While there is no shortage of rainy days in the Smoky Mountains (the rainier months of the year tend to be April – August), that doesn’t have to deter you from getting out and having fun on your vacation! Although we sure do love a cozy rainy day inside by the fire, watching movies and playing games. We’ve compiled a list of rainy-day adventures just outside your door, to keep everyone in the family entertained on rainy days. From historic museums to indoor amusement parks, there is something for everyone on a rainy day in the Smokies!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
A stop at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is always a great way to spend a rainy day! Head to “Touch-a-Ray Bay,” where you and your family can reach in and feel the sting rays as they glide by. The Shark Lagoon is a must-see attraction if you just want to watch from afar. Looking for something a little less scary? The penguin playhouse has a variety of endangered African penguins ready to put on a show. And don’t forget to stop by the Discovery Center for an up-close look at several species.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Gatlinburg is a one-stop shop if you want an interactive and fun-filled day. Spend your morning exploring outer space. In the “Feel Far Out” exhibit, touch a meteorite from Mars, work a vacuum like astronauts do, and learn about the wonders of space. After you have explored the Out-of-This-World attraction, go for a “Hike In The Smokies.” This interactive map and exhibit explores the Great Smoky Mountain National Park like never before. You can even see a rare wooly mammoth leg! And your trip to Ripley’s would not be complete without checking out the “Measure Up” exhibit. Be sure to take a picture next to Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in the world. Check out their website to find deals and events happening during your stay!
Hollywood Star Cars Museum: See famous movie cars up close
If you love cars, the Hollywood Stars Cars Museum in Gatlinburg is the place for you! See everything from the Batmobile to the Transformers Bumblebee all under one roof! With vehicles old and new, this museum is a great way to test your movie and car knowledge. Don’t forget to see the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and several cars featured in the Fast and Furious movies.
WonderWorks
Known as the “upside down building,” WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is a science-focused indoor amusement park is home to over 100 interactive exhibits. Spend time in the imagination lab with a lifesize Lite-Brite, or experience the extreme weather zone with the Hurricane Shack. Looking for more of a challenge? Take some time in the physical challenge zone, where you can lay on a bed of nails, play in the bubble lab, or use the Pulley Power to pull up your chair!
TITANIC Museum Attraction
History buffs can visit the world’s largest Titanic exhibit at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. This immersive experience will transport you back in time and make you feel like a passenger boarding the boat. Walk on the $1 million replica of the Grand Staircase, receive a boarding pass, and even experience the tilting ship.
Amazing Mirror Maze & Circus Golf
Looking for something a little more active? Circus Golf in Gatlinburg is an indoor 18-hole blacklight mini golf course and mirror maze that guarantees endless fun for all ages. Step into the whimsical world of circus-themed obstacles, glowing neon colors, and clever courses that make every hole a new adventure. After you’re done, navigate your way through the mind-bending mirror maze. This unique attraction is perfect for families, friends, or even date nights!
Hollywood Wax Museum
Want to see Taylor Swift, Michael Jordan, and Tom Hanks all in one room? The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge has all these big stars and more ready for their photo-op! Tour through the stars and then head to the Castle of Chaos for a fantastic 5D adventure.
The Comedy Barn Theater: Catch a comedy show
This clean, family-friendly comedy theater show in Pigeon Forge is the perfect way to cap off your evening! This two-hour show has everything from jugglers to barnyard animals, with silly jokes woven into the script. Several shows are happening daily, so check online and buy tickets ahead of time!
Pigeon Forge Snow
Just because it’s a rainy day doesn’t mean it can’t be a snow day! Pigeon Forge Snow is an indoor year-round snow park offering tubing slides and an open play area perfect for building a snowman or making snow angels. Grab a tube and sled down one of the numerous tube lanes for a true adventure on a rainy day. This fast-paced activity is not for the faint of heart, but it offers fun for all ages, as long as you meet the height requirement. And don’t worry – there’s magic carpet that takes you back up to the top after each lap!
Magiquest
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Magiquest in Pigeon Forge is an interactive treasure hunt game. Armed with a magic wand and clue book, go on your quest through the fairy forest, dragon dungeon, and secret goblin chamber. If you finish your adventure, spend some time in the pirate mini golf course, adventure arcade, or Odyssey mirror maze.
TopJump Trampoline Park
If you have kids that need to burn off some energy, TopJump Trampoline Park in Pigeon Forge is the place! Jump and flip into foam pits, challenge your skills on the fire and ice ninja course, or team up and play dodgeball with family and friends. If you don’t want to jump, no worries. You can some time in the candy shop, play games at the arcade, or just sit back in one of the many seating areas to watch the fun from afar!
Rainy days in the Smokies can be full of adventure, but Compass’ Smoky Mountain cabin rentals offer the perfect retreat when you’re ready to come home and unwind. With no shortage of things to do on a rainy day in our properties and around town, it is impossible not to enjoy a rainy day in the Smokies. Filter our properties by theater or game room to ensure you have family fun inside as well. View our collection of properties here.
