06/20/2024
Planning a family vacation to the Smokies? You'll find countless things to do that your whole family will enjoy. Here’s an awesome list of our favorite things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge.
1. Anakeesta
Ride up to Anakeesta in a chondola to find a mountain of adventure. Trek across the treetop skywalk, peruse the botanical gardens, compete in the dueling zipline, or simply take in the 360 degree mountain views. Whatever your child is up for, Anakeesta has it, and adults can enjoy shopping, drinking, and dining as well.
2. Beyond The Lens
Beyond The Lens brings pop culture to Pigeon Forge, with interactive exhibits, selfie spots and fun games to entertain the whole family! Enjoy tons of cool photo ops, plus exciting exhibits like the "Search for Bigfoot" where you can learn all about the convincing arguments behind the legend and an Alien Egg Pit with a big "alien nest" ball pit to play in.
3. Pigeon Forge Snow
No matter what time of year it is or what the weather is like outside, Pigeon Forge Snow will be an indoor winter wonderland. The state of the art snowmaking technology transforms 35,000 square feet of fresh powder with 12 lanes of snow tubing. And it's not just tubing; you also get the chance to play in the snow.
4. Rowdy Bear Mountain
If you're up for some tubing in warmer weather, check out Pigeon Forge's Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park. This outdoor attraction has not only a mountain coaster and glider, but also a 500 foot long tubing hill that reaches speeds up to 35 miles per hour. In the colder seasons, they offer snow tubing.
5. Ripley's Aquarium
A full day of fun is just a short walk or trolley ride away. Kids love exploring all the areas in the aquarium including Tropical Rainforest, Ocean Realm, Systems Controls, Coral Reef, Shark Lagoon, Discovery Center, the Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay, Touch a Ray Bay and our Penguin Playhouse.
6. Three Bears General Store
Winner of best shop for 3 years in a row, Three Bears General Store is home to a 5000 square foot bear habitat. These bears were rescued from a kill farm and have been cared for here for more than 25 years. Kids will love seeing the bears up close, and there's all kinds of fun shopping to do as well. Choose from ice cream, candy, jewelry and more.
7. Toy Box Mini Golf
One of Pigeon Forge’s newest attractions, Toy Box Mini Golfhas taken mini golf to the next level, and set the standard for excitement and fun for all ages. Grab the kids and take your best shot on their custom toy-themed course that will push your imagination to the limits. This attraction is one the whole family can enjoy together.
8. Dolly Parton's Stampede
This classic Pigeon Forge attraction has entertained spectators of all ages for years and years. Pay a visit to Dolly Parton's Stampede for delicious food (that you eat with your hands) accompanied by a show of incredible stunts, interactive family fun, and musical productions. You can even meet the horses!
9. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay
Newly opened as of December 2023, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay is an epic 36 hole mini-golf adventure on the Pigeon Forge parkway. Kids will delight in this uniquely themed experience with an engaging story throughout the entire course. Plus, there's an awesome retail store with all kinds of ocean-themed merch.
10. Rockin' Raceway
Come ready to win when you visit Rockin' Raceway in Pigeon Forge. Rockin' Raceway has over 150 games of every type, so you'll never run out of challenges and competitions to enjoy with your family. Enjoy the classic arcade games you love, then take some time to try out new ones you've never seen before.
11. Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Make a splash in Sevierville at Soaky Mountain, located just a few miles off exit 407. The 50 acre waterpark has pools, waterslides, and tons of fun activities for any age group. It's divided into two specific areas: the Hive and Boomer's Bay. The latter is for smaller kids and offers smaller versions of the thrill rides that adults love.
12. Xtreme Racing
Xtreme Racing Center in Pigeon Forge is dedicated to bringing guests the ultimate Pigeon Forge go kart experience with the choice of three thrilling courses! Totalling 3,500 linear feet, our ‘Xtreme’ track is filled with winding turns, narrow straightaways and thrilling adventure as guests race inside one of our professional-grade Sodi GT-5 go karts. These karts are sure to create a memorable ride for all who visit.
