Gatlinburg Space Needle
About
The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers families a thrilling 407-foot elevator ride to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Kids will be mesmerized by the glass elevators and panoramic vistas, while the arcade and entertainment options at the base provide extra fun before or after your trip to the top.
Highlights
- ✓Glass elevators that offer views during the 30-second ride up
- ✓Two observation decks with 360-degree mountain views
- ✓Coin-operated binoculars for wildlife and landmark spotting
- ✓Arcade games and entertainment center at the base
- ✓Nighttime views of Gatlinburg's illuminated downtown strip
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during sunset for spectacular views as the sun dips behind the mountains, then stay to see Gatlinburg's lights twinkle below after dark
- 2.Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line, especially during peak summer and fall foliage season
- 3.Let kids bring quarters for the binocular viewers at the top to spot landmarks and wildlife in the mountains
- 4.The arcade at the base is perfect for keeping kids entertained if there's a wait, so arrive 15-20 minutes early
- 5.Download photos taken in front of the green screen before you leave,they make great souvenirs
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) are least crowded, or visit late evening Friday/Saturday when it's open until 1-3 AM for a unique nighttime experience. October is magical for fall colors, but expect larger crowds.
What to Know
Ticket prices are moderate ($$) with family packages available. There's a parking lot on-site, though it fills quickly during peak times. No food available at the top, but snacks and drinks are sold at the base.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours on weekends. Fall (October) offers stunning foliage views but brings the biggest crowds. Winter visits can be chilly at the top, so dress warmly. Summer provides the longest operating hours and clearest mountain views.
Nearby Eats
Pancake Pantry (a Gatlinburg institution just a few blocks away, famous for breakfast but expect a wait) or Mellow Mushroom on the Parkway for kid-friendly pizza and a casual atmosphere.
More Activities Near Gatlinburg
Mysterious Mansion
Mysterious Mansion offers a perfectly balanced spooky experience for families with elementary-aged children who want haunted house thrills without the nightmares. This three-story attraction in downtown Gatlinburg delivers classic haunted house fun with theatrical scares and creepy surprises that are designed to excite rather than terrify, making it an ideal first haunted house experience for adventurous kids.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
This eight-mile scenic loop showcases over 120 independent artisan studios where kids can watch skilled craftspeople create everything from hand-thrown pottery to beeswax candles right before their eyes. It's a wonderful hands-on cultural experience that lets children see how everyday items are made while exploring authentic Appalachian heritage in a relaxed, stroller-friendly environment.
Gatlinburg Pinball Museum
The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum offers a unique twist on family entertainment with its all-you-can-play admission to dozens of vintage and modern pinball machines. Kids and parents alike will love the nostalgic atmosphere and hands-on fun, where every machine is playable and there's no need to scramble for quarters. The climate-controlled space makes it a perfect rainy day activity or a welcome break from Gatlinburg's summer heat.
Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead
The Gatlinburg Trail is a hidden gem for families seeking an easy introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the challenging terrain. This completely flat, paved two-mile riverside path is one of the only stroller-accessible trails in the park, making it perfect for families with little ones in wagons or strollers, and it's one of just two trails in the park where leashed dogs are welcome.