Catherine - Savvy Family TravelPigeon Forge, Tennessee is basically a giant playground for families, packed with nonstop action, quirky attractions, and more kid-friendly fun than you’ll know what to do with. Don’t worry, we will break down he best things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
It’s a place that adapts to be whatever your crew is all about; thrills, hands-on adventures, or just soaking up those mountain vibes.
Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids
Top Attractions for Kids in Pigeon Forge
Dollywood
If your traveling with adrenaline junkies, a trip to Pigeon Forge isn’t complete without visiting Dollywood. This massive theme park is packed with rides for all ages, from the gentle Rockin’ Roadway for little ones to the thrilling Lightning Rod coaster.
The park’s shows, featuring bluegrass and country performances, are top-notch, and there’s even an interactive play area at Wildwood Grove. If you’re visiting in the summer, Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect place to cool off.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island is an entertainment complex filled with restaurants, shops, and attractions. The centerpiece is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning views of the area. Kids love the free dancing fountain show at night, arcade games, and the ropes course.
It’s an easy place to spend a few hours exploring while benefiting from packaged pricing on things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
For a unique mountain thrill, ride the longest alpine coaster in the U.S. It’s located just off the main strip and moves quickly, with a wait time of around 20-25 minutes.
The best part? You control your speed, making it great for both cautious and adventurous riders. At night, the track is lit up for an even cooler experience.
Outdoor Gravity Park
I hadn’t seen Zorbing offered in the US til we went to Pigeon Forge! You’re basically dropped into a big inflated ball with a little bit of water inside for weight and then you roll down a hill with the water sloshing all around you. Check out this and more Pigeon Forge attractions for kids at Outdoor Gravity Park.
Dinner Shows for the Whole Family
Dinner and a show is another of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
You can find discount coupons for these shows in the brochures around town. Usually $3-$4 off per ticket.
The most popular dinner entertainment venues include:
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Equestrian stunts, live music, and a four-course meal make this one of the most visited shows in town.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
A high-energy show with acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and a swashbuckling adventure storyline. Kids especially love the sea lion that makes an appearance.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
A hilarious family feud brought to life with Appalachian humor, music, stunts, and a Southern-style feast.
Lumberjack Feud
A fun, interactive show where professional lumberjacks compete in axe-throwing, log-rolling, and tree-climbing.
Best Mini Golf Courses
We played seven rounds of mini golf on our trip, and here are the top Pigeon Forge attractions for kids:
Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay
A creative, pirate-themed course on the roof, and an indoor “under the sea” course inside if you need to escape the weather or heat. A single round is pricey but you can find deals by bundling into a one or two day pass. Crave (next on this list) is owned by the same company.
Crave Golf Club
This indoor-outdoor candy-themed course is a hit with kids, but it’s pricey unless you buy a package deal like I mentioned above. Don’t miss out on treats at the candy store.
Fantasy Golf
The pricing here is more reasonable than the two above, and it was our kids top choice driving the strip. The dinosaurs and dragons immediately captured their attention.
Ripley’s Old McDonalds Farm
If you’re bundling Ripley’s attractions then this is the place for mini-golf. Ripley’s has a large variety of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, and Gatlinburg too. Check out their combo tickets.
Go-Karting
NASCAR SpeedPark
Put the pedal to the metal without worrying about a speeding ticket, NASCAR SpeedPark in Pigeon Forge is the place to do it.
But it’s not just about the karts—there’s also an arcade, mini-golf, bumper boats, and even a rock climbing wall if you need a break from the asphalt.
The Track
The Track is a multi-attraction park where kids as small as 3’6” can drive their own go-kart on the kiddie track.
For bigger kids, there are multiple tracks with twists, turns, and elevation changes. If your child is too small to drive, they can ride free with an adult.
Keep an eye out for online coupons to save on ride credits. You should at a minimum be able to find $10 off $50.
There’s so much more here too. We thought we were going just to go-kart but after a couple rides, they wanted to spend the rest of our credits on mini-golf, amusement rides, and the arcade. Loads of things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge with kids, for a great value.
Educational and Interactive Attractions
WonderWorks
You can’t miss WonderWorks—it’s the upside-down house on the main drag. Inside, it’s a massive interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits covering space, physics, and natural disasters. There’s even a glow-in-the-dark ropes course suspended over the museum floor.
Titanic Museum
This immersive museum lets you explore a full-scale replica of parts of the Titanic. Kids can touch an iceberg, try to stand on a sloping deck, and see real artifacts from the ship.
Rainy Day Indoor Activities
If the weather takes a turn, there are still plenty of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg) – Walk through a shark tunnel, touch jellyfish, and watch the famous Penguin Parade.
