If you’re planning a family vacation, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a destination you won’t want to miss. Known for its stunning mountain views and abundance of family-friendly activities, Pigeon Forge offers endless opportunities for family fun. From thrilling amusement park rides to interactive museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The task of having to find activities that would please everyone that you’re traveling with may seem daunting. Don’t worry, I’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you! I hope the suggestions here will help assist you in finding activities that will please everyone and ensure that your family vacation is packed with unforgettable memories.
The Great Smoky Mountains
You can’t plan a trip to Pigeon Forge without a stop in this popular national park. There are many trails and activities to enjoy in the park to accommodate any age group. Not only is this a popular destination, but it’s also free to enter the park, making this one of the most budget-friendly activities in the area. You can find more information on a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains by checking out my other post, Visiting The Great Smoky Mountains National Park With Kids.
The Island
The Island at Pigeon Forge is full of opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The best part is that it’s free to enter and parking is also free. You can stop by Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville where it’s always five o’clock, have a family style meal at Paula Deens Kitchen, grab a sweet treat at Big Rocky Candy Kitchen, enjoy the view from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or relax in front of the lighted and synchronized fountain show. Spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s plenty to see and do!
Ripley’s Super Fun Park
Ripley’s Super Fun Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a great destination for families looking for some outdoor fun. The park offers a variety of activities, including go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie rides, and more. For those who love arcade games, Ripley’s Super Fun Park has a large arcade with a selection of games and prizes. Ripley’s has multiple attractions in the area, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (located in near by Gatlinburg). Visitors can purchase combo tickets to experience multiple Ripley’s attractions at a discounted price.
Anakeesta
While technically not in Pigeon Forge, Anakeesta is a family-friendly attraction (located in Gatlinburg, about 25 minutes from Pigeon Forge) that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including zip lining, tree canopy walks, and a mountain coaster, making it an exciting and adventurous destination for everyone.
This is a must-do attraction whether you’re traveling with kids or going solo, there’s something here for all to enjoy. Adults can experience the thrill of zip-lining over the treetops and enjoying scenic mountain views from the observation tower. They can also relax and unwind by exploring the serene gardens, sipping on cocktails at the bar, or enjoying delicious food at the many dining options.
Children can enjoy a range of activities, including a treehouse playground, a gem mining experience, and a magical forest with interactive features. The park also offers a mountain coaster that is suitable for children and adults, providing a fun and exhilarating ride through the forest. Overall, Anakeesta offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for both adults and children to enjoy. For more ideas in planning your next visit to Anakeesta, check out my blog post “Essential Tips for Visiting Anakeesta: How to Make the Most of Your Mountaintop Adventure”.
Additional Opportunities for Family Fun in Pigeon Forge
- Dollywood – A theme park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and fun attractions for all ages.
- WonderWorks – An interactive science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a ropes course and laser tag.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede – A dinner theater featuring a live horse show and a delicious Southern meal.
- Titanic Museum – An interactive museum that tells the story of the Titanic through artifacts, exhibits, and reenactments.
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum – A museum that explores the history of American crime, law enforcement, and forensic science.
- Hollywood Wax Museum – A museum featuring lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities.
- Go-kart tracks and mini-golf courses – Pigeon Forge has several outdoor entertainment venues offering go-karting and mini-golfing, perfect for family bonding time. For Go-Karts, our favorite track was the Ripley’s Fun Park and we thoroughly enjoyed mini-golf at the Crave Golf Club (candy themed course).
- Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster – A thrilling roller coaster ride through the mountains with stunning views.
- Pigeon Forge Snow – A unique indoor snow tubing and play area, perfect for families looking for something different to do.
- Flyaway Indoor Skydiving – An indoor skydiving experience that lets you experience the thrill of free-fall without jumping out of a plane.
- MagiQuest – An interactive adventure game that combines technology and live-action role-playing.
- Parrot Mountain and Gardens – A tropical paradise featuring exotic birds, beautiful gardens, and interactive experiences.
- Old Mill Square – A historic district with shops, restaurants, and a working grist mill that produces stone-ground products. I highly recommend The Old Mill Restaurant. It had an old fashioned homey feel to it and the food was delicious. Don’t forget to call ahead for a reservation as they fill up quickly!
- Pink Jeep Tours – A guided tour company that offers off-road adventures, sightseeing tours, and customizable excursions through the scenic landscape.
These are just a few of the many family-friendly activities and venues in Pigeon Forge, TN. With so many options to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Start planning your trip today!
