Story originally appeared on Westgate Resorts.
If you’re looking for things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, you’re in luck! This charming mountain town offers a wealth of exciting activities and attractions that will delight kids of all ages.
From thrilling outdoor adventures to interactive museums, here are the 20 best things to do in Gatlinburg with kids that will ensure your family has an unforgettable experience.
Discover scenic hikes, fun-filled amusement parks and hands-on exhibits that will spark your children’s curiosity and create lasting memories for the whole family.
Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids
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Wild Bear Falls Water Park
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Anakeesta
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Donut Friar
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Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
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Mini Golf at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort
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Space Needle
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Gatlinburg SkyPark
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Gatlinburg Excursion
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Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
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Dollywood
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Ober Mountain
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Gatlinburg Village Shops
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Bear Foot Game Room
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Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
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Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
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Gatlin’s Escape Room Games
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Fannie Farkle’s
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Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
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RainForest Adventures Zoo
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WonderWorks
Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors in the Smoky Mountains or diving into the wonders of Ripley’s Aquarium, there’s something for everyone.
From the best hikes in Gatlinburg to Gatlinburg bowling spots, we’ve got all the best places to see.
Gatlinburg Attractions for Kids
Whether you’re a family of daredevils, art lovers or outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do in Gatlinburg.
This family-friendly city is filled with shops, hiking trails and theme parks that are bound to make any trip special. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1 | Play at Wild Bear Falls Water Park | The massive indoor water park at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park offers year-round fun for the whole family!
No matter the season or weather, the Wild Bear Falls Water Park is ready to make your trip to Gatlinburg a blast.
Enjoy 60,000 square feet of indoor aquatic fun with water slides, pools, splash pads and play zones!
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-4800
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2 | Play at Anakeesta | Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park that’s fun for all ages! Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains as you zip line, mine for gems and ride mountain coasters!
There are also beautiful vista gardens, stores and restaurants to explore for a relaxing and exhilarating adventure.
WHERE: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 325-2400
3 | Grab Donuts at Donut Friar | Donut Friar is said to have the best donuts in Gatlinburg! This small bakery whips up delectable donuts in all sorts of fun flavor combinations. Kids will love picking out their own donuts loaded with toppings.
You can also find other pastries available and even buy some souvenirs to take home with you. Just be warned, the donuts are so good, you’ll probably want to buy extra for the road!
WHERE: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-7306
4 | Create at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community | Let your little ones unleash their inner artists at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community!
Be inspired by dozens of professional artists, from jewelry makers to woodworkers. You can spend time touring the boutiques and studios, then create crafts at one of its workshops or seasonal events!
WHERE: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-6921
5 | Play Mini Golf at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort | A good game of mini golf is always a good idea! Parents and children both love having fun together at this fun forest-themed course.
Putt your way through nine holes as you gaze out at the Smoky Mountains. This is a great way to unwind and relax as a family. Vacation mode activated!
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-4800
6 | Ride the Space Needle | You don’t just have to visit Gatlinburg magic shows to be amazed. Head over to the Space Needle to get your thrills! You’ll get amazing 360-degree views from atop the tower overlooking Downtown Gatlinburg.
The ride takes you 407 feet into the air for sweeping panoramic scenery. You and the kids will both be amazed by the stunning views of the Smokies.
WHERE: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-4629
7 | Explore New Heights at Gatlinburg SkyPark | Climb aboard the record-setting SkyBridge for an exhilarating walk 500 feet above Gatlinburg. You and the kids might spot a black bear roaming through the forests!
Halfway through the walk, you can stop by the famous glass bottom observation point. When you’re done with your journey, explore other attractions like the SkyLift, Tulip Tower and hiking trails.
WHERE: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-4307
8 | Book a Gatlinburg Excursion | Are you ready to get out there and discover Gatlinburg together? Book a Westgate excursion for an unforgettable adventure!
These all-day voyages take you to exciting points across the city. From a quiet nature walk to whitewater rafting, there’s something for everyone, including the kiddos!
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-4800
9 | Tour the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum | Fun museums are always a great thing to do with kids. The quirky Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum displays over 20,000 sets of shakers from around the world!
