7 Fun Winter Activities for Kids in the Smoky Mountains

Imagine a winter wonderland where your kids can zoom down snowy hills, glide across an ice rink, and explore indoor water parks–all in one day. Welcome to the Smoky Mountains, where winter activities for kids are anything but ordinary.

Whether it’s the thrill of snow tubing at Ober Mountain or discovering quirky attractions like Circus Golf, the Smoky Mountains offers unforgettable experiences beyond the typical winter vacation.

You might assume the Smoky Mountains are all about Appalachian culture and Southern food, but that’s not all visitors experience.

If you’re looking for a place where winter fun meets family adventure, the Smoky Mountains should be at the top of your list. Discover seven exciting activities to make your kids’ winter vacation a cherished memory.

1. Ober Mountain for Smoky Mountains Fun

Get ready for some high-speed, snowy fun at Ober Mountain, where kids of all ages can race down hills in a snow tube. It’s a total blast as you zoom down the snowy slope, laughing and shouting all the way down. No skills needed!

If ice skating is more your style, head to Ober’s indoor rink to lace up your skates and glide across the ice. Whether you’re a pro or wobbly on your feet, the rink’s friendly atmosphere will put a smile on your face. Don’t have skates? No problem! The rink rents them in sizes ranging from toddler size 6 to adult size 15!

2. Splash at an Indoor Water Park

Who says winter’s all about snow? When the icy winds are howling outside, head indoors to one of the Smoky Mountains’ indoor water parks for a warm escape. 

Visit Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and Family Adventure Center in Sevierville, TN, where it’s always summer inside the Wild WaterDome! Crank up the fun in the 106,000-square-foot indoor water park with twisting water slides, a giant wave pool, and the thrilling Storm Chaser raft ride.

Thanks to the sun-soaked vibe from the see-through roof, you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical getaway with the Smokies as your backdrop!

When everyone’s towel-dried and ready for more, the adventure continues with climbing walls, a laser maze, and a mega arcade perfect for kids (and kids at heart). From splashy thrills to all-out family fun, Wilderness at the Smokies takes winter excitement to the next level!

3. High-Speed Thrills and Neon Adventures

If your crew’s “got a need for speed” and a love for glowing fun, head to Pigeon Forge for Xtreme Racing Center and LazerPort Fun Center. These attractions bring all the excitement you could ask for.

At Xtreme Racing Center, kids and parents can zip around winding tracks in professional-grade go-karts, hitting speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Little ones can ride shotgun in double-seater karts, so no one gets left out of the action.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road, LazerPort Fun Center cranks up the neon vibes in a 7,000-square-foot, multi-level laser tag arena. After zapping your way to victory, take on the blacklight mini-golf course or try your hand at the arcade games.

Both attractions pack in the fun for a winter adventure your family won’t forget!

4. Ripley’s Family Fun

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-see for any family trip to Gatlinburg. Kids will marvel at the undersea creatures swimming above them in the glass tunnels. What better time than winter to visit the resident penguins?

Don’t rush off just yet! After you finish “swimming” with the sharks and touching a few stingrays, visit one of Ripley’s other Gatlinburg attractions.

Stop by Ripley’s Believe It or Not for some quirky fun, or if you dare, wander through the Haunted Adventure for an experience that’s a little out of the ordinary. Who knew learning while on a winter break from school could be so strange (and fun)?

5. Play a Round of Winter Golf

Step right up and putt your way through the wild and whimsical world of Circus Golf in Gatlinburg. Now, this isn’t your ordinary mini-golf; think neon lights, circus-themed obstacles, and colorful fun around every corner. 

It’s perfect for snowy days or when you need a break from the cold. Don’t be shy–try your hand at the challenges and let the bright colors and quirky design draw you and the kids into the fun. It’s a game you’ll talk about long after the golf ball rolls into its final hole.

Grab a combo ticket and tackle the Amazing Mirror Maze right after you finish your round! Then, take a short stroll down the street to Shoot ’em Up Cinema, where  the kids can work off their wiggles. Three attractions, endless fun!

6. Creative Classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Want to get your kids’ creative juices flowing? Sign them up for a class at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, where they get hands-on with everything from pottery to painting. Kids can let their imaginations run wild and create something to take home as a memory of their Gatlinburg adventure.

A weekend workshop is also a great way for the whole family to take a break from outdoor winter activities.

Adults can get in on the fun, too, exploring their own creative side and making something special. Who knows? One of these classes might just uncover a budding artist in your family!

7. Snow Much Fun at Pigeon Forge Snow

Looking for a winter wonderland that’s always ready for a snow day? Pigeon Forge Snow, America’s first indoor snow park, is packed with real snow year-round—no fake stuff here! 

Slide down snowy hills on a tube or let younger kiddos enjoy the snow play area, where they can build snowmen or have friendly snowball fights. It’s the kind of place where winter magic comes to life every day! Best of all, there are no age or height restrictions, so everyone can join in the fun!

Time to Experience Fun Winter Activities for Kids

Snow tubing and exciting attractions like Circus Golf make the Smoky Mountains the perfect place to explore fun winter activities for kids. Visit this winter and start making memories with your family.

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