Advice, Cabins

20+ Best Indoor Things to Do in Gatlinburg When It Rains

You wake up to the sound of rain pattering on your cabin roof. Instead of disappointment, you should feel excited. Gatlinburg transforms into an indoor adventure playground when the weather turns wet. 

The Smokies receive the most rain from June through August, with afternoon thunderstorms rolling through regularly. 

This guide covers over 20 fantastic indoor attractions so your vacation stays on track, rain or shine.

Quick Reference: Gatlinburg Indoor Activities by Traveler Type

Families with Kids:

Couples & Adults:

Thrill-Seekers:

Budget-Conscious (Under $15/person):

Best for Large Groups (8+ people):

Best for Date Night/Couples:

Best Indoor Attractions for Families

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

One of the top-ranked aquariums in North America, featuring 10,000+ exotic sea creatures across 350 species in immersive underwater exhibits.

Why Visit: Walk through a 340-foot underwater tunnel with sharks gliding overhead, touch stingrays in shallow pools, and watch penguins waddle. Interactive touch tanks and a glass-bottom boat ride make this a must-visit.

Key Details:

  • Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone Number: (865) 430-8808 
  • Website: ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies
  • Hours: Sun-Thu 9 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 9 am - 10 pm
  • Cost: Adults  $42.99+; Children  $29.99
  • Time to Budget: 2-3 hours
  • Best For: All ages, families with young children
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Buy tickets online in advance, as rainy days bring enormous crowds, and the aquarium can sell out by midday. Visit right at opening (9 a.m.) or after 5 p.m. for thinner crowds and better photo opportunities.

2. Gatlin’s Fun Center

Gatlinburg’s premier indoor entertainment complex has two locations offering laser tag, escape rooms, blacklight mini golf, bumper cars, and arcade games.

Why Visit: Multiple activities under one roof ensure everyone finds something they love. The CSI-themed blacklight mini golf and 3,000+ square-foot laser tag arena set this apart.

Key Details

  • Locations: 716 Parkway #219, Gatlinburg , TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 339-3323
  • Website: gatlinsfuncenter.com
  • Hours: Sun-Thu 10 am – 7 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am - 9 pm – Closing times may vary (call for current hours)
  • Cost: Individual activities $8-15, combo passes $25-45 
  • Time to Budget: 2-4 hours
  • Best For: Kids 6+, teens, groups
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Purchase the All-Access Pass if you plan to attend 3 or more activities to save 25-30% off individual tickets. Check which location has your preferred activities online before visiting.

Cabin Connection: Continue the competition in your cabin’s game room, with pool tables and air hockey.

3. Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park

Gatlinburg’s largest indoor water park with 60,000 square feet of slides, a lazy river, and heated pools under a retractable glass roof.

Why Visit: The retractable roof keeps you warm and dry year-round with natural light. Kids love the multi-level water fort and racing slides, while adults enjoy the lazy river.

Key Details

Quick Tip: Day passes for non-guests must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance, and availability is limited on rainy weekends. Bring water shoes and plan to rent lockers ($8-10) for valuables. Weekday mornings offer the best experience with minimal crowds.

Alternative: Wilderness at the Smokies Wild WaterDome (Sevierville, 20-minute drive) is Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark dome, with a wave pool and surf simulator.

Cabin Connection: After hours of water play, unwind in your cabin’s hot tub or enjoy the private indoor pool available in select rentals.

Other Family-Friendly Indoor Options

Indoor Mini Golf

Multiple venues offer climate-controlled blacklight mini golf perfect for rainy days. Gatlin’s Fun Center features a 9-hole underwater-themed course with glowing sea creatures.) offers an 18-hole circus funhouse experience with animatronic characters and special effects.

