Parenting

Things To Do in Gatlinburg, TN With Kids

by Molly Horan
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things to do in gatlinburg with kids
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Gatlinburg, TN, is a woodsy town where your family can explore all that nature has to offer. After taking in the great outdoors there are plenty of opportunities for a rustic dining experience and woods-themed attractions.

Kids Attractions in Gatlinburg, TN

Mysterious Mansion lets you come face to face with ghosts and ghouls as you explore the haunted house. Kids are welcome as long as they’re fans of the spooky.

Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies features stingrays, penguins, and sharks. Open seven days a week, they also offer a glimpse into the wildlife of the tropical rain forest.

Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf offers two courses for a total of 36 holes. Players also have the chance to win a free game by getting a hole-in-one.

Arcadia features a variety of classic and modern arcade games from skeeball to claw machines. Each guest is playing to win as they offer a wide selection of prizes.

Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg for Kids

Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp is dripping with rustic charm. They offer unique takes on breakfast classics from cinnamon candied apple waffles to fried cinnamon rolls.

Whole Earth Cafe is dedicated to serving natural, healthy food. They offer wraps and soups, as well as a selection of juices.

Local Goat offers a wide selection of chicken wings and burgers. They also have an extensive dessert menu with options like Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie and White Chocolate Bread Pudding.

Mama’s Chicken Kitchen has a kids menu with options like hot dogs and grilled cheese. Each item off the kids menu comes with a side, a drink, and a cookie.

Pancake Pantry has been serving breakfast for over 50 years as the state’s first pancake house. Their kids menu includes options like M&M Pancakes and silver dollar pancakes.

Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts is your destination for unique ice cream flavors like Caramel Pie and Orange Pineapple. They also offer specialty donuts like Espresso Sugar and Red Velvet.

Best Hotels in Gatlinburg for Kids

The Inn on the River offers both an indoor and outdoor pool. Each guest under 10 gets a kids bag when they check-in, and later they can check out the kid zone activity center.

Music Road Resort Hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, and an arcade. A complimentary breakfast is included for all guests.

Hilton Garden Inn is fully stocked with things like cribs and playpens for guests to borrow. They also offer a full fitness center and pool.

Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown offers an indoor pool and whirlpool. It also boasts an on-site spa.

Hampton Inn Gatlinburg offers free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. It also features a full fitness center.

Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg for Kids

Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster offers ziplining and a kids coaster perfect for riders as young as three. Get your thrills on as you take in the beautiful foliage.

Clingmans Dome offers an observation tower that gives hikers an incredible view of the Smoky Mountains. Park officials suggest you bring warm layers to visit the top year-round.

Best Parks in Gatlinburg for Kids

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place to explore nature from the wildflowers to the waterfall. The park is the home to black bears, so nature explorers should always be cautious.

Herbert Holt Park offers a playground and plenty of opportunities to fish. There are also horseshoe pits and walking trails.

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