August 15, 2024
7 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Gatlinburg During Your Family Vacation
There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN! When you bring your family to the Smokies, you’ll have no problem finding activities for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re looking for exciting rides, unique sights, or competitive games, there’s no shortage of family fun to be had in this mountain town! Keep reading to discover some of the best kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
One of the best kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Every member of the family will love exploring the various exhibits that feature colorful fish and unusual sea creatures. See animals from rivers and oceans all around the world, including sharks, piranhas, eels, crabs, axolotls, stingrays, and so much more! There are even dive shows and interactive exhibits where your kids can get an up close look into the lives of sea creatures. Feel stingrays at Tough A-Ray Bay, touch moon jellies at the Discovery Center, and climb through tunnels to come face-to-beak with penguins!
2. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is another one of the awesome kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg! Your visit to this mountaintop attraction begins with a ride up the Chondola, where you can choose to ride on an open-air chairlift or enclosed gondola cabin while enjoying beautiful views. At the top you’ll find activities for every member of the family! Younger kids will love playing on the Treehouse Adventure Play Area and BirdVenture, and older children can feel the rush of the wind on the Dueling Zipline Adventure or mountain coasters! Enjoy spectacular views and photo ops atop AnaVista Tower and throughout Vista Gardens, where you’ll also find interactive play areas.
3. Gatlin’s
Do you want to be able to do a variety of activities all at one spot? Gatlin’s offers a little bit of everything for each member of the family to enjoy! Play a round of mini golf on the outdoor courses or blacklight indoor course. Test your bravery and your skills on the Ropes Adventure Course. Crash into one another on the Bumper Cars, and compete in a friendly game of Laser Tag. If you’re up for a challenge, see if you can work together to solve puzzles and make it out of one of the escape games! Other fun, family-friendly activities at Gatlin’s include the Laser Maze Challenge and Atomic Rush.
4. Ober Mountain
If you’re looking for more mountaintop fun, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids is Ober Mountain! This classic attraction offers year-round activities like the Aerial Tramway, Ice Skating, Wildlife Habitat, Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, and Smoky Mountain Bobsled alpine slide. Winter at Ober Mountain includes the addition of snowy sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In the warmer months, you can participate in sports like downhill mountain biking and summer tubing. This is a great attraction to enjoy the fresh mountain air and fantastic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains while enjoying fun activities with the entire family!
5. Fannie Farkle’s
Another one of the great kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is Fannie Farkle’s! This attraction has become a legendary destination on the main Parkway for families for generations. Fannie Farkle’s arcade is home to all the latest games, so kids and adults of all ages can spend hours playing games and winning prizes! Simply load funds onto an electronic game card, and it will keep track of all your points until you’re finished and ready to select a prize. Make sure you also grab a bite to eat at this iconic stop! This Gatlinburg attraction is famous for their Ogle Dogs, cheesesteaks, and sausage subs.
6. Hillbilly Golf
Have you ever wanted to play mini golf on the side of a mountain? Here’s your chance! Hillbilly Golf is one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg for families looking for an adventure! Ride 300 feet up the incline railway to start your round of mini golf. There are two 18-hole courses to choose from, and both offer challenging and unusual mountain-themed hazards, such as a dilapidated tractor and moonshine still. Kids 3 years old and under can play for free and children between the ages of 4 and 12 play at a discounted price, making this an affordable activity during your family vacation!
7. Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater
If you’re looking for things to do in Gatlinburg that your kids are sure to love, make sure you stop by Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater! This is one of the many Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg, and it will take your family on an adventure like no other! Embark on a journey into the 5th dimension where you’ll become a part of the action on the big screen. This high-tech theater uses motion, surround sound, and special effects to make you feel like you’ve stepped into the movie. You’ll feel every bump, drop, and turn that happens on the screen, creating a truly immersive experience!
Where to Stay for Your Family Vacation in Gatlinburg, TN
These are some of the best kid-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg that you’ll definitely want to add to your family vacation itinerary. For a truly memorable getaway, make sure you stay in a cabin that offers even more activities for the whole family to love! Our cabins feature fantastic amenities such as arcade games, table games, theater rooms, indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and even indoor mini golf! Take a look at our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals to find the perfect place to stay for your next family vacation!