Key Details: Multiple locations | $8-12 per person | Time to Budget: 45-60 minutes

  • Gatlin’s Fun Center: 716 Parkway #219, Gatlinburg , TN 37738
  • Treasure Quest Miniature Golf: 653 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Circus Golf: 919 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Best For: Families with kids 4+

Quick Tip: Gatlin’s offers combo tickets to pair mini golf with laser tag or bumper cars. Blacklight courses are especially fun for kids who love glowing neon atmospheres.

Arcade City

One of Gatlinburg’s largest modern arcades featuring the latest games alongside classic favorites and massive prize redemption. Play card system tracks tickets automatically with games from 25 cents to $3.

Key Details: 727 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | (865) 263-1100 | Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm | Time to Budget: 1-2 hours

Best For: All ages, families with kids 5+

Quick Tip: Purchase play cards online before visiting to get up to 30% bonus credits ($25 card for $20, $50 card for $40, $100 card for $70). Staff members are helpful and can recommend age-appropriate games for younger children.

For even more family activities beyond rainy day options, explore our complete guide to things to do in Gatlinburg with kids including outdoor adventures and seasonal attractions.

Unique Museums & Educational Attractions

4. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Two-story museum showcasing over 50 authentic vehicles from famous movies and TV shows, from the Batmobile to Fast and Furious cars.

Why Visit: See genuine cars driven by celebrities and featured in blockbusters. Interactive exhibits featuring recreated movie sets enable you to step into Hollywood’s rich history. 

Key Details

  • Address:  914 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 430-2200 
  • Website: starcarstn.com 
  • Hours: Daily 9 am- 10 pm 
  • Cost: Adults $19.99 | Kids $10.99
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: Movie fans, car enthusiasts, all ages
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Must-see cars include the 1966 Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, and the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. Photo opportunities available in many vehicles for an additional fee ($8.95). Purchase tickets online for savings.

5. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

One of only two museums worldwide dedicated to salt and pepper shakers, featuring over 20,000 unique shakers from around the globe.

Why Visit: This quirky, Instagram-worthy collection features shakers from every imaginable era and theme. The off-the-beaten-path location means fewer crowds, and the $3 admission applies to any gift shop purchase.

Key Details: 

  • Address: 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 430-5515
  • Website: thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com 
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am – 4 pm; Sun 10 am – 2 pm
  • Cost: $3 (applies to purchase) 
  • Time to Budget: 30-60 minutes
  • Best For: All ages, quirky seekers, unique photo opportunities
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Pet-friendly museum. The collection features vintage, novelty, and one-of-a-kind shakers that you won’t find anywhere else. Perfect for a fast, dry activity between other attractions.

6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Interactive, family-friendly museums that mix pop culture and unusual exhibits. Ripley’s Odditorium offers over 500 artifacts and hands‑on galleries across three floors, making it a fun, weather‑proof replacement for the Wax Museum.

Why Visit: This recently renovated Odditorium features over 600 interactive exhibits across 16 themed galleries, ranging from shrunken heads and optical illusions to mind-bending art and record-setting artifacts.

Key Details:

  • Address: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436‑5096
  • Website: ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-believe-it-or-not-gatlinburg
  • Hours: Daily 9 am - midnight (seasonal hours may vary)
  • Cost: Individual attraction $29.99 (adults), $16.99 (children 6‑11); combo passes $59.99-$74.99 depending on number of Ripley attractions selected
  • Time to Budget: 1.5 - 2 hours
  • Best For: Families, teens, and anyone fascinated by oddities, science, and world records
  • Accessibility: The facility is entirely wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and elevators, and service animals are permitted. Restrooms and paths meet ADA standards.

Quick Tip: Purchase Ripley’s combo tickets to bundle the Odditorium with other attractions like the Aquarium of the Smokies, Mirror Maze, and Haunted Adventure for up to 35% savings. Tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used on separate days. Weekday mornings before 11 a.m. offer the lightest crowds along the Parkway.

