25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN (and Pigeon Forge) for Parents and Grandparents Planning a Trip originally appeared on Parade.
Framed by the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and neighboring tourist-mecca Pigeon Forge, boast the perfect mix of natural beauty and over-the-top thrills. Long a favorite for family vacations, Gatlinburg actually has more than meets the eye when it comes to things to do. From panoramic skybridges and alpine coasters to tucked-away distilleries and stomach-flipping roller coasters, here are 25 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, no matter who you’re traveling with. After tackling nearly half this list with a 6.5 year old, my husband and I are already planning a trip back with just the two of us to explore even more.
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Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (and Pigeon Forge)
1. Ride the Coasters at Dollywood
This iconic Appalachian theme park, co-owned by Dolly Parton, is a must-visit for families and thrill seekers alike. Even though we went with a small child, we still took turns on the Lightning Rod coaster, one of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world. To satisfy our more timid park visitor, we also spent ample time riding the flying elephants at the County Fair portion. Aside from rides, there are also plenty of places to grab a taste of classic Americana meets fair food (think cupcakes the size of your head and pulled pork BBQ).
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The country’s most-visited national park is on Gatlinburg’s doorstep, offering misty mountain views and wildlife at nearly every turn. Explore scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road or hike to waterfalls on the 2.6-mile round-trip Laurel Falls Trail. For something more immersive, try the 5.4-mile Alum Cave Trail, which climbs through arching bluffs and old-growth forest toward Mount LeConte. All of these can be catered to families, with the more strenuous hikes recommended for teens and adults.
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3. Stroll and Sip at Anakeesta’s Mountaintop Village
This mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg combines thrilling rides like the Tree Top SkyFlyer and the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster with beautifully landscaped gardens and breathtaking panoramic views.Without a doubt, Anakeesta was the highlight of our trip, especially the scenic chairlift ride up to the summit. Anakeesta also offers delicious dining options and unique shops, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon above the clouds. Whatever you do, don’t miss the 360-degree viewpoint at the top of the Gardens Arboretum.
4. Cool Off at Dollywood’s Splash Country
Considering we visited in the middle of June, Splash Country was the first thing we had on our itinerary. And it’s not hard to see why it’s a mecca for families. There are wave pools, a lazy river, and the kid-friendly Frog Hopper splash zone. I spent most of my time there, while my husband flocked to the mega Fire Tower Falls water slide. Tucked away into the lush trees surrounding the Smokies, it feels like a lightyear away from the bustle of town.
5. The Island in Pigeon Forge
A tad overstimulating but a favorite for families, this sprawling entertainment complex features a giant observation wheel, live music, souvenir shops, and Southern-fried restaurants. Attractions abound here, including the Escape Game and the Show Fountain, a choreographed water and light show. We went at night, and are so glad we did. Not only was it a little cooler (and less crowded), but the lights sparkled in the moonlight, creating a rather magical evening.
6. Tour Gatlinburg SkyPark & SkyBridge
You can’t visit Gatlinburg without a stop to the Skybridge. Here, you can walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass panels that reveal the 500-foot drop below. It took a little coercing to get our daughter over it, but once she was, she couldn’t stop ooing and awing ove the view. The panoramic mountain vistas from SkyBridge are simply unforgettable, especially at sunset. One thing we didn’t realize was you can also take scenic chairlift rides for even better views of the mountains.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Rated among the top aquariums in the country, Ripley’s actually blew me away. We loved the immersive exhibits like the underwater shark tunnel, which featured a moving walkway to truly experience it. From sharks to fish, you can soak up 180-degree views of the incredible wildlife. The lively penguin habit is immersive as well, with cute photo opps at every turn. My daughter loved the hands-on climbing gym and discovery zone. It’s good to note, however, that there’s only one way to climb up and it spans 3 floors, so it’s best to have one parent or family member up top and one below.
8. Explore the Ripley’s Attractions
Beyond the aquarium, Ripley’s offers quirky attractions like Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Haunted Adventure, and the Mirror Maze all over town. On the day it rained, we opted for indoor mini golf. And on the days it was sunny, we did even more mini golf, checking the Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf in Gatlinburg and Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf in nearby Sevierville off our list. Both were had interactive themes and animated characters to keep her entertained.
9. Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour
For a truly unforgettable view of the Smokies, book a helicopter tour with companies like Smoky Mountain Helicopters. Tours range from $150 to $300 per person, offering breathtaking aerial views of mountains, valleys, and rivers. These tours are best suited for ages 6 and up due to safety regulations and weight requirements.
10. Go Moonshine Tasting
This region is rich in moonshine history, dating all the way back to the 1800’s. It’s why you simply can’t visit without trying some of the local spirit, with my favorite tasting room at Ole Smoky and Tennessee Shine Co. Even though it will never be my drink of choice, I loved sampling the classic white lightning, apple pie and cream flavors.
11. Climb Clingmans Dome
Touted as the highest point in Tennessee, a hike to Clingman’s Dome offers sweeping views of the Smokies from a 360-degree observation tower. On clear days, you can see for up to 100 miles across the Smokies. The hike can be strenuous at parts, so make sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and breathable clothes.
