Family Vacation Bucket List: Why Gatlinburg Should Be on Top
Family vacations are more than just a break from the routine—they are cherished traditions that strengthen bonds, create unforgettable memories, and offer a chance to explore new destinations together. These trips provide opportunities to connect, laugh, and build stories that families recount for years to come. Among the numerous vacation destinations available, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, stands out as a must-visit. Gatlinburg offers an unbeatable mix of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and family-friendly experiences. Want to know more?
This article will dive into why Gatlinburg deserves a top spot on your family vacation bucket list.
1. Stay in Style: Premium Accommodations in Gatlinburg
Choosing the right accommodations can make or break a family vacation, and Gatlinburg offers some of the best options for a cozy and convenient stay. The Appy Lodge, for example, provides premium rooms that cater to all family sizes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a King Suite with a fireplace to unwind after a day of exploring or a Two Queen Room with a balcony to soak in mountain views, there’s something for everyone.
Location is another highlight of staying at The Appy Lodge. It’s close to major attractions, so you’re never far from adventure or dining options. Speaking of food, a visit to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is a must. Their legendary cinnamon rolls are the talk of Appalachia, and the hearty Southern breakfast options are the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
Gatlinburg’s accommodations combine comfort and convenience, ensuring your family is ready to make the most of every moment.
2. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
At the heart of Gatlinburg lies one of the most iconic and visited national parks in the United States: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With its stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, this park is a haven for families seeking to reconnect with nature.
Family-friendly trails like Laurel Falls provide a manageable yet rewarding hike, complete with a picturesque waterfall at the end. For more stunning views, drive up to Kuwohi, the highest point in the Smokies, where a short walk leads to an observation tower overlooking the mountain ranges. The park also offers picnic spots and scenic drives, making it a versatile destination for families of all ages and activity levels.
3. Discover Family Fun at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a family-friendly adventure park that offers a mix of thrills, relaxation, and unforgettable views. Start your journey with a ride on the Chondola, which takes you up the mountain while offering spectacular views of the Smokies. Once at the top, the park has something for everyone.
For adventure seekers, the dueling ziplines provide an exhilarating way to glide through the forest. The treetop skywalk lets you stroll among the trees on suspended bridges—a unique experience kids will love.
4. Stroll Through the Gatlinburg Strip
Downtown Gatlinburg is a lively destination full of family-friendly activities, dining, and shopping. The strip buzzes with energy as visitors explore its unique offerings. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a standout attraction, offering interactive experiences like touching stingrays and walking through underwater tunnels.
After visiting the aquarium, stroll along the street to discover charming boutiques and local fudge shops, where you can sample sweet treats. Arcades and mini-golf courses are scattered throughout, providing plenty of entertainment for kids. The Gatlinburg strip is a hub of fun where families can easily spend an entire day exploring.
5. Experience Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community
For a more laid-back experience, venture into the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop is home to the largest independent artisans’ community in the U.S., showcasing traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.
Families can watch local artisans create pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. The community is also a fantastic place to shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, ensuring you leave with a piece of Gatlinburg to remember your trip.
6. Thrills and Chills at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is a year-round attraction that promises fun and adventure for families of all ages. In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground where skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are the highlights. Beginners can take lessons to learn the basics, while more experienced adventurers can hit the slopes for a thrilling ride. Kids, in particular, will love the snow tubing lanes, which are as fun as they are safe.
When the snow melts, Ober Mountain doesn’t lose its charm. Families can enjoy the alpine slide, which lets you zoom down the mountain while you take in nature’s beauty. Wildlife encounters offer a chance to learn about native animals, making it both an entertaining and educational experience. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Ober Mountain is packed with activities that keep everyone entertained.
7. Unique Attractions for All Ages
Gatlinburg is home to quirky, one-of-a-kind attractions that entertain and surprise visitors. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers a collection of strange and fascinating exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, featuring vehicles from iconic movies and TV shows. These attractions are not only fun but also provide plenty of photo opportunities and stories to take home. They add a fun charm to Gatlinburg that you won’t find anywhere else.
8. Adventure Awaits on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a thrill-seeker’s dream and a family adventure you’ll never forget. It offers views of the Smoky Mountains that you won’t ever forget. Crossing the bridge is a memorable experience, especially for kids who get a kick out of walking across the glass panels in the center.
For those less keen on heights, the SkyDeck provides a more grounded perspective of the scenery, along with seating areas where you can relax and take it all in. The SkyBridge is not just an attraction—it’s an experience that blends excitement with the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Gatlinburg’s unique combination of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and seasonal charm makes it an unbeatable destination for families. A family trip to Gatlinburg is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories in a place where adventure and relaxation coexist. No matter the season, Gatlinburg offers experiences that bring families closer together and leave them with stories to share for years to come. Make Gatlinburg a priority on your vacation bucket list, and discover why so many families call it their favorite mountain escape.
