Best Rainy Day Things To Do in Gatlinburg

Indoor Attractions & Museums

Head for Gatlinburg’s top indoor attractions when the rain starts.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Peering at jellyfish in Ripley's Aquarium – a top indoor attraction perfect for rainy days. The centerpiece for many is Ripley’s Aquarium, an award-winning aquarium housing over 100,000 sea creatures. You can walk through a shark tunnel, see playful penguins and touch stingrays in a shallow lagoon. The aquarium is geared to all ages with interactive exhibits and even behind-the-scenes tours. It’s a bit pricey (adult tickets are around $40), and it gets crowded on rainy days – if possible, go early morning or later in the evening to avoid the biggest rush. Still, most families find it worth the money for a few hours out of the rain. (The main downtown trolley hub is right by the aquarium, which is handy if you want to ride instead of walk in the rain.)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Just up the Parkway, you’ll find Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, the classic Gatlinburg staple full of oddities and interactive exhibits. It’s an eclectic museum that has fascinated families for decades – expect shrunken heads, bizarre art, and hands-on illusions. Kids usually love it, though adults might find it kitschy; gauge your group’s interest (and budget – tickets run around $20–$30). Right nearby are more Ripley’s indoor attractions: the 5D Moving Theater (a short motion simulator ride – fun for a quick thrill, but fairly short for the cost), and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, a year-round haunted house complete with live actors. On a rainy afternoon, bundling a few of these together can keep a family entertained. Tip: Ripley’s offers combo passes if you plan to visit multiple attractions, which can save money versus buying separate tickets – check their official site for current deals.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum

If you’re a movie or car buff, Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a neat stop. This museum displays over 45 famous vehicles from TV and film (think the Batmobile, Back to the Future DeLorean, etc.). It’s a smaller venue, but car enthusiasts and nostalgia fans will enjoy the stroll down memory lane. Admission is moderate (around $15), and it doesn’t take too long to see everything – perfect for a short escape from the rain. You can often buy tickets at the door, and it’s usually not as crowded as the aquarium.

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

For something truly offbeat, The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a hidden gem on rainy days. Yes, you read that right – an entire museum of salt and pepper shakers! It’s actually the only museum of its kind in the world, right here in Gatlinburg. Inside you’ll find over 20,000 shaker sets from around the globe, from whimsical collectibles to historic designs. Entry is a mere $3 (and that $3 can be applied toward any shaker purchase in the gift shop), and kids 12 and under are free. It’s a quick, quirky diversion that’s surprisingly fun – and bonus: it’s located in Winery Square with free parking, which is a nice perk on a rainy day when street parking is tough to find.

Gatlinburg Pinball Museum

Don’t forget museum-like attractions that blend entertainment and education. The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum (if open – it occasionally relocates or changes) allows you to play dozens of vintage pinball machines and arcade games for one flat entry fee, essentially an interactive arcade and museum. It’s a blast for both kids and adults who want to relive the retro gaming days. And if you’re willing to drive a few minutes to Pigeon Forge, there are larger indoor museums like the Titanic Museum (with real artifacts and interactive exhibits) and Alcatraz East Crime Museum (delving into crime history). Those aren’t in Gatlinburg proper, but they’re options if you’re looking for a bigger excursion on a very rainy day. In Gatlinburg itself, you have plenty to choose from without leaving town.

Impossibilities Magic Show

Lastly, consider catching a show. Gatlinburg’s rainy evenings are ideal for indoor entertainment like Impossibilities Magic Show at the Iris Theater (inside the Space Needle building). This is a family-friendly comedy magic show by magician and mentalist Erik Dobell, offering a mix of mind-reading and Smoky Mountain humor. It’s a good break from typical attractions – and you’ll stay dry in the small theater. (Check showtimes; usually there’s an evening performance. Tickets are often around $30 for adults.) There aren’t huge Broadway-style productions in Gatlinburg, but this intimate show gets great reviews. Over in Pigeon Forge, you could opt for one of the bigger dinner shows if you’re up for the drive (like the comedy at The Comedy Barn or the pirate-themed Pirates Voyage), but for a convenient in-town activity, the magic show does the trick.

Arcades, Games & Interactive Fun

When it’s pouring outside, play inside! Gatlinburg has a surprising number of indoor activities that get you moving.

