No matter what time of year you’re planning a family vacation, these family-friendly activities are perfect for a rainy day, cold weather, or a break from the heat! Check out this list of the top indoor attractions in Gatlinburg, all within only a few minutes of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals!
1. Amazing Mirror Maze & Circus Golf
This mirror maze and mini golf in Gatlinburg features the largest mirror maze with dazzling lights and sound effects, and the 18-hole blacklight mini golf course is fun for all ages. This attraction also offers a shoot ‘em up 7D movie ride that you must try. Get the best deal by bundling all the activities and purchasing their combo ticket!
2. Gatlin’s Escape Games
An escape room is a great indoor attraction in Gatlinburg that the whole family can enjoy! Gatlin’s Escape Games provides several hour-long escape rooms, such as The Legend of Atlantis and Moonshine Hill Hootenanny.
3. Activate
Another fun gaming experience can be found at Activate on the Parkway next to Baskins Square. You can choose from hundreds of 3-minute games in several difficulty levels and play in groups of 2-5. Your group will be tested in mental and physical agility, and those with a competitive streak will love these addictive games!
4. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
This iconic museum is one of the most affordable Gatlinburg attractions! Entry to the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is only $3 (children 12 and under are free!), and that money goes toward any purchase at the gift shop.
5. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Fans of movies and cool cars have to visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum! As you walk through the museum, you’ll be able to see some famous cars throughout TV history, such as the original 1966 Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and a collection of cars from The Fast & Furious. They even have cars on display that were driven by celebrities!
6. Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience
Another one of the top indoor attractions in Gatlinburg for car enthusiasts is Speedwerkz. Their rare and exotic car collection includes Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Ford GT, Dodge Viper, and many more.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium is no doubt the most popular indoor Gatlinburg attraction, and for good reason! Adults and children alike will spend hours in wonder and delight touring the many exhibits, especially Touch a Ray Bay, the Penguin Encounter, and their newest Glass Bottom Boat Adventure.
8. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
There are several more exciting Ripley attractions besides the aquarium, including the Believe It or Not! Odditorium. The most unbelievable things come to life in the interactive exhibits, from record-breaking oddities and stories of unique people and places to galleries of weird artifacts from around the world.
9. Gatlinburg Space Needle
None of the other indoor attractions in Gatlinburg are as iconic as the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Not only can you view the Smoky Mountain scenery from the observation tower, but you can also have fun at Arcadia, the giant arcade, or watch a magic show at the Iris Theater.
10. Mountain Mall
The Mountain Mall is the ultimate shopping destination with multiple floors of unique shops! Specialty food stores include Aunt Mahalia’s Candy, Tennessee Cider Company, Pepper Palace, and Papaw’s Sweet Tooth. Sports memorabilia, jewelry, candles, clothing, leather goods, handmade gifts, and decor are just a few more examples of things you can find at one of the local businesses inside the Mountain Mall.
Now you know about the top 10 indoor attractions in Gatlinburg! Take a look at some of the unique museums in Pigeon Forge for even more ideas of things to do during your next Smoky Mountain vacation.
