Aquariums have always been my go-to for traveling with little ones because . And if youre looking for a souvenir to take home, they have a great selection of Smoky Mountain-themed gifts. The mirrors were very clean which enhances the experience. But the center is also a fantastic place to take the kids. Get lost in a maze of reflections and enjoy state-of-the-art light and music as you and your kids figure your way out. Stopped here to check out the park with the kids. From Sugarland Riding Stables to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg area offers 82 different types of . teacher, Rachel, was amazing and helped guide us in making our own bowls. , rocking chairs to sit and look at the mountains, and spectacular views. Ride the Alpine Slide: The Alpine Slide is a great way to get some thrills while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Inside, youll find the largest collection of pinball machines in the Smoky Mountains, where the whole family can play all day. While parents shop, kids can enjoy the challenge of a swinging rope bridge across the second floor, crawling through a bear cave, and sitting by a giant fireplace. The Giant Marble will leave the kids in awe, and is sure to impress the adults too! Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Ripleys Super Fun Zone is another recent addition to Ripleys in Gatlinburg. If you visit from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there will be mermaids swimming in the aquariums too! The relaxation, fun, and thrills that this water park provides can be enjoyed by children of all ages. 3. When the shopping is done, the whole family can indulge at locations like Maddi Maes Caf & Creamery and The Donut Friar. You ride a lift to the top of the mountain (little scary tbh) where youre greeted by friendly staff, a gift shop with snacks and refreshments inside, and all the SkyBridge amenities. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Will kids enjoy the mountain town? Here are those that kids and adults alike will love: An ideal night-time activity that kids can enjoy too, the Impossibilities magic show will introduce the whole family to magic, mind reading, and mayhem. She was very patient and very encouraging! There are so many hikes to go on, and plenty of waterfalls as well. Kids of all ages can participate in park activities to becomeJunior Ranger. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a popular ticketed attraction that the whole family will love. Sharing is caring! With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. All Rights Reserved. Hop out of the car to explore Cades Cove. Boasting exquisite views of the mountains, the park is also a great place for parents to spend the day. The stable caters to riders of all skill levels, and their experienced guides are there to help on every trek through the mountains. The park does get VERY BUSY, so go during the off season, or go very early in the day! Our favorites include the Woodworking Shop, the Glassblowing demonstration, and the Firehouse Fun Yard. Go whitewater rafting through the Smokies along the Pigeon River. The high-energy environment will keep everyone in the family entertained! Impossibilities is held in the Iris Theater in the lobby of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Earthquake The Ride Ranked last for a reason, Earthquake The Ride is a cheesy tourist trap along the strip in Gatlinburg. The Bridge is free for kids ages six and under. Kids will love seeing the black bears, river otters, and many more species and native wildlife in this unique zoo. Plus, the park lies on the banks of the idyllic LeConte Creek, offering a tranquil vibe that the family will treasure after an action-packed trip to Gatlinburg. They will be able to see different species of sharks, a giant sea turtle, and tons of colorful fish from an underwater tunnel. 16 years ago Save We are thinking of planning a trip to Gatlinburg. Either way, youll get breathtaking views that are absolutely priceless! ! Pretty cool LEO themed store in the mall. You never know when you or your child will be plucked from the audience to join in on the magic! Playing at Ripleys Super Fun Zone is one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers, older children, teens, adults. Kids love to watch the penguins and even crawl through tunnels to get a closer view. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Riverside Tower, Also See:Johnson City Attractions for KidsKid Friendly Things to Do in ClarksvilleThings for Kids to Do in Franklin, 915 Westgate Resorts RdGatlinburg, TN 37738(865) 430-4800Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. There are several tours and activities in Gatlinburg that you can book in advance. If you have an hour to spare while in Gatlinburg and you want to try something different, schedule a class at Fowlers Clay Works. Even if these golf courses are a popular attraction aimed for kids, families actually found the holes to be quite challenging, so put on a family tournament to make the experience a lot more exciting. They can even reach out and touch one of the rays! Go zorbing. We went at night and they told us you have 24 hrs from ticket purchase time to go up again. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is technically a store where you can get premium outdoor gear and Smoky Mountains gifts. we lucked into an amazing roadside elk-viewing opportunity and stopped to explore the creek at Chimneys, Located on the Gatlinburg Bypass which runs between the Gatlinburg spur and the Great Smoky Mountains. RELATED: Nashville with Kids: 60 Best Things To Do in Nashville, TN. You can visit the Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride and Ripleys Moving Theater. If youre looking for family fun, theres no place better than Gatlinburg! Choosing the activities for this guide wasnt just about picking the most popular ones. This populalr attraction is home to a variety of animals including deer, goats, and lots of exotic animals. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? And maybe root for Mommy or Daddy to win their tournament. The Gatlinburg City Scavenger Hunt allows the whole family to explore the town while also competing for points as they get to know their surroundings. A highlight of the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smoky's is a 340 ft moving walkway that transports you through an underwater tunnel through Shark Lagoon for an up-close experience with these majestic animals. The kitchen is so popular that there are now two venues in Downtown Gatlinburg to keep up with the demand! Stroll a 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk, challenge your family to a dueling zip line adventure, play in a treehouse village, and explore all there is to offer atAnakeesta's mountaintop theme park. Impossibilities Magic Show is a recommended activity for kids since it combines entertainment and wonder, sparking their imagination. ): There are a lot of fun things for the whole family to do at the National Park for toddlers. