When the rain falls on Gatlinburg, it waters the forests, fills the streams--and makes visitors wonder what to do for fun on a wet Tennessee day! Never fear. Gatlinburg offers plenty of indoor fun whether you’re a budding artisan, a fish fan, or a movie buff. Read on for rainy day ideas.
1. Ice Skating
Ober Mountain, the state’s only ski resort, features year-round indoor skating, perfect for hours of fun and exercise. Take the tram up the mountain, enjoying the misty views along the way, and be sure to grab a hot chocolate after you’re finished gliding on the ice.
2. Indoor Mini-Golf
You’ve got a choice of indoor mini-golf courses, so set up a family tournament! Treasure Quest Golf takes you on an Indiana Jones-style adventure. Circus Golf features not only blacklight, glowing mini-golf, but also a mirror maze and an interactive, Western-themed movie ride. Gatlin’s Fun Center has a blacklight indoor course, plus laser tag, escape games and more.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
With more than 10,000 sea creatures, this aquarium never ceases to amaze. Touch a graceful ray, crawl through tunnels to spy on playful penguins, gasp at the toothy sharks, or take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat. Visit the coral reef or the tropical rainforest. It’s rainy day perfection.
4. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
For a unique museum experience, visit this collection of more than 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers! Every theme and shape you can imagine is on display. You might see shakers you remember from your own childhood. Advertising icons, pop culture, nature, miniatures of everyday objects are all here.
5. Appalachian Arts and Crafts
Gatlinburg is home to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, where 100 artisan workshops lie along an eight-mile driving loop. Potters, painters, weavers, silversmiths, woodworkers and many more will talk to you about their creations as you watch them work. Find beautiful, handmade souvenirs.
6. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Movie lovers and car buffs alike can check out famous film wheels at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. See Bumblebee from the Transformers films, two TV Batmobiles, and cars from “The Fast and the Furious,” “Back to the Future,” “The Avengers” and other great flicks.
7. Fun in Your Cozy Cabin
Rent a Gatlinburg cabin with a game room, arcade games, pool table, foosball or air hockey to play when it’s damp outside. Cook a delicious meal in the gourmet kitchen, relax by the fireplace, or lounge in a luxurious jetted tub. Reserve your rainy day retreat.
Book your Gatlinburg cabin now.
