GATLINBURG, Tenn. (July 4, 2023) – Congratulations fellow parents, we’ve made it halfway through summer! I believe I’ve answered “what are we doing today?” 47 times, opened 234 popsicles and applied sunscreen to an unwilling child 93 times. But wait….there’s more!
More summer that is, and we haven’t even reached the hottest months yet. Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan! Throw your family in the car because I’ve got five ways to entertain those kiddos and beat the heat this summer in Gatlinburg!
Just Add Water
The number one ingredient to survive summer is WATER! Head to Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, the largest water park in the area with more than 60,000 square feet of aquatic fun including tube slides, body slides, a 900-foot long lazy river and toddler-only area.
Dollywood’s Splash Country is another great option! The award-winning water park is a hit with my whole family. Whether you want the thrills of the rides and slides or a more relaxing experience under the newly added shade structures or private cabanas it will entertain and exhaust even your wildest kid!
Crank the A/C
Sometimes we just have to take the fun indoors where we know it will be nice and cool. On those days I suggest you head to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Their temporary exhibit, Ring of Fire, Exploring the Pacific Isles, features creatures you wouldn’t see this side of the Pacific. This aquarium also has one of the coolest penguin exhibits, and you know they have to keep it cool in there!
Speaking of Ripley’s, you can’t walk more than a few steps downtown without hitting a Ripley’s entertainment space. Ripley’s Haunted House and Mirror Maze are a few of my kids’ favorites!
Hike to Nature’s Water Park
Mother nature really shows off her entertaining skills in the summer months! An ice cold waterfall is the perfect way to stay cool, and the Smoky Mountains are home to some very impressive (and chilly!) waterfalls.
One of the most popular falls is Laurel Falls, an 80-foot. waterfall that you can reach by a paved walk that’s a little over a mile long. Even though it’s paved there are still some more treacherous sections of the hike so I would save this one for older (aka more sure footed) kids. It can get pretty crowded in the summer so I suggest going in the morning or early evening to avoid the crowds.
For a little easier trek, try Cataract Falls which is only ¾ of a mile round trip. This is a great option if you have young kids because while it’s a short and easy walk it also has some fun adventures like walking through a sycamore tree and crossing an old bridge.
A solid classic is Abram Falls in Cades Cove. Lace those hiking boots up because this one is a little over 5 miles round trip but the views are worth it! The hike itself is beautiful and easy to follow. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top as you take in the breathtaking views.
Take in a show
Let someone else entertain my kids? Yes please. Make it air conditioned and serve a meal I don’t have to prepare? Heck yeah!
Dolly Parton can do no wrong so of course the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede is at the top of my list. It’s got music, dancing, stunts and yall, it’s legit funny. But of course it is because….Dolly.
If your kids are anything like mine, pirates and mermaids are always a good idea, and the
Pirate’s Voayage Dinner and Show has both. The show is thrilling and makes the audience a part of the big adventure.
Head to Anakeesta Mountain
Anakeesta is home to our favorite thrills and events in Gatlinburg because my husband and I enjoy it just as much as our kids even in these hot summer months! The air is just cooler up there and since our passes are good all day, we’ve been known to go in the morning and then come back in the evening to beat the heat!
There are plenty of shady spots at Anakeesta. The Canopy Treetop Skywalk takes you among the trees in the cool of the forest and there are several restaurant options with covered seating as well as covered shade throughout the park.
There’s also just so much to entertain my kids. The Treeventure Challenge Course, Treehouse Adventure Play Area and a trek to the top of Anivasta Tower are at the top of their list.
Take a tip from me and come in the evening when it’s cooled off, grab yourself a nice cold beverage and sit and relax in Black Bear Village where there’s likely to be live music, and a beautiful sunset. The kids can entertain themselves in the big splash pad. Did I forget to mention Anakeesta has a splash pad?! Yup, pack that bathing suit or change of clothes because they are going to be wet and happy!
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