5 of the Best Smoky Mountain Attractions to Visit with Your Family

The Smoky Mountains are full of family fun, from roller coasters to mini golf, to outdoor adventures! When you stay in our Gatlinburg cabins, you will be just a short drive away from all of the excitement. We even offer a free family fun pass that gets you into the best things to do for free! Here are 5 of the best Smoky Mountain attractions to visit with your family.

1. Anakeesta

Anakeesta offers a world of outdoor adventure for families. It’s one of the best ways to experience the true magic of the mountains. Your experience starts with a scenic ride up to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, during which you’ll see stunning views of Gatlinburg and the mountains from as high as 600 feet above the ground! Once you reach the top, the family fun begins. Try the Dueling Zipline adventure for more spectacular views, let the kids run around on the Children’s Treehouse Village Playground, or ride the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster for a one-of-a-kind experience! There’s so much fun to be had at Anakeesta.

2. Dollywood

Of course one of the best attractions to visit with your family is Dollywood! This world-class theme park is full of rides, shops, live entertainment, and more. If you’re looking for a thrill, try the FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster! For a more relaxing ride, climb aboard the Dollywood Express and take a 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of rides just for the kids as well, and playgrounds for them to let their imaginations run wild! There are also festivals held throughout the year that offer tons of family fun, like the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

3. Gatlinburg Space Needle

For something both the parents and children will enjoy, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle. You’ll ride in a glass elevator to the top of the observation tower, which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city and the mountains from more than 400 feet in the air! After you take in the sights, ride back down to the base of the Space Needle and let the kids have some fun in Arcadia. Arcadia is Gatlinburg’s largest family fun arcade attraction, filled with more than 100 of the hottest games and the area’s largest redemption center!

4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Your family vacation wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Not only will you be able to see all your favorite aquatic animals, you can interact with them too. The Gatlinburg aquarium has a number of unique experiences that allow you to come face-to-face with sea life! You can splash around with stingrays, touch a jellyfish, feed a sea turtle, and even waddle with penguins. One of the most fun activities at Ripley’s Aquarium is the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, during which you’ll venture into the heart of Shark Lagoon with just 3 inches of glass separating you and the 12-foot sharks that live there! Before you leave, take some time to browse the gift shop for a special souvenir from your trip.

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The best way to take in the beauty of the mountains is by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Our cabins put you just a short drive from more than 800 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing. There are hiking trails for every skill level, so you’ll have no trouble finding one the whole family can do. One of the most popular trails for families is Laurel Falls, a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike that offers gorgeous views of an 80-foot waterfall! Be sure to pack a picnic to share with your family after your hike!

Where to Stay

When you visit with your family, there is no better place to stay than one of our Gatlinburg cabins. Our cabins range in size from 1 bedroom to 13 bedrooms, so whether you’re visiting with a small family or for a family reunion, you’ll be able to find something that accommodates everyone. Enjoy amenities like fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, pool tables, and more. We even offer a number of pet-friendly cabins so you can bring your furry friend along on vacation!

Are you ready to start planning your family vacation? Check out more exciting Smoky Mountain attractions, then book your stay at Stony Brook Cabins!