Looking for a unique way for you and your family to have fun during your next vacation to Gatlinburg? Look no further than our favorite Gatlinburg family fun ideas below!
Not only will these ideas help you plan the perfect mountain getaway with your loved ones, they will also give you great insight to some of the most popular attractions in the area.
1. Visit the Fish at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
When it comes to finding fun things to do in Gatlinburg with your family, it is hard to find a better place to spend your time than at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Here, you can find more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures composed of over 350 individual species.
In addition to the aquatic displays, the aquarium also has several interactive exhibits where you can take a more hands-on approach as you learn about the mysteries of the ocean. There is also a playful penguin exhibit you are sure to enjoy.
To make your experience at the RIpley’s Aquarium of the Smokies even better, we would like to remind you of the free tickets you and your family will receive by choosing to stay in one of our cabin rentals during your Gatlinburg family fun vacation. Thanks to our Rewards Card program, you and your loved ones are eligible for one free adult ticket to this thrilling attraction for each paid night of your stay.
With this great deal, you all can enjoy your favorite Smoky Mountain aquarium while still saving money on your trip. That is hard to beat!
2. Explore Over 500 Exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium is one of the most unique attractions in Gatlinburg. It is home to over 500 unusual exhibits, split between 12 themed galleries on 3 intricate levels. Among the exhibits, you and your family will find a variety of human and animal oddities, artifacts, hands-on activities, and more!
The best part is this attraction is perfect for guests of all ages. Meaning, you and your whole family are guaranteed to have a fun and memorable experience when you visit here.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! You and your loved ones are encouraged to document your time here by snapping as many photos as you would like. Not only are these pictures a great way to capture fond family moments, they also makes for excellent souvenirs when your trip is over.
To get a better idea of what to expect when you visit this Gatlinburg family fun attractions, watch the video below!
3. Soar Over the Treetops on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift
You don’t have to be indoors to enjoy a full day of Gatlinburg family fun. There are also several thrilling attractions you can visit that allow you to spend time in the great outdoors, including The Gatlinburg Sky Lift. What makes this attraction so unique is it invites you and your loved ones to experience the Smokies from a whole new perspective by taking you on an aerial tour above the treetops as you coast to the top of the mountain above.
From your seat, you and your loved ones will have a clear view of both the natural forest of the Smoky Mountains and the bustling area of downtown Gatlinburg and its surrounding communities. However, the scenic views don’t end there.
Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will love spending time at the observation deck as your stare out at the vast landscape below. You can choose to enjoy this view either with your naked eye or one of the binoculars located at the platform.
We especially love experiencing the Gatlinburg Sky Lift at night because you get to see all the twinkling lights of the city nestled among the trees and hills of the national park.
4. Go Skiing at Ober Gatlinburg
Another unique way to enjoy a full day of Gatlinburg family fun outside is to spend time at Ober Gatlinburg. The only ski resort in Tennessee, here you can find a variety of challenging and memorable ski slopes, snow tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, and more!
You don’t even have to wait until winter to enjoy this special attraction. Ober Gatlinburg offers a variety of exciting things to do all year long, including their unique shopping mall, wildlife exhibit, two alpine coasters, kids’ play area, and restaurant.
Click here to learn more about all the fun things to do at Ober Gatlinburg during your next vacation.
For more tips on how to make your next family vacation one to remember, read our blog about 4 Ways to Get Your Kids Involved With Your Gatlinburg Family Fun Vacation. There you will find several useful tips on how to help your kids feel more involved with your trip, which will ease the planning process for everyone involved.
