Rainy days do not have to wash away your day. We have put together some suggestions for some fun rainy-day activities for the family in Gatlinburg. This can help make the best of your time if the weather is less than ideal during your visit. When you think of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, a lot of people probably think about all the outdoor activities you can partake in! There are so many trails to hike, wildlife and sites to see, but what do you do when it decides to rain and put a damper on your outdoor plans? Whether it’s a single day of rain or a few good rainy days during your visit, we’ve got some suggestions. Gatlinburg has several indoor activities to enjoy during a rainy day or if the weather is not the greatest.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular indoor attractions in Gatlinburg. A self-guided tour usually takes approximately 2 hours. The aquarium features hundreds of exhibits, including several hands-on activities and is split in two levels. On the upper level there is Touch a Ray Bay and Shark Lagoon to name a few. On the lower level you can find a beautiful Coral Reef, Sting Ray Bay and the Penguin Playhouse. Two of the most popular exhibits are the penguins and of course the sharks! Travel on a 340-foot glidepath under the sharks and come face to face with them! You might even catch a glimpse of the stingrays, sawfish and sea turtles. All that walking is sure to work up an appetite so grab a meal at the aquarium’s restaurant, Feeding Frenzy and don’t forget to stop in the giftshop for some souvenirs. You can purchase your tickets here online. Don’t forget to check out some of the other attractions that Ripley’s offers here in Gatlinburg. You can purchase single or combo tickets to get the best bang for your buck. For just $10/day you can park in the city owned parking garage.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! ODDITORIUM
Walk or hop on the trolley from the aquarium and head on over to the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium to see some of the strangest and weirdest things you could imagine finding in the Smoky Mountains. Here there are 500 exhibits and artifacts spread out over 3 floors equaling 12,500 square feet! You can find items made out of scrap metal, lint and even license plates. How about shrunken heads or a 19th century vampire killing kit? This is definitely a place to see things that are odd and out of the ordinary!
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is considered Gatlinburg’s #1 haunted house. Who says haunted houses are only for Halloween? This haunted house is open year-round and ready to give you a good scare! The haunted mansion is over 10,0000 square feet and is equipped with live actors, strobe lights and other special effects so, the next time your outdoor plans get rained out while visiting the Smokies, stop in a give the haunted mansion a visit.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
If you have a car or movie buff in your group, then this is a must. Here at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, they feature over 40 of the greatest Hollywood movies and tv cars. The museum features celebrity cars, a Fast and the Furious collection and other television and movie cars. The museum is open 7 days a week, except for Christmas. If you plan to stop here, be sure to purchase your tickets online as they offer a discount for tickets purchased online. Also note that children under 5 get free admission!
WonderWorks
Are you looking for something to keep the family busy for a few good hours on a rainy day? Look no further than WonderWorks! This crazy looking, upside-down building is located in Pigeon Forge, just a short drive from Gatlinburg. Wonderworks is an indoor amusement park that focuses on science. It combines entertainment and education with over 100 fun exhibits. Ever wondered what an 84-mph hurricane feels like? Check out the Hurricane Shack. How about making life size bubbles in the Bubble Lab or getting to experience zero gravity in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Have a fun round of laser tag and try out their glow in the dark ropes course. Be sure to pack closed toe shoes for this outing as they are required for this adventure. They do have a café on site, but also allow reentry on the same day if you’d rather go grab lunch and come back.
Ober Gatlinburg
When you think of things to do on a rainy day in Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg might not seem like the right place to go, but surprisingly they offer a variety of indoor activities too! Ober Gatlinburg is a great place for some fun rainy-day activities for the family in Gatlinburg. You can start your visit off with a ride on the enclosed Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway that brings you right up the mountain. Ober Gatlinburg offers an indoor skating rink for ice skating year-round. Ice bumper cars are also available at certain times of the year, so be sure to check before you get your heart set on those. They also offer arcade games, an indoor carousel and shopping.
Fannie Farkle’s
Fannie Farkle’s has been a family favorite here in Gatlinburg for 40 years and is definitely a one of a kind! Their saying is, “Come for the food, stay for the fun!”. They have one of the best arcades in the Smokies and is fun for the whole family. They have your classics like PacMan and Skee-Ball, but also have updated and newer games as well. Come in, load your game card and go make family memories. At Fannie Farkle’s their game card system is fast, easy and keeps track of your points, so you don’t have to, and your points never expire! Playing games is sure to work up an appetite and Fannie’s has got you covered! Try their legendary Ogle Dog – it is a foot long and is their own secret recipe. They also offer delicious cheese steaks and sausage subs! Fannie Farkle’s is a great place for fun rainy-day activities for the family in Gatlinburg. You’re sure to have a great time and make lasting memories.
After being out all day keeping everyone entertained, it’s time to head back in for the night, get cleaned up and relax. What better way to wind down and continue the memory making than staying in one of our luxurious cabins? Come back, relax in the hot tub, watch a movie or shoot a round of pool. We would love to have you come stay with us and let us be a part of your family vacation memories!
