As the weather changes and school lets out for the year, there’s a distinct change in the air. It’s the feeling of freedom and good things to come over the summer months. When we start transitioning from the school year to summer living, we begin to dream of perfect weather, long sunny days by the water, and beautiful blooming flowers surrounding us.
We jot down our summer bucket lists with the best of intentions, and, knowing how time escapes us, we try to make an effort to get to everything. Inevitably, time runs short. We get busy and sidetracked. All of our good intentions for summer fun take a backseat while we juggle the day-to-day and simply try to keep up. Sadly, we are now at the tail end of summer again. The kids will be back in school soon. Pools will be winterized and covered for another year, and we’ll soon start seeing the leaves change as the weather turns. If any of this resonates with you, don’t let panic or regret set in.
There’s still time to plan some fun summer activities. Let’s learn how you can make the most of a beautiful Gatlinburg summer before it’s gone again for another year.
Let’s make this the most memorable Gatlinburg summer you’ve ever experienced!
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A great place to take a trip as short or long as you like. This serene national park is gorgeous and filled with forests, wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, and hiking routes. You can visit Cades Cove (one of the most photographed areas of the smokies), rent a cabin and stay a while, or take a guided hike.
2. Annakeesta Theme Park Gatlinburg
This award-winning theme park boasts a big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area & other types of fun. This park offers many kid-friendly activities. You can ride the scenic chondola or ridge rambler; pick from an open-air four-person ride or an enclosed six-person ride.
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
At just over 400 feet tall, you and your family or friends can ride one of two glass elevators to the observation deck. You’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the breathtaking Gatlinburg scenery! Tickets range in price from $24.50 to $37.50, making this a reasonably affordable end-of-summer outing. A must on the list of Gatlinburg summer activities.
4. Summer in the Smokies
This special summertime event is powered by Anakeesta. You can embrace the morning mountain breeze and catch beautiful sunsets at the end of the day. You’ll also love the Vista Gardens light displays and the Treetop Skywalk. Summer in the Smokies is included free with admission and annual pass membership. A family-friendly event running through September 4th, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the many activities that come with this summer-long event. You can enjoy seasonal menu items, dancing, live music, and Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects” art exhibit made with LEGO® Bricks produced by Imagine Exhibitions, an award-winning and record-breaking exhibit. You truly must see this grandiose work of art. This exhibit shows the connection between all living things and how they relate to nature. The exhibit encourages guests to take time to embrace and absorb nature. The hours for this event are 9 am-9 pm.
5. Sky Bridge
The Gatlinburg Sky Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in North America, making it one of the most unique experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Sky Bridge provides a unique sightseeing experience, spanning more than 700 feet from end to end, with 30 feet of glass flooring for the ultimate sky-high experience. This is an at-your-own pace activity suitable for people of all ages. You’ll love the panoramic views as you take it all in 500 feet above Gatlinburg. This is the best way to experience the full effect of Gatlinburg!
6. Pigeon Forge Cabins
If you’d like to extend your stay beyond a day trip, consider booking a short say at one of the many Pigeon Forge cabins. There are many cabins on Airbnb, VRBO, and other direct booking sites. All budgets and family sizes can be accommodated. If you’re feeling extra fun, consider renting a 4×4 2 or 4-door Jeep for the day to maximize your Gatlinburg experience. Jeep is the ultimate car of summer and will be a great way to get around Gatlinburg.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
This state-of-the-art family attraction has over 10,000 sea creatures to visit and 10 themed areas. Family-fun activities include live dive shows, animal experiences including touch tanks, glass bottom boat tours, educational opportunities, and captivating creatures from barracudas to sharks to jellies and even eels. A great way to add a little water to your vacation without going to the beach.
While summer days are dwindling, there’s still time to make the most of the Gatlinburg summer activities!
If your Gatlinburg summer bucket list is on crunch time, share this post with your friends and family to round out summer and send the season off with a bang! There’s plenty to do around the Gatlinburg area in addition to everything mentioned above.
Can’t quite make it before the end of summer? No need to worry, the Tennessee Smoky Mountains offer excellent scenery at the change of season. If summer slipped by too fast, just plan for a Smoky Mountain fall trip.
