Great Smoky Mountains Activity Ideas for Families with a Baby

We visit the Great Smoky Mountains and the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge frequently. When our son was born, we were stumped at first as to what activities we could still enjoy in the Great Smoky Mountains with a baby in tow. Our typical Great Smoky Mountains activities included major hikes, miniature golfing, day trips to nearby areas, and some tennis. None of these activities could be done with a baby. So what is there to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with a baby? Plenty! Check out these ideas for fun activities for families with a baby in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Your little one will likely love Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The colorful fish and other aquatic animals, often seen through beautiful water tunnels, will be enjoyed by all ages. We took our son to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies when he was 8 months old and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Great Smoky Mountains Hikes. There are some hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are very baby-friendly. The Laurel Falls trail is a fully paved trail that can be navigated with a stroller. While I wouldn't recommend a very large stroller for the Laurel Falls hike (it is quite narrow and quite steep in places), an umbrella stroller may make it on this paved trail. The Gatlinburg Trail is a very baby-friendly trail. This relatively flat trail is easily navigated with a jogging stroller. While the Gatlinburg Trail is not paved, it is wide and flat and a less than 2 miles in length.

Ober Gatlinburg. Visitors to Ober Gatlinburg ride an aerial tramway to reach the attraction high in the mountains. The aerial tramway offers incredible views and a gentle ride enjoyable for adults and babies alike. Once you reach Ober Gatlinburg there are restaurants and shopping. Just try bringing your front or back carrier for your baby for this attraction. Strollers would be very cumbersome on the aerial tramway.

Scenic Helicopter Tours. Viewing the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains is priceless and one of the greatest ways to see these amazing mountains is by helicopter. Scenic Helicopter tours in the Great Smoky Mountains have no age limit and welcome babies. The motion and sound of the helicopter may lull your baby to sleep, or your little one may love looking at the sights just as much as you do.

There are plenty of great activities to enjoy in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge even if you do have a baby in tow. Don't let a wonderful addition to your family change your plans to visit The Great Smoky Mountains.