My family was given admission to Ober Gatlinburg, however, all opinions are our own.
Today I would like to share with you one my family’s favorite places to play and have fun, Ober Gatlinburg. My brother and his family came for a visit from way out yonder in the west, so we knew a perfect place to take them for some family reunion fun was Ober Gatlinburg located in Gatlinburg, TN. It has lots of fun for all ages, which made it perfect for our group. You can access all the fun at Ober by a great tram ride from the parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, or take a short drive up the mountain.
What is there to do at Ober Gatlinburg you ask? Where do I begin? It is one of the best values for family fun that I have found. For $22 a person you can get the basic wrist band which allows you unlimited access to most of the activities there (you can also upgrade for a couple of more activities). The first place we usually high-tail-it to is the alpine slide.
You take a relaxing chair lift ride up to the top of the alpine slide, get a sled and then scoot down the mountain on a winding track. There is usually a good line for this, so plan your time accordingly. (We have found that after 5pm the crowds die down significantly). Once you get on the chair lift it will be at least 25 minutes before you are back at the bottom.
The views from the slow moving chair lift are amazing and peaceful. If you want to go further up the mountain on the chair lift you can stay on and go to the very top where the views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are spectacular!
My man and I stole away from the kids for a bit to enjoy the views and a little time together.
From here you can see where the Gatlinburg fires burned much of the surrounding mountain ridges in Nov 2016, but Gatlinburg is still in great shape and everything is open.
Along with the chair lift and Alpine slide there are kiddie rides (which the cousins enjoyed), ice skating, water raft rides (you will get wet, but you don’t need a bathing suit), and a brand new mountain coaster!
The whole family was excited to try this new adventure. It does require a separate ticket to ride. This ride was something I had never experienced before. We were high up on the mountain being pulled leisurely along to the top in our own coaster car (the smaller kids could ride with an adult).
And then there were twists and turns, zigs and zags coming down. You essentially control your own speed which is good for the kiddos and fun for the adults.
The ride lasts about 5 minutes depending on how fast you go and is a fun experience, one you will always remember.
Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of bathrooms, places to purchase food and one thing I love is the water fountains. It was a hot day and we were glad to be able to quench our thirst easily, it helped the kids not get too cranky. I hope when you visit Gatlinburg that you will be sure and spend a day playing at Ober Gatlingburg (and in the winter they have skiing and sledding!)
Remember these Ober Gatlinburg tips:
Parking costs $5
After 5pm the crowds are lighter
Give yourself AT LEAST 5 hours to enjoy everything (you will want more)
Save money by purchasing wristbands
Give yourself plenty of time to ride the Alpine Slide
Be sure and check out other Smoky Mountain Fun and place to eat in Gatlinburg
Share Your Thoughts