A list of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, according to a local
You’ve brought the family to Pigeon Forge. Now what? Great news, person who doesn’t do a heck of a lot of planning for family vacations! There are quite literally hundreds of fun things to do in the area. And certainly, not all of them cost the gross national product of Bolivia. So if you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids in Pigeon Forge, check out some of the best attractions for wholesome family fun in the Smokies.
14. Stay at Camp Margaritaville
It’s always fun to stay where the action is. Camp Margaritaville offers more than just a place to stay, it’s a destination. This family resort has a massive 20,000-square-foot space with a full arcade that features foosball tables, pickleball courts and games like Halo and Space Invaders. Also, the arcade offers duckpin bowling, darts, billiards, video game consoles and more. It’s a built-in vacation without ever having to leave.
13. Visit WonderWorks
WonderWorks is a franchise of kid-friendly museums scattered across tourist locations like here in Pigeon Forge, Orlando, Panama City and Syracuse, New York. The building hosts a series of interactive and educational exhibits. They’re called Wonder Zones. Each Wonder Zone has a theme like weather, space, art and more. The Physical Challenge Zone is sports stuff. The Light and Sound Zone has a lot to do with television and also video games. It’s a lot of fun for the younger ones.
12. Forbidden Caverns
Everyone who visits the Smokies gets a view of the mountains from above the ground – but Forbidden Caverns offers a view of what’s down below. Open April through November, the caverns, located in Sevierville, provide an entertaining and educational tour. The trail is well-lit with handrails where necessary, but it goes without saying – you’re going underground through uneven terrain. If you have mobility issues – or a fear of damp, dark spaces – maybe just stay above ground.
Editor’s Note: Forbidden Caverns is closed in December, January, February and March.
11. Ride an alpine coaster
Along with the ‘shine boom, there’s been a real uptick in alpine coasters and mountain coasters in recent years. That’s right, the business people of Sevier County have found out there’s real money in the gravity business and they’ve invested heavily in it. There are several to choose from in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I like the one at Goats on the Roof because there are a lot of other things to do – including feeding the goats on the roof. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
10. Consider a zipline canopy tour
Smoky Mountain Ziplines and canopy tour is located in Pigeon Forge. The tour, which accommodates kids ages 8 and up, isn’t for those afraid of heights. The tour soars up in the treetops and descends vertically, so the tour is not for the faint of heart. This is an adventure and riders must be in good physical condition and able to raise their arms over their head to regulate speed and braking, but if you’re capable and brave enough, it offers a unique experience the family will remember for a lifetime.
9. Visit a trampoline park
If your kids have a lot of energy to burn, there’s nothing that can fit the bill quite like a trampoline park. In Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out TopJump Trampoline Park. They offer a Kids Zone, a Cliffhanger Challenge, a full ninja course and an arcade.
8. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
Lumberjack Feud entertains in the form of a show where lumberjacks compete in games like axe throwing and log rolling. The Feud now offers supper as well. The kids can enjoy a meal and also interact on stage with the lumberjacks. Kids 3 and under are free and can sit on a parent’s lap for the show.
7. See a dinner show
If you like the idea of a show, there are many dinner show options in Pigeon Forge. But the others do not come with the additional adventure park. Options include shows like Pirates Voyage, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, to name a few. Which one you choose will depend on you and your kids’ interests. But my family usually goes for pirates.
6. Hollywood Wax Museum
It can be difficult to understand the fascination with wax figures. But their popularity all over the world speaks to just how much we enjoy a good replica of our favorite stars. Walking around a museum for a couple of hours and taking photos of your favorite celebrities is something the whole family can enjoy together.
5. Mini golf and arcade games
There are about a dozen miniature golf courses in the area. Some that I find particularly good for kids include Crave Golf Club, a mini-golf course completely themed around candy, as well as Toy Box Mini Golf, which is, of course, themed around toys. Both are great options in Pigeon Forge. Use promo code TSC to save $3 at Crave Golf and promo code TBTSC to save $2 at Tox Box Mini Golf when you buy online. Ripley’s also offers a handful of mini golf courses in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Remember, you can bundle your tickets and save money on each attraction if you plan on visiting more adventures in Gatlinburg, including Ripley’s Aquarium.
4. Wilderness at the Smokies
The Wilderness at the Smokies is a hotel/waterpark/adventure zone all in one. There are multiple rates included if you stay in the hotel, but there are a limited number of tickets available if you just want to experience the waterpark. For years, the classic Ogle’s Waterpark dominated the summer months in Pigeon Forge. But was outdoors and thus seasonal.
Eventually, the realization that the prime spot was more valuable if it could be open year-round, the lot sold, was torn down and paved over for dozens of businesses and restaurants. Into that waterpark void stepped the Wilderness at the Smokies, which has indoor tube slides, the Smokies Surf Rider, the Storm Chase Thrill Ride and the Great Wave Pool. It’s all the fun of a classic waterpark with water slides and rides – updated with modern technology – but indoors for year-round fun. And if it’s the right season, you may also grab a discount on their brand new sister park, Soaky Mountain Waterpark, which has several fun play areas for kids.
3. Pigeon Forge Snow
We’ve had a year-round waterpark, now let’s try year-round snow. Go to the indoor waterpark, go to the indoor tubing and then hit indoor skydiving for the trifecta. Real snow, you say? Indoors? With temperatures set to 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit? There is no witchcraft or sorcery here. Just science that I don’t pretend to understand. Pigeon Forge Snow offers an indoor winter wonderland all year round with – what they promise is real, chemical-free snow made with nothing but water run through a snow machine. We live in magical times, my friends. This indoor snow tubing spectacular is for anyone 38 inches tall and at least 3 years of age.
The slopes are tall and wide so tubers get up to a nice speed and several can go – in their lane – at once and race. This is a perfect activity when the weather outside is frightful – or you know – rainy. Tickets are sold for an hour of tubing, which is just about the right amount of time.
2. Visit Dollywood
Dollywood is truly a gem to the area easily the best theme park in the region. But don’t take my word for it, just look at Dollywood’s trophy case. Each year, Dolly Parton and her team add some new hardware for the best of this and the excellence of that. Dollywood offers thrill rides that can compete with the best parks in the United States. Several features were built with kids and families in mind. Also, if it’s summertime, you can visit the water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country.
1. Visit the national park
You don’t want to come to the Smokies and skip the feature that made it popular. Be sure to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore one of the area’s many trails. Enjoy a picnic at Metcalf Bottoms. Drive the Cades Cove Loop. The options are endless.
What are YOUR tips for fun things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge, TN? Let us know in the comments!