Gatlinburg has built a well-deserved reputation as one of the best family destinations in the Southeast. Between the national park, interactive attractions, outdoor adventures, and the all-ages energy of the Strip itself, there is genuinely no shortage of things for kids to love here. The challenge is narrowing it down. Here's a practical guide to the best family-friendly experiences in and around Gatlinburg.
Ripley's Attractions
Ripley's has built a small empire in Gatlinburg, and several of its properties are genuinely excellent for families. The standout is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consistently ranked among the best aquariums in the country. The shark tunnel — a moving walkway beneath a 340,000-gallon tank — is a highlight for kids of almost any age. Beyond the aquarium, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, the Mirror Maze, and Mini Golf are all solid rainy-day or evening options. Consider purchasing a combo pass if you plan to visit more than two properties — the savings add up quickly.
SkyLift Park
SkyLift Park offers two memorable experiences: a classic chairlift ride above the treetops to the top of a mountain ridge, and the SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America at over 680 feet. Kids tend to love the combination of the chairlift ride and the slightly thrilling experience of crossing the glass-floored bridge above the valley. The views are genuinely spectacular and the whole experience takes about an hour. Tickets should be purchased online in advance during peak season.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a mountain amusement park and ski resort perched above the city, accessible by aerial tramway from downtown. In winter, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Year-round, the park features an indoor ice skating rink, an alpine slide, wildlife encounters, and an indoor amusement area. The tramway ride alone — a scenic 2.1-mile gondola up the mountain — is an experience kids remember. It's a versatile attraction that works across seasons and across age ranges.
The National Park with Kids
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks in the country for families. A few kid-specific highlights:
- Junior Ranger Program: Free at any visitor center. Kids complete an activity booklet and earn a Junior Ranger badge. A reliable hit with ages 4 through 12.
- Laurel Falls: The most popular waterfall hike in the park is paved, relatively short, and produces a big payoff — kids love it.
- Cades Cove: The wildlife loop is perfect for families who want to experience nature without a strenuous hike. Deer and black bears are spotted here regularly.
- Stream wading: Many of the park's picnic areas are located alongside clear mountain streams. Kids love exploring the rocks and catching a glimpse of the native trout — just supervise closely near the water.
More Family Favorites on the Strip
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: An observation tower with panoramic mountain views from 407 feet. There's also an arcade at the base that kids enjoy.
- The Hollywood Star Cars Museum: A surprisingly entertaining collection of iconic vehicles from film and TV history. Great for parents and curious kids alike.
- Anakeesta: A mountain ridge adventure park reachable by gondola, with zip lines, a tree canopy walk, and mountain views. Excellent for active families.
- Candy & sweet shops: Gatlinburg takes its sugar seriously. The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum and the Donut Friar are perennial family favorites with kids of all ages.
Family Planning Tips
- Prioritize mornings in the park: National park trails are cooler, less crowded, and more wildlife-active early in the day. Save afternoons for Strip attractions.
- Buy attraction tickets online: Many of Gatlinburg's most popular paid attractions offer discounts for advance online purchase and save you from waiting in ticket lines.
- Book a cabin: Families traveling together almost universally prefer cabin rentals over hotels. The kitchen, the outdoor space, and the mountain setting make for a more immersive experience — and usually works out cheaper per person.
Gatlinburg was practically built for families. Between the national park at its doorstep and the full slate of in-town attractions, you'll have more to do than time allows — which is exactly the kind of problem worth having.