More Museums Worth Exploring

Speedwerkz Exotic Car Museum

A rotating collection of 15 hypercars, supercars, and exotic vehicles worth over $20 million displayed on turntables with special lighting. Unlike Hollywood Star Cars’ movie focus, Speedwerkz showcases rare Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other high-performance vehicles. Racing simulators and photo experiences are available.

Key Details: 467 Parkway, Gatlinburg | (865) 365-4438 | Daily 10am-8pm | Adults $21.99, Kids (6-12) $14.99 | Time: 1 hour

Best For: Car enthusiasts, teens, adults

Quick Tip: The collection rotates throughout the year, so each visit offers different vehicles. Add-on racing simulator experiences cost $20 for 10 minutes. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best photos with the cars.

Bodies Human Museum

Over a dozen real human bodies and 100+ anatomical displays preserved through plastination showcase the miracle of the human body. Interactive exhibits feature athletes in motion, organ systems, and slice-of-life displays. Not recommended for children under 10 or those squeamish about anatomy.

Key Details: 205 Airport Rd (next to Space Needle) | (865) 277-7272 | Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm | Adults $29.99, Kids $19.99 | Time: 1-2 hours

Best For: Science enthusiasts, older kids 10+, pre-med students

Quick Tip: No photography allowed inside to respect the donated bodies. Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing. 

Thrills & Adventures Indoors

7. Flyaway Indoor Skydiving

A state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel simulating the skydiving experience without jumping from a plane.

Why Visit: Experience the thrill of free-falling in a safe, controlled environment. Professional instructors guide you through the entire experience. No experience required, suitable for ages three and up.

Key Details: 

  • Address: 3106 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (10-minute drive) 
  • Phone number: (865) 453-7777 
  • Website: flyawayindoorskydiving.com 
  • Hours: Daily 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. 
  • Cost: From $69.95 per session
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: Thrill-seekers ages 3+, action-packed day
  • Accessibility: Contact the facility for specific needs

Quick Tip: Book online in advance for the best rates. Wear comfortable clothes and secure all loose items. First-time flyers receive thorough training before flight.

8. Escape Rooms in Gatlinburg

Immersive puzzle experiences where teams work together to solve mysteries and escape themed rooms within 60 minutes.

  • Why Try Them: Perfect group activity for rainy days. Themes range from prison breaks to detective mysteries. Great for team building and creating memories.

Top Venues:

  • The Escape Game Gatlinburg: Premium escape room experience with highly-rated scenarios 
  • Gatlin’s Escape Games: Five unique rooms at Fun Center locations with CSI and adventure themes
  • Captured Escape Rooms: Locally-owned with creative storylines 

Key Details:

  • Address: Various locations in Gatlinburg
  • The Escape Game Gatlinburg: 105 Reagan Drive, Suite 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Gatlin’s Escape Games: 716 Parkway, Unit 214, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Captured Escape Rooms: 112 Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: Contact individual venues
  • The Escape Game Gatlinburg: (865) 800-3834
  • Gatlin’s Escape Games: (865) 339-3323
  • Captured Escape Rooms: (865) 430-7844
  • Website: Various (The Escape Game, Gatlin’s, Captured Escape Rooms)
  • Hours: Vary by location, typically 10 am – 10 pm
  • Cost: $25-35 per person
  • Time to Budget: 60-75 minutes plus briefing
  • Best For: Groups 4-8, team building, teens, and adults
  • Accessibility: Varies by venue

Quick Tip: Book 24-48 hours in advance, especially on rainy weekends. Private bookings available.Beginning with a medium difficulty level, if you’re new to escape rooms. Most venues require ages 10+.

9. Indoor Go-Karts

Climate-controlled indoor racing tracks with high-speed electric karts.

Why Visit: Race regardless of weather conditions. Multi-level tracks and competitive timing systems make this thrilling for racing fans.

