The best Gatlinburg family days mix one free mountain morning with one paid attraction. Westgate's $149 package covers three nights in a villa and hands back a $150 Visa gift card to spend on the paid part.
Up nextA 3-day plan with a rainy-day backup.The deal that pays for the fun
The $150 card covers about three adult Anakeesta tickets, with three nights at Westgate Smoky Mountain, 2 miles from downtown.
- $150 Visa gift card
- Villa with kitchen, fireplace, balcony
- Access to Wild Bear Falls
Perfect for
- Families with kids. The water park package includes tickets to Wild Bear Falls, an indoor water park at the resort.
- Couples. The Anakeesta package includes two tickets.
- Hikers. Great Smoky Mountains logged more than 12 million recreation visits in 2024.
- Wild Bear Falls indoor water park tickets
- 4 days / 3 nights
Free and nearly free
- The national park. No entrance fee. Parking tags are $5 a day or $15 a week, per the National Park Service.
- Cades Cove. An 11-mile loop with wildlife. The NPS says allow 2–4 hours.
- Downtown. The Gatlinburg Trolley is free.
The national park is free to enter. Park tags and the trolley cost less than one lunch downtown.
Worth paying for
| Attraction | Price |
|---|---|
| Anakeesta | $39.99 adult / $27.99 child |
| Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies | Varies |
| Wild Bear Falls | About $35 adult |
| Ober Gatlinburg, SkyPark (Gatlinburg CVB) | Varies |
Full detail: Anakeesta tickets and Wild Bear Falls. Wild Bear Falls closes January to March 2027.
A 3-day family plan
- Day 1: arrive, then Wild Bear Falls or Ripley's Aquarium
- Day 2 morning: the 90-minute tour after breakfast
- Day 2 afternoon: Anakeesta, then the trolley downtown for dinner
- Day 3: an early Cades Cove drive and a park picnic
- Keep Ripley's or Wild Bear Falls for a rainy afternoon
- 2 Anakeesta tickets
- 4 days / 3 nights
Before you book a package
Rules change by destination. See if you qualify for the $149 Gatlinburg deal → It takes 30 seconds.
Every package includes a 90-minute resort tour, best booked for your first morning. There's no obligation to buy. The package requirements guide explains how the tour and check-in work.
The verdict
One free mountain morning, one paid attraction, the trolley for downtown, and a gift card to cover the tickets. More on the Gatlinburg destination page.
- $150 Visa gift card
- Villa with kitchen, fireplace, balcony
- Access to Wild Bear Falls