Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN with Kids – Tried by Families

Find Family Fun in Gatlinburg, TN: From Thrill Rides to Interactive Adventures, Discover Kid-Friendly Activities Loved by Families!

Explore our top family travel blog posts for Gatlinburg 👇
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Adventure Ideas for a Weekend in the Smoky Mountains

Adventure Ideas for a Weekend in the Smoky Mountains
This family ❤️:
  • Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
    • We hiked to a waterfall, went ziplining, and challenged each other on the low obstacle course.
    • ✨ The views from the bridge and the variety of activities.
  • The Island in Pigeon Forge
    • We rode the Island Ropes Course, took a simulated freefall on the Quick Jump, and enjoyed the views from the Great Smoky Ferris Wheel.
    • ✨ The variety of activities and the views.
  • Ober Gatlinburg
    • We rode the Ski Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, and took the Chairlift and Aerial Tramway Ride.
    • ✨ The views and the variety of activities.
  • Sugarlands Visitor Center
    • We hiked to a waterfall and skipped stones.
    • ✨ The beautiful scenery and advice from the Park Rangers.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
    • We visited the aquarium and saw various sea creatures.
    • ✨ The shark tunnels, penguin tunnel, and interactive play areas.
  • MagiQuest
    • We played the interactive game and went on a quest.
    • ✨ The challenging and fun experience.

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Our content is not influenced by commercial interests or sponsored posts. We carefully curate and review each family's story to ensure it offers genuine, first-hand insights into what families can expect and enjoy together at a particular destination.

When you read a Famxplor blog post, you can be confident that the family who visited truly loved the experience and is sharing exactly what they and their kids liked most about that place. Our goal is to give you the most reliable and useful information to plan the perfect family vacation.

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Fun Things for Families to Do in Gatlinburg

Fun Things for Families to Do in Gatlinburg
This family ❤️:
  • Ober Gatlinburg
    • We went ice skating, rode down water slides, and experienced mountain coasters, alpine slides, and amusement rides.
    • ✨ The variety of activities for all ages and the Oktoberfest festivities.
  • Anakeesta
    • We rode the scenic chondola to the top of Anakeesta and explored the scenic gardens, treetop canopy, and playground.
    • ✨ The beautiful views and the variety of activities for all ages.
  • Hollywood Car Museum
    • We viewed over 40 famous cars from movies and television shows.
    • ✨ The nostalgic value of seeing iconic cars from our childhood.
  • Guinness World Records Adventure
    • We learned fun facts about previous Guinness World Record holders and participated in hands-on exhibits and games.
    • ✨ The interactive exhibits and games.
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
    • We took a Behind the Scenes tour and explored the aquarium, including the penguin exhibit and the underwater tunnel.
    • ✨ The variety of marine life and the interactive exhibits.
  • Laurel Falls
    • We hiked to the waterfall and took a guided tour.
    • ✨ The scenic views and the opportunity to connect with nature.
  • Cooter's Place
    • We went go-karting and played mini golf.
    • ✨ The fun and competitive atmosphere.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids

Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids
This family ❤️:
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    • We hiked and explored the park, visiting various trails and scenic spots.
    • ✨ The beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  • Lynn Camp Prong trail
    • We hiked the trail with a guide, learning about the park's history and ecology.
    • ✨ The scenic views, waterfalls, and learning about the park's history and wildlife.
  • Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
    • We walked up to the tower for panoramic views of the mountains.
    • ✨ The stunning views and cooler temperatures.
  • Anakeesta
    • We spent a morning at the park, walking suspension bridges and riding a mountain coaster.
    • ✨ The scenic views and family-friendly activities.
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Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN

Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
This family ❤️:
  • Anakeesta
    • We spent the day at Anakeesta, exploring the park and enjoying the scenic views.
    • ✨ The kids loved the treetop skywalk and the mountain coaster.
  • Gatlinburg SkyBridge
    • We walked across the SkyBridge and took in the views of downtown Gatlinburg.
    • ✨ The kids loved the glass bottom panel and the views of the city.
  • Fowler’s Clayworks
    • We took a pottery class and made our own ceramics.
    • ✨ The kids loved getting creative and making their own art.
  • Ober Gatlinburg
    • We rode the aerial tramway to the top of Ober Gatlinburg and enjoyed the views.
    • ✨ The kids loved the alpine slides and the ice bumper cars.
  • Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
    • We rode the mountain coaster and the mountain glider.
    • ✨ The kids loved the thrill of the ride and the scenic views.
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
    • We visited the aquarium and took a glass bottom boat ride.
    • ✨ The kids loved the shark lagoon and the interactive exhibits.
  • Hillbilly Golf
    • We played a round of mini golf and rode the incline to the top.
    • ✨ The kids loved the themed course and the challenge of the game.
  • And more...
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Extreme Adventures in the Smoky Mountains for Thrill Seekers

Extreme Adventures in the Smoky Mountains for Thrill Seekers
This family ❤️:
  • Anakeesta
    • We went ziplining and experienced the thrill of flying through the trees.
    • ✨ The unique vantage points of the Smoky Mountain Region and the rush of adrenaline.
  • Ober Gatlinburg
    • We rode the alpine slide and experienced the thrill of racing down a track on a mountain.
    • ✨ The scenic chairlift ride to the top of the track and the rush of adrenaline as we slid down.
  • Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
    • We rode the mountain coaster and experienced the thrill of speeding down a steel track on a mountain.
    • ✨ The smooth ride and the rush of adrenaline as we sped down the track.
  • Foxfire Mountain Adventures
    • We took an ATV tour and experienced the thrill of riding on the trails.
    • ✨ The guided tour and the opportunity to get muddy and dirty on the trails.
  • Outdoor Gravity Park
    • We experienced zorbing and rolled down a hill in an O.G.O. ball.
    • ✨ The thrill of rolling down the hill and the unique experience of zorbing.
  • The Island Ropes Course
    • We challenged ourselves on the ropes course and faced our fears.
    • ✨ The opportunity to build confidence and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones.

Is Gatlinburg kid friendly?

Gatlinburg is a fantastic destination for families with kids, offering a wealth of exciting activities and attractions that cater to all ages. From thrilling rides at Dollywood to exploring the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

For animal lovers, the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies provides an unforgettable underwater experience, while the Ripley's Gatlinburg offers a range of interactive exhibits and attractions.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, whether it's hiking scenic trails, riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, or trying their hand at mini-golf. Kids will love the Hillbilly Golf, a quirky and fun miniature golf course.

For a taste of local culture, head to the Anakeesta, an adventure park with a mountaintop observation tower offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.

With its abundance of family-friendly attractions and beautiful natural surroundings, Gatlinburg promises a memorable vacation for the whole family.