  • LazerPort Fun Center (Pigeon Forge): Combines indoor go-karts with laser tag and arcade

Key Details:

  • Address: 2782 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
  • Phone number: (888) 907-4694
  • Website: lazerportfuncenter.com
  • Hours: Vary by day and season; check the official website or call ahead to confirm current hours.
  • Cost: $10-15 per race
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: Kids 8+, racing fans, action-packed entertainment
  • Accessibility: Contact venues for specific needs

Quick Tip: Check height requirements (typically 48-56 inches to drive alone). Multi-race packages save money. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends.

10. Mysterious Mansion

Gatlinburg’s oldest haunted house attraction features three stories of scares, complete with live actors, in a Victorian mansion.

Why Visit: Year-round indoor haunted experience with professional actors and elaborate sets. The three-story layout and surprises make this genuinely thrilling.

Key Details:

  • Address: 424 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436‑7008 
  • Website: mysteriousmansion.com
  • Hours: Fri-Sun 2 pm - 11 pm (extended in summer)
  • Cost: Adults $19.99, under 12 not recommended
  • Time to Budget: 30-45 minutes
  • Best For: Teens and adults (NOT for kids under 12)
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible (three stories, stairs required)

Quick Tip: Exit doors are available throughout if the experience becomes too intense. Best experienced with groups. Expect professional scares, not suitable for young children or those with heart conditions.

11. Gatlinburg Axe House

Indoor axe-throwing venue with trained instructors and multiple throwing lanes.

Why Visit: Learn a new skill in a safe, supervised environment. Instructors teach proper technique and scoring, making it both competitive and fun for groups and date nights.

Key Details:

  • Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 430-3939
  • Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm
  • Cost: $30-40 per person for 90 minutes
  • Time to Budget: 1-1.5 hours
  • Best For: Adults and teens 10+, date night, group activity
  • Accessibility: Contact for specific accommodations

Quick Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on rainy weekends. Closed-toe shoes required. No experience needed. Most venues offer food and drinks.

Arts, Crafts & Hands-On Experiences

12. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The nation’s largest group of independent artisans along an 8-mile scenic loop with over 100 studios, galleries, and shops.

Why Visit: Watch artisans create pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and traditional crafts in their studios. Many have covered porches that are viable during light rain. Support local artists while finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Key Details:

  • Address: Starts at traffic light #3 on Hwy 321, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 671-3600
  • Website: gatlinburgcrafts.com
  • Hours: Most studios 10am-5pm
  • Cost: FREE to browse
  • Time to Budget: 2-4 hours
  • Best For: All ages, art lovers, souvenir hunters
  • Accessibility: Varies by studio, many have accessible entrances

Quick Tip: Many studios have covered porches, making this viable during light rain. Download the map before visiting. Top studios: Alewine Pottery, Fowler’s Clay Works, Otto Preske’s woodwork, Cliff Dwellers Gallery. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

13. Pottery Workshops at Fowler’s Clay Works

Hands-on pottery classes where you create your own piece on a potter’s wheel or using hand-building techniques.

Why Visit: Create a personalized souvenir and learn from master potters. Perfect activity for couples, families, or solo travelers wanting a creative experience.

Key Details:

  • Address: Within Arts & Crafts Community, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436-3951
  • Website: fowlersclayworks.com
  • Hours: By appointment
  • Cost: $40-80 per person
  • Time to Budget: 2-3 hours
  • Best For: Families, couples, all skill levels
  • Accessibility: Contact for specific accommodations

Quick Tip: Reservations required. Pieces must be glazed and fired, then shipped or picked up at a later date (additional shipping fees apply). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty with clay. Several other pottery studios in the community offer similar workshops.

Taste of the Smokies: Food & Drink Experiences

14. Moonshine & Whiskey Distillery Tastings

They offer Free tastings of moonshine, whiskey, and flavored spirits, accompanied by live music, tours, and Southern hospitality.

