One of our favorite times to invite visitors to see Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains is the early summer season. The kids will have just gone on summer break, allowing the whole family to make the journey. The temperature will still be nice and cool, and all outdoor activities will be open. The late summer crowds will not have arrived just yet, letting you explore Gatlinburg with as much space around you as possible. Take a look at some of our early Gatlinburg summer activities:
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
You will find all kinds of underwater thrills and critters when you stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This local aquarium features a variety of sea creatures such as turtles, sharks, barracudas, and much more. Their habitats are completely viewable from large glass walls. Watch as many of the animals are fed during opening hours of the day. Come see the over 10,000 sea creatures that are housed here. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Visit SkyLift Park
One of the area’s most popular attractions is SkyLift Park. This local park features a variety of entertaining features that must be seen to be believed. North America’s longest pedestrian bridge can be found here; it even features glass paneling in the middle so you can look down underneath you. The SkyLift itself is a huge gondola ride that will take you up the mountains for unbelievable views at the overlook. The entrance can be found right in the heart of Gatlinburg, making it easy to get to and enjoy.
Visit Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a local attraction that features tons of winter activities during the colder parts of the year. Even after the snow has melted, Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of fun for you to experience. Enjoy summer tubing down the hills or jump in the many different water rides and chutes. Synthetic snow is used to slide down their 250-foot hill for a real tubing experience but in the summer! Indoor ice skating lets you hit the ice and practice your spins or runs from the comfort of being inside. Last but not least is the ice bumper cars that slip around on the ice for a unique spin on this amusement park ride.
Go White Water Rafting or Tubing
While the water might be a little chill at the start of summer you will find river activities more than enticing. Head over to Little River for tubing down the river. This nearby river offers more relaxed rapids that are perfect for beginners. Local companies such as River Rat Tubing will take you on a guided tour for scenic views and thrilling tubing. White water rafting is another exciting activity and is perfect for all ages. Smoky Mountain Outdoors is your go-to rafting company for guided tours that let you cool off with speeding rapids. Some of their tours also give you plenty of quieter moments where you can hop in the river yourself for a quick swim!
Visit Outdoor Gravity Park
Come experience a unique attraction that is one of its kind here in the United States. The Outdoor Gravity Park is a unique theme park that features incredible outdoor activities. Jump into a huge inflatable sphere so you can race on downhill tracks. These courses can be straight downhill or feature zig-zags, making for some exciting races with family and friends. No other park in the country features this type of entertainment, so don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Go Horseback Riding
Another way to experience Gatlinburg in a unique way is by booking a horseback ride experience. Local stables such as Sugarlands Riding Stables and Smoky Mountains Stables offer guided tours of the backcountry. Beginners will be able to learn the ropes while experienced riders can start off on their trail right away. The early summer season is a great time to ride with these majestic creatures!
Hit Up the Distilleries
Gatlinburg has plenty of local spots where you can enjoy an adult beverage in the beautiful weather. Tennessee is especially known for the creation of moonshine that has become a national hit. Visit one of the local distilleries to try out handcrafted spirits made into a delicious cocktail. Local spots such as Sugarlands Distilling Company and Ole Smoky are some of the most favorite locations. Some of the distilleries even allow children to accompany you.
More Fun in Gatlinburg This Summer
You will find Gatlinburg is open and ready for all visitors this summer season. Come visit early so you can beat the late summer crowd. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today and see how much fun you can have in Gatlinburg!
