Are you searching for indoor fun during your Smoky Mountain vacation? Whether you’re visiting in January and trying to avoid Gatlinburg snow or you’re looking for ways to escape the heat or rain in summer, Gatlinburg has a wonderful variety of indoor activities for all ages and interests! From fascinating exhibits to family-friendly games, you’ll find plenty of exciting entertainment inside! Here are some of the top indoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN that you won’t want to miss:
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
One of the most popular indoor attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. At this world-class aquarium, you can walk through immersive exhibits filled with colorful fish, playful penguins, and graceful sharks and rays. A highlight is Shark Lagoon, where you travel through an underwater tunnel with sharks and fish swimming all around you! With interactive features and educational shows, this is a great spot for families and anyone who’s interested in life under the sea!
2. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is one of the most unique indoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN. This quirky museum is filled with thousands of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, from antique pieces to pop culture sets. Whether you’re a collector yourself or just enjoy seeing unique and unusual things, this museum invites you to explore everyday objects in a fun and educational way!
3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Car enthusiasts and movie fans love the Hollywood Star Cars Museum! This indoor attraction in Gatlinburg showcases famous vehicles from film and television. You can see your favorite cars from the big screen, such as the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters ECTO-1, the DeLorean Time Machine, and Herbie. The vehicles are set in exciting displays with lights, sound, and action that bring their stories to life!
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Are you interested in the weird, wild, and wonderfully strange? If so, one of the can’t-miss indoor attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This iconic museum features bizarre artifacts, hands-on exhibits, and oddities from around the world. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else! From shrunken heads to artwork on grains of rice, every corner holds a new and unusual surprise!
5. Arcadia
Are you searching for an indoor attraction that will keep the whole family entertained? Arcadia is a great choice! This massive arcade features all your favorite classic and modern arcade and video games. Challenge one another to an air hockey match or go head-to-head in a racing game! There’s something for every age and interest, making this the perfect stop when you want to have hours of indoor fun in Gatlinburg!
6. Gatlin’s Fun Center
Another one of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg is Gatlin’s. This entertainment complex offers endless hours of fun in the heart of downtown! Enjoy a variety of exciting activities, such as indoor mini golf, laser tag, escape rooms, indoor bumper cars, and high-tech games! Families, friends, and groups can experience it all under one roof, making this an excellent option when the weather outside isn’t cooperating.
7. Mountain Mall
You can’t visit the Smokies without doing some Gatlinburg shopping! For a variety of shops under one roof, head to the Mountain Mall. This is one of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg if you want to explore a lot of stores without going outside! This large shopping complex features dozens of unique vendors selling everything from Smoky Mountain souvenirs to handmade crafts and sweet treats. You can stay dry and comfortable while you browse for gifts and keepsakes!
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg TN
After a long day of exploring these indoor attractions in Gatlinburg, you’ll want a comfortable and quiet place to unwind and rest. At The Bearskin Lodge, you can enjoy cozy rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and unbeatable amenities in downtown Gatlinburg! Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer retreat, this is the perfect home base for your next Smoky Mountain adventure! Browse our Gatlinburg hotel rooms and book your stay today!