Top Distilleries:

  • Ole Smoky: The Holler (original downtown location with energetic atmosphere), The Barrelhouse (whiskey-focused)
  • Sugarlands Distilling Company: Barn-style tasting room with free tours, live music, and award-winning moonshine
  • Tennessee Shine Company: Small-batch spirits in an intimate setting

Key Details:

  • Address: Downtown locations
  • Ole Smoky: 903 Parkway Suite 128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Sugarlands Distilling Company: 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Tennessee Shine Company: 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: Contact individual distilleries
  • Ole Smoky: (865) 436-6995
  • Sugarlands Distilling Company: (865) 325-1355
  • Tennessee Shine Company: (865) 286-4262
  • Website: Various (olesmoky.com, sugarlands.com, tnshineco.com)
  • Hours: Daily, typically 10 am – 10 pm
  • Cost: FREE tastings, bottles $20-40
  • Time to Budget: 30-60 minutes per distillery
  • Best For: Adults 21+, couples, groups
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Pace yourself if visiting multiple distilleries. The Holler boasts the most energetic atmosphere, complete with live music. Midweek afternoons (2-4 pm) are less crowded than evenings and weekends. ID required.

15. Wine & Cider Tastings

Options:

  • Tennessee Cider Co.: Award-winning hard ciders with Southern flavors and free tastings
  • Sugarland Cellars Winery: Locally-produced wines in downtown tasting room

Key Details:

  • Address: Various locations 
  • Tennessee Cider Co.: 611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Sugarland Cellars Winery: 1133 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: Contact individual venues
  • Tennessee Cider Co.: (865) 412-5005
  • Sugarland Cellars Winery: (865) 325-1110
  • Website: (tncidercompany.com, sugarlandcellars.com)
  • Hours: Daily, typically 10am-9pm
  • Cost: Tastings typically FREE-$10
  • Time to Budget: 30-60 minutes
  • Best For: Adults 21+, wine lovers
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible at most locations

Quick Tip: Tennessee Cider Co. offers a unique selection of flavors, including peach and apple cider. Most locations allow you to taste before buying. Bottles make great cabin-friendly souvenirs.

Shopping & Relaxation Indoors

16. The Village Shops

European-style covered shopping village with Bavarian architecture featuring 27 unique boutiques, eateries, and gift shops.

Why Visit: Covered walkways keep you dry while browsing specialty shops. Photo-worthy architecture with a mountain backdrop. One-of-a-kind souvenirs, art galleries, and local crafts.

Key Details:

  • Address: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436-3995
  • Website: theshopsofthevillage.com
  • Hours: Typically 10am-9pm
  • Cost: FREE to browse
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: Couples, souvenir hunters, photographers
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with covered walkways

Quick Tip: Capture great photo opportunities with European architecture. The Tennessee Cider Co. tasting room is located here. Covered walkways connect all shops, making this perfect for light rain.

17. Mountain Mall

Historic six-floor downtown mall featuring locally-owned shops, candy stores, and unique boutiques.

Why Visit: A Variety of locally-owned shops offer everything from souvenirs to handmade crafts. Climate-controlled browsing away from the crowds.

Key Details:

  • Address: 611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436-5423
  • Website: mountainmallgatlinburg.com
  • Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
  • Cost: FREE to browse
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: Families, bargain hunters, souvenir shopping
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: This is where you buy Ober Mountain aerial tramway tickets. Multiple candy shops and unique craft stores. Less crowded than the Parkway street-level shops.

18. Spa & Wellness Experiences

Full-service spa treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, and couples packages in serene indoor settings.

Top Options:

  • Serenity Spa by Westgate: Full-service resort spa with comprehensive menu ($90-200+)
  • The Spa at The Park Vista: Mountain-view spa with premium services

Key Details:

  • Address: Various locations 
  • Serenity Spa by Westgate: 915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (located inside Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park)
  • The Spa at The Park Vista: 705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel)
  • Phone number: Contact individual spas

Quick Tip: Call early morning (9 am) for same-day availability on rainy days. Ask about cancellation lists for last-minute openings. Midweek appointments are easier to schedule than those on weekends; book a couple’s massage in advance for guaranteed availability.

