Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you're planning a trip and searching for fun things to do in Tennessee for families, look no further than Gatlinburg, TN! My family and I recently enjoyed an incredible adventure there, and I can't wait to share some of our favorite family activities in Gatlinburg that made our trip so special. Our Day 1 in Gatlinburg, TN started with so much excitement! We knew we wanted to pack in as many family friendly things to do in Gatlinburg as possible. First on our list was Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This place is a wonderland for all ages! Watching the sharks swim overhead in the underwater tunnel and seeing the playful penguins was a huge hit with the kids, and honestly, with us adults too. It's definitely one of the top Gatlinburg attractions for families and a fantastic way to kick off your visit. After lunch, we took the scenic Aerial Tramway up to Ober Gatlinburg. The views of the Smoky Mountains on the ride up are absolutely breathtaking – don't forget your camera! At the top, there are even more family activities Tennessee has to offer. We loved exploring the wildlife habitat, watching the bears, and even tried out the alpine slide, which was a thrilling experience for everyone. If you’re putting together a Gatlinburg visitor guide, Ober Gatlinburg should definitely be on it for its variety of entertainment. Another must-do for family fun in Tennessee is Anakeesta. We explored the Treetop Skywalk, which offers incredible panoramic views, and the kids had a blast at the Treehouse Village Playground. It’s an amazing blend of adventure and appreciating nature’s beauty, making it one of the most memorable family attractions in Tennessee. For dinner, we found a cozy spot downtown, serving up delicious comfort food that satisfied everyone after a busy day of exploring. The atmosphere in downtown Gatlinburg itself is vibrant, with lots of unique shops and attractions to discover, perfect for an evening stroll. My top travel tips for families visiting Gatlinburg would be to plan your major attractions in advance and consider purchasing tickets online to save time. Also, comfortable shoes are a must as you'll be doing a lot of walking! We found that arriving early at popular spots helped us avoid the biggest crowds. For those interested, I'm even compiling a little vlog of our adventures, especially from our action-packed Day 1, which I hope will give you a visual taste of what to expect. Gatlinburg truly offers something for every family member, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation filled with family things to do in Gatlinburg, TN!