By Shelley Frost
Things to Do With Toddlers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, attracts visitors year round with its Smoky Mountain views and wide array of attractions. Gatlinburg is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, offering impressive views from any location in the city. Beyond the natural beauty of the area, families with toddlers will find many Gatlinburg attractions appropriate for the entire family.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Shark Lagoon
The Aquarium of the Smokies is one of several of Ripley's attractions in the Gatlinburg area. The Aquarium of the Smokies is divided into areas, all full of well maintained exhibits. The exhibits are low enough that toddlers can get a good view of the animals inside. The Shark Lagoon allows visitors to travel on a moving path beneath the water in a glass tunnel. The Discovery Center is an interactive area for children of all ages to learn through play. Visitors also have the chance to touch a horseshoe crab and a stingray.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-8808
www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/
Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway offers riders a view of the mountains that can't be seen from the ground. Toddlers will enjoy watching the views change as the car travels up the mountainside. All children under the age of 6 are free, making this an affordable attraction for families with toddlers.
Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
Located at traffic light #9
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5423
www.obergatlinburg.com/tram.htm
Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
The Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park offers a wide range of water activities for all ages. Families with toddlers will appreciate the Little Pigeon River area, a spray play area designed especially for toddlers. There is also a tree house play area for young children that periodically dumps water down on guests.
Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
915 Westgate resort Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-4800
www.wgwildbearfalls.com/default.asp
About the Author:
Shelley Frost has been a freelance writer since 2007, specializing in parenting and education. Her work can be found on websites such as ModernMom.com and PreschoolRock.com. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a minor in reading from the University of Northern Iowa.
Photo Credits:
Shelley Frost
