Make your family vacation something to remember this year with these Gatlinburg attractions. Some you’ve probably heard of, but others might be brand new. Check them out while you’re in town for a vacation that’s fun for the whole family!
- Fannie Farkle’s—In the heart of downtown Gatlinburg is a restaurant/amusement center that you don’t want to miss. Try a famous Ogle Dog while you’re in town—that’s a footlong corn dog made right before your eyes. Then head to the amusement center for fun and affordable games for kids and adults alike. Old favorites like Skee Ball, Wheel of Fortune, and Slam Dunk are just a few of the fun games you’ll find at Fannie Farkle’s!
- Zip Gatlinburg—Boasting a price that’s half than all the other ziplines in the area, Zip Gatlinburg is a great way for your family to see the sights without breaking the bank. You’ll get to see the beautiful Smoky Mountains from a new vantage point at this exciting attraction. And it’s the only zipline in the Smokies where the whole family—from 5 years old to 75—can participate!
- Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster—All year long, your family is invited to check out the thrill ride known as the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, where you get to be in charge as you coast down the mountainside. You can ride a single or double coaster car, and kids as young as 3 can accompany their parents on this specially designed track through the Smokies. (Some height restrictions apply.)
- Hillbilly Golf—At the top of a 300-foot incline, you’ll find one of the more unique attractions in Gatlinburg, Hillbilly Golf. Featuring two challenging 18-hole courses with everything from outhouses to stills along the way, you and your family will love your time on top of the mountain. And even if you miss your chance at a hole in one, you can’t help but enjoy the amazing views this attractions affords of the city below.
- Fort Fun—What does your family like to do for fun? Play arcade games? Or maybe laser tag? What about bumper cars? Or mini golf? You can do all this and more at Fort Fun! If you have multiple kids and you’re looking for a Gatlinburg attraction that can entertain them all, Fort Fun is the one! Buy a Do-It-All Pass and enjoy even a rainy day in the Smokies with this attraction’s indoor golf, 3D theater, and more!
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies—The perfect place to beat the heat in the summer is at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Ranked by the Travel Channel as one of the best aquariums in the U.S., Ripley’s features live animal shows, hands-on exhibits, and of course a wide variety of sea creatures for your kids to see, touch, and explore. Bring the family for a day of “fun-ducation” at Ripley’s Aquarium!
- Ober Gatlinburg—What’s great about Ober Gatlinburg is the variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions you’ll find once you get to the top of the mountain. In the fall, enjoy a stunning ride over the changing Smoky Mountain trees on the Aerial Tramway. In the winter, hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg for a day of skiing or snowboarding fun. In the spring and summer, explore the Wildlife Encounter with your little ones. You can find family fun all year long at Ober!
- Sugarlands Riding Stables—Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a family with Sugarlands Riding Stables. Located at the Gatlinburg entrance to the park, this attraction invites everyone from beginners to experienced riders to hop on up and enjoy a casual trail ride through the Smokies. Because of the terrain, you won’t be going faster than a walking pace with these horses, and that’s great news for little ones as young as 5 who are invited to join their parents for a ride down the trail.
- Guinness World of Records Museum—Open all year and filled with amazing displays, interactive games, trivia, and more, this museum is a great choice for entertaining the family while you’re cruising down the Parkway in Gatlinburg. Check out exhibits you’ll only find in the Smokies, including featured memorabilia of record holders like Elvis, Michael Jordan, and Michael Jackson.
- Appalachian GhostWalks—We’re not trying to scare you, but the Smokies have a rich history of Appalachian superstition and Native American folklore. Check it all out on a latern-led tour with Appalchian GhostWalks in Gatlinburg. You’ll learn about ghostly pioneers and long lost graves on the evening or full-day Gatlinburg tour.