Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a picturesque mountain town nestled at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a haven for families seeking adventure and fun, offering a wide array of activities to do with kids in Gatlinburg, TN. Whether you’re a local or visiting, you’ll find an abundance of family activities in Gatlinburg, TN, that promise to create unforgettable memories. Here’s a list of the top 20 kid-friendly activities near me in Gatlinburg, TN.
1) Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Dive into an underwater world with thousands of marine creatures. The interactive exhibits, including a penguin playhouse and shark lagoon, provide a captivating experience. Kids can touch horseshoe crabs, watch jellyfish, and even walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures.
2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore the great outdoors with scenic hikes, wildlife viewing, and educational ranger programs. The park offers easy trails like the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, perfect for young children. Families can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and discovering historic buildings scattered throughout the park.
3) Ober Gatlinburg
This year-round amusement park offers skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, and an alpine slide. In summer, visitors can enjoy the scenic chairlift, wildlife encounter, and mini-golf. The amusement park also features indoor attractions like the arcade and ice bumper cars, making it a versatile destination.
4) Anakeesta
A mountain-top adventure park with zip lines, a treetop skywalk, and a scenic chondola ride. The Treehouse Village playground is a hit with younger kids, and families can also enjoy gem mining, shopping, and dining with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.
5) Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Ride the iconic SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain and walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. The views from the top are stunning, and there’s a SkyDeck where families can relax and take in the scenery. The nighttime light show on the bridge is an added bonus.
6) Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Discover the strange and unusual in this museum filled with oddities and interactive exhibits. From shrunken heads to rare artifacts, kids will be fascinated by the quirky collections. The Odditorium also features fun photo opportunities and hands-on displays.
7) Sugarlands Visitor Center
Start your Smoky Mountains adventure here with informative exhibits, a 20-minute film, and access to easy hiking trails suitable for kids. The visitor center provides educational displays about the park’s wildlife, plants, and history, making it a great introduction to the area.
8) Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
Experience thrilling rides like the gravity coaster and the world’s first mountain glider. The coaster allows you to control your speed as you zip through the forest, while the glider offers a unique flying experience. The park also features an aerial adventure course for added excitement.
9) Hillbilly Golf
Play a round of mini-golf on this unique, hillside course. The two 18-hole courses are fun and challenging, set among beautiful mountain scenery. Guests ride a tram up the hill to start their game, adding an extra element of adventure to this classic family activity.
10) Gatlinburg Space Needle
Take the glass elevator to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the Smokies and Gatlinburg. The Space Needle also has an arcade and theater, providing additional entertainment options. At the top, informative displays help visitors identify the landmarks in the stunning panoramic view.
11) Mysterious Mansion
For older kids who enjoy a good scare, this haunted house offers a spooky adventure through eerie rooms and secret passages. The mansion is filled with live actors, special effects, and unexpected surprises, making it a thrilling experience for the brave at heart.
12) Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Another thrilling option for older kids, this multi-level haunted attraction features live actors and spine-chilling special effects. The experience takes visitors through dark, creepy corridors with jump scares and eerie scenes, providing a memorable fright night.
13) Cooter’s Place
Fans of The Dukes of Hazzard will love this museum and shop featuring memorabilia, a General Lee car, and indoor go-karts. The museum showcases costumes, props, and photos from the show, while the go-karts and mini-golf provide fun activities for the whole family.
14) Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
Control your speed as you zoom down the mountain on this exciting coaster ride. The self-operated carts allow for a personalized experience, whether you want a leisurely ride or a thrilling descent. The track twists and turns through the forest, offering a fun and scenic adventure.
15) Gatlin’s Fun Center
Enjoy mini-golf, bumper cars, laser tag, and escape rooms at this all-in-one entertainment center. The Fun Center also features a ropes course, rock climbing wall, and arcade, ensuring a day full of diverse activities for families.
16) Wild Bear Falls Water Park
An indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and a play area for younger kids. The park is climate-controlled, making it a perfect destination regardless of the weather. Families can enjoy the water attractions, relax in the hot tub, or grab a bite at the on-site snack bar.
17) The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
A quirky museum showcasing over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. The museum offers a fascinating look at the history and variety of these everyday items, and the gift shop lets visitors take home unique shakers as souvenirs.
18) The Village Shops
Stroll through this charming shopping area with unique boutiques, eateries, and a magical atmosphere. The European-style village features cobblestone walkways and decorative fountains. Kids will love the toy stores, candy shops, and the seasonal decorations that add to the enchanting experience.
19) Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens
A peaceful and educational experience with life-size dioramas depicting scenes from the life of Christ, set in beautiful gardens. The museum offers a quiet, reflective environment where families can learn about biblical stories while enjoying the serene surroundings.
20) Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Car enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy seeing famous vehicles from movies and TV shows, including cars from The Fast and the Furious and The Flintstones. The museum displays over 40 iconic cars, providing interesting facts and history about each vehicle’s role in entertainment.
Gatlinburg offers an incredible variety of family activities in Gatlinburg, TN, that cater to all ages and interests. From exploring nature to experiencing thrilling rides and quirky museums, there are countless activities to do with kids in Gatlinburg, TN. Whether you’re looking for indoor entertainment or outdoor adventures, this charming mountain town has something to delight every member of the family. So pack your bags and get ready to discover all the amazing things to do with kids in Gatlinburg, TN.