5 Educational Attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Are you planning to visit the Smoky Mountains with your children? Rather than spending free time glued to devices like phones, wouldn’t it be nice if your kids learned something valuable? Educational attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide an opportunity to learn in a way that’s equally fun and memorable! From lessons about nature and history to uncovering the unbelievable, you’ll find many educational activities for the whole family to enjoy in the Smokies! Here are 5 educational attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
More than 10 million visitors make their way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. Almost all of them return home with a newfound knowledge and appreciation for this stunning natural paradise! Whether it’s visiting historic sites like Elkmont Ghost Town, Noah “Bud” Ogle Place, Walker Sisters Place or simply spotting wildlife, there’s plenty to learn! Teach your children about the value and importance of nature, as well as the lessons taught by those who came before us, when you explore America’s most visited national park.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is quite possibly the most popular of all the kid-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg! Why? Well, there’s all sorts of fascinating stuff to learn about the oceans and its incredible creatures! Even better, you and your children get to see these creatures up close and personal. Explore coral reefs, watch penguins play or even come face-to-face with sharks! This immersive experience helps to keep your kids’ attention for longer as they become fully invested in what they see.
3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Experience the extraordinary at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in downtown Gatlinburg! This collection of rare and unusual artifacts from around the world sparks curiosity inside of this 3-story museum. Interactive exhibits range from those about outer space to those more wacky than you can ever imagine, making for a unique experience you and your kids won’t find anywhere else!
4. Titanic Museum
One of history’s biggest tragedies has been transformed into an immersive experience full of valuable lessons at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge! Prepare for an interactive journey aboard this replica ship, learning about what happened on that fateful night in the deep seas. Each guest receives a boarding pass of an actual passenger, eventually learning about their fate. Touch a real iceberg and even dip your hand in 28-degree water!
5. WonderWorks
Enter a world of wonder at this amusement park for the mind in Pigeon Forge! WonderWorks offers more than 42,000 square feet of education and entertainment with more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and the imagination. This upside-down building will surely turn your world upside down with its unique adventures! There’s even a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag and a 4-dimensional theater where hours of fun await.
Educational attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge make awesome activities for families with children! As you plan out your adventures, discover some helpful tips for visiting the Smoky Mountains with kids!
