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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg

Top 5 Indoor Gatlinburg TN Attractions for Families You Don’t Want to Miss

When you visit Gatlinburg with your family, there are so many exciting activities for you to choose from. Whether it’s raining or you just want to spend some time away from the cold or heat, knowing the best indoor attractions to visit with your family is always a good idea! That’s why we’ve made a list of the top 5 indoor Gatlinburg TN attractions for families that you don’t want to miss.

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Of course you don’t want to miss a trip to the best aquarium in the country! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to all your favorite aquatic animals. Not only will you get to see them up close, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with them as well. Kids of all ages will love getting to touch a stingray, feed a green sea turtle, and even waddle with penguins! Travel on a moving glidepath through an underwater tunnel as you watch the sharks, stingrays, and variety of fish swim all around you. For a fun activity everyone will love, take your family on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure! You’ll venture out into the heart of Shark Lagoon with just 3 inches of glass separating you from all the creatures that call the lagoon home. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop and get your kids the perfect souvenirs to take back home!

2. Ice Bumper Cars at Ober

Ober Gatlinburg SignFor a fun take on a classic attraction, try the Ice Bumper Cars at Ober Gatlinburg! The tubes let you glide around the ice as you choose either to spin in circles or try to bump into your family members. Open year round, this is one of the best Gatlinburg TN attractions to visit when you want to beat the summer heat. Ice Bumper Cars is located on one-third of Ober’s indoor ice skating rink.

3. Arcadia

Who doesn’t love playing in an arcade? After taking in the views from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, head back down to the Arcadia, which has the area’s largest redemption center and over 100 of the hottest games! There is a variety of amusement games, simulators, and other activities. The whole family will have a blast trying to see who can collect the most points to win the best prize!

4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

The new Ripley's Believe It or Not in Gatlinburg.If you’re in the mood to experience the odd and unusual from all across the world, visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Through the museum’s 12,500 square feet, you’ll find 500 exhibits and artifacts, from a 19th century vampire killing kit, to a car covered in crystals, to authentic shrunken heads! And of course there is plenty of interactives for the kids to enjoy, like the Kaleidoscope Room and Optical Illusion Room. There is even a special tribute gallery to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

5. Impossibilities Show

Another great thing to do with your family in Gatlinburg is watch a magic show! At the Iris Theater, you can watch the Impossibilities Show – An Evening of Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! During this show, magical comedian Chris Collins and Master Mentalist Erik Dobell amaze the audience by bringing “impossibilities” to life right in front of your eyes. The Iris Theater is also located at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, so after your fun at Arcadia, you can catch the Impossibilities Show!

Other Popular Gatlinburg TN Attractions for Families

Beautiful photo of Gatlinburg and the mountains.Whether you want to spend some time indoors or enjoy the beautiful weather outside, you’ll never run out of things to do with your family in Gatlinburg! Gatlinburg is home to tons of excitement, from amusement parks to museums. Take a look at more Gatlinburg TN attractions that are perfect for families, then start planning your visit.