All year long, teenagers and kids look forward to their birthdays. Some even meticulously plan the events of their special day months ahead. However, have you or your child ever thought about taking a more distinctive approach to their birthday celebration? You may not have considered celebrating their birthday in Gatlinburg amid the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains, but you absolutely should.
Birthdays are best spent in Gatlinburg. Children of all ages can participate in various thrilling activities. Here are eight of the best attractions Gatlinburg offers, from mind-blowing aquariums that pique curiosity in the natural world to high-altitude sky parks that give safe but exhilarating adrenaline rushes.
- Treat with Hearty Meals
Nothing compares to a delicious meal paired with a large plate of your child’s favorite desserts on their special day. The thriving dining scene at Gatlinburg offers a pleasant ambiance with the exquisite Smoky Mountains in the background, top-notch services from welcoming staff, and a menu packed with scrumptious delicacies. Your taste senses will buzz with delight as you eat everything from Kahlua crème brûlée and sweet potato casserole to wild ranch wings and freshly baked cheesecakes.
Many Gatlinburg restaurants offer great ambiance, proper space, and decor to celebrate birthdays. Also, they have delectable desserts and cakes on their menu that will make your kids’ birthday special.
2. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a highland playground for all ages and is situated in the center of downtown Gatlinburg with spectacular views of the mountains. The 70 forested acres of recreation and fun include gem mining, a personal roller coaster, treehouses, garden walks, and zip line adventures. In addition, there are great places to take selfies among the trees, take in the landscape, and observe downtown Gatlinburg.
You might even be eligible for discounted rates if you plan to celebrate your kid’s birthday with the entire family reunion. There are tranquil gardens and cozy seating areas where you can unwind and take in the view once the kids have crashed after all the action.
3. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
You must take your kids to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park if they are adventure enthusiasts. Traveling up Crockett Mountain in the traditional yellow chairs of Skylift, you can take a stroll around the SkyDeck to bask in the unparalleled views of the Smoky Mountains.
Crossing the SkyBridge can take your kid’s excitement to the next level. With a length of 680 feet over a valley, it is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America. Walk across the 15-foot-long glass panels and test your bravery to reach the other side, which offers even more stunning mountain views. Celebrating their big day, wrapped in the blue skies, would give your kids a story to boast about.
4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Eels, stingrays, and sharks, oh my!
Going to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies with the kids is one of the best things you can do to make the most of their day. The children will adore seeing the dazzling aquatic life, from manta rays to sharks. They can go through the shark tunnel and observe penguins playing together. The kids can also attempt to pet manta rays at Touch-A-Ray Bay, hold horseshoe crabs and touch jellyfish in the Discovery Center.
The aquarium provides a great learning experience for kids about ocean life and the significance of protecting these animals through direct experience and close observation of these stunning creatures. Doesnt it sounds like a productive birthday?
5. Ober Gatlinburg
You can discover plenty of activities in Gatlinburg at Ober Gatlinburg, no matter when your child’s birthday arrives. Take them snow tubing or skiing in the winter. Ride the water rides or the mountain coaster in the spring and summer. With a chair swing, mini golf, a maze, water raft and kiddie rides, chairlift ride to the Mount Harrisons top, and a rock climbing wall, this entertainment complex is packed with fun and excitement. In addition, the Wildlife Encounter was recently expanded from its original name of the Black Bear Habitat, where visitors could get up close and personal with bears.
With the never-ending list of activities, Ober Gatlinburg can make your child’s birthday incredibly memorable.
6. Arcadia
Located below the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Arcadia exudes energy and fun within its 25,000-square-foot amusement center. The glimmering, lighted pillars welcome you to an ultimate gaming experience with more than 100 video games, arcade games, and immersive simulations.
As you win, you accumulate tickets that you can use at the spectacular prize center. Unbeatable prizes, like PlayStation and Xbox systems, luxury handbags, high-end tools, and adorable plush toys for toddlers, are just waiting to be won.
Don’t forget to stop by their Slice Pizza Bakery for a delicious, extra-large slice of pizza after a long day of enjoyment. Your family will dream about it for days.
7. Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Although there are many roller coasters in Gatlinburg, Moonshine Mountain Coaster offers the most thrill. You can zoom down the Smoky Mountains on the unique, fun-for-the-whole-family thrill ride in Gatlinburg, which will undoubtedly make your heart race with its winding paths and nerve-wracking drops. To ensure that everyone in the family can take advantage of the extraordinary opportunity, the Mountain Coaster is also wheelchair accessible.
Additionally, you’ll receive a memorable keepsake photo to remember your child’s most adventurous birthday ever.
8. Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater
The Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater, conveniently situated in downtown Gatlinburg, immerses viewers in movies via motion seats, visual effects, and even natural elements. You feel the wind and the snow come to you as your chair twists and turns to match the actions on the screen.
The experience is like riding a roller coaster and watching a movie, as described by the families. Even better, kids’ movies like “Happy Feet” are shown in Ripley’s 5D movie adventure.
So if you are looking for a movie night out for your child’s birthday, Ripley’s Theatre ticks off all the right places.
Conclusion
Families can always find something entertaining in Gatlinburg, whether riding roller coasters, enjoying southern food, or checking out one of the many attractions available around the town. Many attractions provide party rooms, group activities, and even group discounts for your celebration. In addition, you can find the best venues to celebrate birthdays there. So take time and organize a trip to Gatlinburg to give your kids one of the best birthdays of their lives.
