Get ready to explore some of the best family-friendly entertainment options in Gatlinburg, where adventure and fun await you at every corner. From thrilling outdoor activities to fascinating museums, this article covers it all. You will find delightful attractions that guarantee smiles and lasting memories for every member of your family. Dive into the charm of Gatlinburg and discover the perfect spots for a fantastic family getaway. Have you ever wondered what Gatlinburg has to offer for family-friendly entertainment? This charming Tennessee town, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a treasure trove of activities that can captivate visitors of all ages. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, Gatlinburg provides endless opportunities for family fun. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly entertainment options in Gatlinburg that will make your trip memorable for everyone.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Exploring Nature
One of the most iconic attractions in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This natural wonderland offers countless activities for families to enjoy together, from scenic hikes to wildlife watching.
Kid-Friendly Trails
If you have younger children, consider exploring the kid-friendly trails like the Gatlinburg Trail or the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. These trails are relatively easy and offer beautiful scenery without being too strenuous.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg Trail | 3.8 miles round trip | Easy | River views, pet-friendly |
| Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail | 0.5 miles loop | Easy | Wheelchair accessible, nature exhibits |
Enjoying a Picnic
Another excellent way to soak in the natural beauty is by having a picnic. Pack some snacks and find a spot at one of the park’s many picnic areas, such as Chimneys Picnic Area or Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Interactive Exhibits
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit destination that promises fun and learning for the entire family. The aquarium features various interactive exhibits where kids can touch jellyfish, stingrays, and even horseshoe crabs.
Shark Lagoon
Walk through the mesmerizing Shark Lagoon where you and your family can awe at the sharks, sea turtles, and rays swimming overhead. The moving walkway ensures that you get to see every angle without missing a beat.
Educational Programs
The aquarium also offers engaging educational programs, including sleepovers and behind-the-scenes tours. These programs provide a deeper understanding of marine life and conservation efforts.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Panoramic Views
For breathtaking views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, take your family to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This 407-foot observation tower offers a panoramic vista that’s truly unforgettable.
Arcadia Amusement Center
At the base of the Space Needle, you’ll find the Arcadia Amusement Center, a two-story playground packed with games, rides, and activities for kids and teens.
Anakeesta
Scenic Chondola Ride
Anakeesta combines natural beauty with outdoor adventure. Start your journey with a scenic chondola ride to the summit, where a world of fun awaits.
Treetop Skywalk
For a unique experience, try the Treetop Skywalk. This series of connected bridges takes you through the forest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the flora and fauna below.
Adventure Playground
Kids will love the whimsical Treehouse Village Adventure Playground, where they can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content.
Ober Gatlinburg
Amusement Park and Ski Area
Ober Gatlinburg provides year-round entertainment with its combination of amusement park rides and ski slopes. In winter, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. During the summer, the park boasts rides like the Alpine Slide and the Scenic Chairlift.
Wildlife Encounter
Visit the Wildlife Encounter to see native animals like black bears, river otters, and birds of prey. It’s an excellent educational experience for kids.
Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
Vintage and Modern Pinball Machines
The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is a hidden gem that offers a nostalgic trip back in time. Featuring both vintage and modern pinball machines, this museum guarantees hours of fun for the entire family.
Play All Day
The best part? You pay one admission fee and can play as many games as you want throughout the day.
Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
Comedy and Musical Shows
For evening entertainment, consider a visit to Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. This historic venue offers family-friendly comedy and musical shows that are sure to have everyone laughing.
Audience Participation
Many of the shows encourage audience participation, making it a fun and engaging experience for kids and adults alike.
Hillbilly Golf
Unique Mini Golf Experience
Hillbilly Golf offers a mini-golf experience like no other. Located on a mountainside, players ride a tram up to the top and then play their way down through creatively themed holes.
Fun for All Ages
The whimsical themes and challenging holes make it an entertaining activity for all ages, ensuring a fun time for the whole family.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Famous Movie and TV Cars
For car enthusiasts and movie buffs, a visit to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a must. The museum houses cars from iconic films and TV shows, including the Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and many more.
Interactive Exhibits
Many of the exhibits are interactive, allowing you to get up close and even inside some of these famous vehicles.
Mysterious Mansion
Haunted House Adventure
For families who enjoy a good scare, the Mysterious Mansion offers a thrilling haunted house experience. Navigate through spooky rooms and creepy corridors in this multi-story mansion.
Suitable for Older Kids
While it’s a lot of fun, the Mysterious Mansion might be too intense for younger children. It’s best suited for older kids and teens who enjoy a good fright.
Gatlin’s Fun Center
Variety of Activities
Gatlin’s Fun Center offers a plethora of activities all in one place. From go-karts to laser tag, mini-golf to bumper cars, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
Escape Rooms
Test your problem-solving skills in one of the center’s themed escape rooms. It’s a great way to work together as a family and enjoy some quality bonding time.
Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
Thrilling Rides
Rowdy Bear Mountain offers a thrilling mountain coaster that’s sure to be a hit with adrenaline junkies. The coaster allows you to control your own speed, making it suitable for both cautious riders and those seeking a thrill.
