11 Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids

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Best known for being a gateway to The Great Smoky National Park, Gatlinburg hosts millions of visitors each year.

The mountain resort town is about 40 miles southeast of Knoxville and has a year-round population of just over 3500.

The quaint town is rich in history, starting with its name.

Even though the Ogles were the first frontier family to settle the area, the town was named after Radford Gatlin, who owned the general store (which housed the post office).

Gatlin was also the most disliked man in town.

Despite Tennessee being in the south, Gatlinburg was very pro-Union, while Gatlinburg himself constantly spouted pro-Confederacy beliefs.

Eventually, the town’s people had enough, and Gatlin was run out of town in 1859.

Members of the Ogle family still live in town, however, and the original log cabin built by their ancestors still stands.

Since Gatlin’s departure, the small hamlet has prided itself on being welcoming and friendly to everyone.

The first pancake house in the state was opened in Gatlinburg.

Tennessee’s only ski resort is also in the town.

It’s the second most popular wedding destination in the United States (just behind Las Vegas), with a variety of wedding chapels smattered around town.

Gatlinburg is also a fun place for kids.

So if you’re thinking about visiting with the rugrats, keep reading for a list of things to do with them in this beautiful town.

11 Things To Do In Gatlinburg With Kids

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This stunning National Park is the anchor activity during a visit to Gatlinburg.

Cradled within the Smoky Mountains, the park is known for its plant and animal life.

The park offers over 540,000 acres of beauty.

The area has remained virtually unchanged since the great tribes and resourceful pioneers called it home.

Visitors can opt for an informative, ranger-led tour, or go out on your own via foot, bike, or vehicle.

Camping is allowed in both the front and backcountry.

Visit historic buildings, go fishing, horseback riding, or hike the many trails.

Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center beforehand.

Guides will be happy to point out more areas of interest.

Restrooms, snack machines, and water stations are also available in the center.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Open 7 days a week, Ripley’s Aquarium has more residents than Gatlinburg.

Stroll through themed galleries like Ocean Realm, Touch A Ray Bay, Tropical Rainforest, and Coral Reef.

Go to Shark Lagoon for a glass bottom boat ride, or go behind the scenes to feed the penguins.

Kids will love the many shows, including the popular mermaid dive.

Stop at the Bayfront Feeding Frenzy cafe for a bite.

Wheelchairs are available at guest services.

3. Ober Mountain – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pay a visit to this exciting amusement park situated high above Gatlinburg.

Take the Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the town and the Smoky Mountains that can’t be seen from any other vantage point.

Explore the wildlife habitat, go ice skating, go down the Alpine slide, or take a ride on the Tennessee Flyer rollercoaster.

There are also mountain bike trails, bumper cars, rock walls, and more.

There are food options for every taste and a delicious homemade fudge shop on the premises.

4. Gatlinburg Sky Park – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This may not be for everyone, but if your family doesn’t mind heights, and is up for a bit of adrenaline, then Sky Park must be on your Gatlinburg bucket list.

Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, the park allows visitors to experience the Smoky Mountains in a truly unique way.

Take the Sky Lift 1800 feet above Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain.

From there you can walk the one-of-a-kind Sky Bridge.

This spot was named one of the most scenic in the country by CBS News.

The attraction is the oldest in Gatlinburg and the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.

5. Anakeesta – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Anakeesta means “the place of higher ground” in the Cherokee language.

This theme park is exactly that, hovering 600 feet above Gatlinburg on 70 beautiful acres.

Visit the treetop skywalk, take a ride on the roller coaster, go zip lining, take the chair lift for amazing views, or go up to the observation tower.

Kids will love the gem mining activity where everyone is guaranteed a treasure.

Fire pits are available to rent to gather around and watch the sunset behind the mountains.

Be sure to stop at the Smokehouse for an array of slow-smoked BBQ choices.

6. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Some may remember the popular TV show, but even if you don’t, Ripley’s Museum is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

You’ll be immersed in artifacts and memorabilia of the weird, odd, and bizarre.

Some you may not want to believe are real, but they are.

From shrunken heads to vampire-killing kits, you’ll see things you’ve never seen before.

There’s also a 5D moving theater that will thrill you with tales from the weird side.

Don’t be afraid to visit the Hall of Mirrors or go on a haunted adventure.

Strange souvenirs are available at the gift shop.

7. Hollywood Stars Cars Museum – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Kids of all ages are sure to get a kick out of this museum that houses some of the most well-known vehicles in movie and television history.

Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, guests can get a gander at the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, the original General Lee, The Munsters Drag-U-La, 2 Batmobiles, and the jalopy from the Beverly Hillbillies.

There’s also a whole area dedicated to The Fast and the Furious.

The celebrity area has cars that belonged to stars like James Dean, Dolly Parton, and Michael Jackson.

8. Moonshine Mountain Coaster – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This specially designed “silent” track allows riders to use their brake handles to control the speed of their car.

A lift will take you up to the top where you’ll begin the 5-minute thrill ride back down.

The coaster was voted the best mountain coaster in 2021.

It’s open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 11 PM.

Riders must be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old.

9. Space Needle – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Every great town should have an observation tower, so you know Gatlinburg does.

The Space Needle is a 407-foot-high tower that gives visitors a 360-degree view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Ride up the glass elevator to the top, and get up close and personal by using one of the free viewfinders.

When you’re done with the scenery, travel back down to the ground level and enjoy the largest arcade in the area.

25,000 square feet of fun await.

If that’s still not enough, take in a magic show in the tower’s theater.

10. Wild Bear Falls Water Park – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This indoor/outdoor mountain-themed water park has a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment and 60,000 square feet of attractions.

From lazy rivers and watersides to the Little Pigeon River water play center for the little ones, there’s something for everyone.

Rent a cabana that is equipped with a television, snacks, and water.

The water park is located inside The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.

11. Sugaland Riding Stables – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Horseback riding is a great family activity and the Sugarland Stables is one of the best places in Tennessee to do it.

Open from mid-March through Thanksgiving Day, the stable offers group and private treks.

The expert guides will take you through the beautiful trails into the mountains where you’ll be able to observe wildlife and lush foliage.

The rides last about 90 minutes on magnificent, well-trained horses.