When it comes to family vacations, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a hidden gem that never fails to captivate visitors. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, this charming little town boasts a rich history, iconic attractions, and an array of family-friendly entertainment options, attracting over 10 million visitors from all over the world annually. So, if you seek thrilling adventures, mesmerizing landscapes, and unforgettable family-friendly entertainment, Pigeon Forge is the place to be.
You can find ample recreational activities here that will ignite your sense of adventure, ranging from fishing in streams, hiking, rafting down rivers, water sports, camping, jet skiing, and kayaking through shallow waters where fish swim below you.
Pigeon Forge also caters to every shopper’s desire, from local artisan crafts to famous brand outlets. There are shopping malls where you can buy hand-made, high-quality gifts for your loved ones back home.
So, without further ado, let’s discuss the most exciting things to do on a family vacation in Pigeon Forge that will fill your trip with entertainment from start to finish.
8 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge When On a Vacation with Family
Indulge in Top-notch Entertainment
Pigeon Forge is an entertainment hub with ample entertainment opportunities for families. The popular options include comedy and dinner shows.
These shows are a wonderful way to have fun and be entertained with your better half or kids. However, for an exhilarating and memorable experience, comedy shows are the best options. Among all, the Comedy Barn show in Pigeon Forge attracts the most visitors since it offers:
- A cast of talented comedians
- Barnyard animals
- Jugglers
- Ventriloquists
All will keep you laughing with their hilarious skits, jokes, and antics. The show is held in a theater resembling an old-fashioned barn, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
One of the best things about the Comedy Barn Show is that it is interactive and great for all ages. The comedians often involve the audience in their skits, making it a unique and memorable experience for everyone.
Enjoy Hearty Meals
The many delicious and diverse dining options in Pigeon Forge cater to various tastes. There is food to suit every taste. For instance, you will find:
- Traditional Southern cuisine
- Italian
- Chinese, and more
Embrace familiar favorites like:
- Fried chicken or biscuits at neighborhood diners
- Indulge in a tasty barbecue at the most popular smokehouse, or
- Try the local seafood at seafood cafes
Go Shopping
Wander around the retail stores of Pigeon Forge that offer a collection of:
- Exclusive boutiques
- Artisan shops, and
- Gift shops
All are situated on the Parkway. Besides, Tanger Outlets is a perfect place if you’re looking for amazing deals on designer items. It’s an inexpensive hunter’s dream with more than 100 stores, namely:
- Nike
- Coach
- Gap
Visit Dollywood Theme Park
A trip to Pigeon Forge is incomplete without visiting Dollywood. Dolly Parton, the country music legend, owns this popular theme park, which appeals to the whole family. In the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, Dollywood was named the top tourist attraction in the United States and the eighth best worldwide.
Dollywood promises a fantastic experience that includes:
- Thrilling roller coasters
- Live performances
- Delicious food
So, ride the attractions, watch a show, enjoy delicious cuisines, and get lost in the wonder of this amazing theme park.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The well-known Great Smoky Mountains National Park set a record for visitors in 2021 with 14.161 million people. Take advantage of Pigeon Forge’s location near the national park’s limits to have a great time with your family and indulge in its activities. The National Park is a wonderful vacation spot for nature enthusiasts and families looking for outdoor fun and adventure. Here’s what you can do:
- To witness animals and waterfalls within their natural settings, go along scenic pathways. Discover the park’s natural splendors on pleasant drives
- Enjoy the fun of camping and take pleasure in the tranquility of nature beneath a starry sky
- Take beautiful photos
- Engage in bird watching
- Relax and take in the lovely surroundings of the park
Tour the Titanic Museum
Located in Pigeon Forge, the Titanic Museum invites visitors to go back in time and uncover the tragic history of the Titanic. The amazing variety of antiques and unique exhibits at this one-of-a-kind attraction helps to bring the terrifying ship’s tragedy to life. Here’s what you get to experience:
- Explore immersive displays and view genuine artifacts from the disastrous ship to lose yourself in history
- Absorb yourself in the stories of passengers and crew members to learn about their lives
- Take selfies on the magnificent Staircase replicas
Spend a Day at The Island in Pigeon Forge
The huge Smoky Mountain Wheel, 200 feet high with stunning views of the surrounding area, is one of the various entertainment options at this spot. The Island offers:
- Many other thrilling activities
- Features different shops and eateries
- You can also engage in exciting events like The Island Show Fountains, choreographed water and light shows set to music
- Enjoy the Island Ropes Course
Explore WonderWorks
Get ready to be astounded by WonderWorks, an indoor theme park that combines fun and learning. WonderWorks offers a distinctive and fascinating visit for your entire family with its more than 100 interactive displays.experience the excitement of the
- Four-dimensional XD Motion Theatre
- The Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course, and
- Defy gravity inside the Anti-Gravity Chamber
- Explore immersive virtual worlds by entering the virtual reality zone
WonderWorks provides limitless chances for adventure and enjoyment indoors, whether you’re delving into the underworld of science, pushing your physical limits, or letting your creativity run wild.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge is a superb holiday destination that offers various activities and tourist spots and is home to several attractions that cater to people of all age groups. This beautiful mountain town presents everything, from exciting amusement parks to magnificent treasures of nature and fascinating museums. The annual data on tourist visits to Pigeon Forge says everything about the destination’s continuing appeal. So, start planning your upcoming family vacation today and get ready to create unforgettable memories in Pigeon Forge!