12. Ride the Alpine Coasters
Even though my kiddo had no interest, my husband took a chance on one of the mountain coasters in town. He chose Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, but Rowdy Bear Ridge was also a recommendation from locals. These coasters let you control your own speed down winding forest tracks, giving you a first-hand look at the flora and fauna (hopefully no bears). At night, they’re even more fun as the trees and structures nearby are lit by colorful LEDs.
13. Explore the Titanic Museum
As a Titanic aficionado, this was the number one thing I wanted to do when we found out we were visiting. The Museum, which is shaped like the iconic ship, is with over 400 genuine artifacts from the actual voyage. As soon as you enter, you get a boarding pass with a real passenger’s name and get to follow their harrowing journey through the ship’s replicated rooms. It was even more emotional than i could have imagined, but still such an incredible way to learn more about this famed ship.
14. Wander through Downtown Gatlinburg
Like a trip through Mayberry (with a bit more of a tourist twang) a walk through Gatlinburg’s main strip will welcome you with plenty of places to buy anything you could imagine — from candy to pancakes to fudge, local wine, and more. The vibe is kitchy and touristy, but fun, especially if you stroll with a cone of homemade ice cream from Kilwin’s or The Donut Friar. Don’t miss unique souvenirs at shops like Smoky Mountain Trinkets or Mountain Made Gallery, where you can find more authentic things to take home.
15. Check out Parrot Mountain & Gardens
Just outside Pigeon Forge, this tropical bird sanctuary is like stepping into a rainforest garden. Walk among lush landscaping and feed parrots, toucans, and other colorful species. It’s a far cry from the large entertainment plazas nearby, and offer a bit of a quite refuge from all the people.
16. Zipline Through the Smokies
As a certified adrenaline junkie, a zipline through the Smokies is the first thing I’m doing when we come back sans kiddo. With staggering views of the treetops and plenty of bear sightings to be had, it’s an incredible way to get up close and personal with the beautiful nature surrounding Gatilingburg. Local companies like CLIMB Works and Legacy Mountain offer multi-line tours with suspension bridges and sweeping forest views.
17. Spend a Night at a Cabin
If you asked my daughter what her favorite part of our trip was, she’d say the cabin. And we’d have to agree. Booked through Whimstay, a company specializing in last-minute rentals, it had everything we could want and more for a comfortable stay. We stayed at Starry Starry Night, which is located in Laurel Estates just a few minutes from downtown. Our cabin had it all, from a heated indoor pool to a movie theatre room to 5 bedrooms, a hot tub, and two large porches. It even had arcade games and a pool table in the loft.
18. Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum
Even though they have these everywhere, they’re a real fun stop for kids.The wax museum in Pigeon Forge has incredibly lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, like President Obama to Madonna. Pose with everyone from Elvis to modern movie stars, and enjoy a variety of playful photo opportunities. Admission typically runs around $30 for adults and $20 for children.
19. Watch a Dinner Show
For an all-you-can-eat experience that’s like nothing else you’ve ever seen (at least I hadn’t), book dinner shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede or the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Tickets include a feast of Southern-style dishes, including rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, creamy vegetable soup, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, corn on the cob, and dessert. The shows are lively, albeit a little silly at times.
20. Take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Another great way to take in the views, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way loop that winds through dense forest, past rushing streams, and several small waterfalls like Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade. Along the route, you’ll spot historic log cabins and old mill sites preserved from early settlers, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
21. Experience Ober Mountain
Formerly Ober Gatlinburg, this mountaintop adventure park has been reimagined as a year-round destination. We went in the summertime, so we enjoyed spotting wildlife and going down the alpine slide. There’s also a mountain coaster that was highly recommended. If you go in winter, you can do everything from skiing to snowboarding to tubing.
22. Visit a Local Cidery or Brewery
If the sweet wine and moonshine is too much for you, grab a sip of a local brew or cider. The Smoky Mountain Apple and Blackberry Cider was a favorite of mine at the Tennessee Cider Company. My husband, who is more of a beer and whiskey fan, loved the Smoky Mountain Brewery’s English Porter and crisp Mountain Lager. Both spots have laid-back, rustic vibes with outdoor patios, which made them easy to bring an energy-filled kid to.
23. Stroll the Gatlinburg Trail
For a hike that’s a little less strenuous, hit the Gatlinburg Trail. This gentle 3.8-mile trail begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and meanders alongside the Little Pigeon River, leading all the way into Gatlinburg’s charming downtown. Perfect for dog walkers, joggers, or families seeking a leisurely stroll, the path offers a serene escape from the tourists downtown.
24. Catch Sunset at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Just a few minutes from town on the Gatlinburg Bypass, this overlook offers immaculate views of the town nestled among the mountains. To get there, take the Gatlinburg Bypass (TN-448) west from downtown Gatlinburg and look for the clearly marked parking area. Bring a camera to really capture the colors of the sky as the sun sets behind the peaks.
25. Sample All the Fudge
It wouldn’t be a trip to Gatlinburg without a fudge tasting. Fudge shops line the main street, offering every flavor imaginable, from classic chocolate to maple nut to peanut butter swirl (my personal fave). Some of the best spots to try include The Fudge Shop of the Smokies and Kilwin’s, both known for their rich, creamy varieties. Don’t be shy about asking for samples, as they’re happy to let you try before you buy.
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25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN (and Pigeon Forge) for Parents and Grandparents Planning a Trip first appeared on Parade on Aug 9, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
