Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a wonderful family-friendly resort town that has a lot to offer visitors of all ages. The area boasts a number of attractions and attracts over nine million people each year. Here are 18 great things to do in Gatlinburg with children. You can choose one or more of these activities to make your vacation a memorable one.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a family-friendly attraction with a wide range of aquatic animals. You can see fish and feed sea turtles, but you also have the option to go under water. The aquarium features an underwater tunnel where you can see sharks and a green sea turtle. There is also a giant stingray, jellyfish, and a horseshoe crab.
Forbidden Caverns, a stunning cavern, is also an educational experience. It is found in a remote area of the country. The maze of secret passageways is a challenge that visitors will have to navigate in order to find their way out. This adventure is great for families with young children. A discounted admission is available for children aged 5-12.
Dollywood is another favorite family attraction. The park is located just outside Gatlinburg in Tennessee and offers rides for everyone. The water park offers guests the opportunity to cool down. $2 for a daily unlimited ride pass. The McCoy and Hatfield Dinner Feud is also available to guests.
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum can be a fun spot to visit. This museum contains many movie props and vintage cars. Guests can even see General Lee Dodge Charger, Ghostbuster's Ecto-1, and more.
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a variety of family-friendly activities like kayaking and ziplining. Crave Golf Club offers miniature golf. Don't forget about the Wild Plum Tea Room which offers teas from around the globe.
Kids can also play laser tag and escape the game at Gatlin's Fun Center. The center has a mini golf course, an arcade, swinging bridges, and more. A mystery-solving escape game is also available.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a must-see attraction while you're in Gatlinburg. From its observation tower, you can see the entire town. After visiting the observation tower, you can visit Arcadia which is a large arcade right below Gatlinburg Space Needle. It boasts more than 100 video games. This is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Gatlinburg has something for everyone, so whether you're looking to have a great family day out or just a relaxing weekend away, you will be happy with your visit. Whether you choose to visit the area during the summer months or during the winter, you're bound to find something to enjoy.
Anakeesta offers family-friendly entertainment in the Smokys Mountains. This theme park is located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This theme park offers many activities, including the Treetop Skywalk (16-bridge) and the botanical gardens.
FAQ
What other activities are you able to do with your family that are enjoyable?
There are many ways to spend time with your family. There are two types that you should avoid. One is to spend time together and talk about yourself. This kind of activity usually ends when the conversation runs out.
Arguments about how much better you are than others is the second activity. When you do this, you make your spouse feel bad about himself or herself and hurt your children.
You might think, "Well then, we need these arguments." That's right. We do. Sometimes, however, there are more productive ways to use our time. You could spend time with your children reading, going on walks, helping them with homework, cooking dinner, and other activities. These activities can be fun for you and your family because they involve working together.
For instance, instead of arguing about who is smarter, why not agree to compete against each other in a game? What about reading a book together that everyone likes?
Why not take some time to go to a movie together? You can also eat together and share your thoughts about the day. You can also play board games.
These activities are great fun. They allow you to share your time and enjoy each others company without fighting. They also allow you to learn new things from each other.
What length should I spend outside with my children?
The amount of time you spend outdoors varies depending on weather conditions. You should not expose your children to extreme heat, humidity, or cold.
Children should not be left unattended in direct sunlight, especially during hot weather. They should limit their outdoor time at most to 30 minutes.
In rainy weather, children should not be allowed to play outside longer than 15 mins. You can leave your children unattended for longer periods of time if you have to, but make sure to bring water and snacks.
Is it okay to let my child climb trees.
Trees are very sturdy structures. Tree climbing poses risks if your child doesn't have the right physical ability.
To climb a tree higher you must use both hands and your legs. To keep balance, your child will need to be able both to use his/her arms and legs.
Your child will need to be able jump between branches easily. This requires strength and agility.
Do not force your child to climb a tree if she isn’t ready.
It's possible to climb trees together, by sitting on lower limbs or using ladders. You can also read books together by sitting on a branch.
Should I allow my child to run barefoot?
Yes! Yes! It helps prevent cuts, bruises, blisters, scrapes, or other injuries.
If your child has sensitive skin, shoes may be an option. Wash your feet first if they are dry or sweaty.
When your children are outside, it is best to keep an eye on them. You can supervise your child by standing away.
Make sure your child doesn't drink water or eat plants while playing in the grass. Avoid high grass and keep your child from it.
Why is family gardening important
Family gardeners are passionate to grow food for their families.
Children learn responsibility from their family gardens. This helps them develop patience, cooperation time management and problem solving skills. Gardening also helps parents develop confidence and self-esteem and teaches them how to care for the environment.
Adults who are more connected to nature through gardens can feel less stressed and may have better health. When we spend time outdoors, our brains release chemicals called "happy hormones" that make us happier and healthier.
The benefits of family gardening go far beyond physical and mental health. Gardens help to conserve natural resources, preserve the environment, reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and create habitats for wildlife.
How can I tell if my child's ready to ride a bicycle?
Children just learning how to walk will need to learn balance skills before pedaling a bicycle. Begin by getting your child to stand on one foot. Then, gradually increase the distance between her feet. After she is proficient at this task, she can stand on one foot and then switch to both feet.
Children should be able, if they are already walking, to ride a tricycle/scooter. Ask your doctor if your child will require special equipment to ensure safety.
If your child is over four years of age, they are likely ready to learn how to ride a bicycle. Start by teaching your child how to balance on two wheels. Next, show your child how to steer by using hand signals. Finally, show your child how to stop safely by applying the brake.
Safety must always be top priority, regardless of your child's age. Your children should learn to look both ways when crossing roads and to wear helmets when riding a bicycle.
Statistics
- According to the Outdoor Foundation, about half the U.S. population participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2018, including hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing among many more outdoor activities. (activeoutdoors.info)
- According to The Outdoor Foundation's most recent report, over half of Americans (153.6 million people) participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2019, totaling 10.9 billion outings. (wilderness.org)
- A 2019 study found that kids who spend less time in green spaces are more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders. (verywellfamily.com)
- Later in life, they are also more likely to result in delinquency and oppositional behavior, worse parent-child relationships, mental health issues, and domestic violence victims or abusers10. (parentingforbrain.com)
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (wilderness.org)
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How To
How to start a new adventure with your children!
What is the best way to get your kids started on a new adventure together? Here are some ways to get started with your child on a new adventure.
Start small. Don't try and change everything overnight. Instead, start small with one activity your kids enjoy. Continue to add new activities until you are comfortable enough.
Start early. Start your child on an adventure early. You should not wait too long to introduce your kids to something new.
Make it fun. Remember that when you start your kids on a new journey, you want to make it fun for everyone involved. You should find activities that both appeal to you and to your kids.
Keep the emphasis on learning. Although you may not view yourself as a teacher in every instance, you do. Teaching your kids to cook over a fire is one way you can help them develop survival skills.
Make a list. List the activities that you would like to do together before you go out in nature. This will help you to plan your outings.
Remember that there are many ways to choose from when planning outdoor activities with your kids. These five ideas can help you choose the right activities for your next adventure.