4 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Gatlinburg

There is no better place to spend your family vacation than in the Smoky Mountains! Our cabins provide you with a great place to stay, so now all that’s left to decide is what you want to do while you’re here. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a list of the top 4 family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

 

1. Ober Gatlinburg

 

Ober Gatlinburg is a top destination for families all year long! If you visit during the winter, spend your day on the slopes skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. If you visit during the summer, try the water rides! There are exciting things to do year round at this ski and amusement park. You can ride the Ski Mountain Coaster, take in the views from the Aerial Tramway, or visit the Wildlife Encounter. There is even a special area just for the kids to enjoy with tunnels, slides, and rides!

 

2. Anakeesta

 

Anakeesta lets your whole family experience the magic of the mountains. Your adventure begins with a ride on the Scenic Chondola, with gorgeous views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains all around you. Once you reach the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, you’ll enter Firefly Village. Firefly Village is full of shops, dining, and entertainment. Ride the Dueling Zipline, try the Tree Canopy Walk, or play on the Treehouse Village Playground! There is so much fun for the family at Anakeesta. If you get hungry while you’re there, be sure to try Cliff Top Grill & Bar, where you can top off a delicious meal with a gorgeous view.

 

3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

 

At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll have the chance to see all of your favorite aquatic animals! Not only that, but you’ll also get to interact with some. You can touch a jellyfish, feed a sea turtle, swim with stingrays, and even waddle with penguins. Ripley’s Aquarium has been voted one of the best aquariums in the country, and with all the unique experiences they offer, it’s not hard to see why. One of the best experiences for families is the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. You’ll travel out into the middle of Shark Lagoon, with just 3 inches of glass separating you from the 12-foot sharks that call the lagoon home!

 

4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is full of the most strange and unusual items from all across the world. There are 3 stories that each include hundreds of artifacts and oddities. You’ll have the chance to see shrunken heads, an albino giraffe, the world’s tallest man, a car covered in crystals, and so much more. There are also fun interactives for the kids to enjoy. Our favorite part of the odditorium is the tribute gallery to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes exhibits on the synchronized fireflies and the world’s tallest underground waterfall.

 

These are just some of the best family-friendly things to do when you visit! Check out more things to do in Gatlinburg, and start planning your trip.

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Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains

Things to do in the smoky mountains

cant-miss-things-to-do-in-the-smoky-mountains

Great Smoky Vacations shares some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains that you don’t want to miss when you visit.

5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are full of incredible things to do for everyone in the family! From amusement parks to museums, you can do it all. To help you decide where to go on your vacation, we’ve put together a list of 5 can’t-miss things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg has 3 stories filled with odd and unusual items from all around the world. You will love getting to interact with and learn about some of the strangest things on Earth! Some of the things you can expect to see when you visit are authentic shrunken heads, mind-boggling visual illusions, an albino giraffe, a car covered in crystals, and so much more. There is even a tribute galley to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes exhibits on the synchronous fireflies, the tallest underground waterfall, and more.

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Take a tour through the Hollywood Star Cars Museum to see cars from the most famous movies and TV shows of the last 50 years! The cars are each set up in recreated settings with sound, lights, and action, so you’ll actually feel like you’re a part of the movie or show. See cars from the Fast and Furious movie franchise, the Batmobile, Paul McCartney’s Cadillac, and so much more. Not only can you look at the cars, you can purchase a souvenir photo of you actually inside one of them! Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to get your photo or to buy a die-cast Hollywood collectible.

3. Dollywood
Of course you don’t want to miss the chance to visit the world-famous Dollywood! This theme park has more than 40 rides, high-energy entertainment, and award-winning dining. If you’re looking for a thrill, ride the Drop Line or the Lightning Rod! For a more relaxing ride, climb aboard the Dollywood Express for a 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. While you’re at Dollywood, be sure to try some of the famous cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill! The park also holds festivals throughout the year to help guests celebrate the seasons, like the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas. There are days of fun to be had at Dollywood!

4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Come face to face with your favorite aquatic animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This aquarium was rated one of the best in the country and it’s not hard to understand why. From 12-foot sharks to jellyfish, you can see it all! Ripley’s even offers unique experiences that allow you to interact with some of the animals. You can waddle with penguins, swim with stingrays, and even touch moon jellies!

5. The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is your one stop for affordable family fun. There are rides, shops, restaurants, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take back home or a place to share a delicious family meal, you can find it all at The Island. While you’re there, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel to see gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains from as high as 200 feet in the air. You can also relax and watch The Island Show Fountain, which puts on a dazzling performance of water dance and light.

These are just some of the many things to do in the Smoky Mountains during your vacation. Browse our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book the perfect one for your stay!