By Claire Taylor
Gatlinburg, TN Attractions for Kids
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is best known as the portal to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While many visitors make just a quick stop by this quiet mountain town, the truth is that the place has much to offer to families, including the youngest members. Whether looking for an outdoor experience or some classic park fun, Gatlinburg is a great destination to spend an afternoon or two.
Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park
Visiting the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park is like a trip back to the past. In a world where traditional rides seem all but forgotten, Ober has managed to mix the old with the new, allowing the whole family a mix of fun and adventure difficult to find anywhere else. For those looking for old-time fun, the park offers miniature golf, carnival games of shooting and aiming and carousels gallore. There are also water rides and an arcade featuring something for every age. Those who want bigger thrills can try their bungee jump. Getting to the park itself is half the fun, as it is situated at the top of a mountain and requires a trip in either a scenic chairlift or an aerial tramway.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort & Amusement Park
1001 Parkway
Telephone: (865-436-5423)
Ripley's Haunted Adventure
Not for the faint of heart (or for kids under six), Ripley's Haunted Adventure is a thrilling walk through of a former casket factory turned horror mansion. Visitors experience state-of-the-art tricks, dark passages and confusing tunnels. Costumed actors give the place a really spooky atmosphere and visitors can expect lots of scream along the way. The attraction is especially good in October, Scream Festivals are held and the attractions get even darker and scarier.
Ripley's Haunted Adventure
908 Parkway Traffic Light #8
Telephone: (865-430-9991)
Smoky Mountain Stables
For families who prefer to spend some time outdoors, the Smoky Mountain Stables offers guided rides and group tours of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kids can choose to ride ponies or smaller horses, so they don't feel intimidated no matter their age. The guides are experts at finding wildlife and take special care in ensuring that riders get a chance to see wild turkeys, deer or sometimes even black bear.
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
Highway 321 - East Parkway
4 miles east of Gatlinburg (traffic light #3)
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-5634)
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
April Bell