13. Big Rock Dude Ranch
The kids will love horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch. The expansive setting offers many beautiful views - especially in the fall - that you get to explore just like back in the olden days. The fun doesn't stop there, though. Big Rock offers loads of activities for kids to enjoy including gem mining, a petting zoo, fishing pond, picnic area and more.
14. MagiQuest
Another fabulous kid friendly activity is a visit to the giant MagiQuest castle. There's so much to do here for kids of all ages and interests. Even the adults will love the interactive treasure hunt on the main floor of the building, but then you can head down stairs for 3 more fun-for-days attractions to enjoy.
15. Lumberjack Feud Show
Ever dream of seeing a lumberjack? At Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show, you can have your chance! The show show features family-friendly entertainment with live-action, side-splitting comedy, stunts, music, crowd interaction, and a dinner show experience. Sit back, relax, and watch impressive lumberjack feats that all ages will enjoy!
16. GSM Railroad
The most beautiful landscapes in America can be seen on this excursion. Marvel at small towns, rushing rivers, ancient mountains, and peaceful scenery. Bryson City is located on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The historic charm of this train delights all who board. Discover the transformation of mountain folks during a time when their railroads transported them from pristine wilderness to the big city.
17. Activate Games
Located on the Gatlinburg parkway, Activate Games fuses technology and fun physical activity for a real live action gaming experience. From laser mazes to electronic basketball and touch activated climbing walls, this is a great spot for active and energetic kids full of curiosity.
18. The Comedy Barn
Any time you go to the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge you can be guaranteed one thing: you will laugh till your sides hurt! The Comedy Barn is proud that it has repeatedly been voted “Funniest Show in Town” by its fans.
19. Smoky Mountain River Rat
A great summer activity, tubing in Townsend has been a Smoky Mountain staple for many years, and it's all because of River Rat. On your way into the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find the outpost with stacks of big yellow tubes on the left side of Wears Valley Road.
20. Hollywood Wax Museum
Stunning wax likenesses of celebrities + a 5D experience. Open 365 days a year. Four exciting attractions under one roof in the heart of all the action of Pigeon Forge. Open 365 days a year, this is a fun place to get your much-needed dose of celebrity and icons of popular culture.
21. TITANIC Museum Attraction
Kids of all ages love to step back in time and learn about the history of the TITANIC. Upon arrival, each guest is greeted by one of our costumed cast members and given a boarding pass to become an actual passenger aboard the TITANIC. Kids love to discover how many of the ship's passengers were dogs, stick their hand in 28-degree water and climb the Grand Staircase.
22. TopJump Trampoline Park
The most exciting trampoline park in Pigeon Forge, TopJump Trampoline Park strives to provide a safe & enjoyable environment for all ages. Their state of the art trampoline park includes all kinds of fun activities including a kids play area, dodgeball, gladiator pit, climbing area, arcade, and more.
23. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse
Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse is not only home to the best pancakes on the parkway, but they also have singing and dancing animatronic chickens! Younger children will love bopping along with the fun performances, and the whole family will enjoy their delicious breakfast options served from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.
24. Adventure Park at Five Oaks
The Adventure Park at Five Oaks offers fun for the entire family! Experienced guides will take you a fun and thrilling trek through and above 70 acres of beautiful foliage. The ropes course includes Tarzan bridges, cargo nets, floating planks, as well as zipline and more along the way.
25. Wonderworks
Step into the upside down mansion in Pigeon Forge! Open 365 days a year and 7 days a week. Interactive hands-on fun for all. The interactive exhibits are unbelievable!
For a perfect stay, check us out at:
Cove Mountain Cabin in Wears Valley
vrbo.com/3097764 or airbnb.com/rooms/729758476185283053
Serenity Cabin at Laurel Valley in Townsend
airbnb.com/rooms/893676775001336943 or vrbo.com/3411588
Beautiful Cabin w/ Mtn Views-Game Rm-Theater-Hot T
