Have you ever gone on a long-awaited family trip only to be put off by the weather once you arrive? Chilly beaches, snowless ski slopes, and rain-soaked amusement parks can make for sour faces in those vacation photos. We’ve all been there, and while it’s disappointing when it rains, with a little advanced planning you can make the most of even a soggy day in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Interactive fun (and learning) for everyone
When the weather refuses to cooperate, head to downtown Gatlinburg for some truly wacky and fun entertainment. Ripley’s Odditorium is home to over 500 oddities from around the world, and every one of them is absolutely real. But if you prefer something a little less bizarre, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies lets you see more than 350 species of sea creatures up close. Although Gatlinburg is far from the nearest ocean, Ripley’s makes 10,000 fish feel right at home in eight beautiful exhibits. Sharks, rays and even giant Pacific octopuses live and play among the coral reefs and sandy bottom tanks at Ripley’s.
For hands-on fun, Wonder Works, Pigeon Forge’s favorite indoor attraction, is packed with exciting adventures for the whole family. Inside the Bubble Lab, you’ll blow bubbles so big you can even wrap yourself in one. Or dress up like a real astronaut in the Space Zone and explore a replica Mercury capsule. And if you’ve always wanted to know what an earthquake feels like, Disaster Zone is the place to go. You’ll have a front row seat to a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that will literally leave you shaking in your shoes. For a more active adventure, make sure to hit the Challenge Zone and test your skills on the giant climbing wall.
If you’ve always dreamed of flying, an afternoon skydiving may be just the thrill you’re looking for. And that rainy weather doesn’t have to be a problem when you book your flight on Flyaway Indoor Skydiving of Pigeon Forge. This powerful vertical wind tunnel will lift you off the ground for an adventure that feels exactly like skydiving, but without a parachute. Instructors will guide you and your group on proper equipment use and safety precautions, then take to the skies for a flight you’ll never forget.
Sit back and relax – you deserve it
After spending the day petting stingrays, playing astronaut, and flying high in a wind tunnel, it’s time for a relaxing afternoon. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boast a wide variety of world-class theaters where you can see everything from an old-fashioned vaudeville show to a tribute to the King. Dinner shows include the fun-for-all-ages Dixie Stampede, classic murder mysteries and even magical comedies that are sure to be a hit with the youngsters.
When it comes to family vacations, the Great Smoky Mountains have no shortage of entertaining, educational, and just plain fun things to do. Whatever the season and whatever the weather, with a little planning, your Pigeon Forge vacation is virtually guaranteed to be a success.
