Best 15 Fun Things To Do in Pigeon Forge With Kids
Pigeon Forge is a great destination for families looking for a fun, affordable vacation spot. With so many fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids and to see, it can be hard to narrow down what activities are best for kids. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide for the best parts of family fun in Pigeon Forge. Read on to discover the Best 15 Fun Things to do in Pigeon Forge with Kids that all ages will love!
Located near Knoxville in East Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is in Sevier County near the Little Pigeon River and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pigeon Forge is one of the best places for a family vacation, and it’s location puts it within a days scenic drive of most of the Eastern United States!
Fun Things to do in Pigeon Forge with Kids
Located just a short drive away from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge is home to some amazing amusement parks and attractions that are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. With so many thrilling rides, games and shows, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a day full of adventure or just a few hours of fun, Pigeon Forge is the place to be.fgo
Pigeon Forge in Tennessee is a great destination if you’re looking to spend quality time with your family. Not only can you enjoy the natural beauty of the area, but there are also tons of activities designed especially for families. From go-kart tracks and bumper boats to mini golf and laser tag, Pigeon Forge is a great option and provides plenty of fun things to do for all ages. So why not plan a vacation in Pigeon Forge and make some special family memories? fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids
Here are some of the top family friendly entertainment ideas for Pigeon Forge
Best Amusement Parks and Atrractions
Dollywood
Are you looking for a fun family vacation that will provide entertainment for all ages? Dollywood theme park, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, is the perfect destination for your next family vacation. From thrilling rides to award-winning shows, Dollywood is one of the best fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
Dollywood is home to roller coasters, thrill rides, a steam train, live music, and much more. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids, good southern food, and a bald eagle habitat. You could spend several days (or a very long day) doing all the rides at Dollywood. To cool off, Dollywood also has a water park! Picking Dollywood is the best way to ensure the entire family has a great time!
A recently opened a new expansion called Wildwood Grove includes several new rides. Dollywood’s Lightning Rod is the worlds fastest wooden roller coaster! Spring of 2023 will see more new rides.
After Christmas break Dollywood does close until reopening for spring break.
Dollywood is our top thing to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
Race down the mountains in a Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coasters are a great attraction that provides visitors to the area with an adrenaline-filled ride. The coaster is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes riders through the beautiful Smoky Mountains
It is a thrilling ride that is sure to be remembered by those who take it! The coaster is made up of a series of dips and turns that make it a thrilling ride. It is also equipped with a braking system that gives riders the ability to control their speed.
The coaster is situated at a high elevation and provides stunning views of the mountains and surrounding areas. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is an incredible experience that is sure to be enjoyed by all who take it. You can ride with a kid if they’re not old enough to ride their own. There are a few different coasters in the area. Our favorite is Rocky Top Mountain Coaster because it is a longer ride with several hills, compared to one hill at most of the others
Pigeon Forge Tubing (snow & non snow)
Rowdy Bear Adventure Park has year round tubing without the snow. Instead of snow, you slide down a plastic slide that is sprayed with water. A “magic carpet” conveyor belt pulls you back to the top. Rowdy Bear also has a laser coaster, which is a roller coaster with laser guns that you try to shoot at targets. The coaster is suitable for younger kids.
For real snow tubing, Pigeon Forge Snow offers indoor snow tubing year round. Ober Gatlinburg has outdoor snow tubing in the winter.
In conclusion, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to bring the whole family! With plenty of entertainment options, there is something for everyone – young or old. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, an insightful educational experience or a fantastic meal, Pigeon Forge has plenty of activities to offer for families with kids.
Enjoy a Comedy Show or Dinner Theater Show
Pigeon Forge is the place to be for a good laugh! Known for its numerous comedy shows, it features top-notch comedians from both local and national circuits. Whether you’re looking to laugh your heart out or just have some fun, Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination. A dinner show can be a good rainy or cold day activity when looking for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids
Some of the highest rated shows:
Go-Kart Tracks
Pigeon Forge attractions are some of the best in the country, and one of the most popular is the NASCAR speedpark. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, this attraction offers a thrilling race experience for visitors of all ages.