Ober Mountain Indoor Ice Arena

Lace up at Ober Mountain’s indoor ice arena – skating here is a year-round rainy day delight. A classic choice is heading up to Ober Gatlinburg (also known now as Ober Mountain). At the Ober mountain resort, you’ll find a large indoor ice skating rink that operates year-round in the enclosed mall at the mountain’s summit. Skating at Ober’s indoor arena is a beloved rainy-day activity – you can imagine you’re in a winter wonderland even in July. It’s affordable (around $10–$12 to skate including rentals) and fun for both kids and adults, whether you’re a pro or clinging to the rail. To reach Ober’s indoor facilities, you can take the Aerial Tramway from downtown (the tram ride itself is covered, though you might not see much if fog and rain clouds are heavy) or drive up Ski Mountain Road to the top. Either way, once you’re there, you’ll have access to not only skating but also a small arcade, indoor shops, and eateries in Ober’s mall. (Outdoor activities at Ober like the alpine slide or chairlift will close in heavy rain, but the indoor stuff stays open.)

Escape Rooms & VR

If skating isn’t your thing, Gatlinburg’s escape rooms and high-tech game venues might be. Gatlin’s Escape Games offers several 60-minute escape room adventures – some even have local Smoky Mountain themes (like one set in a haunted cabin). It’s a great group activity for teens or adult friends to solve puzzles together. Likewise, The Escape Game Gatlinburg (at The Island in Pigeon Forge, if you venture out) is another top-rated spot with elaborate themed rooms. For a newer twist, check out Gatlin’s VR and gelly blaster experience (Gatlin’s “Gel Blaster Nexus”), which lets you battle it out in an arena combining elements of laser tag and video games – basically a high-energy, indoor adventure perfect for a rainy afternoon. These activities aren’t cheap (expect ~$30 per person... but they can be a vacation highlight if you love interactive fun. Make reservations if possible, especially on rainy days when they tend to book up.

Indoor Mini-Golf & Arcades

Feel like some friendly competition? Gatlinburg has indoor mini-golf and arcades galore. Gatlin’s Fun Center on Parkway is a one-stop hub: it features an Indoor Blacklight Mini Golf course themed like a cosmic mine shaft, which is super cool visually and keeps you dry. They also have an outdoor mini-golf, bumper cars, and more, but on a rainy day you’ll stick to the blacklight course and the arcade games inside. Another quirky mini-golf is Circus Golf, a glow-in-the-dark indoor course with animated circus characters – it’s a bit funky and geared toward kids, but it’s cheap and entirely indoors (right next to the Haunted Adventure). As for arcades, you won’t have trouble finding them: Fannie Farkle’s is a downtown institution (famous for its arcade games and foot-long corn dogs – you can smell the fair food aroma from the sidewalk). It’s a small arcade but fun for a quick stop to play skee-ball or Pac-Man while you wait out a rain burst. Arcadia, located at the base of the Space Needle, is a larger modern arcade with two stories of games and even a VR coaster. On a rainy evening, Arcadia can keep kids (and nostalgic adults) busy for hours – just set a budget, because those game card swipes add up fast!

Axe Throwing & Activate Games

For older kids and adults looking for something different, consider indoor sports and challenges. Gatlinburg now has an indoor axe-throwing venue, Country Roads Axe Co., where you can hurl axes at digital targets and even grab a bite of wood-fired pizza while you’re at it. It sounds odd, but axe throwing bars have become a trend – and it’s actually a lot of fun in a group setting (with proper safety briefing). They welcome beginners and provide instruction, so don’t worry if you’ve never chucked an axe before. Because it serves food and drinks (yes, there’s a self-serve beer wall with local brews), it can be a good rainy night outing for adults or families with older teens. Reservations are a good idea on weekends.

One more high-tech adventure downtown is Activate Games (if it’s still operating – it opened around 2024). Activate is like a real-life video game center featuring laser mazes, climbing challenges, and touch-activated games in various rooms. It’s sort of a cross between an escape room and an arcade, focusing on physical and mental agility. You compete in small teams on missions that involve jumping on light-up floor tiles, solving puzzles under time pressure, etc. Reviews say it’s a blast for competitive folks or families with teens – and you’ll definitely work up a sweat. It’s located in a shopping center courtyard off the Parkway, and sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour. If you have a group that loves TV shows like Legends of the Hidden Temple or American Ninja Warrior, this could be a highlight. Just note, it’s not something for very young kids (the games are best for roughly ages 8 and up, due to the physical aspect).

