anakeesta in gatlinburg

Top 4 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids

October 08, 2019

Family vacations to Gatlinburg are super fun! You might be wondering what you can do with your kids while you’re downtown. There are plenty of fun activities your kids will want to check out! Here are the top 4 fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids:

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

ripley's aquarium of the smokies in gatlinburgIf you’re planning a family vacation, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The first section includes animals from the rainforest, including poison dart frogs. Then you’ll see flounder, weedy scorpionfish, and other unique looking creatures from the ocean. The largest tank is full of sharks, fish, and even a sea turtle; you can explore this tank by going through the tunnel that is built underneath it. You’ll also find fish and coral that would be found in coral reefs. In the Discovery Center, you guys can get hands on with horseshoe crabs and moon jellies. Your kids will definitely love watching the penguins play and being able to touch stingrays in Touch-A-Ray Bay. In addition to regular admission, you can add extra experiences that will definitely make your kids’ vacation even better!

2. Anakeesta

Want to spend some time outside? Take your kids to Anakeesta! To get to the top, you’ll ride in a chondola or a jeep. Your family can walk around Firefly Village and look in the shops. Take your kids to the playground where they can run and play for hours. The Treetop Skywalk is pretty neat, allowing you to walk in the trees of the mountains. The Vista Gardens are a neat place to walk through. Sit and relax at one of the many spots with a mountain view after you grab a snack from one of the carts or restaurants. Take your kids for a ride on the mountain coaster, or if they’re little adventurers, you all can go ziplining!

3. Gatlin’s Fun Center

gatlin's fun center mini golfLooking for things to do in Gatlinburg with kids but can’t decide what you want to do? At Gatlin’s Fun Center, they have just about everything you can think of to do! Your whole family will enjoy something Gatlin’s has to offer. Bump into each other on the bumper cars. See who gets the most points in a game of laser tag. Work together as a team to get out of an escape game. Play blacklight mini golf inside or either of the two outdoor courses. Gatlin’s even has an outdoor ropes course that’s fun for everyone!

4. Fannie Farkles

Do you guys love playing games together at arcades? Then you should go to Fannie Farkles if you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Gatlinburg with kids! They have classic games, such as PacMac, as well as the newest games, such as Monster Drop. You can show them your favorite games and maybe even find a new favorite to play together! If you guys get hungry while you’re at Fannie’s, you should try some of their famous foods, such as the Ogle Dog or sausage subs.

You’ll find all kinds of fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids while you’re on your family vacation! Now all you need is a place to stay! Check out our cabin rentals to start planning your next trip.