By Hannah Rice Myers
When you are looking for a family-friendly vacation spot, you don't have to look any further than the great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Not only will you find the scenery to be tranquil and idyllic, you will also find there are many family oriented activities nestled in these mountains. From museums to miniature golf, there is something for everyone, and these activities are designed to be enjoyed as a family.
Ripley's Aquarium of The Smokies
This family activity is one that is interactive, educational, and awe-inspiring. As you walk through the number one rated aquarium in the United States, sharks and sea turtles will be swimming over your head. Each hour, the staff puts on a diving show with a time for questions after. From there you can enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants located in the aquarium.
Gatlinburg Space Needle and Family Fun Center
If a better view of the Smokies is what you're looking for, the Space Needle is a great way to get it. You can ride their glass elevator 400 feet into the air, and then enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree view of the mountains. For those who prefer their feet planted firmly on the ground, there is an arcade in the bottom of the Needle, offering activities like laser tag and a virtual reality roller coaster. On New Year's Eve, you can enjoy their street party, complete with a ball drop and pyrotechnics show. Admission is free.
Stars Cars Museaum
For the car enthusiasts in the family, this museum is the perfect stop. It features 50 years of famous cars that have been featured in movies and television shows. Stop by and see the the Beverly Hillbillies Jalopy, The General Lee or the newest addition, Bumblebee from the 2007 movie "Transformers."
Hillbilly Golf
This is miniature golf with a twist, a hillbilly twist. The course is set in the mountain tops and you are taken 300 feet upward to begin your game. With such obstacles as an outhouse, rock walls, and moonshine stills, this brings the country back into golf.
About the Author:
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.
