Haunted houses and ghost walks in Gatlinburg are a lot of fun for older kids and adults at Halloween. But if your crew includes a few tiny tots, you will probably need to find some activities that are a bit less frightening for young children. Luckily, there are lots of things to do for even the smallest ones of the family. Try some of these fun Halloween ideas that are sure to be a treat for all of your little ghosts and goblins while visiting the Smokies.
Pumpkin Patches –Pumpkin carving is one of my favorite parts of Halloween. Even your youngest kids can participate in this, and they always love stopping by a pumpkin patch to pick out their very own to decorate. But pumpkin patches don’t just offer pick-your-own-pumpkin. Corn mazes (check out our Smoky Mountain Corn Mazes blog for a list), bonfires, petting zoos and pony rides are just a few of the other things to do. A pumpkin patch is the perfect place to take your little pumpkin for some fall fun in Gatlinburg!
Hayrides– Cades Cove Riding Stables offers a 1 ½ to 2 hour hayride around the Cades Cove Loop from mid-March through October 31st. You can ride along with a park ranger for narration ($8.50 per person), or just hop on and enjoy the scenery ($6 per person). You can call 865-448-9009 for reservations. A few other hayrides available in the area are:
- Apple Valley Riding Stables: Enjoy this quiet ride next to and through a quiet stream. You can even make special requests for a bonfire at the end. For more information, visit the Apple Valley Riding Stables website.
- EchoBrooke Farms: Tucked in the historic West Millers Cove, EchoBrooke Farms takes you back to simpler times. This hayride will lead you next to mountain streams and fields of bright wildflowers. Check out the EchoBrooke Farms website for more information.
- Old Fashioned Hayrides in Gatlinburg: This hayride through downtown Gatlinburg departs from traffic light #6 about every 45 minutes, November 1st– December 31st. Call 865-436-3897 for more information.
Trick or Treat Kick Off Carnival –From 12 to 3 pm on Halloween day, families can enjoy a day of fun at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies plaza. There will be contests, costumed characters, lots of candy, and an inflatable bounce house. Parents can be sure their kids are trick-or-treating in a safe environment, courtesy of the Gatlinburg Police and Fire Departments, and all the game proceeds go to the Sevier County United Way.
Watch a Halloween movie –After all the running around Gatlinburg to please the kiddos, tuck them (and yourself) in on the couch and watch the classic, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This is a great Halloween movie for the kids, and an even better opportunity for you to finally relax!
Make your own treats –What could be more fun than whipping up your own spooky treats? With a fully-equipped kitchen in your cabin, all you have to do is stop by the store to pick up a few supplies to create your own ghoulish goodies. Check out these Halloween cakes and dessert recipes for some awesome recipes and ideas.