Planning family vacations can be stressful, but with this guide to the Top 15 “Family Friendly” Things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we’ve taken the stress off you! My friends over at Hotels.com want you to be able to relax and enjoy your time with the family, so they’ve asked me to share this list with you!
COVID-19 Disclaimer – As travel is still uncertain, please keep your own safety in mind along with the safety of others! If feel comfortable traveling, please do so responsibly! We have a few tips to follow if you do decide to travel at this time:Wear a face mask, make sure to have hand sanitizer handy and wash hands frequently, check websites before you travel for updates, policies, closures, etc. And finally, book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute!
Family Friendly Things to Do in Pigeon Forge for Outdoor Lovers
Go Miniature Golfing
Miniature golfing is a fun time regardless of age and Pigeon Forge offers several different options like Professor Hackers Lost Treasure Golf which is full of all sorts of fun holes and scenarios based off exploration and adventures.
Race Around a Go-Kart Track
Go-Karts have always been a hit in our house and so Pigeon Forge is a great destination! They offer 6 different options for tracks including The Track Family Fun Parks. Their feature attraction is the Wild Woody go-kart track which is a three story track full of twists, turns, ups, and downs!
Cruise down an Alpine Coaster
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster and Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster both offer alpine coasters in the Smoky Mountains! Smoky Mountain Coaster is the longest Alpine Coaster in the United States at more than a mile long! Take a unique trip down the mountains with one of these options!
Take a Ride on the Mountain Wheel
Head to The Island for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel! This ferris wheel stands 200 feet tall and gives you amazing views of the mountains and surrounding area! You can fit the entire family in one gondola too as they can fit up to 8 people!
Rowdy Bear Ridge Adventure Park
If you’re looking for a fun time that doesn’t include traditional rides, check out Rowdy Bear Ridge with their alpine flyer, laser fun coaster, or even the 500 foot year-round tubing hill!
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
Of course, you’re going to need a place to rest your head, relax, and regroup each night while you explore Pigeon Forge. Thankfully, there are a lot of great options. Here are a few we selected as the best options! We picked out a great budget friendly option, the most family friendly, and suite/condo option!
Best Features for Families
I don’t know about you, but at the end of a day on a family vacation, I was usually shot and the boys just wanted to keep going! Thankfully, Country Cascades Waterpark Resort is perfect for this type of situation! With it’s indoor and outdoor water park along with a water slide and kiddie pool, the kids can play and burn more energy while you relax and unwind in a chair poolside!
Budget Friendly
We know vacations can get spendy, so we found a great options for those that need to be more budget conscious. If you want a great place to lay your head, but don’t need all the extras, check out Comfort Inn & Suites at Dollywood Lane! There’s still a pool for the kiddos to play in and things like cribs & infant beds are free for families to use! Kiddos stay for free with parents & there is a complimentary breakfast buffet making this stay even more affordable
Suite/Condo Option
Traveling with kiddos in hotel rooms can be difficult when there are different bed times, etc. So, we thought we’d throw in an option for a suite/condo! Check out Sunrise Ridge Resort for this option! These town-home style accommodations feature 2 bedrooms and sleep 6 with their 2 king sized beds and a pull-out couch! Plus, with a small kitchen in town home, you can prepare meals and snack for your family directly!
Fun Indoor Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Titanic Museum
Ready to cool off?! Head to the Titanic Museum for several hours of fun! See what it was like to be on the boat that wasn’t supposed to sink! Check out artifices, interactive displays, and more!
Castle of Chaos
This adventure is fantastic, especially for those families traveling with older children (I’d say over the age of 10). This 3D experience will have you laughing, scream, “shooting” your laser guns, and more! We had no idea what to expect, but it left us begging for more!
Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum is jam packed with celebrities! Take a walk through Hollywood and get your picture taken with wax celebrities. Everyone will find one or two favorites, and don’t pass the opportunity for the chance to put on a wedding dress and marry a Hollywood hunk, or fight crime with a detective!
Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors
Have you ever been convinced you know exactly where you’re going only to find out you have no idea and are walking into walls?! That’s just part of experiencing a Maze of Mirrors! Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors is a great place to get lost! Team up with family or friends and see who can get through the maze quickest!
Indoor Sky Diving
Give sky diving a whirl without having to jump out of a plane at Flyaway indoor Skydiving! This is perfect for people of all ages to try this heart beating adventures out! 120 mph winds will have you soaring in a 21 foot tall wind tunnel! Don’t worry, they’ll provide you with all the equipment and instruction you need!
Free Things to Do!!
Island Show Fountains
Located at The Island, The Island Show Fountains, is a great way to spend some time relaxing and taking in free entertainment. This state of the art fountain show includes water and a light show dancing to 14 different pieces of music! Take them in during the day and at night to see the colored lights!
Riverwalk Greenway
Situated next to Little Pigeon River, you’ll find a 2 mile long walking trail perfect for exploring the outdoors for free! The trail is paved, so you can walk, run, or even bike. You’ll find entrances to the trail at Patriot Park, Butler Street at Ashley, and on Jake Thomas Road. Additionally, the path is lit at night if you want to wander while its cooler and includes benches if you need to rest!
Pigeon Forge City Park
If you have littles, Pigeon Forge City Park is a great spot to visit so they can burn energy at no cost! Check out both of the playgrounds, there are several baseball and softball fields if you want to take your gloves for a sandlot style game. They offer picnic tables and shelters along with grills, so it’s the perfect spot for a picnic!
Go For a Scenic Drive
Pile into the car and go for a scenic drive! There are 4 different options, each offering difference scenery! Newfound Gap Road is a 31 mile road that shows off the forest and travels directly through the park! Upper Tremont Road features hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views, and parking areas! If those don’t sound your speed, check out Cades Cove Loop or Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Hike Through the Smoky Mountains
Did you know there is 800 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains?! They offer trails of all levels so whether you’re an expert or taking the kiddos with you, you’ll find a great trail! Some of the more popular trails include Alum Cave Trail featuring amazing views and geological finds; or Porkers Creek Trail which is an easier trail featuring historic remains and lots of vegetation! Learn more about the trails by clicking HERE!
Pack Your Bags & Head to Pigeon Forge, TN
Whether you’re looking to embrace nature, feed your thrill loving soul, or slow down and relax, Pigeon Forge is sure to provide your family for years of memories to come!