Outdoor Adventures
In addition to the mountain coaster, Rowdy Bear Mountain also offers outdoor adventure courses, including zip lines and aerial obstacle courses.
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
Local Products and Crafts
For a more relaxed activity, visit the Gatlinburg Farmers Market. Open seasonally, the market features locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and delicious baked goods.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The market’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to stroll, sample local flavors, and even pick up a few unique souvenirs.
Rockin’ Raceway Arcade
Classic and Modern Games
Rockin’ Raceway Arcade blends classic arcade games with modern favorites, ensuring a fun time for kids of all ages. Collect tickets and redeem them for cool prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Kid-Friendly Racing Games
One of the highlights is the car-themed arcade games, where budding racers can test their driving skills in a fun, safe environment.
Tomahawk Hill
Axe Throwing
For a unique family outing, try your hand at axe throwing at Tomahawk Hill. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before; staff members provide instruction and safety guidelines to ensure you have a good time.
Suitable for Older Kids
Axe throwing is generally suitable for older kids and teens, making it a fantastic way to engage in some friendly competition.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Quirky Collection
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is one of Gatlinburg’s quirkiest attractions, featuring over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. It’s an intriguing and fun way to spend a couple of hours.
Perfect for All Ages
The unique displays are fascinating for both kids and adults, making it a delightful stop for the entire family.
Gatlinburg Trail
Easy Hiking
For families looking to take in some nature without too much strain, the Gatlinburg Trail is perfect. This trail is one of the few in the national park that allows dogs and bicycles, making it even more versatile.
Scenic Views
The trail offers beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River, along with remnants of old homesteads and diverse plant life.
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
Guided Horseback Rides
Experience the Smoky Mountains from a different perspective with a guided horseback ride at Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. Expert guides ensure that both beginners and experienced riders have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Suitable for Kids
Most stables offer rides for children as young as six, making it a great family outing.
Amazing Mirror Maze
Intriguing Challenge
The Amazing Mirror Maze provides a fun and challenging adventure for the whole family. Navigate through a labyrinth of mirrors, and see if you can find your way out.
Fun for All Ages
It’s an activity that’s suitable for all ages, ensuring that everyone in the family can participate.
Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Indoor Water Fun
If your family loves water parks, then Wild Bear Falls Water Park is a must-visit. This indoor water park features slides, a lazy river, and an expansive kids’ play area.
Year-Round Enjoyment
Since it’s indoors, you can enjoy the water park no matter the weather, making it a great option for any day of your trip.
Outdoor Gravity Park
Zorbing Adventure
For a truly unique experience, visit Outdoor Gravity Park to try zorbing. Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill – it’s a thrilling adventure that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
Family-Friendly Activity
Zorbing is an activity that can be enjoyed by older kids and adults alike, making it a fabulous family-friendly option.
Gatlinburg Skylift Park
Skylift Ride
Experience stunning views of the Smoky Mountains with a ride on the Skylift. This chairlift takes you to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
SkyBridge Walk
Take a walk across the SkyBridge for an unforgettable experience. The bridge offers panoramic views and even has glass panels in the middle, providing a heart-pounding view of the ground below.
Mini Golf Adventures
Diverse Courses
Gatlinburg is home to several mini-golf courses, each with its unique theme and challenges. Adventure Golf and Davy Crockett Mini Golf are among the favorites, offering an array of creative obstacles.
Fun Family Activity
Mini-golf is a timeless, family-friendly activity that ensures fun for players of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, these courses are designed to entertain and challenge.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Scenic Drive
For a relaxing yet picturesque experience, take a drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This one-way loop road takes you through lush forests, past historic buildings, and alongside sparkling streams.
Stop and Explore
There are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop to explore further. Whether it’s a short hike, a picnic, or simply enjoying the view, this drive offers something for every family member.
Tennessee Homemade Wines
Wine Tasting for Adults
While the kids are occupied, adults can enjoy a tasting session at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Sample a range of locally produced wines crafted from fruits and berries native to the Smoky Mountains.
Kid-Friendly Area
Don’t worry about bringing the little ones along – the area is welcoming to families, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Old Smoky Moonshine
Moonshine Tasting
Just a short walk away, Old Smoky Moonshine offers tasting sessions of their famous moonshine. It’s an intriguing peek into the region’s moonshine history and culture.
Live Music and More
With frequent live music performances and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a lively spot to unwind while the kids enjoy nearby attractions.
Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Breathtaking Views
End your trip with a visit to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. The panoramic views of the town and the Smoky Mountains are breathtaking and provide the perfect backdrop for family photos.
Ideal for Sunset Views
The overlook is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset, offering a tranquil way to wrap up your Gatlinburg adventure.
Gatlinburg is a haven for family-friendly activities, offering a wide range of entertainment options that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, diving into interactive museums, or racing down a hill in a giant inflatable ball, there’s something for everyone in this magical town. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your family in Gatlinburg!