Our family-owned hotel is a popular lodging choice for families. Not only do we have the perfect family suites available, but we’re also close to some fun kid-friendly activities! Gatlinburg is home to endless amounts of family fun, and we want to help you choose the best attractions to take your kids to during your vacation. Here are the top 5 things for kids to do in Gatlinburg:
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top aquariums in the country, and it’s no surprise why! The aquarium is home to over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, eels, fish, and more. One of the reasons it’s so popular among kids is because there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the animals. Kids can touch a stingray, stick their hand into a tank with moon jellies, feed a sea turtle, and so much more. The Discovery Center is one of the top places in the aquarium to take your kids because they can not only see and interact with the sea creatures, but they can learn about them too! Other popular things to do at Ripley’s Aquarium are visit the Penguin Encounter, take the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, and travel through an underwater tunnel in Shark Lagoon.
2. Ripley’s Super Fun Zone
Does your kid love games? Don’t miss the chance to visit Ripley’s Super Fun Zone! This fun attraction in Gatlinburg features a shooting gallery where they can put their aim to the test, an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, and an epic laser tag adventure! It’s full of retro-themed fun for the whole family. Be sure to browse the retail shop before you leave to find the perfect souvenir. There are 80s band tees, posters, toys, and more.
3. Anakeesta
Anakeesta has some of the best things for kids to do in Gatlinburg! This mountaintop adventure park is home to playgrounds, shops, restaurants, and more. Kids love the gem mining experience, the splash pad, and the tree-themed playgrounds! We recommend letting them run around the Treehouse Village Play Area or try the Treeventure Challenge Course to put their skills to the test. They’ll also love the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster and the Treetop Skywalk! Anakeesta is filled with fun for all ages.
4. Gatlin’s Fun Center
Gatlin’s Fun Center has hours of fun for both kids and adults. It features 5 escape rooms, virtual reality games, mini golf, a ropes course, and so much more. It’s a great attraction to visit rain or shine because it has both indoor and outdoor opportunities for fun. Kids love the blacklight golf, which takes you under the sea as you putt your way around an octopus, a fish, and even a sunken pirate ship! Gatlin’s is also home to bumper cars, a laser maze, a mirror maze, and other exciting adventures.
5. Ober Mountain
One of our favorite things for kids to do in Gatlinburg is visit Ober Mountain! Ride the Aerial Tramway to the top of the attraction, where hours of kid-friendly fun awaits. Make your way through a unique maze, feel the thrill of the Alpine Slide, play mini golf, ride the chair swings — the list of activities goes on! The Wildlife Encounter is a favorite for kids and allows them to see a black bear family, river otters, flying squirrels, and more. Don’t miss out on all the Kiddie Rides, either, which allow children to ride a car, a truck, or a motorcycle that’s just their size!
More Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Are you looking for more things for kids to do in Gatlinburg? We can help! Take a look at some of our favorite Smoky Mountain attractions.