Stroll, Shop & Sample Local Flavors

Rainy days are perfect for exploring local shops and tasting goodies.

Downtown Shopping

Indulge in a Crazy Mason creation – rainy days are perfect for over-the-top treats in Gatlinburg. One of the simple pleasures in Gatlinburg – rain or shine – is strolling downtown, popping in and out of shops, and tasting the local goodies. If it’s not a total downpour, grab your umbrella and embrace the classic Parkway stroll: Gatlinburg’s main strip has 200+ unique shops and plenty of covered doorways to duck into. You can actually have fun just people-watching under awnings, watching taffy being pulled in candy store windows, and hopping between boutiques to stay dry.

Start with the Mountain Mall, a Gatlinburg landmark since the 1970s. This is an old-school indoor mall right on the Parkway, six stories tall with an escalator in the middle and lots of small locally-owned shops. It’s a bit retro and quirky – you’ll find everything from a rare music store selling vinyl to an old-fashioned book shop, magic store, and home decor boutiques. The Mountain Mall is great on a rainy day because you can spend an hour roaming completely indoors. don’t expect a modern shopping mall experience; it’s more of a bazaar of unique finds. If nothing else, it’s entertaining to browse and maybe pick up a souvenir. Another downtown shopping area to explore is The Village Shops – while partly open-air, it has a cozy Old World aesthetic with narrow passages that offer some shelter. You can window-shop art galleries, a toy store, and pop into the famous Donut Friar for a hot coffee and fresh doughnut while the rain patters on the cobblestones.

Candy Shopping

Candy stores are a Gatlinburg tradition and make for a sweet rainy-day diversion. Two must-visits are Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and Aunt Mahalia’s Candies, both of which have been satisfying sweet tooths for decades. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has big front windows where you can often watch them pulling saltwater taffy on their machine (a mesmerizing sight on a dreary day). Inside, the smell of fudge and chocolate is heavenly. Aunt Mahalia’s is smaller but historic (around since the 1930s) and still makes candies the old-fashioned way. Pop in, watch the candy-making process if it’s happening, and maybe buy a little bag of pralines or taffy. It’s a delightful way to stay dry for a bit – and yes, sampling is encouraged.

Moonshine & Wine Tastings

Rainy days are also a fantastic excuse to sample Gatlinburg’s local spirits (for adults in the group). The town is famous for its moonshine distilleries, which thankfully have mostly indoor tasting rooms. The big one is Ole Smoky Moonshine (“The Holler”), America’s most visited distillery. At The Holler, you can sidle up to the long bar (under a covered roof) and do a tasting of different flavored moonshines. For about $5 you’ll get tiny samples of a dozen flavors – from classic corn mash to apple pie and fruity concoctions. It’s a loud, lively atmosphere with a house band often playing country or bluegrass under shelter in the courtyard (they have a roof, so even if it’s raining you can enjoy the live music without getting soaked). Do note the distillery’s courtyard is partially open-air; if it’s really pouring sideways, you might get a bit wet moving between the stage and store, but the main tasting area is covered. Nearby, Sugarlands Distilling Co. offers a similar setup – indoor/outdoor tasting bar, free live music, and a broader selection of moonshine and whiskey. If one is too crowded (and on wet days, they will be busy), try the other. And for something different, Tennessee Homemade Wines on the Parkway gives free tastings of sweet local wines – their sheltered shop is a nice place to linger and chat with staff about Appalachian fruit wines (and you won’t find many kids in there, a plus if you need a brief grown-up escape).

Cozy Eats & The "Fab Four"

Seeking a warm meal or a craft beer to ride out the storm? Gatlinburg’s restaurants are plentiful, but a few stand out on a rainy day. The area around Calhoun’s Village (at the north end of downtown) has a cluster of good eateries all next to each other – Calhoun’s (BBQ and steaks), Cherokee Grill (mountain lodge atmosphere, great steaks), Smoky Mountain Brewery (casual brewpub with local beers and pizzas), and Howard’s Steakhouse. These are all within a covered block, so you can park once and walk between them with minimal rain exposure. Locals affectionately call these four the “Fab Four” of Gatlinburg dining. On a cold rainy evening, I love grabbing a microbrew at Smoky Mountain Brewery – it’s cozy inside with wood paneling, sports on TV, and the sound of rain on the roof while you sip a seasonal ale.

