Countless families continue to return to the Smokies year after year not only for their scenic beauty but for the variety of family-friendly activities and attractions available here. From thrilling mountain coasters to interactive experiences with animals, there’s something for every member of your family to enjoy. To help you plan for your trip, here are our top 5 family attractions in Gatlinburg.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Get ready to meet some adorable new friends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Get up close and personal to the amazing animals here. Pet one of the playful penguins or touch the stingrays as they glide by in their lagoon! You can even go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium to see what it takes to keep these creatures thriving.
2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
The kids and the kids at heart will love seeing all the weird and unique wonders at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium. Explore all 3 stories filled with more than 500 unusual exhibits, and artifacts from around the world. From authentic shrunken heads to mind-boggling illusions, this attraction is filled with human and animal oddities that are sure to amaze! There are so many different photo-ops to choose from! Snap a few shots by the Transformer made of used car parts, the Fattest Man, a Giant Tire, and all the other curiosities in the museum.
3. Ober Gatlinburg
Your adventure begins as you’re transported 2.1 miles from downtown up to the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area on the scenic Aerial Tramway! There’s a mountaintop of fun waiting for you at the end of your journey. Experience a thrilling ride on the mountain coaster that lets you control your own speed, or strap on your skates and head over to the huge indoor ice arena. These activities and so many others are waiting for you!
4. Anakeesta
Eat, shop, and adventure through the treetops at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Enjoy a scenic ride up to Anakeesta Mountain where you can step off your chondola and into the Magical Firefly Village! Here, you’ll find a breathtaking panoramic view of the Smokies and the downtown area while you explore the various shops or grab a bite to eat. You and your family can race down the mountainside on The Rail Runner, an exhilarating single rail mountain coaster. You’ll also have a blast as you rappel off platforms and speed through the treetops on the Dueling Zipline Adventure! This is by far one of the best family attractions in Gatlinburg.
5. Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Hop on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift and enjoy a smooth glide up to the top of Crockett Mountain! The downhill ride is arguably even more scenic than when you are traveling uphill because this attraction is surrounded on 3 sides by the Great Smoky Mountains.
Be sure to check out these exciting attractions in Gatlinburg and all the other great things this action-packed town has to offer. You can even save while you have fun when you take advantage of our attraction coupons!
