Things for Teens to Do in Gatlinburg: 17 Activities Worth Putting Their Phones Down For

Family trips to the mountains are all fun and games—until the teens start asking for Wi-Fi passwords at scenic overlooks.

Finding things to do in Gatlinburg for teens that don’t involve earbuds and eye-rolls can feel like a full-time job with no PTO.

Vacations should be less “I’m bored” and more “Can we do that again?” Luckily, things for teens to do in Gatlinburg range from high-speed coasters to eerie ghost tours, with plenty of in-between for every attention span and mood swing.

So yes, this list has ziplining, arcade domination, haunted mansions, and more—but it also has what every parent secretly hopes for: a teen who says “That was actually really cool.”

Ready to find things for teens to do in Gatlinburg that’ll finally get some smiles in the group photos?Let’s go!

Zip, Zoom, and Scream with Gatlinburg Thrills for Brave Teens

Anakeesta

Kick off the adventure by diving into this mountaintop park where AnaVista Tower, Treetop Skywalk, Rail Runner Mountain Coaster all come together to create the ultimate brag-worthy afternoon.

With teens bouncing between sky bridges, climbing towers, and racing down single-rail tracks, this spot practically guarantees you’ll hear an unsolicited “that was awesome.”

Don’t be surprised if the thrill of Anakeesta turns into a full-on itinerary takeover once they realize just how many angles there are for photos they’ll actually post.

And while they explore every corner, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to navigate, refuel, and keep the momentum going without losing steam—or patience.

Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster

Jump into the action by steering teens toward the high-speed fun tucked inside Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster, where each cart gives them full control over just how fast they want to fly.

It’s the perfect pick for travelers who prefer their Smoky Mountain scenery with a side of adrenaline and a hint of competitive energy.

Let the ride become a family tradition as everyone tries to beat their last run, making it both a thrill and a repeat-worthy stop. Even better, the easy-on, easy-off setup means no long waits, no complicated instructions, and no room for anyone to suddenly “not feel like it.”

Moonshine Mountain Coaster

Lean into the day’s excitement with a smooth but speedy ride at Moonshine Mountain Coaster, where the track twists through trees and dips into the hillside for a surprisingly scenic rush.

Teens love the hands-on controls here, especially when they get to decide if today is a mellow cruise or a full-send descent.

Enjoy the convenience of a coaster that’s fun in daylight and even cooler lit up at night, giving families options to match any schedule.

Plus, the straightforward loading process keeps everything moving, making this an easy add to your lineup of teen-approved mountain thrills.

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains

Get ready to wow even the toughest critics with a zipline tour at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains, where soaring between ridges is just as epic as the views below.

The built-in ATV ride adds an extra layer of adventure, giving the whole experience a “this is actually incredible” vibe from the get-go.

Count on the guides here to turn nerves into confidence, making first-timers feel just as capable as seasoned adventurers. And with sky bridges, long lines, and unbeatable panoramas, the outing feels like a highlight reel of everything teens love about Gatlinburg.

Ober Mountain

Wrap your hands around a full day of variety at Ober Mountain, an adventure spot that feels like a choose-your-own-fun menu for teens.

The aerial tram ride kicks things off with big views, and once you reach the top, activities like ice skating, mountain biking, and seasonal snow sports keep the pace lively.

Appreciate how this destination manages to blend low-key fun with high-energy options, making it ideal for groups with mixed interests.

And because everything is in one compact area, it’s incredibly easy to spend hours here without anyone checking the clock—or the Wi-Fi signal.

Dollywood

Find your way to a full-throttle afternoon by heading to Dollywood, the Pigeon Forge theme park known for coasters that teens will likely talk about all trip long.

Signature rides like Lightning Rod and Tennessee Tornado deliver the kind of high-speed, loop-filled excitement that satisfies even the toughest thrill-seeker.

Use the park’s variety to your advantage, balancing thrill rides with comfort-food stops and live shows that keep energy levels high.

And with so much to do in Dollywood, you’ll never struggle to fill a day with activities that actually keep teens entertained.

Hike It, Ride It, and Conquer the Outdoors Together

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Start strong with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where teens can trade screen time for trail time without feeling like they’ve been tricked into “nature stuff.”

With hundreds of miles to explore, this national park delivers the kind of wow-factor views and wildlife moments that actually earn a spot on their camera rolls.

Whether it’s a quick walk or a more ambitious hike, the variety of paths means you can match the day’s energy level without much fuss.

And thanks to scenic overlooks and selfie-ready backdrops, teens won’t even notice they’ve been hiking for more than 10 minutes.

Alum Cave Trail

Tackle a teen-friendly challenge with Alum Cave Trail, a moderately intense hike that blends just enough sweat with plenty of payoff. Landmarks like Arch Rock and the namesake cave bluff make the journey feel like a real-life adventure movie (minus the scary music).

This is one of those trails that somehow manages to be both photogenic and parent-approved, with clear paths and satisfying elevation changes. Just bring good shoes, a few snacks, and maybe a reward plan for reaching the top—they’ll earn it.

Gatlinburg Trail

Ease into the great outdoors with the Gatlinburg Trail, an easy, flat path that’s surprisingly scenic and shockingly chill.

