4 Things to Do With the Kids in Downtown Gatlinburg
Many people think of Pigeon Forge when they want to take the kids for some fun activities, but there are also many things to do in Gatlinburg that the kids will love. I could list more, but this is a good start for you. Nothing is more overwhelming than giving you more information than you can handle on your first trip. Gatlinburg is also much more walkable, which makes it easier for the whole family to get from one place to the next. Let me help make your vacation exciting with the young ones exciting by giving you 4 things to do with them downtown.
1. Visit an Arcade
Gatlinburg may have fewer arcades than Pigeon Forge, but they are equals when it comes to the fun factor and experience. Arcadia is the biggest one, and it features some old school pinball games along with many modern favorites. It also has some of the best prizes anywhere too. Fannie Farkle’s is another fan favorite, and it’s one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg with the kids because of their games and carnival-like foods such as the famous Ogle Dog and Sausage with Peppers and Onions. Take a walk past this attraction, and I dare you to resist the food and games.
2. Go to Any Ripley’s Attraction
Ripley’s attractions are popular in many tourist attractions because they offer thrills and wonder to all guests that step inside their many museums and rides. This collection is one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg, in large part, because they’ve hit a home run with Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It’s a wonderfully interactive museum that rivals—or maybe even surpasses—a visit to zoo. The kids will love this even if they’re not animal lovers; in fact, they may become one after visiting this fascinating collection of sea creatures. The Odditorium is another grand spectacle in Gatlinburg that has plenty of fascinating facts and fun little games they won’t resist. Keep walking and you’ll sure to find the others I’m leaving out. The link I provided to the Aquarium will give you other fun Ripley’s activities.
3. Pose for Pictures
When you’re looking for things to do in Gatlinburg on your trip, sometimes it’s the little things that pop out of nowhere that grab your attention. It’s always nice and touristy to take an unplanned family picture with the kids in front of a place you found interesting. It’s also pretty cool to get pictures next to statues of bears, or stick your head in cut-outs where you become the caricature. All of this is to be expected and enjoyed on a visit to this fun mountain community. The fountain in The Village cannot be ignored either. The themes change with the season, and it’s always a classic location to get the best photos you’ll want to star in the photo album.
4. Lead Them into the Sweet Shops
Gatlinburg and candy go together about as well as Hollywood and movie stars, and you’ll have plenty of caramel apples in your sights when you hit the street. There are numerous shops along the strip to get the kids wired on sweets. A newer shop called Sweet! is a popular spot for kids and adults downtown where you’ll find many of your favorites, old and new. An even newer shop is the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. No words need to be written to describe the gigantic creations that they’ll find just as awesome as you do. You’ll definitely want to share! Of course, there’s always homemade candies galore at Aunt Mahalia’s and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen to satisfy your son or daughter’s sweet tooth too. They will probably even get to see a man in the window wearing an old-fashioned white outfit making taffy and other tantalizing treats at the timeless Candy Kitchen. You simply can’t deny these things to do in Gatlinburg with the kids!
Now that I’ve filled your mind with wonderful things to do in Gatlinburg with the kids downtown on your vacation, make sure you hit that subscribe button for more fantastic tips and things to do with the kids sent straight to your email. Leave a comment and share my publication if you want others to get ideas on their upcoming vacation as well. Thank you all!