Home Cades Cove Gatlinburg Family Activities | Top 10 Guide For Best Family Vacations

Gatlinburg Family Activities | Top 10 Guide For Best Family Vacations

by Corey Piccirillo
Gatlinburg Family Activities don't have to boring! This mountain view in Gatlinburg is full of Fall vibes

Gatlinburg is a great place for families to spend time together. There are so many options, it might be hard to narrow down what you want to do first! This list will give you the best Gatlinburg family activities and help your family find the perfect vacation spot. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

Explore Dollywood | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Costs $84 for 1 Day Admission
  • You can spend all day here
  • Masks not required if fully vaccinated
  • (800) 365-5996
  • QFW9+2G Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  • 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Owned by the famous Country music star Dolly Parton, this theme park has water slides, rides & several live music shows. Dollywood is an icon of Pigeon Forge. This theme park spans over 160 acres and has over 50 world-class rides! This theme park, by far, will be a highlight out of all the Gatlinburg family activities. 

Go to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • 12+ age is $39.99 | 6 – 11 ages is $24.99 | 5 – 2 ages is $9.99
  • You can spend roughly 2 – 3 hours here
  • Masks are are strongly encouraged – not required
  • (865) 430-8808
  • PF7P+MP Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

With about 10,000 exotic sea creatures and over 300 individual species living in the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, there is officially more ocean life than human inhabitants within Gatlinburg city limits. This sprawling aquarium showcases sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, penguins & a glass-bottom boat ride. This aquarium is a must-see during your Gatlinburg family activities.

Continue the Journey with Our Network of Destinations (from orlando-florida.net):

2024 Spring Break in Disney World Guide

Take a walk on the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Admission is $30 for adults | Junior ages 4 – 11 is $18.95 | Children 3 – under is free
  • You can spend half a day here exploring
  • Outdoor venue – optional for masks
  • (865) 436-4307
  • PF6J+PM Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

There are endless ways to make memories with your family, with over five different activities to choose from; you’ll have trouble deciding! Explore Gatlinburg with this open-air chairlift ride to the top of a 1,800-ft. Overlook with views of the Smoky Mountains. For the Holidays, you can expect the whole park to shine bright during the festive Holiday season. 

Adventure through Anakeesta | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Admission is $32.99 for adults | Ages 4 – 11 is $19.99 | Ages 3 & Under is free
  • You can spend all day here
  • Not required
  • (865) 325-2400
  • PF7Q+67 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Start your vacation at the relaxing, family-friendly activity of Anakeesta. With so many things to do in this beautiful destination, including shopping for authentic southern Appalachian crafts or taking some time out just to enjoy being outdoors, there really isn’t a better way to enjoy Gatlinburg! You’ll feel like you’ve found a new home away from home with its treetop setting and scenic views of Smoky Mountains National Park! From zip-lining to a mountain coaster – Anakesesta has something for everyone.

Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Alpine Mountain Coaster starts at $17 | Mountain Glider starts at $20 | Combo is $32
  • You can spend a few hours here
  • Not required
  • (865) 409-5045
  • PF8Q+WH Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Riders control this mountain coaster with sleds that run along a track surrounded by forest. The coaster can reach speeds of 35 mph – which the rider can control the entire duration of the ride. This ride operates in the rain, sleet, snow, and sunshine! Take in all that Gatlinburg is known for on this outdoor experience! 

Hike Laurel Falls Trail | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Free
  • You can spend 2 – 3 hours here
  • Not required
  • (865)-436-1230
  • MCC9+RR Sevierville, Tennessee
  • Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Sevierville, TN 37862

The trail has pavement at the trailhead, but the pavement is rough and uneven and does not extend the entire length of the trail. The trail has short, steep sections which can be slippery in wet weather. Portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. Closely supervise children at all times. Due to the steep grade and roughness of pavement, this trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is bustling on weekends year-round and weekdays during summer.

Tour Cades Cove | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Free
  • You can spend all day getting out and exploring the Cades Cove loop
  • Not required
  • (877) 444-6777
  • J64G+H9 Townsend, Tennessee
  • Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882

Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and has incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s one popular destination in this area for tourists who want an authentic experience in nature! The loop itself stretches for 11 miles and has hiking trails along with three different waterfalls. Make sure to bring your camera on this Gatlinburg family activity.

Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • From $39.99 for adults | $34.99 for children
  • You can spend 2 – 4 hours here
  • Not required
  • (865)-366-3330
  • RC4C+CR Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  • 2530 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

The Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping! The show features lumberjacks and many different log contests to captivate your interests! Take a ride on “The Flying Ox” – first of its kind zipline roller coaster or try your luck at logrolling! By far one of the most unique Gatlinburg family activities on this list!

Great Smoky Mountains, autumn sunrise Tennessee sunset over the mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Free
  • You can spend days exploring this massive National Park
  • Not required
  • 865 436-1200
  • MFP7+V7 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Does this grand park need an introduction? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States, and it’s no surprise! At over 522,427 acres, the park is beyond huge – encompassing over 150 official trails and over 100 different waterfalls. Take a step into nature by including this treasure in your family vacation plans.

Outdoor Gravity Park | Gatlinburg Family Activities

  • Costs $24 for 1 roll | 3 rolls for $57 | 5 rolls for $90
  • You can spend 2 – 3 hours here
  • Not required
  • (865) 366-2687
  • RC8H+W7 Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  • 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Have you ever imagined what it feels like to be in a giant ball and roll down 1000 ft of hill? Well, now is your chance. The Outdoor Gravity Park has created an inflatable zorbing that can accommodate up to 3 people at once! The Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park in the USA! With year-round access, including summer and winter, why not end your Gatlinburg vacation off with a splash and a roll?

*Bonus Activity*

Gatlinburg Family Activities Ober Gatlinburg is one of the coolest attractions in Gatlinburg

Go to Ober Gatlinburg


  • Prices are a la carte
  • You can spend all day here
  • Masks are only mandatory in the Aerial Tramway
  • (865) 436-5423
  • PC3R+7M Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustles of downtown Gatlinburg, then look no further than Ober Gatlinburg. This mountainside amusement park features skiing, mini-golfing opportunities for all ages (yes, even kids), wildlife encounters with bobcats or bears depending on seasonality; it’s also home to year-round activities!

When in doubt – map it out!

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Gatlinburg is a great family vacation destination with tons of activities to entertain kids and adults alike. Our Top 10 Guide for Best Family Vacations in Gatlinburg covers everything from hiking, water sports, indoor games, zip lining, museums, and more! We hope you enjoyed reading through this list of our favorite things about touring the Smoky Mountains as much as we did making it. If you’re looking for an adventure-filled getaway that will be top on your children’s wish lists next year, too – look no further than Gatlinburg! Share these ideas with friends searching for their perfect family vacation spot by clicking one of the social media buttons on the right!

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