8 Fun Activities with Your Kids at Pigeon Forge
Fun Activities With Your Kids at Pigeon Forge make it the perfect family getaway in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. With its stunning scenery, exciting attractions, and warm, welcoming vibe, this destination is ideal for creating unforgettable memories. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, thrilling rides, or interactive learning experiences, Pigeon Forge offers something for everyone to enjoy.
With so many options to choose from, planning your itinerary might feel overwhelming. This list highlights eight fun activities to enjoy with your kids, making your Pigeon Forge vacation an unforgettable experience.
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1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trip to Pigeon Forge isn’t complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for fresh air and adventure. The park is home to scenic trails, picturesque waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal place for kids to connect with nature.
Choose family-friendly hikes like the Laurel Falls Trail or Kuwohi, both of which offer stunning views and manageable paths for younger children. Pack a picnic, enjoy the serene environment, and let your kids experience the natural beauty of the Smokies. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for wildlife spotting—deer, turkeys, and even black bears are often seen in the park.
2. Go Camping in Pigeon Forge
For a memorable outdoor experience, consider camping in Pigeon Forge. Camping allows families to unplug, connect with nature, and bond over simple activities like fishing, hiking, or roasting marshmallows.
Camp RiversLanding is a fantastic choice for family camping. This riverside campground offers amenities like a playground, swimming pool, and basketball court for all RV campers. The campsite also offers RV rentals for those who don’t own one, so everyone can join in the fun. Camping is not just about the outdoors—it’s about making cherished memories together.
3. Try Go-Kart Racing
Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best go-kart tracks, making it a perfect activity for kids who love a little speed and competition. The Track is a popular choice, featuring multiple go-kart courses tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Younger kids can enjoy kiddie karts, while older kids and parents can race on more challenging tracks.
In addition to go-karts, The Track offers mini-golf, bumper cars, and arcades, ensuring that everyone in the family has a great time. This activity is sure to bring out the playful side of both kids and parents.
4. Visit Dollywood
Dollywood is a must-visit attraction in Pigeon Forge, offering something for kids and parents alike. This iconic theme park features thrilling roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, live entertainment, and delicious Southern food.
Families with younger children will appreciate areas like Wildwood Grove, which offers gentle rides and immersive play areas. For older kids and teens, the park’s high-speed coasters deliver plenty of excitement. Seasonal events, like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, add an extra layer of magic to your visit. A day at Dollywood guarantees fun and laughter for the entire family.
5. Play Mini-Golf
Mini-golf is a timeless family activity, and Pigeon Forge has no shortage of creative courses to enjoy. Themed mini-golf spots like Pirates Island Adventure Golf offer imaginative settings that transport players into different worlds.
Kids will love navigating through dinosaur habitats, candy-themed landscapes, or pirate adventures while trying to sink a hole-in-one. Mini-golf is a great way to spend quality time together, and the lighthearted competition makes it even more enjoyable.
6. Explore the Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is a charming destination that offers a mix of history, shopping, and dining. At the heart of the square is the historic Old Mill, one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the United States. Families can take a guided tour to see how the mill operates and learn about its role in local history.
The square also features quaint shops selling handmade pottery, candies, and other crafts. Kids will especially enjoy the candy shops, where they can watch fudge and taffy being made. After exploring, sit down for a meal at the Old Mill Restaurant, which serves hearty, Southern-style comfort food in a family-friendly atmosphere.
7. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. This attraction is filled with exciting exhibits that let kids get up close with marine life. The Shark Lagoon Tunnel is a highlight, allowing visitors to walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other sea creatures.
The interactive exhibits are perfect for young explorers. Kids can touch horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and jellyfish at the touch tanks. The penguin play area is another crowd-pleaser, where kids can crawl through tunnels and pop up in viewing bubbles right next to playful penguins. A trip to this aquarium is both fun and educational, making it a must-visit for families.
8. Ride the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
For a thrilling outdoor activity, take the family to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This gravity-driven coaster lets you control your speed as you navigate twists, turns, and drops through the beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery.
The ride is suitable for kids and parents, as each cart can accommodate two passengers. You can go as fast or as slow as you like, making it a customizable experience for families with younger children or those who prefer a gentler pace. Riding the Alpine Coaster is an exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors while bonding with your kids.
Pigeon Forge is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that offer fun, learning, and adventure for all ages. From exploring the Great Smokies to thrilling rides like the Alpine Coaster, there’s something for everyone.
This Smoky Mountain destination is an ideal spot for creating unforgettable memories with your kids. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or interactive attractions, Pigeon Forge has it all. Plan your trip today and enjoy the endless excitement this charming town has to offer!