If you prefer something sweet and fun, head to The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar (pictured above) or the Glades Soda Fountain. Crazy Mason is located off Parkway and specializes in absolutely over-the-top milkshakes served in souvenir mason jars – we’re talking slices of cake or whole donuts stuck on top of a shake! It’s a dessert and an activity all in one. Expect a line, but the shop is fully indoors and the creations are Instagram-worthy and delicious. Glades Soda Fountain, over in the Arts & Crafts Community, is a charming retro soda shop where you can get vintage-style malts, phosphates, and sundaes. It’s a bit of a drive (out on Glades Road), but if you’re already doing the Arts & Crafts loop, it’s a perfect pit stop to get out of the rain and enjoy a nostalgic treat.

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Speaking of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community – a rainy day can be a fine time to explore this 8-mile loop of artisan shops, as long as you don’t mind dashing from your car to storefronts. This historic loop (out along East Hwy 321 and Glades Rd) is home to nearly 100 artists and craftsmen – the largest group of independent artisans in North America. You can drive (or take the yellow trolley) from shop to shop, browsing pottery studios, woodcarving shops, galleries, and more. Many artists will gladly demonstrate their craft if you show interest. In one afternoon you could meet a broom-maker, watch a glassblower, and sample homemade jams or fudge in a country store. Each stop is relatively small, so you won’t be outside much except walking from the car, which is why this can work out even in the rain. Plus, it’s generally less crowded than downtown on bad weather days – few people venture off the Parkway, meaning you might have these studios largely to yourself. One recommended stop is Cliff Dwellers Gallery, the oldest gift shop in Gatlinburg, showcasing a variety of regional artists. Another is Alewine Pottery, known for their beautiful glazes and often a toasty kiln fire going (so cozy on a damp day). Driving the Arts & Crafts loop is also a nice way to see a different side of Gatlinburg – more local and authentic. Just drive carefully on those winding back roads, especially if fog is rolling in with the rain.

Relax at your Cabin or Hotel

Finally, if the weather is truly awful and you want to just relax indoors, there’s no shame in taking a break. Gatlinburg’s cabins, condos, and hotels are part of the experience – many are equipped with fireplaces, hot tubs, board games, and even private home theaters or pool tables. A rainy afternoon might be the perfect time to light the fireplace in your cabin, play some cards or a board game with the family, or watch a movie while the rain pelts the roof. If you’re staying at a resort like Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, you even have the option of their indoor water park (Wild Bear Falls), which is open to resort guests and the public for a fee. It’s a 60,000-square-foot heated water park under a retractable roof – essentially a giant indoor pool playground with slides and a lazy river. As of this writing, day passes cost around $30 for adults (kids under 3 are free). It’s a great way for kids to burn energy while it pours (just note they do close if there’s thunder). If you aren’t at Westgate, some other hotels in town have indoor pools or even indoor mini water parks – for example, some large cabin resorts have private indoor pools. So consider taking advantage of your accommodations’ amenities. Sometimes a lazy, cozy day “stuck” inside can be a memorable part of the trip – especially if you’ve been go-go-go all vacation. Use the downtime to recharge, maybe flip through brochures or our other free things to do in Gatlinburg ideas for when the weather clears.

Rainy Day Planning Tips

A little planning goes a long way on a soggy Smokies day.

