things to do in gatlinburg with kids

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular family vacation destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for kids of all ages. Here are some things to do in Gatlinburg with kids:

Outdoor Activities

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and wildlife of the national park. There are many hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives suitable for families.
2. Ober Gatlinburg: This ski resort and amusement park offers year-round activities like ice skating, an alpine slide, and an arcade.
3. Gatlinburg Riverwalk: Take a stroll along the Little Pigeon River and enjoy the scenic views, shops, and restaurants.
4. Gatlinburg Space Needle: Take a ride on the 400-foot-tall space needle for panoramic views of the city.

Attractions

1. Dollywood: Dolly Parton’s theme park offers roller coasters, live music, and craft demonstrations.
2. Anakeesta: This outdoor attraction features a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, and a children’s play area.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Get up close and personal with marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
4. Gatlinburg Strip: The strip is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions like mini-golf and arcades.

Shows and Entertainment

1. Smoky Mountain Opry: A family-friendly show featuring music, dance, and comedy.
2. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a ride on the chairlift for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy the evening show with music and lights.
3. MagiQuest: An interactive game where kids can use magic wands to solve puzzles and complete quests.
4. Gatlinburg Comedy Club: A comedy club featuring family-friendly shows.

Other Activities

1. Mini-golf: Gatlinburg has many mini-golf courses, including Pirate’s Cove and The Island at Pigeon Forge.
2. Arcades: There are many arcades in Gatlinburg, including the Gatlinburg Arcade and the Island Arcade.
3. Horseback riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
4. Gatlinburg Trolley: Take a ride on the trolley to explore the city and its attractions.

Seasonal Events

1. Winterfest: A winter festival featuring lights, decorations, and holiday events.
2. Gatlinburg Summer Concert Series: Free outdoor concerts featuring local and national acts.
3. Gatlinburg Fall Festival: A festival featuring live music, food, and craft vendors.
4. Gatlinburg Christmas Parade: A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Gatlinburg with kids. The city has something for everyone, and there’s always something new to explore.