Are you on a Tennessee vacation and looking for something thrilling to do with your loved ones? There are rare times when people get to celebrate some quality family time. It might be a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You might resort to a delectable lunch, maybe a day at an amusement park, or a night in the cabins. If you are looking for a culmination of all of these activities, the Great Smoky Mountains is your best bet! 

Nestles away in the lush green gardens of Knoxville, Tennessee, resides the picturesque Smoky Mountains. This hidden gem of a place has everything you could ever want for a memorable time with your family. From attractions like Dollywood to areas like Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountains have it all! You’ll never run out of things to do in Tennessee, with its countless theme parks and restaurants. It contains both indoor and outdoor activities that you and your family may enjoy together. Amusement parks, aquariums, museums, and beautiful trails are all available here. Let’s dive into the numerous options you can tick off while planning your vacation in the Smoky Mountains. 

What Can You Expect in Gatlinburg?

You will have everlasting memories when you explore Gatlinburg with your families. Some of Tennessee’s top attractions are all here, and they are a must-see for everyone visiting this sun-drenched city. With tons of fantastic sites near Gatlinburg, this city strives to present you with an extraordinary experience. Within minutes of your Gatlinburg hotel, you will find go-karts, dinner shows, miniature golf, outlet shopping, and even the Dollywood amusement park. Here are a few things to do in Gatlinburg that you might enjoy.

• Gatlinburg Space Needle

The 407-foot-tall Gatlinburg Space Needle, one of the primary tourist attractions in the downtown area, has enough to see and do be on the top of our list of attractions in Gatlinburg. Once you arrive, you can not miss it as it is the city’s highest structure. You will get a 360-degree view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from here, so claim your spot at one of the free viewfinders for a closer look. There are also other fascinating exhibitions highlighting the features and characteristics of the several items on display. After that, you can head down to the massive two-level Arcadia, a tremendous hangout for families traveling with children.

• Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and entertainment park that offers leisure opportunities all year. A chairlift, indoor ice skating, skiing, an alpine slide, mini-golf, and Kiddie Land are all part of a bigger picture. Moreover, the Wildlife Encounter is also the primary habitat for natural animals like black bears, river otters, and opossums. The Ober shops, which feature a café and lounge, offer the perfect blend of amenities for all of your wants. Snow skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, and snow tubing are all popular winter activities for those who enjoy them. All of these activities are possible thanks to the park’s real-world snowmaking systems. Make sure you have all the right gear for whatever activity you are getting into such as the best powder snowboards for smooth rides on fresh snow.

• Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

A trip to Gatlinburg is not complete without riding one of the several chairlifts that take you up into the Smoky Mountains. The freshly restored Gatlinburg SkyLift is a popular alternative that leaves from the downtown area. This open-air chairlift quickly ascends Crockett Mountain’s 1,800-foot elevation, providing spectacular views of the town and its scenic scenery along the route. You can explore the many trails around after unloading at the new SkyDeck platform at the peak of Crockett Mountain or take the SkyLift back to Gatlinburg. It is an enjoyable drive after dark when the city and its Space Needle illuminate beautifully.

• Gatlinburg Cabins

After a day of thrills and activities, Tennessee makes it simple to select the top resorts and cottages. In addition to the attractions in this busy neighborhood, Gatlinburg is famous for its cabins. If you are on a family vacation or searching for a romantic retreat with your partner, this is the place to go. Cabin rentals in Gatlinburg offer a wide range of features and amenities that are not readily available in hotels. Fireplaces, home theatres, jetted jacuzzi tubs, pool tables, and private hot tubs are some of the most frequent features for visitors staying in these cabins. It does not end there, though. The Gatlinburg cabins include several living spaces and enormous game rooms to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

What Else Do The Smoky Mountains Have? 

It is not only Gatlinburg that has all the fun stuff in the Smoky Mountains. The Pigeon Forge attractions offer numerous activities to do too! The most visited and the most prominent of them all is Dollywood. When you visit Dollywood, you can expect a full day of constant entertainment. You will never be disappointed with this amusement park due to the sheer amount of rides available. This theme park has everything you need for an adventurous Smoky Mountain vacation, including enclosed roller coasters, risky sailing excursions, water slides, and tours on a retro-styled train. So let’s take a closer look at what Dollywood has to offer for your family time. 

• Splash Country

When talking about the attractions in Pigeon Forge, Splash Country is the one to visit. Due to its water-based attractions, Dollywood is a well-balanced theme park. After a long day of thrills, rides, and tons of adventures, relax in the spectacular, jaw-dropping water rides and cool off in the refreshing pool. Because of the pleasant water and diverse entertainment, tourists are more likely to come here in the summer to cool down. At Dollywood’s Splash Country, you will find family-friendly water rides and attractions. There are over 23 water adventure slides and thrill rides at this park alone, ranging from the dangerous dips of Big Bear Plunge, a white water rafting ride, to the twisting bends of Mountain Scream, a body slide ride. 

• Thunderhead

The Thunderhead is a wooden coaster with a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph that stands tall amongst large trees amidst two mountains, taking advantage of the area’s rough and tumble environment to get you a thrilling ride. Thunderhead has routinely placed among the top ten Golden Ticket Award winners for favorite wooden roller coasters since its launch in 2004. It is the heart of Timber Canyon, and it is without a doubt one of the park’s most exhilarating hikes. Timber gets transported out of the mountains through the Thunderhead Gaps’ old sawmill. Even though the wood processing is non-stop, the canyon’s feature is the enormous ride. This ride will honestly take your breath away. After you have given it a try, you will realize why.

• The Island in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge’s The Island is jam-packed with activities, including a 200-foot-tall observation wheel and much more! It is the Smoky Mountains’ finest family fun and entertainment destination. There’s something for everyone, from retail and specialized shops to rides and games, dancing fountains, live music, and several notable restaurants and cafés. This place will unquestionably leave you thrilled with all that it has to offer.

Final Thoughts

With so many activities and lodging options, Smoky Mountain is a must-see location. With so many options for your vacation, you’re sure to have an outstanding Smoky Mountain vacation regardless.