Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Gatlinburg
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on November 4, 2025
Gatlinburg continues to be one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the Smoky Mountains because it offers something for nearly every age group. Families visiting Gatlinburg can enjoy scenic mountain views, interactive attractions, outdoor adventures, shopping, entertainment, and direct access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park all within one walkable mountain town.
Whether you are planning your first Smoky Mountain vacation or returning for another family getaway, Gatlinburg provides countless ways to create lasting memories together.
From aquariums and scenic chairlifts to mountain coasters and outdoor recreation, there are attractions throughout Gatlinburg that work well for families looking for both relaxation and adventure.
If you are planning a complete Smoky Mountain vacation, you can also explore our Smoky Mountain Vacation Planning Guide for additional activities and family-friendly destinations throughout the region.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies consistently ranks among the top family attractions in Tennessee and remains one of the most popular places to visit in Gatlinburg.
The aquarium allows families to explore underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits, penguin habitats, jellyfish displays, and large marine life exhibits at their own pace.
Popular aquarium features include:
- Shark tunnel experience
- Penguin play areas
- Touch tanks
- Jellyfish displays
- Interactive family exhibits
Because much of the attraction is indoors, it also works well during rainy weather or colder seasons.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark has become one of the most recognizable attractions in the Smokies thanks to its incredible mountain views and famous SkyBridge.
Families ride a scenic chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain where they can enjoy:
- Panoramic Smoky Mountain views
- The SkyBridge
- Scenic walking areas
- Family photos
- Relaxing mountain scenery
The attraction combines sightseeing with outdoor adventure while remaining accessible for a wide range of visitors.
Sunset visits are especially popular throughout the year.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta offers a unique combination of outdoor attractions, mountain scenery, dining, shopping, and family entertainment high above downtown Gatlinburg.
Visitors reach the attraction by scenic chairlift or gondola before exploring mountaintop activities and walkways.
Popular family attractions at Anakeesta include:
- Treetop Skywalk
- Mountain coasters
- Play areas
- Gardens and scenic paths
- Observation towers
The attraction blends outdoor recreation with scenic relaxation, making it appealing for families with mixed interests.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the biggest reasons families choose Gatlinburg for vacations is the town's direct access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Families can easily spend full days exploring:
- Scenic drives
- Waterfalls
- Short hiking trails
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Picnic spots
Popular family-friendly destinations inside the national park include Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, Newfound Gap Road, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
If your family enjoys scenic outdoor exploration, you may also want to read our guide to easy scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.
Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain provides year-round family activities high above Gatlinburg.
Visitors can ride the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg while enjoying scenic mountain views during the journey.
Depending on the season, families may enjoy:
- Ice skating
- Snow tubing
- Skiing
- Scenic chairlifts
- Wildlife encounters
- Mountain coasters
The combination of mountain scenery and family entertainment helps make Ober Mountain one of the area's longtime favorite attractions.
Downtown Gatlinburg Attractions
One of the advantages of visiting Gatlinburg is how walkable the downtown area remains for families.
Visitors can spend time exploring:
- Candy shops
- Arcades
- Mini golf
- Local restaurants
- Mountain-themed stores
- Family entertainment attractions
The Parkway area also includes several Ripley's attractions, mirror mazes, escape rooms, and interactive entertainment centers.
Families looking for a more relaxed pace may also enjoy our guide to exploring downtown Gatlinburg at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Mountain Coasters
Mountain coasters have become some of the most popular family attractions throughout Gatlinburg and the Smokies.
These gravity-powered rides allow visitors to control their speed while traveling through forest scenery and mountain landscapes.
Many families enjoy mountain coasters because they combine excitement with scenic outdoor views.
Several coaster attractions operate throughout the year, including evening rides with nighttime lighting effects.
Outdoor Adventure for Families
Families visiting Gatlinburg often look for outdoor experiences that combine excitement with mountain scenery.
Popular outdoor activities near Gatlinburg include:
- Ziplining
- Whitewater rafting
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Scenic chairlifts
- Wildlife viewing
Outdoor adventures help families experience the natural beauty of the Smokies beyond indoor attractions and shopping areas.
Experience Adventure at Smoky Mountain Ziplines
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, families can experience exciting outdoor adventure while soaring above the forest canopy near Pigeon Forge.
The professionally guided zipline tours provide incredible mountain scenery along with family-friendly fun for visitors looking to add excitement to their Smoky Mountain vacation.
Many families enjoy balancing Gatlinburg sightseeing with outdoor activities throughout the region.
Plan More Smoky Mountain Family Adventures
Gatlinburg continues to be one of the best family vacation destinations in the Smoky Mountains because of its combination of mountain scenery, walkable attractions, outdoor recreation, and family entertainment.
You can continue planning your trip with our Smoky Mountain Adventures Guide, featuring more family-friendly attractions, scenic destinations, and outdoor adventures throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
