Rainy Day Plans in the Smokies: Indoor Fun for the Whole Family

Just because the clouds roll in doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Whether you're cozied up in one of our Great Escape Shop cabins or out exploring town, the Smoky Mountains offer plenty of family-friendly indoor activities to keep everyone smiling—even on a rainy day.

A person wrapped in a patterned blanket sits on a wooden balcony of a cabin, gazing at a rainy forest. The mood is contemplative.

Here are our top picks for staying entertained when the skies turn gray:

1. Get Cozy and Creative in Your Cabin

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy your cabin to the fullest. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Wooden sauna with digital display, surrounded by light wood walls. A potted plant and a white robe hang beside the sauna, creating a cozy ambiance.

Board game marathons (most of our cabins are stocked!)
Movie night with popcorn and cozy blankets
Indoor picnic on the living room floor
Hot cocoa bar for the kids + a wine-and-charcuterie board for the grown-ups
Try out that luxurious soaking tub at Tucked Inn or indoor sauna at Dragonfly Inn

2. Play Indoors at WonderWorks (Pigeon Forge)

Man and child play with glowing sand in a colorful, space-themed exhibit. The man wears a red shirt, and the background has space decorations.

An upside-down building packed with 100+ hands-on exhibits, WonderWorks is fun for all ages. From an indoor ropes course to a bubble lab and a hurricane simulator, kids and adults can explore for hours.

3. See a Show

Cowboys perform on horses in a large arena with star patterns. Audience fills tiered seating, creating an energetic atmosphere.

Live entertainment thrives in the Smokies! Great for rainy days, these shows combine fun, food, and laughs:

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – great for families, especially kids
Pirates Voyage Dinner Show – stunts, mermaids, and a splash zone!
The Comedy Barn – silly, wholesome fun for all ages

4. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg)

People walk through an aquarium tunnel, surrounded by fish, sharks, and a turtle. The mood is joyful; water reflects a vibrant blue.

Sharks, penguins, and jellyfish—oh my! This award-winning aquarium is a hit with little ones and offers plenty of interactive exhibits, like touching stingrays or crawling through a glass tunnel beneath the sea.

5. Taste Your Way Through Town

Person smiling behind a bakery counter filled with various donuts. Visible text includes prices and labels. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

A little rain makes the perfect excuse to go on a smoky sweet treat crawl. Some family favorites:

The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg (don’t miss the cinnamon sugar)
Mad Dog’s Creamery in Pigeon Forge (ice cream + doughnuts = yes)
Apple Barn Cider Mill in Sevierville – fresh apple cider and fritters!

6. Visit the Toy Box Mini Golf & Arcade (Pigeon Forge)

Child bends backward under green laser beams on colorful carpet. Background features game decor, creating a fun, energetic atmosphere.

The indoor arcade portion is filled with fun games, claw machines, and plenty of chances for your kids to win prizes while staying dry.

7. Take a Crafty Break at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Adults and children in aprons engage in pottery at a workshop. Bright studio with clay and tools on tables. Text on aprons: "Arrowmont."

Drive the 8-mile loop through this unique collection of artisan shops in Gatlinburg. Kids can watch woodcarvers, potters, and glass blowers do their magic—or pick out a handmade souvenir to remember the trip.

Bonus: Rainy Day Toddler Tips

For our guests with tiny travelers, we recommend:

Toy rentals from places like Little Explorers (local delivery available!)
A trip to Sevier County Library – many have dedicated children’s areas and story time
Indoor play areas like Toybox or Jungle Adventure

Rainy Day Bliss Right in Your Cabin

Downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer plenty of indoor attractions, but sometimes the best rainy day adventures happen right inside your cozy cabin. At Great Escape Shop, our cabins are designed with comfort and fun in mind—making them perfect for laid-back, rainy day vibes.

From fully equipped kitchens ideal for baking cookies or whipping up your favorite comfort foods, to spacious living rooms made for board games and movie marathons, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained. Covered decks with steamy hot tubs let you enjoy the sound of the rain while you soak, and high-speed Wi-Fi means you can catch up on the news, stream your favorite shows, or even do a little online shopping—without ever leaving the cabin.

Our Dreamy Rainy Day in the Smokies

Start slow with a warm cup of coffee on the porch, watching the mist drift through the trees.
Whip up a hearty breakfast in your kitchen, then snuggle up in cozy socks by the fireplace with a good book.
Catch a movie or dive into games in the living room or game room (some cabins have pool, air hockey, or arcade games!).
Host an indoor picnic with sandwiches and snacks—or take it out to the covered deck for a view of the rain.
Sneak in an afternoon nap in a plush king-size bed.
End the day right with a family movie night in the theater room, a big dinner around the table, card games and laughs late into the night, or s’mores and stargazing under a covered porch.

Rainy days in the Smokies can become some of your most memorable moments—with just the right blend of cozy and carefree.

💡 Need help picking the best rainy day option near your cabin? Just ask us—we’re always happy to help our guests plan a great escape, rain or shine!