While we hope that your vacation is filled with nothing but sunshine and beautiful days, that may not always be the case. However, there is no reason to let a little rain spoil your entire day. While you might not be able to go hiking in the park, there are plenty of other wonderful activities near our hotel. Here are 4 things to do in Gatlinburg TN on a rainy day:
1. Visit the Aquarium
Did you know that the Smoky Mountains is home to one of the most highly-rated aquariums in the entire country? At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you can explore an array of galleries that hold more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures! The best part about the aquarium is that there are plenty of hands-on exhibits that are both fun and educational. At Touch a Ray Bay, you can learn all about the life of stingrays and even step up to the tank to feel their silky smooth skin. Some of the other popular exhibits include the Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, and the Tropical Rainforest. The best part is that Ripley’s Aquarium is located right across the street from our hotel!
2. Go Shopping for Souvenirs
Souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN on rainy days. There are plenty of shops along the main Parkway, plus a unique shopping spot that is home to a number of specialty stores. The Village Shops is one of the most fascinating spots in the Smokies, as the stores are arranged to resemble an old European village. You can find everything from wacky socks to home decor, so this is the perfect one-stop shop for souvenirs!
3. Indoor Fun at Gatlin’s
For one of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg, head over to Gatlin’s Fun Center. They have an array of wonderful attractions for the entire family, including black-light miniature golf, escape rooms, a mirror maze, and bumper cars! Gatlin’s is also home to the largest laser tag arena in the Smokies at just over 3,000 square feet to explore! The next time wet weather puts a damper on your outdoor plans, just make the trip to Gatlin’s for hours of family fun right on the Parkway!
4. Explore a Museum
As you probably know, the Smoky Mountains are full of fascinating history. Luckily, there are plenty of museums throughout the area where you can learn about a variety of topics. The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is without a doubt one of the most unique museums you will ever see. The attraction is home to some of the most famous movie and television cars in history, including the Batmobile from the Original Batman and the 1969 Dodge Charger from the hit series Dukes of Hazzard! For a truly wacky experience in the Smokies, head to Ripley’s Believe It or Not on the Parkway, where you will see everything from a shrunken head to the world’s largest collection of vampire killing kits!
Things to Do in the Snow
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Gatlinburg during the winter months and the precipitation is coming down in the form of snow instead of rain, take the trip over to Ober Mountain for an exciting day of snow sports. The mountaintop theme park has activities for the entire family, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! If you need a place to warm up, head inside to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and explore the many wonderful shops at Ober Mountain!
As you can see, there are plenty of indoor attractions that are perfect for a rainy day! Take a look at some of the other things to do in Gatlinburg TN during your next vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
