Keep your little one entertained with fun things to do in Gatlinburg with kids! In this Gatlinburg vacation guide, we offer you kid-friendly attractions and activities that are perfect for your family getaway.
From the national park to theme parks and museums, Gatlinburg offers so many opportunities for learning, playing, and fun! A vacation to this humble mountain town will surely live on in your memories for years to come.


Gatlinburg is a fabulous place to bring your family for a vacation. There are so many great things to do in Gatlinburg with kids that you will never be bored of. Here are some of our favorites!

Is Gatlinburg Good For Kids?
Absolutely! Gatlinburg, TN is a kid-friendly destination. Gatlinburg is a great place for families because of its many attractions and activities, whether you are looking for a thrill or just want to relax you’ll have so many options to choose from.
The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks that will keep the whole family and kids entertained. Plus, there are several hotels and family resorts in Gatlinburg, TN that offer family-friendly amenities and accommodations.

And, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Gatlinburg is home to some of the best amusement park rides and outdoor adventures that cater to every family member. For a fun-filled vacation destination for your family, be sure to check out Gatlinburg!
Things To Do In Gatlinburg With Kids
Learn, play and have fun with these top things to do in Gatlinburg with kids!
The Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is an amazing place with over 10,000 different sea creatures. Your kids will surely have fun and learn while getting a closer view of sharks, rays, turtles and other sea creatures.
This is a great place to take your family for a day of fun. Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of things to enjoy with the kids, like the Alpine Slide, Aerial Tramway, Ice Bumper Cars, Wildlife Encounter, and much more.
This is a must see when you are in Gatlinburg with kids. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States and offers many different things to do, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking among many others.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a fun attraction for all ages! Aside from stunning views fro the top, the kids will surely be delighted at the huge arcade found at the base of the tower called the Arcadia.
The trolley takes you around downtown and to the best attractions in the are. Thi is a fun and convenient way to explore Gatlinburg. Plus its totally FREE!
A Gatlinburg, TN attraction that is perfect for families! With hundreds of exhibits, there is something fun for everyone to interact with, learn, and enjoy. Ripley's is the weirdest and absolutely fun place in Gatlinburg! Don't miss out on this unique experience!
Let the Sky Lift take you to the top of Crockett Mountain and see the gorgeous view of the city and Smoky Mountains from above.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride down the mountain and see the stunning natural wonders from a different perspective. Race through the Smoky Mountains on our unique track featuring a brake system that lets you control it.
What makes this show so unique is that it isn’t your typical magic act. Chris and Erik use their powers of mind reading and observation to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
They also involve the audience in some of the tricks, which makes it even more fun for everyone involved. You’ll be amazed at what these two magicians are able to do and you’ll definitely be entertained from start to finish.
Anakeesta is a must-visit Gatlinburg attraction for families. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the scenic views to the fun activities. The kids will love riding the gondola up to the top, where they can explore the treehouse village or take a zip line ride.
Solving puzzles and challenges as a family can be a great bonding experience. Working together in a 60-minute race against the clock to escape Gatlin's Escape Games can be an exciting and thrilling experience for everyone involved.
Family Resorts in Gatlinburg offer something for everyone in the family. Kids will surely love splashing around the hotel's waterpark. And after a day of fun, families can relax in a comfy bedroom or enjoy one of the resort’s many amenities, including dining options, spa and more.
Treat your kids for some sweets at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen! It is home to the classic taffy logs which they offer in 33 different flavors. There's also a huge selection of fudge that will satisfy your sweet tooth, and every type of candy you can think of.
Gatlinburg is home to many amazing mini golf courses with fun and unique themes that you won’t find anywhere else. If you're looking for kid-friendly activity in town, playing mini golf is certainly one of the best.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Now!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Visiting different attractions in Gatlinburg can get pretty expensive, grab some of these Gatlinburg Discount Tickets so you can save some extra money for your next vacation.
To make things more fun and exciting for the kids, check out this photo scavenger hunt game from PhotoJepeers.