The go-kart track is designed to mimic the curves and turns of a real NASCAR track, and the speed of the karts can reach up to 40mph. The track is also well-lit with LED lights, making it a fun and safe place to race. With a variety of packages available, visitors can choose the one that best suits their needs.
There are a plenty of options for go karts in the area. NASCAR Speedpark let’s you pay one rate for unlimited rides all day. There are also other rides, bumper boats, and slower karts for younger kids to drive. Book online to save some money and skip the long line when you arrive.
The Track and Speedzone Fun Park are other great option, and includes other rides and bumper boats.
Visit an Animal Farm and Petting Zoo
Pigeon Forge is known for a lot of things, but one of the unique activities that you can do while visiting there is to take a trip to an animal farm and petting zoo. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife and see some animals you may not have seen before. Plus, it’s interactive–you can even pet some of the animals! So if you want a truly unique experience, be sure to check out an animal farm or petting zoo in Pigeon Forge.
If you’re looking for something fun while in Pigeon Forge, why not check out some of the local farms? Many of these offer interactive experiences such as feeding the animals or taking a guided tour. This can be a really unique experience that’s sure to create lasting memories. Plus, you’ll get some great photos too! So if you’re looking for something to do, make sure to check out what Pigeon Forge has to offer on the farm front.
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Horseback Riding is about 15 minutes outside town and has exotic animals including camels, zebra, goats, reindeer, kangaroos, and more. They also offer horseback riding which our kids really enjoyed and was a mostly shaded ride through a wooded area.
Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is one of the most popular things to do in the area. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the museum is a replica of the ill-fated ocean liner. Inside, visitors can explore the many exhibits and artifacts from the ship, such as the Grand Staircase, the Bridge, and the Captain’s Quarters.
Guests can also experience what it was like to be a passenger on the Titanic by taking a self-guided tour. Additionally, the museum offers interactive activities such as a scavenger hunt and a 4D movie theater. The museum also houses a memorial chapel, where visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the disaster.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
The Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is an exciting place to visit for those looking for things to do. This museum offers a unique look into the history of crime, justice, and punishment in America. Visitors can explore five different galleries that feature different aspects of crime, from the history of law enforcement to the technology used in crime-solving.
There are also interactive exhibits and activities that allow visitors to experience what it was like to be a criminal or a law enforcement officer. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of crime and punishment in America.
The Mountain Monster
Pigeon Forge is home to one of the most thrilling rides around – The Mountain Monster. This ride is perfect for older kids who are looking for a fun and adventurous activity.. As riders ascend to the top of the175 ft tall, 65 mph swing ride, they can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Mountain Monster is one of the many great things to do in Pigeon Forge and is sure to provide a memorable experience for those brave enough to take the ride.
Hollywood Wax Museum
This unique attraction features wax figures of some of the most famous celebrities, athletes, and musicians of all time. From Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Johnny Depp, to sports icons like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, to music superstars like Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift, the museum has something for everyone.
You can also take pictures with the figures and get a glimpse of what it would be like to be a celebrity. The museum also offers a variety of interactive experiences, from virtual reality rides to escape rooms. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports fan, or a music lover, the Hollywood Wax Museum
Shop, eat, and enjoy the attractions at The Island.
The Island is a large newer shopping and attractions area in central Pigeon Forge. The main attraction is a 200 ft tall ferris wheel, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. There are restaurants including Timberwood Grill, Margaritaville, and Mellow Mushroom. The Island is a great place to spend a day when looking for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
There are lots of attractions for the kids at The Island. One of the favorites of our kids is the 7D Dark Adventure which is a stationary ride with 3D glasses where you shoot laser guns in several different scenarios. Look for tickets on Groupon to save some money for this attraction.
Alcatraz Crime Museum is located next to The Island.
You can also buy a pass to ride smaller rides, though we found the unlimited ride pass, at $30, expensive for what was offered. Dollywood is a better option for rides.
There are 2 hotels on site, including the Margaritaville Resort which has rooms above some of the shops.
There is a 4 mile walking and biking paved trail, the Riverwalk Greenway that goes through The Island and runs along the river through most of Pigeon Forge.
Tubing in nearby Townsend
Townsend is about 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge and home to a couple river tubing operators. River Rat Tubing is a large family friendly operation located in Townsend.
