Coming to the Smokies with your family? Going on a trip with your friends or a large group of people? You might be wondering what you’re going to do since everyone enjoys doing different things. Here are the top 3 things to do in Gatlinburg everyone will have fun doing:
1. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
Small kids to older adults will have fun visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. They have a ton of exhibits to walk through and experience. As soon as you walk in, you’ll go through the rainforest where you’ll see poison dart frogs and huge freshwater fish. Then you’ll come to Ocean Realm where you’ll see unique creatures of the deep, like the weedy scorpionfish. Then you’ll see the top of Shark Lagoon, the biggest tank in the whole building where various types of sharks and fish are. When you go down to the bottom level, you can walk through the tunnel build under this tank along a glidepath, where you watch sharks and fish swim over you. The Coral Reef has all kinds of tropical, colorful fish that are beautiful to look at. In the Discovery Center, you can actually get hands on by touching horseshoe crabs and moon jellies. Watch the penguins play with each other, and then touch the tops of sting rays at Touch-A-Ray Bay. There are many other extra events and experiences you can do to enhance your trip to the Gatlinburg aquarium.
2. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
One of the classic things to do in Gatlinburg is riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift up the mountain. They have expanded this attraction, enabling people to get off at the top of the mountain! Once at the top, you’ll get off on the SkyDeck. This observation deck has plenty of spots where you can take pictures in front of the beautiful mountain range. You also have black bear statues and other features you can take pictures in front of. At the SkyCenter, you can grab a snack while you enjoy the view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Browse through the giftshop to grab a memento of your trip. Upstairs, you’ll find a huge bar where you can enjoy a drink and the views at the same time. Test your bravery by walking across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. In the middle of the bridge, there are three glass panels stretching 15 feet long, allowing you to look down into the forest below.
3. Play at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain
is another popular place where there are plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg. They have many seasonal attractions, such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In the spring, you can go hill tubing, climb the rock wall, play mini golf, and go through a huge maze. There are even exciting mountain biking trails for all ages to enjoy! Any time of the year, you can ride the aerial tram for incredible mountain views or ice skate inside the Ober Mall. Kids love the mountain coaster and the alpine slide that takes you down the side of the mountain. You can also get up close with native wildlife at the Wildlife Encounter. The opportunities for fun are endless at Ober Mountain.
There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg for your family, friends, and large groups. Want to visit Pigeon Forge too? Check out these fun things to do in Pigeon Forge!