Admission is just $3 for adults and goes toward any souvenir you buy in the gift shop. Kids 12 and under enter for free!
WHERE: 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-5515
10 | Visit Dollywood | Dollywood is a Gatlinburg legend! Loved by locals and tourists alike, the theme park offers the ultimate Dolly Parton experience.
With rides, music and entertainment at every corner, it’s one of the most fun things for families to do in Gatlinburg!
WHERE: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: (800) 365-5996
11 | Visit Ober Mountain | Did you know Gatlinburg has its own ski area? Ober Mountain is a year-round adventure park with seasonal activities.
In the summer, go hiking, roller skating, rafting and more. During the winter, you can snow tube, snowboard and have all sorts of icy fun.
The aerial tramway is beautiful all year, offering incredible mountain views from high above the treetops.
WHERE: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-5423
12 | Explore The Village Shops | The Village Shops include 30 small businesses and family-owned establishments. The charming architecture will make you feel like you’re in a cozy European town.
From home decor to handmade candles, there are plenty of crafty goods to discover. For lunch, you can swing by Boudicca’s Celtic Pub for one of its famous entrees!
WHERE: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-3995
13 | Hit a High Score at the Bear Foot Game Room | Also tucked inside Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort is an epic game room! Get ready for endless fun in this adventure-driven arcade with every type of game you could ever want to play.
From air hockey to motorcycle racing, play with the kids to earn credits and redeem them for a prize! An afternoon at the Bear Foot Game Room is bound to become a new favorite memory.
WHERE: 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-4800
14 | Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies | Take the family on an ocean odyssey in Gatlinburg at this beautiful aquarium!
The state-of-the-art facility features penguin feedings, glass boat tours and even a mermaid dive show!
WHERE: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-8808
15 | Ride Ripley’s Mountain Coaster | Ripley’s Mountain Coaster goes over 30 miles per hour as you whizz through the mountains!
Feel the breeze on your face as you zip along the track and enjoy the beautiful views all around you!
There’s free parking and a restroom onsite, as well as a gift shop to pick up a souvenir!
WHERE: 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-7800
16 | Solve Mysteries at Gatlin’s Escape Room Games | Gatlin’s Escape Room Games offers a fun adventure perfect for a rainy day.
Get lost exploring a shipwreck or follow clues to uncover the lost city of Atlantis. There are six rooms with varying age requirements and difficulty levels to choose from!
For the most rewarding experience, families with children 12 and under are encouraged to book their own private game rather than playing in a group with strangers.
WHERE: 716 Parkway Unit 214, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 430-8680
17 | Play Classic Arcade Games at Fannie Farkle’s | Good ole’ Fannie Farkle’s is a Gatlinburg staple. Locals have been coming to the arcade for over 40 years.
You and the kids can have a blast playing classic games. And you absolutely have to try one of its famous Ogle Dogs, a foot-long corn dog made fresh to order!
WHERE: 656 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 436-4057
18 | Eat Giant Cinnamon Rolls at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp | Crockett’s Breakfast Camp’s famous cinnamon rolls are a must-try! These delightful golden pastries are big enough to feed three to four people and feature a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
For extra flavor, you can also order a fried cinnamon roll that’s been battered in egg, pan-fried and topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream. Yum!
This restaurant is one of the most famous in Gatlinburg, so reservations are required.
WHERE: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: (865) 325-1403
19 | Explore RainForest Adventures Zoo | This fun animal adventure park is open year-round.
It’s home to all sorts of exciting creatures. From creepy-crawly bugs to beautiful tropical birds, your family will be amazed at the diversity and love learning about all the different animals.
The adorable axolotls are especially popular. These salamanders have external gills that look like fluffy ears, and their happy faces seem to smile back at you.
WHERE: 109 Nascar Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: (865) 428-4091
20 | Play at WonderWorks | You can’t miss WonderWorks — literally! This enormous upside-down house is a show-stealer right from the start.
Kids will be baffled, amazed and enchanted by all of the exciting science-themed activities and attractions that await inside.
There are over 42,000 square feet to explore in this fascinating museum that’s divided into Wonder Zones that explore themes like extreme weather, light and sound and space discovery.
WHERE: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: (865) 868-1800