When the weather clears up, our things to do in Gatlinburg for adults guide offers romantic getaways, nightlife, and seasonal activities to complement these indoor experiences.

Shows & Entertainment

19. Impossibilities (Magic, Mindreading & Mayhem) at the IRIS Theater

An Interactive magic and mentalism show starring illusionist Erik Dobell with audience participation.

Why Visit: Award-winning magic combined with comedy and mind-reading. Family-friendly entertainment with surprising illusions. Interactive elements make every show unique.

Key Details:

  • Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail (IRIS Theater beneath Space Needle), Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone number: (865) 436-4629
  • Website: impossibilitiesmystified.com
  • Hours: Shows at 7 pm nightly, weekend matinees
  • Cost: Adults $25-30, Kids $15-20
  • Time to Budget: 75 minutes
  • Best For: Families with kids 5+, date night, all ages
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Combine a visit to the Space Needle for discount combo tickets; book in advance for weekend shows. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure the best seating and consider volunteering to enhance your experience.

Free & Budget-Friendly Indoor Activities

20. Sugarlands Visitor Center

National Park Service visitor center and museum featuring wildlife exhibits, park film, ranger programs, and educational displays.

Why Visit: FREE admission with a 20-minute orientation film about Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Interactive exhibits, wildlife displays, and the Junior Ranger program for kids. Rangers provide trail recommendations and weather updates.

Key Details:

  • Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (2 miles from downtown)
  • Phone number: (865) 436-1200
  • Website: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/sugarlands.htm
  • Hours: Daily 8am-5pm (extended summer hours)
  • Cost: FREE
  • Time to Budget: 1-2 hours
  • Best For: All ages, budget travelers, park planning
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible

Quick Tip: Perfect for trip planning with a 20-minute park film, personalized ranger trail recommendations, Junior Ranger program for kids, and a bookstore. Less crowded than downtown attractions.

Other Free/Low-Cost Options

Gatlinburg Community Center Pool

Affordable indoor aquatic facility with lap swimming and recreational swim times. No-frills alternative to pricey water parks with clean facilities and friendly staff.

Key Details: 156 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | (865) 436-4990 | Under $5 per person | Call ahead for current hours and open swim schedule

Best For: Budget-conscious families, lap swimmers, locals and visitors seeking affordable indoor water fun

Quick Tip: Check the schedule for open swim times, as the pool hosts lap swimming, water aerobics classes, and reserved times throughout the day. Weekday afternoons typically offer the most open swim availability.

Fannie Farkle’s Arcade

Nostalgic quarter-arcade with classic games, skee-ball, and vintage pinball (25-50 cents per game). Located inside a quirky gift shop and restaurant.

Key Details: 656 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | (865) 436-4415 | Quarter games (bring cash) | Also features Fannie Farkle’s restaurant

Best For: Budget travelers, families with kids 5+, nostalgia seekers, anyone wanting classic arcade fun

Quick Tip: Bring rolls of quarters for the most budget-friendly arcade experience in Gatlinburg. You can play for hours on $10-20. The adjacent restaurant offers reasonably-priced comfort food if you want to make it a longer visit.

Looking for more budget-friendly options? Check out our complete guide to free things to do in Gatlinburg for no-cost indoor and covered activities.

Practical Tips for Rainy Day Adventures

Planning Your Indoor Day

Timing Strategies:

  • Visit popular attractions at opening (before 10 am) or after 5 pm to avoid peak crowds
  • Call ahead to verify hours on rainy days, as some attractions adjust schedules
  • Some attractions extend hours during the peak summer season
  • Book timed activities (escape rooms, spa treatments) in advance

Parking on Rainy Days:

Garages fill quickly on rainy days; arrive before 10 am or after 5 pm for best availability.

