July is really hot in Gatlinburg. On a particularly hot day, take a drive up to the (high elevation) lookout parking area by
Clingmans Dome. Gorgeous views along the way, cooler temps up there, and a starting point for couple different hikes, including to an observation tower at 6,643 feet elevation. As Brian mentioned, start fairly early in the day for hikes so parking will be easier and bring water and a picnic lunch. There are some rest rooms at the Clingmans Dome parking area, but no food service.
If you want an all day outing, pack drinks and a picnic lunch. Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and maybe folding lawn chairs or a beach blanket. Leave early in the morning for
Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop drive through an
early settlement valley surrounded by pretty mountain views. Good wildlife viewing, deer wandering, possible black bear sightings. Get out of the car at stops to look at historic old homestead cabins, churches, waterfall, and mill. Halfway through the loop, there's a Visitor Center with rest rooms.
If you get an early enough start at Cades Cove, you may like to stop afterward at the converging rivers'
Townsend Wye picnic area and swimming hole. It's about half way between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove. Always popular with the kids, and refreshing for all ages.
Dollywood theme park has live performance shows and craftsmen demos, as well as kid-friendly and thrill rides, so it's super-popular with all ages. Highly recommend, if you've never been. There's also a multi-day ticket available that includes their water park, Splash Country. We have many friends who frequently drive the 2 hours from our area to the Gatlinburg area for an overnight, just to revisit Dollywood and/or Splash Country, choosing the park depending on how hot it is.
Your 6 year old may really enjoy
Ripley's Aquarium, voted in USA Today's 10 Best. Penguins, rays, sharks, touch tank, beautiful exhibits... in air-conditioning.
Beyond the tourist area (45 minute drive from Gatlinburg?), we've enjoyed
boat rentals on Douglas Lake in Dandridge TN, with so many quiet inlets where you can stop and swim or life vest float. There are at least 4 or 5 marinas that rent out pontoon boats and wave runners - we choose one near the dam for the shortest drive to get there.
Hope this helps.
There's
so much to do in this beautiful region. Way more than a week's worth. Have fun!