- Discover some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, including visiting Ripley’s Aquarium, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more
- Get up-to-date information and insider tips for each activity
- Find answers to common family travel questions and plan your trip with confidence
Read on to find out more about some of the top things to do in Gatlinburg with kids to make your next family vacation special!
1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
As one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers immersive ways for kids to connect with marine life. Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, explore vibrant exhibits with thousands of sea creatures, and enjoy hands-on experiences like touching real stingrays. Educational programs also add an extra layer of learning and curiosity to your visit!
- Walk through a tunnel with sharks swimming overhead
- See more than 10,000 colorful sea creatures
- Touch real stingrays in interactive exhibits
- Participate in educational programs
- Enjoy an engaging indoor activity for all ages
Mini-Summary: Ripley’s Aquarium delivers a fun, interactive, and educational experience that’s perfect for families.
2. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most rewarding things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, offering a mix of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Families can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking mountain views, with plenty of easy trails suitable for younger children. For a more relaxed option, scenic drives allow you to explore the park without extensive walking.
- Hike family-friendly trails like the Gatlinburg Trail
- Spot wildlife in natural habitats
- Take in scenic mountain views
- Enjoy easy walking paths for younger kids
- Opt for a scenic drive when kids need a break
Mini-Summary: The national park offers flexible, family-friendly ways to experience nature at your own pace.
3. Try Gatlin’s Escape Games
For a fun and collaborative indoor activity, Gatlin’s Escape Games provides an exciting challenge for families. These themed experiences are designed for a variety of ages, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. Completing a challenge together creates a shared sense of accomplishment that makes the experience especially memorable.
- Solve themed challenges like Curse of the Kraken’s Eye
- Experience adventures like the Legend of Atlantis
- Work together as a family to solve puzzles
- Enjoy age-appropriate challenges
- Celebrate a shared sense of accomplishment
Mini-Summary: Escape games combine teamwork and fun, creating a memorable bonding experience for families!
4. Play Mini-Golf in Gatlinburg
Mini-golf is a classic family activity that blends friendly competition with creative course designs. Gatlinburg offers several themed courses, giving families a variety of unique experiences to choose from. Whether you prefer scenic views or playful themes, mini-golf is an easy and enjoyable option for all ages!
- Compete in a fun, family-friendly setting
- Choose from themed local courses
- Visit Hillbilly Golf for a mountaintop experience
- Try Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf for a themed adventure
- Enjoy an activity suitable for all ages
Mini-Summary: Mini-golf offers simple, engaging fun that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
FAQ: Things to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids
What are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids?
Some of the top activities include visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, trying Gatlin’s Escape Games, and playing mini-golf. These options offer a mix of indoor and outdoor fun for families.
What can kids do at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies?
Kids can walk through an underwater tunnel with sharks, see more than 10,000 sea creatures, and even touch real stingrays. Educational programs also provide interactive learning opportunities.
Is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park good for younger children?
Yes, the park has easy hiking trails like the Gatlinburg Trail that are suitable for younger kids. Families can also enjoy scenic drives if they prefer a more relaxed experience.
What makes Gatlin’s Escape Games a good family activity?
These escape games offer themed challenges designed for a variety of ages, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. Completing a challenge together creates a shared sense of accomplishment.
Are there outdoor activities for families in Gatlinburg?
Yes, families can explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy scenic mountain views in the national park. Mini-golf is another outdoor-friendly option with fun, themed courses.
Where can families play mini-golf in Gatlinburg?
Families can choose from several themed courses, including Hillbilly Golf and Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf. These locations offer unique experiences and friendly competition for all ages.
Plan a Family Vacation at Our Gatlinburg Hotel
As you can see, there are tons of fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids! With all these great activities and more, it’s no wonder that families love taking vacations to Gatlinburg together. When you come to visit the area, there is nowhere better to stay than right here at The Appy Lodge, so reserve your spot at our Gatlinburg hotel today and get ready for an amazing getaway!
