Whether you’re visiting the area for 1 day or staying for a week-long vacation, there are plenty of unique Smoky Mountain attractions for couples, families, and friend groups to enjoy during winter in the Smokies. Less-than-ideal weather certainly doesn’t have to ruin your trip! If you want to stay warm and still have fun, here are some of the best indoor things to do in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg:
1. Tour A Museum
A great way to spend time indoors during your visit to the Smoky Mountains is by taking a tour through one of the local museums. A few of our favorites include:
- Tennessee Museum Of Aviation
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- The Bodies Human
2. Enjoy Indoor Snow Tubing
While you can certainly enjoy outdoor snow tubing during winter in the Smokies at places like Rowdy Bear’s Snowpark and Ober Mountain, there’s an alternative that allows you to enjoy the fun indoors! Pigeon Forge Snow offers fun in the snow without worrying about bundling up or being too cold. Their facility stays between 60 and 70 degrees, and their “fake” snow is free of any chemicals, just 100% water. You can have the best of both worlds at this indoor Pigeon Forge attraction!
3. Interact With Animals
Rainforest Discovery Adventure Zoo is one of the best things to do in Sevierville TN, especially in the winter when you can enjoy a reprieve from the cold thanks to their balmy tropical temperature. You can see all kinds of amazing animals, and you can also add on a behind-the-scenes experience at the Sloth Encounter!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is one of the most popular indoor things to do, and for good reason! Many exciting activities await you, like touching the backs of stingrays, watching penguins play, and exploring the underwater tunnel beneath Shark Lagoon.
Hoping to see a black bear during your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains? Since bears can be harder to see during the winter months in the national park, head to the Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge– they have a black bear encounter at the back of their massive store!
More Indoor Attractions in the Smoky Mountains
That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun places to visit during winter in the Smoky Mountains! From indoor miniature golf to arcades and escape rooms, you’ll find plenty of activities and entertainment to keep you busy! A few more recommendations include a virtual underwater experience at Xperia: Ocean Journey, educational and interactive adventures at WonderWorks, and knee-slappin’, side-splittin’ entertainment at the Comedy Barn Theater.
Warm Up at Buddy’s During Winter in the Smokies
Want to know about another thing to keep you warm and satisfied during winter in the Smokies? Our hickory-smoked BBQ! Get a comforting meal of pork, chicken, wings, ribs, and more with homemade sides and yummy desserts, served with a side of Southern hospitality. With weekly specials and unique menu items like our Hawg-Back baked potatoes, everyone will love a meal at Buddy’s. Learn more about our East Tennessee BBQ and see for yourself what makes us so special!
