Many know Pigeon Forge as the home of Dollywood, but this town is also one of top U.S. family destinations in the Smoky Mountains. As a family-friendly entertainment hub, there’s an endless selection of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids such as dinner shows, mini-golf, and mountain coasters.
Whether you’re looking to stay in Pigeon Forge or just visiting while staying in Gatlinburg, there’s something for all family dynamic here (toddlers, kids, and yes, even teenagers). After my first visit, I couldn’t believe the endless options of things to do here.
With some research and planning, no family should be bored during a trip to Pigeon Forge. But where should you start? The sheer amount of things to do in Pigeon Forge can leave you a bit overwhelmed (and wondering what’s really worth it). Here are some of my favorite all-age activity options worth adding to your family trip itinerary.
Why Pigeon Forge Is Perfect for Families
Before we dive into that many things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, I think it’s worth noting what makes this town such an excellent spot for a family vacation. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are excellent choices for family trips, but I prefer Pigeon Forge for family trips because it’s truly a kiddo’s paradise. (There’s nothing worse than being bored as a kid on a family trip.)
Why I love Pigeon Forge as a family-trip:
- Beautiful mountain views and scenery
- Several safe, walkable districts like The Island and The Mountain Mile
- Year-round attractions all with a close driving distance
- Short drive from Gatlinburg attractions and Smoky Mountain hikes
- Plenty of entertainment indoors for bad weather days
- Fun activities that are Smoky Mountain specific like the mountain coasters
Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids
The Mountain Mile
The Mountain Mile is a huge outdoor shopping and entertainment area located in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Here, you can find lots to do with kids of all ages. Families with older kids may want to try out the Mountain Monster ride located in the center of the shopping center. Meanwhile, younger kids can enjoy the choo-choo train that goes throughout the complex. Families visiting Pigeon Forge with adult kids (21+) can enjoy wine tastings at Currahee Vineyard & Winery.
The Island in Pigeon Forge (One of the Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids)
Like the Mountain Mile, The Island in Pigeon Forge is another huge outdoor shopping complex (even bigger). There’s so much to do here for children of all ages (don’t be surprised if you find yourself here more than once). Parking is stressful here — so expect to be here awhile once you make the effort to go. (Or choose to stay in a walkable hotel from here, like Margaritaville Resort Pigeon Forge). This popular spot has lots of activities to do with kids, such as:
- The Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel
- Arcade City
- SkyFly Pigeon Forge (one of my personal favorites)
- Great Big Game Show
- The Island Show Fountain
- Gatlin’s Mirror Maze
Scooby Doo Mini Golf
Mini golf is another popular choice for things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids for some healthy competition. There’s a lot of great courses in the area like Hillbilly Golf and Mermaid Bay Mini Golf. One of the most popular courses (that’s recently opened) is Scooby Doo Mini Golf (walkable from the Mountain Mile shopping center). We really enjoyed the interactive nature of this course and it’s unique theming.
Dollywood
As Pigeon Forge’s #1 attraction, we can’t forget to acknowledge the one and only Dollywood. Dollywood can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, however, I think it’s especially great for children under eight (there are more younger-kid rides than thrill rides here). Dollywood certainly has some of the best attractions for toddlers in Pigeon Forge in the Wildwood Grove and Country Fair areas of the park.
If you’re visiting during a festival like the Dollywood Harvest Festival or the Christmas celebration, the park truly comes to life. You do not need to be a huge fan of Dolly Parton (I am not) to enjoy a day at Dollywood.
Mountain Coasters
If you’re looking for something to do that really makes your trip stand out, don’t miss the chance to ride on a mountain coaster while in Pigeon Forge. As you drive around town, you’ll notice many options for mountain coasters such as the Goats on the Roof Mountain Coaster and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.
Mountain coasters move differently than your typical roller coaster — and they’re a blast for all ages. With a parent, most kids ages 3 to 4 and up can ride safely on these coasters as long as they meet the minimum height requirement.
Dinner Shows
Families who want to keep the fun going at night will enjoy Pigeon Forge’s interactive dinner shows. Families have a lot of options of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids during the day, but I love that dinner shows make night time more fun. Some top options for dinner shows include:
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede (of course, in the home of Dollywood)
- Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery
Ever dinner show in Pigeon Forge has a unique theme and style. So, if you’ve been here before, there’s still plenty of options for something new and different.
4-Day Pigeon Forge Itinerary with Kids
With so many options of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, it can be helpful to visualize an example itinerary. For a 4-day trip, here’s a trip schedule worth considering:
- Day 1: Arrive, Check-In & Enjoy Dinner & Activity at The Mountain Mile or The Island
- Day 2: Full park day at Dollywood
- Day 3: Resort pool/activity day and activity at night such as a round of mini-golf or a ride on mountain coaster
- Day 4: Arcade, SkyFly Pigeon Forge, and Rides during the day. Dinner show at night.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
Even though no shortage of things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, it never hurts to stay at a resort that offers more amenities included in your stay. I recommend that families traveling with kids choose hotels that feel more like resorts — which opens up even more to do. You can even dedicate one or two days of your trip just to enjoying everything your resort has to offer.
One of my favorite options for families is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge Resort. This hotel has so much to do that your kids might not even want to leave. Some things to do that are included in the resort stay:
- Indoor & outdoor pool (outdoor pool has a swim-up bar for adults in the summer)
- TopGolf Swing Suite
- Pool table and game area
- Outdoor game area with options like cornhole and outdoor board games
- Nightly reception with free beverages and snacks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Pigeon Forge good for families?
A: Absolutely! I would consider this one of the most family-friendly destinations in the U.S. Your kids won’t get bored here.
Q: What’s the best age for Pigeon Forge attractions?
A: Families with kids of all ages can enjoy Pigeon Forge attractions. Many attractions like Dollywood and mini-golf courses can be enjoyed by families with both younger and older children.
Q: How many days should I book a trip in Pigeon Forge?
A: There’s so much to do in Pigeon Forge that you can truly stay for over a week without getting bored. For most families, I suggest a trip duration of somewhere between three and six days.
Q: What things can I do with kids in Pigeon Forge in bad weather?
A: A bad weather day shouldn’t ruin your vacation. For rainy days, I recommend checking out indoor pools at your hotel, escape rooms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc.
Q: What are free things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids?
A: I recommend the Island Fountain show as a popular free option. Other free things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids include a visit Patriot Park and Old Mill Square.
Q: Is Pigeon Forge stroller-friendly?
A: Yes, most attractions in Pigeon Forge have paved walkways for strollers. You will need a car to get around between attractions (Pigeon Forge is not a walkable town).