A lovely mountainous town in East Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a picturesque travel destination that’s considered a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains. This charming town has lots to offer to avid nature seekers and adventure travelers who want to explore the region’s captivating landscape and its spectacular wilderness. If you have time on your hands, make your way downtown to the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle and relish impressive 360-degree views of this quaint town, or visit Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and soak up the ethereal feel of this fascinating place. So, If you’re planning to spend quality time here while on a family vacation, read this article for a list of the top theme parks and amusement parks in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
1. Anakeesta
Gatlinburg’s newest attraction, the stunning Anakeesta Park, was named after a Cherokee word that means “high ground.” This scenic piece of land is one of the best adventure and nature-themed parks in the state. From town, you can take the cable car and ride up the 600-foot (182 meters) summit of Anakeesta Mountain where the adventure begins. Challenge your siblings or friends to a side-by-side zipline race, or enjoy a stroll on the enchanting canopy walkway as you absorb the impressive nature views. To complete your experience, visit the Smokehouse and relish delectable dining.
Anakeesta
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Website: Anakeesta
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm
Price: From 21.99 USD
2. Ober Gatlinburg
Offering year-round recreational activities, Ober Gatlinburg is a captivating entry for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. A fanciful ski resort and amusement park, this charming complex includes an alpine slide, indoor skating, a mini-golf, and a chairlift. Getting here is only half the adventure as most visitors opt for the scenic 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) ride on the aerial tramway, which departs from downtown Gatlinburg. While here, you can wind down to the idyllic setting and picturesque background as you explore countless wildlife such as black bears, opossums, and river otters. The Park’s chairlift takes you on an exciting 30-minute ride to the summit where you can reward yourself with panoramic views of the breathtaking lookout.
Ober Gatlinburg
Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Website: Ober Gatlinburg
Price: From 4 USD
3. Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
If you and your family crave an exciting outdoor adventure that will open your eyes to the beautiful outdoor scenery of Gatlinburg, then a visit to Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park will be well worth your time. It is home to two fascinating rides, one of which is Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster, an adrenaline-pumping, gravity-propelled coaster, which allows you to zip and zoom through the striking beauty of Great Smoky Mountains while in your very own coaster cart. With a speed of up to 35mph, you’ll get to relish impressive nature views of the surreal surroundings as you glide down the heart-pumping tracks.
Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
Address: 386 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Website: Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat:10am - 10pm
Price: From 10 USD
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Nearby theme and amusement parks
1. Fun Stop Family Action Park
Fun Stop Family Action Park has many indulging attractions and fun-filled activities for the whole family. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, the park is an ideal spot for an exciting family outing on your Smoky Mountain Vacation. From awesome indoor games to thrilling, kid-friendly rides, there’s never a dull moment here. Show off your skills in the exciting game of mini-golf, or relive your childhood memories in the circus-themed indoor arcade that’s laden with games you know and love including the bass wheel, the basketball hoops, and the ice ball, to mention a few. Adventurous souls and the young at heart will also be delighted by the four high-speed go-kart tracks in the park.
Fun Stop Family Action Park
Address: 3275 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Website: Fun Stop Family Action Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: From 10 USD
2. Dollywood
Dollywood is an exciting family-friendly theme park. Nestled at the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, the park is famed for its rip-roaring rides, delectable fare, and stellar entertainment, which are all enclosed with breathtaking views of the enchanting surroundings. This genial park offers all sorts of activities such as celebrated live stage shows, stunning craftworks, exciting rides, and fun-filled games, guaranteeing there’s something here for everyone. Thrill rides include Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine, and Thunderhead, while Dollywood Express, Wonder Wheel, and Village Carousel are ideal for the whole family. Kids riding alone will enjoy Busy bees, the Firehouse fun yard, and a ride on the Sky Rider.
Dollywood
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Website: Dollywood
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 2pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: From 79 USD
3. The Island in Pigeon Forge
One of the newest retail and entertainment center, The Island in Pigeon Forge has a range of activities for people of all age groups. Among the many attractions are the fun Island Bumper Cars, Arcade City, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, and Arcade City. The kids will love The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, located right in the heart of the park, as well as the Flying Horse Carousel, The Island Express, Miners Gem, and Lil’ Ribbits. The park also features a variety of eateries including The Fudgery, The Island Creamery, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and more.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Address:131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Website: The Island in Pigeon Forge
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 30 USD - 40 USD
4. The Track Smoky Mountains
Invite your family and friends to join you on a memorable day of fun and laughter at The Track Smoky Mountains. Enjoy its convenient location, which is a stone’s throw from The Island in Pigeon Forge. A visit to this place spells out a whimsical adventure experience for the whole family. Boasting over 50 classic and interactive arcade games to other thrilling attractions such as Mini Golf, Go-Kart Tracks, Bumper Cars, and Blaster Boats, you and your loved ones are guaranteed to forge beautiful holiday memories.
The Track Smoky Mountains
Address: 4061 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Website: The Track Smoky Mountains
Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 50 USD
Fun and adventure awaits
Nothing quite compares to the exhilarating fun of visiting a theme park or amusement park while vacationing with family and friends. And with this list highlighting some of the best theme parks and amusement parks in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you’re spoilt for choices! So, go ahead and visit as many of them as you possibly could for a fun-filled family vacation.
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