By Bridget Everett
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With 8 million to 10 million visitors each year, the national park has more annual tourism than any other national park in the
United States. While the park is a must-see for anybody visiting Gatlinburg, dozens of other family friendly activities can be found in and around the Gatlinburg area.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Whether you're touring the Great Smoky Mountain National Park trails by car, bike or on foot, you'll see plenty of the scenic beauty and wildlife on the trip. Fishing, camping and picnicking also are available. For horse riders, the park provides hundreds of miles of horse trails and four different rental stables that offer guided and unguided tours.
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-1200
http://nps.gov/grsm
Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center
If you happen to encounter a rainy day during your visit or just want to spend the day inside, head to the Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center. Fort Fun has a 2,100-square-foot laser tag room, black light mini golf, a motion ride theater, a video game arcade and tons of other activities to keep every member of your family happy and occupied.
716 Parkway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-2326
http://smokymountainfun.com
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Touch a stingray or stand under the sharks in the underwater tunnel at the Ripley's Aquarium. With daily feedings and shows, guests can learn about different sea creatures and even get up close and personal with fish, crabs and underwater plant life. The Ripley's Aquarium makes a great day trip, and passes can be combined with other Ripley's attractions in the area, including Ripley's Believe it or Not, Ripley's Mini Golf, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Moving Theater, Ripley's Super Fun Zone and Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze.
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-8808
http://ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum is a fun stop while visiting Gatlinburg, especially for older kids. See odd and unusual exhibits that will amaze the kids. The museum works great as a "rainy day" or "hot day" activity.
800 Parkway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-5096
http://ripleysbelieveitornot.com
About the Author:
Bridget Everett is a professional Web copywriter. She specializes in several niches including travel, education, parenting, business, marketing, health, crafts, fashion and home decorating. Everett has studied marketing, elementary education and journalism at Northeastern University, Fordham University and Middle Tennessee State University.
