12 Things To Do In Pigeon Forge With Kids

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a fun family vacation.

But this tiny town of just over 6,000 residents sees an average of 10 million visitors per year.

Located 33 miles south of Knoxville, this quaint and quirky town offers spectacular views from the nearby Smoky Mountains.

A short trek to the national park will allow you to experience hundreds of beautiful waterfalls, lush plant life, and an array of wildlife.

Pigeon Forge itself has been compared to tourist towns like Atlantic City, Branson, and Orlando.

While some people choose not to see the unique charm of the town, most people that visit find it entertaining.

With attractions like The Hatfield and McCoys dinner show, Elvis Tribute, and the many festivals and truck shows, it’s no wonder so many people flock here for some Southern hospitality and simple entertainment.

But the biggest draw by far, is undoubtedly the theme park started by the town’s own Dolly Parton.

Indeed, Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, the world-famous theme park created by the iconic entertainer in her hometown.

Dolly’s queendom is not the only attraction in town though.

There are plenty of great things to do, including many activities for kids. Read on for the list.

12 Things To Do In Pigeon Forge With Kids

1. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Named the number one theme park in the United States in 2022, Dollywood is the creation of the pride of Pigeon Forge herself, Dolly Parton.

Located at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the park welcomed over 2 million visitors last year.

Here you can enjoy rides, a water park, live music, shows, great food, and fresh mountain air.

Set on 160 acres, there’s also beautiful foliage, sculptures, crafts, and special seasonal celebrations.

If you want to extend your stay, the Dollywood resort hotel offers everything you need to relax and luxuriate.

As a special bonus, you can feel good that a portion of what you spend goes toward park employees’ college tuition.

Dolly Parton pays for any employee that wishes to go to college.

2. Titanic Museum – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

One might think that this is just some tacky tourist trap museum that makes you regret buying a ticket the second you pull up.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Titanic Museum was created by John Joshem.

He was part of the team that discovered the wreckage in 1987 and led a multimillion-dollar expedition to the site, where he retrieved items and film footage.

The museum houses the largest collection of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia in the world.

Guests can climb a replica of the grand staircase, stroll the “deck”, feel the chill of an iceberg, listen to survivor stories, and much more.

3. Dixie Stampede – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Miss Dolly strikes gold again with her Dixie Stampede dinner show.

The dinner theater is one of the best and well known of its kind in the country.

It’s kind of like a country version of Medieval Times, only more exciting.

Guests will dine on heaping portions of chicken, pork, biscuits, corn, and apple pie while enjoying the show.

Watch skilled performers do trick riding, comedy routines, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics.

Take part in the friendly competition between sides and the patriotic tribute at the end.

4. The Island – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This 23-acre amusement park offers free admission, parking, and a big old welcome for leashed dogs.

The park offers over 80 rides, attractions, and shops.

There is something for everyone at this fun spot, and it’s open 365 days a year.

The centerpiece of the park is the 200-foot-high observation wheel that gives breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

Enjoy live music throughout the day.

Some other attractions include Skyfly, a rope course, Candy Kitchen, and a Build-A-Bear.

Stay at the Margaritaville resort for top-notch accommodations.

5. Wonderworks – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Another fun amusement area, Wonderworks, is 42,000 square feet of educational fun.

There are over 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind while being engaging.

The theme is that it was a secret lab in the Bermuda Triangle.

In an experiment gone wrong, the lab lands upside down in Pigeon Forge.

The ceiling is at your feet and the floor is above your head until you walk through the magical immersion tunnel.

That’s when you start your journey to exhibits like Extreme Weather, Physical Challenge, Space Zone, and Light and Sound.

Kids can then make their way to the basement for some laser tag, 4D motion theater, and a rope course.

Visit the Wonder Cafe for pizza, hot dogs, and other yummy snacks.

6. Arcade City – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Kids will be overjoyed by this huge indoor, air-conditioned fun zone.

They can shoot hoops, spin wheels of chance, play claw machines, skeet balls, and traditional games.

The more you play, the bigger prizes that can be won.

Try your skills for everything from stuffed animals to designer sneakers.

7. Beyond The Lens – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Beyond The Lens offers children and adults the best in virtual entertainment.

From virtual reality rides and a 2-minute escape room to a hunt for Big Foot and a ride that makes you feel like you’re flying.

There’s also a kaleidoscope tunnel, a giant ball pit, and a walk-the-plank simulator.

Children under 4 are free.

8. White Water Rafting – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Several companies offer white water rafting tours in Pigeon Forge.

It’s a popular activity along the Pugein River.

For smaller children, it’s recommended that you take a lower river expedition because the rapids are gentler.

This is a great family activity, and you can also stop, (weather permitting) and take a dip in one of the swimming homes.

It’s a unique way to view the Smoky Mountains as well.

9. Illumination Magic Show – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This family-friendly show is jammed packed with action that will leave you spellbound.

Illusions, sleight of hand, and tricks are peppered with comedy and special effects that will delight all ages.

The show is just as good as any you’d see in Las Vegas, and the audience participation is the icing on the magical cake.

The show is about 2 hours long and a concession stand is available for drinks and snacks.

10. Rocky Mountain Coaster Ride – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Come take a ride on Tennessee’s longest roller coaster.

With 360-degree turns and up-close views of the mountains, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

The coaster ride takes about 9 minutes to complete and goes at a speed of 30 miles per hour.

Take a nighttime ride for an even more unique experience.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

11. Crave Mini-Golf And Escape Room – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

If golf is what you crave, get you and the kids to the nation’s number one mini golf course.

With two 19-hole courses (one indoors and one on the roof), there’s plenty of room for everyone, rain or shine.

The courses have twists and challenges that you won’t find anywhere else.

Golf is not the only activity offered at this complex.

There are also Escape rooms like “Mayday Deep Sea Adventure ” and “Zombie Research Lab”.

Visitors can also try their hand at mini bowling, peruse the candy store, or enjoy some soft serve.

The facilities are also handicapped-accessible.

12. True Crime Museum (Alcatraz East) – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Explore the history of American crime and punishment in 5 galleries, each with a unique perspective.

Take a stroll through time and look at our penal system, forensic science, victims’ stories, law enforcement, and the justice system.

The museum has 2 floors, over 25,000 square feet, and 100 interactive displays.

In addition to permanent displays, the museum has special, rotating exhibits like The Kennedy Assassination, Alcatraz, and Bonnie And Clyde.

They also house a fleet of crime cars that include OJ Simpson’s Bronco and Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle.

The museum has a Jr. detective program for younger kids, whose parents may not feel comfortable letting their children observe the traditional exhibits.

They can go to a separate area and enjoy displays about pirates and the old West, crack open a safe, go inside a real jail cell, and meet McGruff the crime dog.