• Start Early for Popular Spots: Indoor attractions like the Aquarium or Ripley’s Odditorium get busier as the day goes on, since everyone flocks there when rain sets in. If you know a stormy day is coming, try to visit top attractions right at opening. By afternoon, expect lines out the door at the aquarium on a rainy day. (One local tip: Many families rush to the aquarium first thing when it starts raining. If you instead went later in the day, say after 5 or 6 PM, sometimes it’s actually less crowded once the initial rush passes.)
• Use the Trolley and Covered Parking: Gatlinburg’s trolley system can be your friend in the rain. Rather than searching for street parking (and then walking blocks in a downpour), park once at a central garage – like the Aquarium Garage or the McMahan Parking Garage (both around $10/day) – or at your hotel, and ride the trolley to get around downtown. Trolleys are covered and cost about $1 or less per ride (some routes are even free in summer). Just bring a towel or plastic bag to sit on if you’re soaked – seats can be plastic. Also, carry some quarters or dollar bills for fare (though some trolleys now have apps or day passes).
• Bring or Buy Rain Gear: This sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating – pack that compact travel umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Gatlinburg’s shops do sell ponchos and umbrellas if you forget (often at souvenir shops or pharmacies on the Parkway), but prices can be higher for tourists. A cheap poncho from home or a good windproof travel umbrella will save you from impulsively buying one when you’re desperate. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack any – numerous stores have you covered (literally). Even gas stations or the Welcome Center often stock ponchos. And if you’re doing any hiking in light rain, waterproof footwear or quick-drying socks will be a lifesaver. Nothing is worse than squishy shoes the rest of the day.
• Be Ready for Sudden Temperature Drops: Rain in the mountains can cool things down quickly, especially if you were dressed for summer heat. When you go from humid 85°F outside to 65°F and rainy, those indoor places can feel chilly if you’re damp. Carry a dry layer – even a thin sweater or a travel towel to dry off. Many indoor attractions blast air conditioning, so having a dry change for little kids (or yourself) can prevent the post-rain shivers.
• Check for Weather Alerts & Closures: While downtown Gatlinburg will chug along through rain, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park may close certain areas if conditions get unsafe (e.g. flooding or landslides on roads). If you had plans to drive Newfound Gap or visit Cades Cove and severe weather hits, check the park’s Twitter or call the information line for closures. Even trails can become dangerous with flash flooding. Instead, pivot to the indoor ideas we’ve covered. Also, some attractions with outdoor components might pause operations during heavy rain or storms – for instance, the Skylift Park will close if lightning is nearby, and Ober’s aerial tram might halt in high winds. So always have a Plan B.
• Take Advantage of “Rainy Day” Discounts: Keep an eye out for any special promotions. Occasionally, attractions will offer rainy day specials to lure people in. For example, Ripley’s sometimes has a “beat the crowds” discount in spring, or you might find a coupon in local brochures for indoor mini-golf or museums. Your hotel lobby likely has free coupon booklets – flip through those on a rainy morning to see if any deals apply. Don’t be shy to ask an attraction’s ticket desk if they have any current promotions or combo tickets; the worst they say is no, and sometimes you’ll learn about a package (like “buy aquarium + 2 other Ripley’s attractions for X price”) that isn’t well advertised.
• Expect Crowds in Some Spots, Solitude in Others: It’s ironic – some places get busier in bad weather (aquarium, indoor rides), while others get quieter (craft loop shops, less-popular museums). If you really dislike crowds, consider zigging where others zag. A quiet gallery, a small museum, or even a matinee movie in nearby Pigeon Forge (there’s a movie theater at The Forge Cinemas) could be a low-key alternative to packed attractions. Even a scenic drive in the rain can be peaceful – the national park’s roads like Roaring Fork or Newfound Gap Road can be almost empty in rainy weather, and the misty views are beautifully atmospheric. Just drive cautiously, use headlights, and be alert for wildlife or slick spots. And if you go that route, stop by a park visitor center like Sugarlands on your way – their indoor nature exhibits and 20-minute film are free and worthwhile.
• Stay Safe and Flexible: Above all, prioritize safety. If there are thunderstorms, avoid being out on exposed attractions or ridges. If a downpour is causing street flooding (it can happen in town during heavy rain), maybe linger in that restaurant a bit longer until water recedes. Give yourself extra travel time – rain can slow Gatlinburg’s already busy traffic. And be willing to shuffle your schedule. Maybe that hike you wanted becomes a mini-golf tournament instead, or the big outdoor dinner gets swapped for pizza delivery to the cabin. That’s okay! Some of my most fun Gatlinburg memories happened when weather forced us to try something unexpected. Embrace the spontaneity – you might end up telling the story of that crazy downpour and the cozy arcade you discovered because of it, more than the sunny days.