There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, you probably won’t have time to do all of them! We want to help you plan your next trip to the Smokies with your kids, ensuring you get to do the top kid friendly activities. Check out these top 5 fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids:
1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
The first attraction you need to visit as a family is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This isn’t just for kids, teens and adults will absolutely love it too! You can walk through the aquarium and see animals from the rainforest, such as poison dart frogs and piranhas. As you move into the ocean section, you’ll see all kinds of sharks, tropical fish, and weird creatures. Everyone loves seeing the penguins and touching the sting rays. Kids really love the interactive exhibits where they can be hands on. Ripley’s Aquarium also has plenty of extra experiences you can try, from the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure to Painting with the Penguins.
2. Take them to Gatlin’s Fun Center
Are you looking for a place that has a little bit of everything for you to enjoy? Gatlin’s Fun Center is the place you’ve been looking for! You can play laser tag and see who can get the most points. See if you set off the alarms in the Laser Maze. Work together as a family to get out of the Escape Rooms. Want to spend some time outside? Play on the ropes course or do a couple rounds of mini golf. You won’t have to look any further than Gatlin’s when it comes to things to do in Gatlinburg with kids!
3. Play at Fannie Farkle’s
Do your kids love arcades? Take them to Fannie Farkle’s while you’re in town! This arcade is huge with all kinds of modern games, from claw machines to racing games. Just load up money on your card, and then points will be transferred after you play games. Once you’re done playing, you can take your card to the prize counter and pick out prizes! Fannie Farkle’s is also known for their delicious food. Grab a sausage sandwich covered in onions and peppers and get the kids an Ogle Dog with their signature lemonade!
4. Explore Anakeesta
Want to see the beauty of the Smokies and find things to do in Gatlinburg with kids? Take them to Anakeesta where you can relax and play! You’ll ride to the top of the mountain on the chair lift or a Ridge Rambler. Then you can duel zipline down the mountain together or ride the mountain coaster. Little kids will love the playground, and adults will have a great time relaxing in the Vista Gardens and enjoying the view. Everyone will love the food you’ll find at Anakeesta!
5. Check Out Ober Gatlinburg
You might think Ober Gatlinburg is only a winter destination, but that’s simply not true! While you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, you can also ice skate any time during the year at the indoor rink. You can also try hill tubing, rock climbing, the alpine coaster, and many other fun activities! If you’re in downtown Gatlinburg and want to ride up to Ober, take the Aerial Tram. You can also enjoy the Wildlife Encounter, where you can see all kinds of animals.
You have so many options for fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids. Wondering where you should go to eat between all the fun? Check out these 4 restaurants in Pigeon Forge and the Smokies! Since you have an idea of what you’re going to do when you’re in town, you just need a place to stay! Check out our Smoky Mountain condos and villas, then book one today!
