There is a $5 parking fee daily if you park inside the park. If you want to look, but not walk the Foothills Parkway or Roaring Fork Motorway have spots you can pull off and take pretty pictures. The Laurel Falls trail and Alum Cave trail are pretty easy if you are looking for a quick hike.
Downtown is full of shows, bars, and shopping. Think the Dells of TN
There are several of these in the area. It's not 6 Flags, but they are super fun and the scenery is beautiful.
Gatlinburg is the other nearby large town. Great pancakes!