for this place, but had never visited. We didn't go to in the park itself, but we did check out the gift shop, and Mrs. Claus's Kitchen. The gift shop was decorated with Christmas trees, and had every kind of ornament that you could imagine. The lady working check out was so friendly, and she told us about the different animals that she sees in her yard. Mrs. Claus's Kitchen was a stop for more fudge. It was a fun visit, Christmas in July.

This is a roadside zoo. My heart broke as soon as we walked in…read more My parents wanted to take my 2 year old daughter here while we are visiting them from Washington state. Apparently they brought me here as a toddler 30 years ago and thought it would be fun to recreate the memory. I had no idea what it was or I would have never agreed to come here. The animals are kept in small, dirty cages of packed dirt and gravel. No attempt made to recreate their natural habitat or provide any enrichment whatsoever. The two baby bear cubs were the most tragic, following tourists as they walked around their very small circular enclosure, begging for food (that can be purchase from a gum-ball machine and inserted into a chute that goes into the cage.) I asked an employee where the cubs come from. "A man in Missouri leases them to us." I then asked what happens to them when they aren't babies anymore and he takes them back. The employee didn't know. Then I said, "so this guy in Missouri is just breeding bears and then shipping the babies across the country to be rented to places like this?" And she said, verbatim, "yeah, I try not to think about that part." I am glad my two year old will have no memory of this place. If she was older we would be having a long, somber conversation about animal abuse and exploitation for profit. And how any zoo with captive animals should be committed to research, conservation, and betterment of the species. It is crazy to think that in 2023, places like this still exist. Even after multiple citations from the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. We know better now. We have to do better. To alleviate some of my guilt for unknowingly supporting an establishment like this, I will be making a donation to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Please take your kids there, not here. **inhumane animal conditions aside, the park is old and rundown. My daughter did enjoy the train ride and some of the old fair-style mechanical rides (carousel, circular cars and boats) and most of the staff were friendly.**

Tons of family friendly fun and a nice patient staff…read more.. The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is the fact that it was a little on the expensive side.

Pretty cool trip! You turn up, get a shuttle to the lake, and the driver takes you out for a spin…read more Literally. Well worth it, it was cool to hear about the formation of the lake too - there is a town under there! I'm a fan

We went an hour and a half out of our way to visit The Lost Sea…read more After the experience, I'd do it again. This isn't just a cave tour. It's an underground adventure. The journey takes you about three-quarters of a mile through the cavern at a comfortable 58 degrees, so bring a light jacket unless you enjoy pretending you're on an episode of Survivor: Chilly Cave Edition. The climb back out is roughly the equivalent of 14 stories, though there are three scheduled rest stops to remind you that oxygen is still available. Like many attractions, your experience depends heavily on the guide. Ours, Sam, was knowledgeable and professional, but more matter-of-fact than entertaining. The information was there; the excitement wasn't always. Fortunately, the real star of the show doesn't need a microphone. The underground boat ride across the second-largest known underground lake is absolutely fascinating. Gliding through the darkness while seeing rainbow trout swimming in waters hidden beneath the mountains is one of those experiences that's genuinely hard to describe until you've seen it yourself. The cavern is also packed with history, but I'll let your guide tell those stories rather than spoil part of the adventure. One bonus: they offer free-roaming spelunking areas for those who want to do a little exploring on their own. Five stars. Unique, memorable, and absolutely worth the detour. Some attractions are tourist traps. The Lost Sea is something you'll actually remember.

This was my friend's most wanted to go as a kid. It did not disappoint…read more The caverns were interesting and our guide was very knowledgeable. We got to ride in the boat and we had another girl steer and tell us more about the underground lake. It's a little cool in some parts and wear good walking shoes.

My family and I visited The Island in Pigeon Forge early on a Monday morning, and it turned out to…read morebe a great time to go. We parked across the street in their free parking area, which had plenty of available spots at that hour. The walk over was less than a mile and very manageable. Although the weather wasn't ideal--light rain and chilly temperatures--it didn't take away from the experience. We started by walking around and taking everything in. There are so many cute shops, unique stores, and plenty of great photo opportunities throughout the area. We did a little shopping, sampled some food, and purchased tickets to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which was a highlight. Before heading out, we made one last stop at Ole Smoky Moonshine, which is always a fun experience. Even though the weather didn't fully cooperate, we still had a great time and really enjoyed our visit. The Island has a fun, lively atmosphere and offers something for everyone--we'd definitely go back!

Such a great way to spend an afternoon while getting some exercise!…read more First, the parking lot is HUGE so you will absolutely be able to find a space. Parking is free and regardless where you park, you aren't far from a trolley stop. The trolley is free and will transport you to the entrance of the island where all the action is. The island itself has SO MANY things to do, places to eat, and places to shop. At the entrance itself, you will find Ben and Jerry's ice cream, a 7d immersive gaming experience, a large fountain display that dances to music (along with animatronic dinosaurs that will also be found throughout the property), a lemonade stand and walking taco stand and more! Walking the property you will find amusement rides, an arcade, Starbucks, mello mushroom, great big gameshow, and so much more. There is something for everyone here and things stay open late! They even have a hotel and timeshare property if you want to stay on property instead of driving in. I had a great time and can't wait to go back.

What a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon! We went for a special occasion with our 3 kiddos -…read moreages 14, 12, and 9 and everyone loved it! There are varying levels of obstacles and zip lines on every course. Our favorite course was the zip line course, as it goes the highest into the trees and has the most speed for the thrill seekers :) The workers were helpful when needed, but mostly hands off otherwise. Because of the cool lock and safety system, it's really impossible to mess it up (unless you just totally don't clip in at all) and so easy to use and slide along from obstacle to obstacle. (see pics) We stayed for about 3 hours and enjoyed every bit of it! Highly recommended :) *Note - during the holidays, they have specials at a pretty big discount to buy tickets for the spring when they open.

It's a great place with challenging ziplines running around the trees in a charming & organic…read moresetting. Great to spend time with family or a group of friends! There are also zip lines for young children plus a lot of fun for teens. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. Update: I went to the yoga & climb class and it was a very nice experience! It was an outdoor yoga class on the deck. The class was a well worth-it, pleasant and relaxing outdoor experience led by Sharie.

This place was such a scam! We got there and spent $75 on a game card. After 3 games didn't work…read more(VR headset completely broken strap and wouldn't stay on my head + my partners headset was torn to shreds...hungry hippo game had ZERO marbles) and gave us back $55 that we didn't use (lost the money that we spent on their broken games) and then did go karting. My partner is the same weight as me and at full speed he was way ahead of me. I literally didn't even have a chance to catch up bc he was flying and my go kart was barely hanging on. Our first time here and will not be returning.

Games here are fun, beer is decently priced. Never tried any food. 75$ card will last you about 45…read moremin to an hour with two people (you use it for everything) the bad is the go karts. It's a lottery with if you'll get a fast or slow one . The batting cages are really sub par. You have to basically stand 5 feet in front of the plate to hit the ball, otherwise it'll bounce on the ground before you can even swing. The worst part is, not every thing is open after about 9pm. I've been here four times over the summer and have not seen any of the carnival style rides open, the drift carts open, or the go karts specifically for kids. After 9 pm everything was shut down except the batting cages and the arcade. Overall it ain't worth going to. Go to top golf or main even down the road. It way better and way more consistent.and honestly just about the same price. Frankie's gets a two star Ps. Staff was not friendly or helpful. Overall lazy and just did not want to be there, which I get, but your paid to be there. Do better