It follows the Little Pigeon River, crosses a cool footbridge, and still manages to offer mountain vibes without a steep climb in sight.

Ideal for families with mixed motivation levels, this trail makes it simple to say “let’s go for a walk” and not get pushback.

And because it starts close to downtown Gatlinburg, it’s a no-excuse activity that even reluctant teens can get on board with.

ATV and UTV Tours

Push past basic with a ride through the backwoods on an ATV or UTV tour with Off Road Gatlinburg or Jayell Ranch, where mud, hills, and hairpin turns are part of the fun. These guided tours let teens take in the Smokies from a whole new (and bumpy) perspective.

With pro guides leading the way, it’s just the right amount of wild without crossing into sketchy territory. Bonus: helmets and gear are provided, and the whole experience feels like a high-octane break from the usual trail routine.

Indoor Fun and Games – Beat Boredom With Games, Puzzles, and Wild Displays

The Escape Game

Put your teens’ puzzle-solving skills to the test at The Escape Game, where every locked door, hidden clue, and ticking clock turns into a full-on adrenaline rush.

With immersive themes like prison breaks and gold heists, this activity turns “family bonding” into something way cooler than it sounds.

Expect full team involvement, zero eye-rolling, and a satisfying “we crushed it” moment if (when) they escape in time. It’s one of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in Gatlinburg for teens, especially if your crew thrives on fast thinking and group wins.

Arcadia

Make it a game-day victory at Arcadia, an oversized arcade tucked beneath the Gatlinburg Space Needle that delivers serious “kid in a candy store” energy.

Packed with modern games, virtual reality rides, and flashy prize counters, it’s the kind of place teens lose track of time—in the best way.

This isn’t your average arcade—it’s air-conditioned, glow-filled, and buzzing with enough action to satisfy everyone’s competitive streak.

Plus, with snack stops nearby and plenty of places to crash between games, it’s an easy hit for any day that calls for indoor fun.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Slide into full explorer mode at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where giant sharks, glow-in-the-dark jellyfish, and hands-on exhibits put basic aquariums to shame.

The 340-foot underwater tunnel is the kind of wow-moment even too-cool-for-this teens will want to walk through twice.

Don’t skip the interactive exhibits like the touch tank or penguin play zone—they’re surprisingly fun and super Instagrammable. Whether it’s raining, roasting, or just time to chill indoors, this spot ranks high on the list of things for teens to do in Gatlinburg.

WonderWorks

Step inside a literal upside-down house at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, where science and silliness collide in the best possible way.

Teens can climb a ropes course, lie on a bed of nails, or experience hurricane-force winds, all in one gravity-defying space.

More than just a rainy-day fallback, this spot packs over 100 interactive exhibits into one unforgettable stop. It’s part theme park, part science lab, and 100% the kind of weird fun that makes things to do in Gatlinburg for teens feel like a win for everyone.

Get Spooked, Laugh Weird, Embrace the Quirky Side

Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg

Venture into full spooky mode at the Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg, a self-guided haunted house that feels straight out of a teen horror flick—in the best way.

Dim lighting, creaky floorboards, and well-timed scares make it a heart-pounding experience that’s just the right amount of terrifying.

This isn’t your cheesy jump-scare setup; it’s genuinely creepy, with costumed actors and hidden passages that keep everyone on edge (in a fun way).

It’s hands-down one of the most thrilling things to do in Gatlinburg for teens who love haunted houses and aren’t afraid to scream a little.

Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg

Add some local legend and late-night spookiness to the itinerary with the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg, a guided tour that’s part history, part paranormal, and all atmospheric fun.

Teens who live for true crime podcasts and ghost stories will be into this from the first eerie tale.

The walk winds through downtown streets and haunted hotspots, giving a whole new vibe to the city after dark. It’s one of those surprisingly fun things for teens to do in Gatlinburg that blends storytelling, chills, and just the right amount of theatrical flair.

Hillbilly Golf

Play a round like nowhere else at Hillbilly Golf, where the course is carved into the side of a mountain—and yes, you actually ride a tram to get there.

With two quirky 18-hole courses filled with outhouses, tractors, and Appalachian charm, it’s mini golf with a full personality.

The setting alone makes this a must-do, but it’s the combination of mountain views and goofy obstacles that seals the deal. It’s fun, offbeat, and one of the easiest things to do in Gatlinburg for teens that turns downtime into laugh-out-loud moments.

Ready to See Which Activity Your Teen Won’t Stop Talking About?

Gatlinburg is proof that “family vacation” and “teen-approved” don’t have to be opposites. From heart-pounding coasters to creepy ghost tours, the things to do in Gatlinburg for teens are anything but boring.

Planning your trip is a whole lot easier when you bundle your Gatlinburg attractions, shows, and hotels in one place. You can lock in exclusive savings and build your perfect itinerary with easy-to-book vacation packages through Tripster.

The hardest part? Deciding which of these things for teens to do in Gatlinburg to try first. Get ready to make memories they’ll actually admit were fun!

What Are The Things to Do in Gatlinburg For Teens FAQs?