Gatlinburg, the little mountain town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is an enchanting destination for families looking for adventure. From thrilling outdoor activities to scenic drives through nature’s playgrounds, Gatlinburg is where you want to be if you love exploring local attractions.
Keep reading if you’d like to discover some of the fantasticattractions this place offers for your kids.
1. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park:
With its lush forests, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature-lovers paradise. Your family can explore this massive park on horseback or in a car and witness some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever experience.
From the Clingmans Dome Trail to Cades Cove Loop, there are plenty of trails and activities to choose from that your kids will love.
Additionally, kids aged four to 12 can join the Junior Ranger Program and get a badge for completing nature-related tasks. However, if your kids are too young for the program, plenty of ranger-led activities and memorable hikes are available to keep them entertained.
2. Go Karting:
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity, visiting the Gatlinburg go karts track is the perfect option. Here your kids can race around the Track in single or double-seater carts, showing off their best racing skills.
Top three Go Kart Track locations in Gatlinburg, each with a different set of rides and activities.
– Junior Go-Karts at Fun Stop: For younger kids, the Fun Stop offers a Kids Track where they can drive miniature go-karts. The Go Karts are small and safe.
– Junior Track at SpeedZone: SpeedZone’s Junior Track is great for kids looking for a smooth and fast ride.
– Kiddie Karts at the Track: The Track’s Kiddie Karts are designed for the youngest drivers, and they can drive them in their mini go-kart track.
The Track also offers bumper boats, a mini golf course, and an arcade game room.
3. Dollywood:
It’s no secret that Dollywood is an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits it. From the Wild Eagle Coaster to the Lights decorating the main street, there is much to explore and do at Dollywood. With over 40 rides and attractions, your family can explore this theme park and have a blast.
Moreover, there are live shows and music performances that your kids will be amazed by. Plus, the park has a variety of kid-friendly restaurants and snacks, so your kids won’t go hungry!
4. Amaze’n Maze:
Head to Amaze’n Maze for an interactive, entertaining outdoor experience with your kids. This family-friendly attraction is a hedge maze that takes visitors through various interactive features. The fun begins when you try to solve puzzles and search for hidden clues.
Your family can also challenge each other to a game of mini golf and test their knowledge with trivia games. The Amaze’n Maze also has a café where you can grab a snack between activities.
Additionally, on the way out of the maze, there is a colorful piggy bank that kids can decorate with paint and stickers. It will make for a great souvenir from your time in Gatlinburg.
5. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort:
If the winter season is the time for your family’s visit, consider going to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. It has one of the best skiing and snowboarding terrain parks in the Southeast and a Ski and Snowboard School for kids of all skill levels.
Kids aged four to seven can join the Mini Moguls Program and participate in fun activities. It is perfect for learning to ski, snowboarding, and making memories with your family.
However, if skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Ober Gatlinburg also offers a chairlift ride to the mountaintop through lush forests, and you can explore the area’s natural beauty.
6. The Gatlinburg Space Needle:
For breathtaking views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding countryside, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a must-visit. It stands 407 feet tall, and your family can take an elevator up to the top and witness spectacular city views. The tower has a glass floor and an audio tour to engage your kids.
Additionally, Space Needle also has an arcade and a virtual reality experience. It will be a day filled with fun and adventure that your kids won’t forget.
7. Anakeesta:
Anakeesta is a great outdoor adventure park located in downtown Gatlinburg. From the Tree Canopy Walk to a mountain coaster, there are plenty of activities that your kids will love. Anakeesta also offers a kids’ play area with an interactive water feature and plenty of swings and slides.
However, if you’re seeking something a little more thrilling, check out Anakeesta’s Dueling Zipline. Kids and adults can take part in this zipline adventure, taking flight over downtown Gatlinburg!
8. Visit Titanic Museum:
Take your kids on an unforgettable journey when you visit theTitanic Museum. This interactive museum allows visitors to explore a replica of the legendary ship, complete with its original artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a theater.
Your kids will be fascinated by the stories of the people who sailed on the Titanic. Additionally, the museum also hosts a variety of interactive activities, such as crafting their life jackets and trying to send a distress signal from the ship.
The Titanic Museum will surely give your family an unforgettable experience that will stay with them for a long time.
9. Gatlin’s Mini Golf:
End your family day out with a game of mini golf at Gatlin’s Mini Golf. This family-friendly course has two 18-hole courses and a smaller 9-hole for younger kids. Even if your kids don’t have experience playing mini golf, they’ll still be able to enjoy the course with its colorful and whimsical obstacles.
Gatlin’s Mini Golf also has a snack bar that serves hot dogs and other kid-friendly snacks. After the game, you and your kids can grab something to eat and enjoy the picturesque views of downtown Gatlinburg.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! A list of amazing things to see and do in Gatlinburg with the kids. Of course, this is just a starting point – plenty of other great activities for families here can be enjoyed. But we hope this gives you a few ideas to plan your trip.
Also, don’t forget to make time for some relaxation. Gatlinburg is home to many hotels and resorts, so you can find the perfect place to stay and recharge.
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