7 Reasons Why Your Kids Will Love Gatlinburg

Are you looking for a family-friendly vacation destination? Then Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the perfect place to take your kids! Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this charming town offers breathtaking views and plenty of activities that will keep everyone in your family entertained.

Whether it’s an exploration through tubing down whitewater rivers, enjoying incredible mountain rides at Anakeesta amusement park, or taking scenic hikes up avalanche mountain during sunset, something exciting is around every corner.

Additionally, with dozens of arcade attractions and endless outdoor experiences like visiting the educational Cades Cove wildlife refuge or exploring the lush forests on horseback, this unique location has loads to offer both children and adults alike. Keep reading to find out why you should immediately plan a trip to Gatlinburg with your kids.

Experience the Delicious Breakfast:

When you visit Gatlinburg, your kids will love indulging in the mouth-watering pancakes and omelets served at local eateries. From small family-owned restaurants to popular pancake houses, there are many breakfast options to choose from that will satisfy all taste buds. Whether your kids prefer classic buttermilk pancakes or something more creative such as a mountain-shaped omelet, they’ll definitely enjoy the wide selection of breakfast options Gatlinburg has to offer.

Additionally, you don’t have to wake up too early for the best breakfast in Gatlinburg because restaurants serve it well into the afternoon. Most restaurants serve made-to-order omelets, burritos, and classic southern breakfasts. You and your kids will be delighted with the flavors of sweet and savory dishes that can make any morning special.

Enjoy the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster:

The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a unique and exciting experience that your kids will love. They will have the opportunity to control the speed of their ride, allowing them to go as fast or as slow as they feel comfortable. This feature particularly appeals to kids who might be hesitant to try more extreme rides at other theme parks. The coaster is also open year-round, so your kids can enjoy it no matter when you visit Gatlinburg.

Additionally, the beautiful mountain views from the coaster make it a scenic and memorable experience for the whole family. The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a must-try attraction that your kids will discuss long after your trip to Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta:

Anakeesta is an amusement park at the top of a mountain in Gatlinburg. Here your kids can play on various exciting attractions, from an aerial adventure course and zip line to a mountain-top treehouse. The park also features incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains, making it the perfect spot for a family photo op.

Additionally, Anakeesta is home to one of Gatlinburg’s most popular rides, the Rail Runner. This exhilarating roller coaster whisks visitors up and around a track that is suspended in the air. It offers breathtaking views of downtown Gatlinburg, making it an experience your kids won’t soon forget.

Furthermore, if you want to take a break from the thrilling rides, Anakeesta also offers plenty of leisurely fun and relaxation opportunities. You can take a stroll along the Firefly Village Trail, build your kite and fly it on Breezy Hill or simply relax in one of the many swings.

Ober Gatlinburg:

Ober Gatlinburg is a unique destination for your family’s next vacation. You and your kids can enjoy the great outdoors with various activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. You can also ride on the scenic aerial tramway to experience breathtaking views from the top of the mountain.

Additionally, Ober Gatlinburg offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions, such as an Alpine Slide, a Wildlife Encounter, and an Arcade. Your kids can also enjoy the amusement park, which features a variety of rides suitable for all ages.

Furthermore, Ober Gatlinburg is home to various restaurants and shops and an animal habitat with over thirty species. Here your kids can get up close and personal with some of the animals, making it a memorable experience for all.

Gatlinburg Space Needle:

If your kids want to take in some of Gatlinburg’s incredible views, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is the perfect spot. This 407-foot tower is the tallest in Gatlinburg, and it offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city and surrounding mountains.

Your kids can enjoy the view from the observation deck at the top of the tower or ride on its two glass elevators. After taking in all the sights, they can also experience the interactive Space Needle Museum to learn more about Gatlinburg’s history.

However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Your kids can also try their luck at the carnival games in the arcade or take a spin on the giant Ferris wheel.

Arcadia Downtown Gatlinburg:

Arcadia is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with your kids in downtown Gatlinburg. With so many games and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Your kids can spend hours playing classic arcade games, trying their hand at newer video games, or playing interactive games with friends or family. Arcadia also offers a prize redemption center, so your kids can redeem their tickets for fun prizes to take home as souvenirs.

In addition to arcade games, Arcadia has a laser tag arena, providing an exciting and fun experience for kids of all ages. Arcadia is a perfect family-friendly destination for those looking for entertainment in downtown Gatlinburg.

Play Mini Golf:

Mini golf is a fun and interactive activity for kids of all ages. Gatlinburg offers several mini golf courses that are sure to provide hours of entertainment for your family. Some courses even feature themed holes, such as mountains, dinosaurs, and pirates, making them an amazing way to explore the city.

With courses ranging from traditional to wild, mini golf is a great way to get your kids outside and enjoy some fun in the sun. Additionally, many courses offer family-friendly discounts and deals, making mini golf an affordable activity for your kids.

Final Thoughts:

Taking a vacation to Gatlinburg with your family is sure to create an abundance of wonderful and lasting memories. Your children will have the opportunity to escape their everyday lives and explore the great outdoors with activities such as hiking, camping, and more while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Mountains.

From sightseeing adventures to playing Mini Golf, plenty of attractions can keep kids entertained throughout your stay. Don’t forget to check out the amusement park featuring thrilling rides that excite and delight you.

Therefore, it is no surprise why Gatlinburg is an ideal choice for families looking for some fun in the sun and an affordable price. With its many attractions, kids of all ages never want to leave. The next time you take a vacation, be sure to consider exploring Gatlinburg for all it has to offer.