We have four kids, ages 4 - 10. I was thinking of heading to the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area for a few days during their spring break in mid-March. I searched for older posts about the area on here and was able to gather that the area is super touristy, full of rednecks and can get really crowded (although, I'm not sure if that would necessarily be the case this time of year). With that being said, anyone have any recommendations on whether or not to even bother visiting this time of year and, if so, what areas would be fun to stay?

With my kids being so young, I don't mind visiting places that are touristy because the kids are still young enough to get a kick out of it. Of course, they're also so young that we wouldn't be able to do any of the longer, more challenging hikes which I know is one of the big draws of visiting the area in the first place.

I'm open to other suggestions if anyone has had fun visiting other places with kids around this age. We have made somewhat long drives to Florida beaches in the past and the kids do just fine being in the car for the better part of the day. So any other suggestions would be welcome. We're just trying to think of something other than the beach for this trip.

Thanks!

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg will be a 2 day drive from Houston.
Best options are go the north route and overnight in Littlerock or the south route and overnight in Birmingham.

Neither are "my" kind of places but I know many people who love going there. I liken the area to a cross between a carnival and a cruise ship.
Also there is a the National park right there to explore.

Have fun.

Take them to Dollywood the amusement park and water park are great then you can add in some hikes. My kids enjoyed Fall Creek Falls state park. Not sure if Dollywood is open that early though.

Dolly wood is great and I took my kids there last spring break

You can kill a day in Chattanooga doing look out mountain