A family trip across Tennessee offers scenic views and learning opportunities for your little ones. If you’re exploring the Smoky Mountains, visit the exciting town of Pigeon Forge to experience fun local events, historical sites, and entertainment centers at the foothills of the mountain. Find out what fun things you can do with your kids in Pigeon Forge by reading on.
1. Visit Dollywood for Excitement and Adventure
To start off your exciting adventure, Pigeon Forge is home to a theme park known for its rides, food, and charming atmosphere. This kid-friendly attraction will have the whole family entertained for hours.
Family-Friendly Rides
Dollywood offers a variety of rides catered to young and old children. The Dollywood Express train is a classic option and offers views of the landscape throughout the park.
Older kids may gravitate toward roller coasters like the Wild Eagle or Thunderhead. No matter which rides your kids choose, your family will have a great experience at Dollywood.
Live Entertainment
Dollywood also hosts live musical performances and shows throughout the day. Families can check out traditional Appalachian bluegrass or enjoy theatrical performances that highlight local legends and culture.
Seasonal Events
Depending on when you visit, Dollywood features engaging seasonal celebrations such as the Smoky Mountain Christmas or the Flower & Food Festival. If you’re planning your family vacation in Tennessee, choose a season where you can experience these unique activities and attractions that only come once a year.
2. Discover the Life of Pirates at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Make dinnertime a family adventure when you visit the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge. This maritime-themed experience is perfect for entertaining kids while you enjoy a delicious meal.
Captivating Pirate Performances
The show features swashbuckling pirates performing acrobatic stunts, action-packed duels, and a dance with mermaid companions. With an eye-catching set and an engaging cast of members, your children will adore every moment of the show.
Interactive Family Experiences
Before the main event, kids can participate in meet-and-greet sessions with pirates or pirate makeovers. These activities are memorable and put your kids in the center of the story.
Mouthwatering Meals
For adults and kids alike, the dinner menu features a four-course meal full of tasty Southern dishes. Satisfy the family’s hunger with fried chicken, ham, and corn on the cob as everyone enjoys the pirate show.
3. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If you’re looking to bring your kids closer to aquatic wildlife, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is just a short trip from Pigeon Forge and offers incredible underwater exhibits. Take plenty of photos at these beautiful exhibits and learn more about the creatures swimming around the tanks with your kids.
Interactive Animal Exhibits
Families can walk through the engaging exhibits that allow kids to interact with certain animals. For a unique opportunity, your little ones can gently touch jellyfish, pet stingrays, and encounter penguins up close.
Shark Tunnel Experience
The highlight for many visitors who stop by Ripley’s Aquarium is the glass shark tunnel, where massive sharks and other sea creatures glide above you as you walk through. The close encounters make great backdrops for taking photos.
Educational Programs
The aquarium also has learning opportunities to teach your little ones the beauty of aquatic life. At Ripley’s Aquarium, you can stop by hourly shows and feeding demonstrations that educate families about marine life and conservation.
4. View Stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum combines glamour and family fun, making it a must-visit spot for kids who enjoy pop culture. Teach your little ones the rich history Tennessee has to offer of iconic actors and singers at this memorable attraction.
Life-Like Celebrity Figures
How often can you pose next to a celebrity? Children and adults can stand next to lifelike wax figures of their favorite actors, singers, and film characters. It’s a great photo opportunity for the whole family!
Interactive Attractions
Aside from the wax figures, exciting activities such as a virtual reality theater and mini golf courses are perfect entertainment options after capturing a few photos. Check out the Castle of Chaos or Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors for an interactive experience at the museum.
Behind-the-Scenes Learning
For curious kids, there are sections of the attraction that explain how wax figures are created. This gives your kids a notable learning experience that they can take back home with them.
5. Spend Time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids, explore one of the nation’s national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Scenic Hiking Trails
There are several hiking paths suited for families with kids. For beginners, easy routes like Laurel Falls Trail offer moderate terrain and feature stunning views of waterfalls on the trail. For a challenge, you and your family could also hike across the Chimney Tops Trail for a steep yet rewarding journey.
Wildlife Spotting
From black bears to wild turkeys, spotting animals in their natural habitat adds a magical element to any family outing in the park. Bring along binoculars and high-quality cameras for better viewing.
Picnics in Nature
For a memorable experience, pack a hearty lunch and enjoy a meal surrounded by the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Many picnic areas are available throughout the park.
6. Take an Off-Road Adventure With ATV Rentals
Off-roading is an exhilarating way to explore the wild terrain surrounding Pigeon Forge. ATV rentals offer safe, comfortable travel options for all ages. Visit the local rental services and discover the trails and sights you can only find off-roading.
Family-Friendly UTVs
Local companies equip families with vehicles that are easy to drive yet capable of handling rugged trails. Most services include an age restriction, so be sure to accompany your children if you plan on driving a UTV through the mountains. You’ll be able to enjoy the scenery and feel the mountain breeze on these comfortable rides.
Scenic Mountain Trails
Hop into the UTV and explore the mountainous areas of Tennessee. Look out for quiet creek crossings and incredible viewpoints along the way to take plenty of photos along the journey. Book an off-road rental in Tennessee and find out all of the incredible places the UTV rental can take you.
In Pigeon Forge, you can find both indoor and outdoor activities that provide endless entertainment and new experiences for your children. If you want to traverse past the rural areas of the Smoky Mountains, stop by Rideon UTV Rentals to book a vehicle! Our team provides families with UTVs that are safe and comfortable to drive.
