The snow-sports jewel of the South, Ober Mountain is a winter wonderland. Active kids will find plenty of powder on the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. Open to skaters of all experience levels, get the whole family out on the indoor ice rink.

No need to take a vacation from learning in Gatlinburg. Here, curious children will find mesmerizing memorabilia and a big dash of whimsy, from the quirky Gatlinburg Pinball Museum and the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum to classics Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.

Dive into immersive courses at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which provide enriching lessons and hands-on labs. Whether you’re looking for a Scouting adventure, a school field trip destination, a homeschool intensive, or a day of learning with your family, Ripley’s Education Department is ready to help.

The colder months are a great time to learn a new craft, and Gatlinburg’s vibrant arts community features classes for kids and families. From artisanal instruction at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts to pottery classes at Fowler Clay Works, and glass making at Firefly Glass Studio, children can cultivate their creativity in Gatlinburg.

Kids need free reign to play, especially in winter. Gatlinburg’s next-level play experiences include indoor mini-golf at Circus Golf, cool 80's style games at Ripley's Super Fun Zone, and the epic 30,000-square-foot Arcadia arcade. For nostalgic fun, check out Fannie Farkle’s.