Top 4 Things to Do in Gatlinburg With the Kids Downtown

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. Gatlinburg is also very walkable, which makes it easier to get from one place to the next. We’ll help you get your day with the young ones started 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 also features some old school pinball games along with many modern favorites. It also has some of the best prizes of 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 their Ogle Dogs. Talk a walk past this attraction and you won’t be able to resist a visit either.

2. Go to any Ripley’s Attraction

Ripley’s attractions are popular in many tourist areas because they offer thrills and wonder to all their guests that step inside their many museums and rides. They are one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg, and 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 museum of sea creatures.

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.

4. Let Them Pick Their Favorite Treat at the Candy 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. A new shop called Sweet! just opened downtown where you’ll find many of your favorites, and if you’re lucky, you might score one of the South’s most popular sweets: the Moon Pie. Of course, there’s always homemade candies galore at Aunt Mahalia’s and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen to satisfy your son’s or daughter’s sweet tooth too. They may even get to see a man in the window wearing an old-fashioned white outfit making taffy! You simply can’t deny these things to do in Gatlinburg. Before it’s time for sweets, you can enjoy a family meal at one of these restaurants in Gatlinburg that kids love!

Now that we’ve filled your mind with wonderful things to do in Gatlinburg with the kids downtown on your vacation, make Park Place on the River the place to get comfortable when you’re in scenic Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have 2 and 3 bedroom condos available for an excellent summer vacation. Book your condo today and take the kids on an unforgettable trip!