Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a fantastic family-friendly destination nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. With its mix of thrilling attractions, natural beauty, and kid-friendly entertainment, this charming town offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether your kids love roller coasters, outdoor activities, or interactive museums, this destination has something for every age group.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids:
Visiting Dollywood
One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, the renowned theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. This amusement park offers a perfect mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern charm. For younger children, Country Fair features classic carnival rides, while older kids and teens will love roller coasters like Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod. The park also has a water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, where families can cool off during the summer.
Exploring the Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit entertainment complex featuring a variety of activities for kids. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel with stunning views of the Smokies. Kids will also enjoy the Island Ropes Course, Bumper Cars, and Arcade City. Don’t forget to watch the synchronized Island Show Fountains, which dance to music and lights every 30 minutes.
Experiencing WonderWorks
For an educational yet fun experience, visit WonderWorks, an interactive science museum housed in an upside-down building. Kids can explore over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a space zone, earthquake simulator, and a bubble lab. The indoor ropes course and laser tag arena add to the excitement, making this a great stop for curious young minds.
Enjoying a Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge is known for its incredible dinner shows, which provide entertainment and delicious meals for the whole family.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede – A thrilling horse-riding competition with impressive stunts, comedy, and a four-course Southern feast.
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show – A high-energy pirate-themed show with acrobatics, sea battles, and a full dinner.
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – A hilarious family-friendly show based on the legendary family feud, featuring comedy, dancing, and an all-you-can-eat meal.
Visiting the Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is a fascinating and interactive experience that allows kids to step into history. Children can touch an iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase, and even try to steer the ship. Each visitor receives a boarding pass of a real Titanic passenger, making the experience more personal and engaging.
Taking a Ride on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
For a thrilling outdoor adventure, hop on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This gravity-driven coaster allows riders to control their speed as they zoom down the mountain. It's a perfect ride for kids who love a little excitement but may not be ready for high-speed roller coasters.
Playing at TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena
If your kids need to burn off some energy, TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena is the place to be. This indoor adventure park features trampolines, a climbing center, a ninja course, and an arcade. It’s a great spot for rainy days or when kids need an active break from sightseeing.
Going Mini-Golfing
Pigeon Forge has some fantastic mini-golf courses that kids will love. Some top choices include:
- Crave Golf Club – A candy-themed indoor and rooftop mini-golf course.
- Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf – An adventure-filled course with caves, waterfalls, and a mining train.
- Fantasy Golf – A whimsical mini-golf course featuring dragons, castles, and fairy tale creatures.
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nature-loving families can take a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where kids can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and picnicking. Easy family-friendly trails include Laurel Falls Trail and Cades Cove Loop, where you might spot deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a fun stop where kids can take pictures with lifelike wax figures of their favorite movie stars and celebrities. The museum also has a Castle of Chaos 5D interactive adventure and a mirror maze for additional fun.
Enjoying Go-Kart Racing at The Track
For adrenaline-pumping fun, take the kids to The Track, a go-kart racing complex with multiple tracks for all ages. The Kids Track is designed for younger racers, while older kids and parents can compete on the Wild Woody, a multi-level wooden go-kart track.
Visiting the Alcatraz East Crime Museum
If your kids are fascinated by mysteries and detective stories, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a great stop. This interactive museum explores crime history, forensic science, and law enforcement. Exhibits include Bonnie & Clyde’s getaway car and an FBI training simulator.
Having Fun at the Pigeon Forge Snow
One of the most unique attractions in Pigeon Forge is Pigeon Forge Snow, America’s first indoor snow tubing facility. No matter the season, kids can enjoy tubing down snowy hills or playing in the snow play area—without needing winter gear!
Taking a Ride on the Dollywood Express
If you want a relaxing ride through the Smokies, hop on the Dollywood Express, an authentic coal-fired steam train that takes passengers on a scenic 20-minute journey through the foothills. This is a perfect activity for little ones who love trains.
Trying Indoor Skydiving at Flyaway
For adventurous kids, Flyaway Indoor Skydiving offers a safe and exciting skydiving simulation. No jumping from planes—just an indoor wind tunnel where kids and parents can experience the thrill of floating in the air.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge is a paradise for families with kids, offering a wide range of attractions from thrilling rides and interactive museums to outdoor adventures and dinner shows. Whether you're looking for high-energy activities or relaxing scenic experiences, this Smoky Mountain town has something to keep every child entertained. No matter how long you stay, you’ll leave with wonderful memories and plenty of reasons to return!