Now is the perfect time to start planning for a memorable getaway to Gatlinburg. The fall season is almost upon us, and we are welcoming it with open arms. If you have yet to see Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall, you will be in for quite the treat. The changing color of leaves to red, orange, and yellow is something special, and the cooler weather is perfect for a cozy sweater. Whenever you plan for a fall getaway, your kids are sure to inquire about where they will be able to go trick-or-treating. Luckily, Gatlinburg and the surrounding community has plenty of incredible events that include trick-or-treating in the area for a safe and fun experience. Here are the best ways to enjoy Gatlinburg TN trick or treating this year:
SkyLift Park’s Boo Bash
If you have visited Gatlinburg before, you have probably already checked out SkyLift Park. It is a more recent addition to the city and is home to the longest pedestrian rope bridge in the country. Many individuals come up here for the beautiful views and unique attractions found only in the park. Each October, SkyLift Park hosts their annual Boo Bash that transforms the park into a fall treasure. Different exhibits and decorations are brought out for the entire month, offering a truly fresh experience. One of the best parts of Boo Bash is the opportunity for the children to trick-or-treat on Halloween Day. They just need to dress up in their best costume and collect all of the delicious candy they can hold. Boo Bash is part of the regular admission into SkyLift Park, with no separate ticket needed.
Trick-or-Treat Kick Off Karnival at Ripley’s
Another wonderful attraction here in the area is found with our neighbors over in Pigeon Forge. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been a staple for the community for years. It hosts some stunning habitats for underwater creatures such as sharks, rays, penguins, jellyfish, and much more. Ripley’s has been known to host special events throughout the year and continues into the fall season. They host their annual Trick-or-Treat Kick Off Karnival on Halloween Day. This special event allows young children to enjoy trick-or-treating early in the day. The event starts off at 11:00 AM on Halloween Day, where your children can collect candy around the premises. Access to the Trick-or-Treat Kick Off Karnival is included with regular admission, so all you have to do is have your child come in costume and enjoy the show. There will also be a costume contest and more fun too. Ripley’s Trick-or-Treat Kick Off Karnival is taking place Halloween Day from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for all guests.
Trick-or-Treat at The Island
While you are over in Pigeon Forge, you will be able to stop by additional attractions such as The Island. This is sprawling entertainment district that features over 60 different shops, restaurants, and attractions over a span of 23 acres. You will find yourself needing all day to see all there is to see here at this popular attraction. Perhaps the most famous part of The Island is the 200-foot Ferris wheel located in the center. Take a ride and get a glimpse of unparalleled views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also check out the Show Fountain or make an attempt through the Escape Game. Either way, you will find Halloween evening to be the place to be here at The Island for their Trick-or-Treat at The Island event. Just as the name suggests, it is a trick-or-treat experience for children who show up in their best costume. This event is free to attend and lets your little ones collect candy from local vendors in a safe environment. This year’s Trick-or-Treat at The Island will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Halloween Day.
Halloween Trail at Ancient Lore Village
One last Halloween event that features trick-or-treating for little ones is Halloween Trail over at Ancient Lore Village. This attraction is found in Knoxville, which is also easy to get to from our vacation rentals. The park itself features many different literary characters but Halloween Trail adds a spooky element to it. Enjoy Gatlinburg TN trick or treating with your children or watch Charlie Brown over in the Village Gardens. Halloween Trail will happen on October 18th, 26th, and 30th here at Ancient Lore Village from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM each day.
More Fun Happens Here in Gatlinburg
You will not find a better place to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains than our vacation rentals here in Gatlinburg. Reserve one today and see for yourself!
This year it is time to get away and spend your fall season right here in Gatlinburg. The fall season has finally started and with it comes Halloween that is just around the corner. Gatlinburg features a variety of unique events and activities that will make celebrating this spooky holiday even more fun. Many of these events and activities are for all ages so everyone in the family can join in on the fun. Take a look at some fun ways to spend Halloween in Gatlinburg:
Ripley’s Fright Nights
One of the top attractions found in Gatlinburg year-round is the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. This exciting attraction features all kind of unique and education attractions for a fun experience. For the Halloween holiday Ripley’s transforms into the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, a thrilling haunted house experience complete with live actors. It has been voted as the #1 haunted house in all of Gatlinburg and is over 10,000 square feet in size. Additional attractions found at Ripley’s include the 5D Moving Theatre and Mirror Maze. Don’t forget to stop by the Aquarium of the Smokies to see some incredible aquatic animals up close including jellyfish and plenty of colorful fish. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and Fright Nights will take place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday each week of October!
Pigeon Forge Spooktacular
Visitors may be unfamiliar on where to take their kids trick or treating, especially if it’s their first time in Gatlinburg. Neighboring town Pigeon Forge will be hosting their annual Spooktacular Halloween Event on Thursday October 28th. This all-ages event takes place at the Pigeon Forge Community Center where you and your children can enjoy a safe and indoor trick or treating experience. Local businesses and vendors will be on hand handing out candy to all those dressed up for the event. You can also enjoy additional activities such as live entertainment and a haunted house. The Spooktacular Halloween Event is completely free to attend and has been a staple for the Pigeon Forge community each year around Halloween. The event will run from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on October 28th. And while you’re at Pigeon Forge celebrating Halloween, don’t forget to ride the haunted roller coaster. Kids of all ages will enjoy the special Halloween lighting effects and live actor ghosts and goblins, as the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster turns spooktacular.
The Mysterious Mansion
Providing year-round spooky fun, the Mysterious Mansion in downtown Gatlinburg goes all out on their favorite holiday. They add more creepy live actors and even creepier, extra spooky special effects. This three-story Victorian-style mansion has been scaring guests for over forty years and they just get better every year. Their special Halloween showings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October are recommended for teens and adults only due to the fright factor, but their normal, “slightly less scary” showings take place on weekdays.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park’s Spooktacular Smokies
Halloween at SkyLift Park is quickly becoming a tradition for area families. On Halloween weekend, SkyLift Park hosts the annual Spooktacular Smokies event with plenty of activities for the whole family with Halloween-themed activities for the kids, spooky music and scary stories told by creepy storytellers from the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association out on the SkyDeck. Come early so everyone can enjoy the walk across The SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in the country. The bridge is over 680 feet long with over 30 feet of glass panels in the middle of the bridge offering an amazing and scary view of the rocky ground below. Enjoy the beautiful, panoramic views from the SkyLift chairs as they take you up the 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain or hike the SkyTrail. Tulip tower and its four elevated platforms offer even more gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
Anakeesta Amusement Park
Another annual event is The Legend of Hallow Mountain at Anakeesta Amusement Park, with family-friendly crafts and games, fall-inspired treats, and more. Explore the Firefly Forest as you walk along lighted, elevated bridges hung between the trees, go Ziplining with Zombies, or take your chances on the Haunted Rail Runner Coaster. There are several “scare” zones too, like the Hallow Mountain Graveyard full of spooky props, scary noises, chainsaws, coffins (of course), zombies, spooky fog and more. Plan to spend the entire day at the park and start things off with an exciting Ridge Rambler shuttle ride (think large ATVs) scrambling up the mountain or a gentle gondola ride to the top. The observation tower at the summit is surrounded by gorgeous botanical gardens and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding Smokies. Enjoy live music concerts, gem and fossil mining, and more fun throughout the year.
More Halloween Fun in Gatlinburg
Halloween is all about family fun right here in Gatlinburg. Get ready for your own fall getaway by reserving one of our vacation cabins here in the area. Experience Gatlinburg the way it was meant to be experienced!