Are you planning a family trip to the Smokies with toddlers? Gatlinburg is home to a number of toddler-friendly attractions that your youngest family members will love, and the older kids and adults in your group are sure to enjoy them, too! Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers:
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
One of the best toddler-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This popular attraction features a variety of hands-on exhibits that every member of the family can enjoy! Youngsters can crawl through transparent tunnels to get up close to playful penguins, touch live stingrays, and explore a 4-story play structure. Stop by the gift shop before you leave to pick up a stuffed animal or toy of their favorite aquatic creature!
2. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is another one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers. Start your visit with a ride in an enclosed gondola cabin as you soar high above downtown Gatlinburg. At the top, you’ll find all sorts of activities for kids and adults of all ages! The youngest members of your family will love exploring BirdVenture and Treehouse Adventure Play Area. There’s also a splash pad and an observation tower surrounded by a lush garden with walking trails and interactive play areas. 3-year-olds who are at least 38 inches tall can also ride the mountain coasters with an adult!
3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Your toddler will love visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This is one of the things to do in Gatlinburg that everyone in the family will love! This is your chance to explore hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts from all over the world. There are also interactives that allow kids of all ages to get their hands on something new, from climbing into a space suit to creating glowing art! Every member of the family can enjoy these exciting exhibits and unique experiences!
4. Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain has so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers! Your visit begins with a ride high in the sky on the Aerial Tramway as you climb from downtown to the mountaintop adventure park. At the top, the whole family can go ice skating, climb the rock wall, and visit animals at the Wildlife Habitat! Other toddler-friendly activities include the Jumping Pillow, Spider Jump, and Carousel. Children ages 3 and up can also ride the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide with an adult!
5. Gatlinburg Trail
Are you looking for ways to enjoy nature with your toddler? The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, relatively flat hiking trail that travels from the outskirts of downtown Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail is wide enough to walk side by side as it runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. This is a great way to burn off some extra energy and enjoy beautiful views of nature as a family!
Are you looking for more things to do in Gatlinburg with the entire family? Check out this list of the top things to do in Gatlinburg for kids!
