While we hope your vacation is filled with nothing but sunshine and beautiful weather, 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 national park, plenty of other wonderful activities await just a few steps from our hotel. Here are 4 things to do in Gatlinburg TN on a rainy day:
1. Visit the Gatlinburg Aquarium
Did you know that Gatlinburg 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 the unique and 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. Also, you won’t have to go far– Ripley’s Aquarium is located right across the street from our hotel!
Read More: “4 Attractions in Gatlinburg Within Walking Distance of Our Hotel”
2. Go Shopping for Souvenirs
Browsing the many shops and stores 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 location 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 place to go souvenir shopping in Gatlinburg!
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 Gatlinburg Museum
The Smoky Mountains are full of interesting attractions, so it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in gatlinburg when it rains is to visit a museum, 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!
Read More: “4 Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Museums You Won’t Want to Miss”
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, head 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 to warm up, head inside to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or take a break from outdoor activities and try another of the fun indoor things to do in Gatlinburg– ice skating at their indoor rink!
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg TN on a rainy day! Take a look at more indoor attractions and family activities to enjoy during your next vacation in the Smokies. We look forward to seeing you soon!
