sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Top 4 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Toddlers

Toddler playing in leaves with his dad
October 5, 2017

The great part about taking a vacation to the Smokies is there’s something to offer everyone. It’s the perfect place for families to spend time together. When you have little kids with you, then you’re going to want to find things they’ll be able to do with the whole family. At Sidney James Mountain Lodge, we’ve put together a list of 4 fun things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers so you can have a vacation everyone will enjoy.

1. Play Games at Arcadia

With over 100 games to choose from, Arcadia is one of the best arcades in Gatlinburg. It is next to the Gatlinburg Space Needle and has quickly become a hotspot for families. Toddlers will love getting to press the buttons on the games and exploring the colorful arcade. They can burn off some energy walking around and playing the cool games. The older kids will also love spending time at the arcade. It’s a great spot for entertaining the whole family.

2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium

The very popular Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

Toddlers will love getting to walk around Ripley’s Aquarium. They’ll be able to see all the beautiful fish swimming around in their habitats. Young kids also really love seeing the penguins as they walk and swim around. The penguin playhouse has a glass tunnel that small kids love climbing in so they can get a closer look at the penguins. You will also be able to pet stingrays and touch jellyfish. The aquarium has enough to entertain even the older kids in your family. It’s a great destination where the whole family can find something that will amaze them.

3. Enjoy Kiddie Land at Ober Gatlinburg

Your kids will enjoy taking a trip to Ober Gatlinburg. The amusement park there has an area called Kiddie Land that is specifically made for small children. They’ll love getting to play on the slides in the playground area. There are also a variety of kiddie rides that are perfect for toddlers. It’ll be a place where they’ll definitely have a blast!

4. Have a Picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A family picnic with a dog in a park.

It’s good to let your child get some fresh air especially when the weather is really nice outside. They’ll love getting to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can pack a picnic for the whole family and eat at one of the park’s many designated picnic areas. The kids will love getting to run around and you can also relax while surrounded by the gorgeous mountain views. This will help you save money on going out to eat and it’ll be a great time to take family photos in the picture perfect setting. It’ll be one of the best vacations you’ve ever had.

You can enjoy all of these things to do in Gatlinburg with toddlers when you book a stay at Sidney James Mountain Lodge. Browse our affordable Gatlinburg hotel rooms to find the best fit for your family’s next vacation.