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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the ideal vacation spot for a family getaway. This charming, picturesque mountain town is located close to the Great Smoky Mountains and has several hiking trails and tourist attractions that make it one of America’s most loved family-friendly vacation destinations. Whether you plan to stay for a week or just a few days, there’s plenty of stuff everyone in your family can enjoy.
However, planning an itinerary when travelling to Pigeon Forge can be quite a task, especially when everyone in the family has different interests. Some may prefer outdoor activities, while others are more likely to be interested in theme parks or a typical family picnic. But this isn’t something to fret about; you can create a comprehensive plan since there are plenty of things to do in Pigeon Forge Tennessee and enjoy an amazing vacation.
1) Go on an Exciting Adventure at The Island
The Island is a 23-acre family entertainment destination with plenty of fun activities to indulge in. It features attractions like The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and neighboring towns, and The Island Ropes Course, an exciting challenge of over 30 elements in three levels.
If your family loves completing challenges together, participate in The Escape Game, a live-action adventure game. Your group will be locked in a themed room, and you’ll have a limited time to puzzles by finding clues and escape the room.
The Island also has plenty of places to shop and dine. You can shop for souvenirs, clothes, and other items or grab a bite at Margaritaville or Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
2) Catch the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge and its neighboring towns are famous for several dinner show attractions that make for a fun family night out in town after spending the day exploring the outdoors. A highly-recommended crowd favorite is the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show. The show features comedy routines, along with singing and dancing, and you’ll also be able to enjoy home-style chicken, bread, and corn on the cob. Since the attraction is pretty booked during peak season, you’d want to reserve your seats in advance. Be sure to visit the show’s website for all the Deets.
3) Experience Dollywood
Dollywood is a family-friendly amusement park that offers thrills and entertainment for all ages. You can get your heart racing while riding on some of the country’s fastest roller rollercoasters or take a more leisurely ride on one of the carousels. Or you can visit the eagle mountain sanctuary and see bald eagles in their natural habitat. If you’re travelling in summer, take a trip to the water park, where you can cool off with various waterslides and lazy rivers.
The park also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, from the Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival to the Great Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Remember to check the event calendar to see what’s happening around the dates you plan on visiting the park.
For a real treat, catch one of their world-class shows. Enjoy classic country music, spectacular acrobatics, and toe-tapping dance numbers.
4) Visit one of Many Local Museums
Museums are a great way to learn about the area’s history and culture, and Pigeon Forge has several fascinating museums worth visiting, such as the Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Old Mill Square.
The Titanic Museum is dedicated to the ill-fated ship that sunk in 1912 and is filled with artefacts, photos, stories, and interactive exhibits. You can explore the museum on your own or opt for a guided tour; the latter might be better for a family.
The Hollywood Wax Museum features life-like wax statues of many A-list celebrities, and you can pose for pictures.
The Old Mill Square is a working grist mill built in 1830 and offers guided tours of the mill and its grounds and restaurants where you can indulge in some traditional Appalachian dishes.
Be sure to check online for timings and entry tickets since these attractions can be pretty crowded.
5) Taste Some Mouthwatering Food
Pigeon Forge has many restaurants where your fam can enjoy some delicious food. You can find anything from home-style southern cuisine and barbecue to seafood, and also Mexican and Italian cuisine.
Some popular places to eat include the Pigeon Forge Deli, a sandwich shop that has various specialty sandwiches, and the Old Mill Restaurant, which serves traditional southern dishes in a rustic setting.
You can also find unique treats like homemade fudge, ice cream, and other desserts in the many bakeries and candy stores in Pigeon Forge. Try out the local specialties like funnel cakes, pozole, tamales, and moonshine that vendors sell in the area on carts, food trucks, and local shops.
6) Explore the Great Outdoors
Since Pigeon Forge is located near the Smoky Mountains, it’s an excellent place for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, rafting, fishing, and even skiing. You can go ziplining through the trees, take a guided tour of the forests and waterfalls, or relax in a serene camping spot when visiting the Great Smoky National Park.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore. Walk or drive along the trails inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or stroll through the lush, peaceful Mountain Mile. You can also go horseback riding or white water rafting to get your adrenaline pumping. There are also plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife, including songbirds and black bears. Remember to take plenty of pictures to capture the beauty of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities for all ages, so your family will never have a dull moment while vacationing in the area. Be sure to add the items mentioned above to your to-do list when visiting and check online for some great deals on tickets and accommodation to make the most of your vacation.