For more info check out our review of the tubing and the top things to do in Townsend. While not in Pigeon Forge, tubing in Townsend still makes our list of fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
Nature & Hiking things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids
Pigeon Forge is an amazing destination for all types of outdoor adventure. From zip-lining to white-water rafting, you can find a thrilling activity to suit your preference. Whether you’re looking for a heart-pumping ride through the treetops or an exciting journey through raging rapids, Pigeon Forge has it all!
If you’re looking to explore nature with the kids, Pigeon Forge is the place to go! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers tons of great hikes, amazing wildlife encounters and spectacular views that will take your breath away. Plus, there’s something for everyone in the family – from mild rides and shows, to more vigorous water sports and challenging hikes. Pigeon Forge has it all!
Weather
During Christmas break you could find snow or temperatures in the 50s/60s. Pigeon Forge gets an average of 6 inches of snow per year.
The same goes for spring break, you could arrive to find 80 degree weather, or snow. In fact, on our first trip to Pigeon Forge, during spring break, we saw 70 degrees and 3” of snow the same week!
Nearby scenic Gatlinburg, at a slightly higher elevation, gets around 9 inches of snow per year. Gatlinburg is also home to snow tubing and skiing at Ober Gatlinburg.
If you are looking for snow, you can
Cades cove
Cades Cove is a scenic 13 mile road loop south of Gatlinburg and one of the most scenic areas in all of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Morning or evening will give you a good chance of spotting wildlife, including deer, turkey, and black bears. Cades cove is one of our top fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
The valley is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is full of lush forests, meadows, and streams. Visitors can explore the area on foot, bike, or horseback, taking in the stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and open meadows. Cades Cove is also home to a number of historic sites, including a 19th century homestead, churches, and a gristmill. .
Hiking
There are plenty of great hiking trails around, and Laurel Falls is one of the most popular.
There are over 800 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Only 3 miles are paved, including the longest trail, Laurel Falls, which was originally paved for fire fighting access. However, there is rough broken pavement, and some steep drop offs so it may not be the best choice for younger kids.
Laurel Falls is a 2.4 mile round trip. The parking area is small and if you arrive late in the morning on a busy day you might double the hike distance with the walk from the car!
Again, visitors to Pigeon Forge can explore the mountain trails and experience the area in a unique way on horseback or via ATV. Taking a journey through these trails offers visitors a unique glimpse into the natural surroundings of the city and allows them to experience Pigeon Forge in an unforgettable way.
Top places to stay in Pigeon Forge with kids
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular vacation destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone. When it comes to accommodations, visitors have a variety of options to choose from. For a luxurious stay, there are several top-rated pigeon forge hotels to choose from.
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, there are plenty of cabins and campgrounds available. Cabins provide the perfect home away from home with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Campgrounds offer a great way to experience the great outdoors, with plenty of activities and amenities to make your stay memorable. No matter what type of accommodation you’re seeking, you’re sure to find a place that will make your stay in Pigeon Forge unforgettable.
Some of the top areas to look for a hotel are around The Island area in central Pigeon Forge, or 20 minutes south in Gatlinburg. If you don’t mind a drive, a cabin can be a perfect spot.
If you have an RV there are some great campgrounds around.
Some of the most popular:
- KOA Pigeon Forge lots of things for kids to do, but sites can be pretty close together. Convenient location near Dollywood.
- Sun Outdoors Sevierville formally River Plantation RV Resort. One of the largest RV parks in the area. Located at the north end of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville. Very nice pool including a lazy river (during summer).
- Pine Mountain RV Park located just off the main parkway but far enough to feel somewhat secluded. Beautiful riverside sites (limited availability). Pool and access to indoor pool at hotel across the street for winter stays. Our favorite Pigeon Forge campground.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, Pigeon Forge is an ideal destination for families looking to create some memorable, fun experiences. With an abundance of activities and attractions that are sure to suit the needs of children of all ages, it’s no wonder that Pigeon Forge is known as the “Family Fun Capital.” Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, make sure to check out the best family-friendly activities in Pigeon Forge! We hope this list of our fun things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids helps to plan your next trip.
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