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If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta’s BirdVenture has something for you. As a standout part of Anakeesta’s experience, BirdVenture gives children the chance to learn about birds, climb to their hearts’ content, and glide down a variety of lit slides!
Whether your child is in a birding phase or you’re looking for an outdoor play area in Gatlinburg, take a moment to review our guide to BirdVenture!
What Is BirdVenture?
Located at Anakeesta, BirdVenture is an aviary-inspired interactive adventure zone where kids and their parents can play. This adventure zone is more than just a playground, with three giant birdhouses, seven giant serpentine slides, a netted rope play area, and light displays that guide visitors through the homes and down the slides.
You can read more about BirdVenture, along with our other offerings, on our Play page.
What Makes BirdVenture So Special?
When you first step into the BirdVenture zone, you’ll be met by three larger-than-life birdhouses that give children the chance to feel like they’re tiny birds. Each house is an opportunity to learn more about birds native to the Great Smoky Mountains, with a pileated woodpecker, eastern bluebird, and a great horned owl each having their own themed home.
Once your family is done exploring the homes, you can take advantage of some of the best slides for kids in Gatlinburg that lead to the bottom of the play area. With seven slides ranging in length from 20 to 50 feet, you and your family can have an experience like no other while exploring the adventure zone.
At night, the slides come alive with light features guiding visitors through the slide paths and to the bottom. Once you reach the bottom, you and your kids can climb up boulders to get back to the top!
In the middle of the homes and above the slides, there’s also a rope play area that kids can climb on and feel like they’re birds in a tree. The rope area also features netting to ensure everyone’s safety.
Who Is BirdVenture For?
We like to say that BirdVenture is for kids and kids at heart! While children aged 3-12 will get the most out of the play areas, adults have been known to enjoy the giant light-up slides and the many details that bring each birdhouse to life.
For older kids, we’ve found that the slides, boulders, and rope area are all favorites. If you have a toddler with you, they’ll love exploring the birdhouses, and you can still supervise your older kids while they play from each of the houses.
What Are the BirdVenture Birdhouses?
Each of the BirdVenture birdhouses is decorated based on the bird it’s home to. Our three birds include:
- Chisel: As a Pileated Woodpecker, Chisel is all about woodworking, and his home reflects it. In Chisel’s home, you’ll find a workshop filled with Chisel’s unique creations. Kids can peek through the holes that Chisel created to check out some of his furry friends!
- Owlbert Einstein: BirdVenture’s resident owl, Owlbert Einstein, has a home dedicated to celebrating learning and discovery. In Owlbert Einstein’s home, expect to find books, works of art, maps, and a climbing area that kids can explore to reach Owlbert’s attic.
- Harmony Blues: The resident diva of BirdVenture, Harmony Blues is a world-class singer whose home is painted in pink and filled with cute decorations. On the walls, you’ll see many of Harmony’s records, and the windows in the home showcase some spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains.
Is BirdVenture Safe?
Yes! BirdVenture was designed with safety in mind for children of all ages. We also have staff supervising the slides and play areas.
To read about BirdVenture’s rules, check out this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About BirdVenture
Want to know more about BirdVenture? Check out the following answers to frequently asked questions about BirdVenture below:
Is BirdVenture Included in Admission?
Yes, BirdVenture is included in our General Admission ticket.
Is There an Extra Cost for BirdVenture?
No, there are no extra costs for BirdVenture.
Can Adults Go on the Slides?
Yes! Adults are definitely welcome on our slides.
Is BirdVenture Open Year-Round?
Yes, since Anakeesta operates year-round, BirdVenture does as well!
Is It Suitable for Toddlers?
All ages are welcome at BirdVenture, including toddlers. However, we would say that kids between 3 and 12 tend to enjoy BirdVenture the most!
Are There Any Age/Height Restrictions for BirdVenture?
While anyone can enjoy the birdhouses, kids should be at least 3 years old and a minimum of 44 inches tall to ride the slides. Additionally, the maximum weight allowed on the BirdVenture slides is 330 pounds.
Is There a Safety Rules and Regulations Guide for BirdVenture?
Yes, we have a list of safety rules and regulations for BirdVenture.
Have A Family Adventure in the Smoky Mountains at BirdVenture
If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta’s adventure park in the Smoky Mountains has you covered. Alongside being home to BirdVenture, our adventure park has ziplines, mountain coasters, gem mining, and a treetop skywalk! We also have other adventure zones, such as our Treehouse Adventure play area and TreeVenture challenge course. After a fun day of play, you and your family can enjoy a meal at our restaurant overlooking the Smoky Mountains.
Learn more about our interactive adventure zones today. You can also check our ticket options if you’re ready to experience BirdVenture for yourself!
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