A family vacation is an opportunity to make beautiful memories that all members of the family will remember for many years to come! Finding places for children to be themselves and enjoy their time is one of the best ways to secure a great time on your trip. If you keep the little ones happy, the rest of the family will have a wonderful time as well! We wanted to help you plan your next vacation by sharing 4 family friendly attractions in the Smoky Mountains!
Ripley’s Aquarium
The Ripley’s Aquarium was voted the #1 aquarium in the nation in USA Today’s 2019 10Best Reader’s Choice poll. The aquarium is by far one of the most loved places in Gatlinburg and the Smokies! The property contains 10,000 creatures of the sea that is made up of 350 different species. During your visit, you’ll see live shows, have the opportunity to touch a stingray and come face to face with the sharks as you travel through a tunnel that places you underneath the water. Children will love exploring the discovery center, learning through hands on opportunities and playing in the Penguin Playhouse. If you’re looking to experience an even more special moment you can sign up for a behind the scenes tour, splash with the stingrays, sleep with the sharks or even propose to your significant other with the help of Ripley’s staff. Sensory friendly nights are available for families wanting a quieter experience for their children. A trip to Ripley’s Aquarium is a must if you have children in your party during your time in Gatlinburg.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is unlike any other place in Gatlinburg or the Smokies. With 3 floors filled with exhibits and artifacts, everyone in the family is sure to find something that leaves them completely mystified. The 500 pieces that you’ll come across during your tour will leave you with a mind full of confusion and a day full of laughs. Children will love exploring the gems around the property, but parents will also find the experience fun and interesting, making it a perfect stop on a family vacation in the Smokies!
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s only ski resort and one of Gatlinburg’s most loved destinations. Ober isn’t just for winter fun, you’ll find year-round activities to keep you busy during your visit. The area offers a full-service restaurant as well as everything from an Alpine Slide to ice skating. Children will love climbing the rock wall and cooling off as they take a ride in the ice bumper cars. The youngest members of the family will have fun playing in the Kiddie Land area and riding rides that are the perfect size for them! If rains on your day at no Ober, no worries! You’ll find plenty of attractions indoors to keep you busy! When planning your Smokies vacation, be sure to check out their website for events happening throughout the year.
Anakeesta
Families visiting Gatlinburg will love Anakeesta! The top of the mountain is filled with adventure, dining, shopping and beautiful views of the Smokies. As one of the top attractions in the Smokies, Anakeesta offers year-round fun for everyone. You’ll start the day off with a chairlift or gondola ride in downtown Gatlinburg to the top of the mountain. Once you arrive at the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, you’ll find the Cliff Top Grill & Bar, Pearl’s Pie in the Sky and the magical Catching Fireflies shop. Family members of all ages will enjoy time on the ziplines, a mountain coaster, treehouse playground, tree canopy walk and gem mining. A full day of eating, playing, shopping and relaxing are waiting at the top for your family!
Are you ready to pack up the family and head to the Smoky Mountains?
We would love for you stay with us during your next vacation!
Browse our guest rooms, our amenities or our family suite and start planning your trip now! We’ll see you soon!