- MagiQuest – A fantasy-themed adventure where kids use wands to solve quests. Insider tip: If your child has been asking to try MagiQuest – snag a deep discount on a used MagiQuest wand on Facebook Marketplace.
- WonderWorks – See above.
- Titanic Museum – See above.
- The Escape Game – Various themed escape rooms designed for families.
- Arcades & Indoor Go-Karts – LazerPort Fun Center and Big Top Arcade are two favorites.
- Hollywood Wax Museum – Load up on selfies with lifelike celebrity figures.
Day Trip to Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge is just a short drive from Gatlinburg, and a day trip is a great way to mix things up. Park at the Smoky Mountain Welcome Center and take the free trolley into town to avoid parking headaches.
If you have more time in Gatlinburg, make sure to watch for our upcoming guide on Gatlinburg.
Morning Adventures
- Start the day at Anakeesta, a treetop adventure park with a scenic chairlift, canopy walks, a mountain coaster, and a massive playground.
- If you’re looking for a fun mini golf experience, Hillbilly Golf is an excellent choice, built into the side of a mountain.
Afternoon Fun
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit, especially if it’s raining. Plan for about 2.5 hours here. Don’t miss the underwater tunnels, touch tanks, and play structures.
- Stop for lunch at Tennessee Jed’s, a casual spot known for great Cubanos and kid-approved grilled cheese sandwiches.
- If you’re craving Tex-Mex, Loco Burro serves unlimited chips and salsa, plus a rooftop patio with great views.
- Gatlin’s entertainment complex has family friendly escape rooms, laser tag, a laser maze, mini golf, and a ropes course, all bundled into great-value ticket deals.
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For a break from the crowds, take the kids on a nature-filled adventure. For an easy picnic, pre order some delicious Publix subs before heading into the park.
This is a FREE National Park. A parking tag is required, however. We suggest picking one up at the Welcome Center as you leave Pigeon Forge. ($5 daily, $15 weekly)
Here are some options if you only have 1 day for the park on top of all your other things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids. If you want more hikes, views, and wildlife watching, check out our upcoming post on exploring the park with kids.
Option 1: Cades Cove Scenic Drive and Wildlife Viewing
Cades Cove is one of the most likely places in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to spot wildlife, including the elusive black bear.
You’ll need to commit about a half day for the adventure. The 11 mile scenic, one way, loop will take about 2 hours with moderate traffic. Along the drive, pull off to explore historic cabins, observe wildlife, and soak in the views. Don’t miss a stop at the Cade’s Cove Visitor Center.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the loop shuts down to motor traffic for cyclists only! Consider renting bicycles first thing in the morning to experience the park in this unique way.
Option 2: Mountain Views and Easy Hikes
Rock hopping through rivers and conquering trails are the best things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids.
- Kuwohi – (Formerly called Clingmans Dome) A short but steep half mile hike leads to the highest point in the Smokies, offering breathtaking views. This viewpoint is only open seasonally, mid April to November.
- Laurel Falls Trail – A 2.6-mile paved trail leading to a picturesque waterfall. (Reopening in April 2025.)
- Gatlinburg Trail – You can actually walk this trail right from the end of the Gatlinburg downtown strip.
It’s about 2 miles long and one of the top things to do with kids because they’ll love jumping rocks in the river. - Become a Junior Ranger – Stop by a visitor center to pick up an activity booklet ($4.50) for kids to complete and earn a badge. One book is meant to be shared by the whole family.
- Little River Trail – Hike along the river and explore the remnants of stone bridges and the towering rock chimneys of long gone cabins.
Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge
Themed dining is one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids because its an attraction in itself.
Here are some unique places to enjoy a meal as a family:
- Frizzle Chicken Café – A whimsical breakfast spot where animatronic chickens serenade you as you eat.
- The Old Mill Restaurant – Hearty Southern meals in a historic setting.
- Local Goat – Known for their fresh, locally sourced menu.
- Big Daddy’s Pizzeria – A family-friendly pizza joint with a game room.
- Smoky Mountain Brewery – Sample craft brews and indulge in kid friendly American food.
- Craze Ice Cream – A Tennessee favorite.
Closing Thoughts on Things to do in Pigeon Forge with Kids
By now, maybe you have come to the same conclusion I did—Pigeon Forge is like Myrtle Beach, Gulf Shores, and Wisconsin Dells combined… then injected with steroids. As an added bonus, its the front door to one of America’s most visited National Parks.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids. One thing’s for sure—your kids won’t be bored!
Pin for future trip planning.
