When the clouds roll over the Smokies, the fun doesn't have to stop. These options are the perfect rainy-day activities for your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg itinerary:
#1 - Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Explore the underwater world on your Gatlinburg vacation and schedule a stop at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Get a close look at over a thousand different aquatic animals, including sharks, penguins, stingrays, and several other fish species. Make sure to visit the Dragon exhibit, too!
#2 - Dolly Parton’s Stampede
For a fun, family rainy day adventure, Dolly Parton’s Stampede pairs a delicious four-course meal with action-packed entertainment for an evening that everyone will love! Imagine horse riding stunts, incredible music productions, and even aerial experiences!
#3 - Bush’s® Visitor Center
If you’re down for a drive, 45 minutes away, you’ll find Bush’s® Visitor Center. Yes, we’re talking about the beans! The museum is filled with incredibly tasteful exhibits that go over the 110 years of Bush’s bean history. After exploring the center, stop by the family cafe and dine on specialties like Bush’s® Chili Pot with Grilled Cheese and Bush’s® Pinto Bean Pecan Pie. With an extensive menu, there are plenty of options to choose from.
#4 - Titanic Museum Attraction
Step into history at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge! Walk the Grand Staircase, touch 28-degree water, explore authentic artifacts, and discover the fate of an actual Titanic passenger. The interactive exhibits bring history to life and will help.
#5 - SkyFly
Take a ride with SkyFly and experience the United States from a bird's-eye view! You will hang suspended before a 50-foot spherical screen and go on a 10+ minute journey, visiting destinations from Pigeon Forge to Maui and Mount Rushmore. The special effects, which include wind, mist, and scents, combined with the ride’s motion, create an unforgettable immersive experience. All indoors, this is a perfect rainy day side quest on your Smoky Mountain vacation!
#6 - Cades Cove
While most outdoor activities are a washout, Cades Cove is actually one of the best "rainy day" spots in the National Park because you can enjoy it from the dry comfort of your car. The 11-mile loop road offers a scenic driving tour through a verdant valley filled with historic cabins and churches. Plus, rainy weather often brings cooler temperatures and less foot traffic, which can make wildlife like black bears and deer more active and easier to spot from your window.
#7 - Arcadia
Situated right below the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Arcadia offers 30,000 square feet of over 100 classic and modern arcade games. It’s a neon-lit sanctuary where you can escape the drizzle for hours and can spend your time winning tickets for high-end prizes while waiting for the storm to pass.
#8 - Shopping in the Smoky Mountains
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are meccas for indoor retail therapy. You can spend an entire afternoon under the cover of the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville or explore the multi-level Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg, which feels like an indoor village. From the year-round magic of The Incredible Christmas Place to the unique boutiques in The Village, shopping allows you to stay dry while finding the perfect Smoky Mountain souvenir.
#9 - Gatlin’s Fun Center
If you have kids with energy to burn, Gatlin’s is a premier indoor playground in downtown Gatlinburg. They offer several "rain-proof" activities including blacklight mini-golf, a massive 3,000-square-foot laser tag arena, and challenging escape rooms. It’s a one-stop shop for family competition that keeps everyone active and entertained regardless of the weather outside.
#10 - Cozy Up in One of Our Smoky Mountain Vacation Rentals!
Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is no plan at all. Our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge vacation rentals are designed for "stay-cations," often featuring private indoor pools, home theaters, and game rooms with pool tables or air hockey. There is nothing quite like listening to the rain hit the roof while you’re curled up by a stone fireplace or soaking in a hot tub on a covered deck with a view of the misty mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are extremely kid-friendly. Those traveling with kids will enjoy the Ripley’s Aquarium, Gatlin’s Fun Center, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and so much more!What is there to do in Gatlinburg that is free?
There are plenty of rainy-day activities in Gatlinburg that are free to do. Drive Cades Cove and admire nature from the comfort of your own car, or grab your umbrella and walk the Parkway to window shop!Where is the best place to stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Our Smoky Mountain vacation rentals in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville come with all the amenities needed to make your mountain getaway a blast! Think cabins with private indoor pools, homes with private hot tubs, and properties with incredible mountain views. Book directly with Bear Tracts & save!