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster also has an uphill lift, so shorter legs wont have to carry themselves to the top of the mountain to ride! Located in the Old Smoky Distillery, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure is one of the most exciting things to do in Gatlinburg with a toddler. Here are our kiddos the last time we visited the aquarium (this is a special exhibit that is not always at the aquarium): Ober Gatlinburg is another great place to take toddlers in Gatlinburg. The view was beautiful. Featuring an 1980s theme, the fun zone offers retro fun and a retro store. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. K, who was our instructor, did an amazing job! As a resident, husband, and father, his pieces provide a thoughtful perspective on family adventures in Tennessee. And to make your traveling planning experience easier, Ive ranked the attractions based on their educational value, entertainment variety, accessibility, affordability, and age compatibility. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resort, 155 Branam Hollow RdGatlinburg, TN 37738(702) 648-5873Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. Read on for an extensive list of things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Highly recommend to go when Maverick is working. Photo courtesy of the restaurant. The interactive ride overloads all the senses and is thrilling for the whole family, from the little ones to the adults. Here are 15 fun activities in Gatlinburg with kids. Things to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids - Tripadvisor The attraction promises to offer "high-tech special effects" and simulate the feel of a real earthquake. My friends, it is cheesy, but depending on the ages of your kids, they might just like it. (Somewhere I have pictures of this! All of the above were open and available to include the restaurants. 176 Things to Do with Kids in Gatlinburg, TN | TripBuzz Take the whole family to the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg,the onlycombinedski resortand amusement park in Tennessee, or check out ouraquarium, water park, ropes course, ziplines, museums and many other fun Gatlinburg attractions. Here we are at Laurel Falls with a 5-year-old and a 2-and-a-half-year old (and I was 7 months pregnant with number three!). Gatlinburg Attractions for Toddlers (Best Things To Do in 2023) Shark Tunnel: The Shark Tunnel is a must-see for any child who loves these fascinating creatures. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Explore waterfalls, trek the mountains on a family hike, and take a scenic drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo courtesy of the company. As we breathed in the fresh countryside air, I saw their curiosity piqued by the colorful structures and the fascinating tales of local life shared by our guide. For ages six and up, the Haunted Adventure will provide a spookand plenty of laughsfor everyone. These cute amusement rides gently spin around in a circle, putting a grin on your child's face as they ride along on a hot rod or motorcycle that is just their size! What Is There To Do in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg With Toddlers? Age Compatibility: Toddlers (1-3 years old), Age Compatibility: Preschoolers (4-5 years old), Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years old). Aside from personal encounters, Ripleys Aquarium also presents live dive shows, where guests get to see divers interact with the marine life inside the tanks. info@gatlinburg.com, 2023 Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, 5 Ways to Celebrate Fathers Day in Gatlinburg. Order a bear-shaped pancake at Flapjacks Pancake Cabin. For those traveling with their family, we have outlined 18 amazing things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, to make sure they have an unforgettable visit. Speaking of shopping, sometimes simply browsing through stores is a ton of fun for kids, particularly when the stores are decked out in atmospheric European-themed dcor. We have taken a pony ride with an 18-month-old and he loved it so much. The sky bridge was a blast. If youre traveling to Tennessee, this is a MUST stop on your trip. Shows: There are also several great shows for toddlers at Dollywood. Not only will kids have the chance to eat candy at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, theyll also get to watch as the candy-makers work their magic in the open-kitchen style venue. Babies, toddlers, older children, teens, and adults can all have fun with the mirror maze, circus golf, and 7D movie experience. Stop to take in the breathtaking view. There are rotating family-friendly films shown in the theater, including Aladdin: The Ride and Red Beards Rapids. At Anakeesta, there are lots of kids activities, as well as fun for teens and adults. My husband and I had just as much fun ask the kids! There are so many great things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for toddlers! They have a great selection of bird-themed toys and souvenirs, and you can even get a pet bird of your very own if you like. As you take the parks beautiful chairlift to the top of the mountain, you can see amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. This exciting place is a great way to see the beautiful mountains from the air while having fun. Theres also Bonediggity Barkery & Gifts, where kids can pick something up for their furry best friend. Tatum and Jacob were good also and very interactive! And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, you won't have trouble finding a great place to stay while you're in town. Its also a great activity for kids of all ages. Best Breakfast in Pigeon Forge, TN 20 Top Places! An escape room is one of the newest live interactive entertainment where a group of visitors have to escape a locked room within a time limit. They might also enjoy the little train ride around the plaza. The Kiddie Umbrella Rides is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers, as is OBears Mini Golf, the Ski Mountain Coaster, and the parks premiere wildlife encounter. The Skybridge walk is just a tiny bit scary, but. Hit the slides at the Dollywood water park in Pigeon Forge. I ask myself these important questions when rating the activitys educational value. Gatlinburg's . I hope you take your toddler on an adventure and visit one or more of these Gatlinburg attractions for toddlers. View the mountains from 200-feet up in the air on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The farm offers small, very gentle horses perfect for any age.