4 Activities in Gatlinburg Your Kids Will Love

If you are planning a family trip to the Smoky Mountains, you will be pleased to know there are plenty of kid friendly activities all throughout the Smokies, including in Gatlinburg. This area of the mountains features some of the biggest attractions in all the Smoky Mountains, including Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta, Ober Gatlinburg, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Here are 4 activities in Gatlinburg your kids will love:

1. Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

While you explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, be sure to waddle your way over to the Penguin Playhouse, where your children can interact with one of the world’s most adorable creatures. They can crawl through secret tunnels that will lead them to a glass tube right in the middle of the penguins’ sanctuary. This will give them an up-close view of the life of a penguin, including watching them splashing in the pool, relaxing in the sun, and searching for delicious snacks. For more exposure to the penguins, be sure to stick around to see the penguin feedings and penguin parades through the aquarium!

2. Ice Skating at Ober Gatlinburg

Did you know you and your children can go ice skating year round in Gatlinburg? Ober Gatlinburg has an indoor ice skating rink that is perfect for any season of the year. Whether you are trying to escape the summer heat or get in the holiday spirit, your family can skate around the winter wonderland during any trip to the Smokies! For the younger skaters, they even have a handrail around the perimeter to help children get the hang of ice skating. Before you know it, they will be gliding around like a professional skater! This is just one of the many activities in Gatlinburg that is perfect for all ages!

3. Treeventure Challenge Course at Anakeesta

We are sure you remember the good ole days of relaxing in the neighborhood tree house with no cares in the world! At Anakeesta, your children can have that same experience, but with a few added amenities. This treehouse is probably a little fancier than the ones you had during your childhood, as it covers three stories! Your kids will have a blast climbing, swinging, and crawling their way across rope bridges and tunnels to make their way to the next obstacle! For a blast to the past, parents can join them as kids lead the way from house to house.

4. Arcadia at the Gatlinburg Space Needle

It is no secret that kids love arcades, and you will find one of the best ones at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Arcadia features more than 30,000 square feet of arcade games, ranging from all the classics to the latest hits. After you rack up on points, your kids can select from a variety of prizes from some of the country’s biggest manufacturers, including Lego, Sony, Apple, Playstation, and more! Be sure to continue your adventure to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, where you will have an amazing 360 degree view of downtown and the Smoky Mountains!

Be sure to check out some of the other activities in Gatlinburg that your kids will love! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!