  • Downtown garages: Parking Garage A (520 River Rd), Parking Garage B (88 River Rd near aquarium)
  • Gatlinburg Trolley: It’s free and operates in most weather conditions with covered stops
  • Attraction parking: Ripley’s Aquarium, Gatlin’s Fun Center, Ober tramway have dedicated parking

Pro tip: Group attractions by location to minimize parking moves and time spent in the rain

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Ripley’s 5-attraction combo pass saves 30% versus individual tickets
  • Gatlin’s all-access passes save 25-30% for multiple activities
  • Many distilleries offer FREE tastings (Ole Smoky, Sugarlands, Tennessee Shine)
  • See Vacations for YOU rewards for even more savings
  • Purchase tickets online for most attractions to save $2-5 per person

What to Bring:

  • Light jacket (indoor air conditioning can be cold)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Umbrella for short dashes between buildings
  • Phone charger and portable battery
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Snacks for kids between attractions

Weather-Specific Recommendations

Heavy Rain/Thunderstorms (Fully Enclosed Attractions):

  • Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
  • Hollywood Star Cars Museum
  • Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
  • Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
  • Escape Rooms in Gatlinburg
  • Indoor Go-Karts
  • Mysterious Mansion
  • Gatlinburg Axe House
  • Pottery Workshops at Fowler’s Clay Works
  • The Village Shops
  • Mountain Mall
  • Impossibilities (Magic, Mindreading & Mayhem)
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
  • Sugarlands Visitor Center

Light Drizzle (Partially Covered Options):

  • Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Cold Rainy Days:

  • Moonshine & Whiskey Distillery Tastings
  • Wine & Cider Tastings
  • Spa & Wellness Experiences

Hot Rainy Days:

  • Gatlin’s Fun Center
  • Flyaway Indoor Skydiving

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ripley’s Aquarium good in bad weather?

Yes, Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the best rainy day options in Gatlinburg. The facility is entirely indoors and climate-controlled. Buy tickets online in advance and arrive at opening (9am) or after 5pm to avoid crowds.

What’s open in Gatlinburg when it rains?

Nearly all major Gatlinburg attractions remain open during rain. Indoor options include Ripley’s Aquarium, museums (Hollywood Star Cars, Salt and Pepper Shaker), Gatlin’s Fun Center, escape rooms, distilleries, shopping venues (Mountain Mall, Village Shops), Ober Mountain (accessible via covered tramway), entertainment shows, arcades, spas, and restaurants, all of which operate normally in any weather.

How much do indoor activities cost in Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg offers a range of indoor activities suitable for all budgets. Free options include visiting the Sugarlands Visitor Center, browsing the Arts & Crafts Community, and window shopping. Budget activities ($5-15) include arcades, mini golf, and the community pool. Moderate ($20-45) covers aquarium admission, museums, and shows. Premium experiences ($40-80+) include indoor water parks, indoor skydiving, and spa treatments. Many attractions offer combo passes for additional savings.

Can you visit Gatlinburg in bad weather?

Absolutely! Gatlinburg excels as a rainy-day destination with climate-controlled entertainment, dining, and shopping throughout downtown. Rain creates opportunities for unique experiences like moonshine distilleries, lesser-known museums without crowds, and cabin hot tubs.

Make the Most of Rainy Days in Gatlinburg

Rain doesn’t have to derail your Gatlinburg vacation. With indoor attractions ranging from thrilling adventures to relaxing experiences, you’ll find the perfect activity for every member of your group. Gatlinburg proves it’s a premier destination regardless of the weather.

Beyond rainy day activities, explore our complete Gatlinburg things to do guide for outdoor adventures, seasonal events, and year-round attractions to fill your entire Smoky Mountain vacation.

When you’re ready to book your mountain escape, explore luxury cabins with game rooms, family cabins with theater rooms, and cabins with private indoor pools. With the right cabin and this insider guide, you might actually look forward to a rainy day adventure in the Smokies.