things to do in gatlinburg tn with kids
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular family-friendly vacation spot in the Smoky Mountains. Here are some fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the Alum Cave Trail and Laurel Falls Trail, which offer stunning views and easy access for families with strollers.
- Ober Gatlinburg: This ski resort and amusement park offers year-round activities like an alpine slide, arcade, and an indoor ice skating rink.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. Interactive exhibits and a moving sidewalk through an underwater tunnel make it a kid-friendly attraction.
- Anakeesta: An outdoor attraction with a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Dollywood: A theme park owned by Dolly Parton, featuring roller coasters, live music, and craft demonstrations.
- Gatlinburg Strip: A lively promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions like mini-golf, arcades, and a haunted house.
- Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of rafting on the Pigeon River with a guided tour suitable for families with kids as young as 3 years old.
- Smoky Mountain Trout House: A unique attraction where kids can feed and catch trout in a controlled environment.
- Cades Cove: A historic valley within the national park, offering a self-guided driving tour of preserved log cabins, churches, and other buildings from the 1800s.
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: A chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: A 400-foot tall observation tower with an arcade and laser tag at its base.
- MagiQuest: An interactive game where kids can use magic wands to play games and complete quests throughout the city.
- Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre: A small, intimate theater featuring family-friendly shows, including comedy, magic, and music.
- Gatlinburg Riverwalk: A scenic path along the Little Pigeon River, perfect for a family stroll or bike ride.
- Gatlinburg’s Winterfest: A festive celebration held from mid-November to mid-February, featuring holiday lights, decorations, and events.
Remember to check the individual attraction’s websites for operating hours, prices, and age restrictions to ensure a fun and memorable trip to Gatlinburg with your kids!
