The best family tradition of all should be bringing the entire clan on vacation. When you’re looking for places to visit in Gatlinburg, you’ll want to know what some of the most kid-friendly activities are in this beautiful tourist destination. It’s actually pretty easy to discover a great amount of things to do for the family, so we’ll start by giving you our 5 favorites that you’re sure to enjoy!
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Located right in the middle of town is the famous Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies attraction. This is one of the most kid-friendly places to visit in Gatlinburg for a variety of reasons. There are two levels where you can see creatures large and small in size, and you can get up close and personal with some of them. The kids will especially love the penguins, and this is one of the many ways you’ll enjoy this aquarium!
2. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
We know this isn’t an attraction, but it will seem like it after a visit to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria. First of all, there’s wood-fired pizza that the kids will love. But perhaps the coolest thing your kids will enjoy is the making of the dough for their own pizza. This makes for a fantastic dining experience with your children — big or small!
3. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg has been a popular ski resort in Gatlinburg for many years now, so if you’re unfamiliar with it, winter provides a great opportunity to see why families love it! Winter is the time when you can get the most fun with all the skiing and tubing, but it’s an exciting place for kids all throughout the year. Have them try ice skating on their indoor rink, or wander outside where there’s plenty more excitement in store!
4. Anakeesta
This newer attraction is one of the most fantastic kid-friendly places to visit in Gatlinburg. In fact, the adults will also find Anakeesta just as fascinating. You’ll discover magic in the mountains in various forms: The Treehouse Village Playground, Gem Mining, and the Tree Canopy Walk are just a few. For the older kids — and kids at heart — they have dueling ziplines for quite the exhilarating experience too!
5. Arcades
One of the best kid-friendly places to visit in Gatlinburg is an arcade! We know this makes 6 total, but we couldn’t mention Arcadia without also listing Fannie Farkle’s. These are two arcades that are unique and must-visits if you have kids. Arcadia is the largest one in town with a huge selection of games and prizes, but Fannie Farkle’s feels like a carnival. This is the one that offers the famous foot-long Ogle corn dog, and it’s the perfect reward for you to share with your kids after a prize-winning day of gaming!
You’ll have everything you could ask for in the fun department with these places to visit in Gatlinburg. Your children will be tugging at your sleeve all vacation long for these activities! Learn more about popular attractions in Gatlinburg, and start planning your vacation.
