At the small mountain resort of Gatlinburg located at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can find plenty to do even for smaller children. Bring the little ones for a quick tour inside one of dozens of candy shops located in downtown to watch taffy pulled, apples dipped and chocolate made by hand as they taste the sweet treats. The holidays are a great time for children as the town comes to life with millions of twinkling bulbs and the annual Christmas parade featuring a visit with Santa Claus.
A water wonderland with floating wildlife will amaze young children and adults alike. A trip to the indoor Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies offers an educational and entertaining activity that is appropriate for a young child's short attention span. Take a tour of the Amazon River inhabitants, including the red-bellied piranha, or get your hands on a horseshoe crab at the Discovery Center. Watch sand tiger sharks swish past green sea turtles in the largest exhibit at the aquarium, the Shark Lagoon. Get up close to stingrays at the Touch-A-Stingray Bay. The aquarium features programs for children's groups and birthday parties, such as arrangements to spend the night in the Shark Lagoon.
At the ski resort Ober Gatlinburg young children will love playing at Kiddie Land. Watch your little one ride on the train, car and snowmobile rides that are customized for small children. The play area includes slides and tunnels for children to explore, with the Smoky Mountains in the backdrop. At the main mall area of the ski resort, children can take a spin on Ober Gatlinburg's old-fashioned carousel. Animal viewings featuring black bears, flying squirrels and skunks eating, playing and swimming are provided at the Wildlife Encounter area of the resort. Learn about the local wildlife as your small children are amazed at their up-close encounter with the animals.
Fun Mountain Amusement Park specializes in entertainment rides for small riders. Your young child can pretend he is driving along through the Smoky Mountains on the boat, jeep and motorcycle rides. Let his imagination run wild as he explores Three Story Climb Mountain. This playground is located indoors, which creates a wonderful retreat for rainy days or when temperatures are freezing outside. At the indoor play park, he can swim through the pit filled with balls or climb around through the tubes. The park features an antique carousel that is sheltered underneath a pavilion. Ride alongside your little one on the Ferris wheel, which gives him a bird's-eye-view of the park and surrounding mountainside.
