Are you looking for a fun and budget-friendly Pigeon Forge vacation experience? In this post, we share the best things to do in Pigeon Forge for free that the entire family will enjoy.
From outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions, there is something here for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with your family or just want a weekend getaway, this list has something special that won’t break the bank.
Pigeon Forge offers endless options for family fun, but oftentimes these attractions can come at a not-so-cheap price. The good news is, there are plenty of free things to do in Pigeon Forge.
How do I get to Pigeon Forge on a budget?
Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
However, visiting this charming town doesn’t have to break the bank as there are several ways to make your trip budget-friendly.
- One of the most cost-effective ways to get to Pigeon Forge is by driving, especially if you’re coming from nearby cities such as Knoxville or Asheville.
- If you prefer the convenience and speed of flying, Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest airport to Pigeon Forge. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to your final destination.
- Accommodation: Pigeon Forge has a wide array of lodging options that cater to various budgets. If you’re looking to save money, consider staying in one of the many campgrounds and cabins on the outskirts of town.
- Take advantage of Free or cheap things to do in Pigeon Forge.
- Look for Pigeon Forge attraction discounts and Groupons
- Visit during the off-season, when prices are usually lower.
Overall, Pigeon Forge can be an affordable travel destination if you plan wisely and choose your options carefully.
By using some of these tips, you can explore this charming town while keeping your wallet intact.
Best Free Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Planning a family vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN can be overwhelming in a good way, with tons of things to do and places to visit you’ll seriously never run out of options. However, visiting the top attractions such as theme parks can be very costly.
By taking advantage of the many free things to do in Pigeon Forge you can enjoy your trip without spending much of your travel budget.
Jump back in time as you tour the historic Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, TN. It is a beautiful place for taking some photos and generally a great place to just stroll around.
The first stop is the Pigeon River Pottery where you can watch the potters work. Watch the historic Old Mill in action and how it is used to grind ingredients for many dishes at the Old Mill restaurant.
You can also watch candy makers as they make classic sweet treats at The Old Mill Candy Kitchen.
Getting inside the Island in Pigeon Forge is totally free and you only pay for the activities that you want to do. While this family vacation destination offers dozens of shops and amusement rides, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of things to do at the Island without the need to spend your hard-earned money.
See the Island Show fountain perform perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music. Home to over 40 retail stores, you can browse from specialty shops inside the Island.
Visiting the Patriot Park located right along the Old Mill Village is another family favorite when it comes to free things to do in Pigeon Forge. It is a great place to just relax and enjoy the outdoors.
If you’d like to have a picnic with the family, this area is a great choice. There’s a half a mile walking trail where you can stroll to see the flags from all 50 states and several memorials to the veterans from Pigeon Forge.
Patriot Park is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, some of them are free including the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival happening every year on the fourth of July.
The Great Smoky Mountains is home to a plethora of activities that the whole family can enjoy for free, for one, entrance to the park is absolutely free of charge.
Explore the 850 miles of hiking trails, go fishing, enjoy a scenic drive or enjoy a picnic all without spending a dime. Your options are endless when it comes to free things to do at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Pigeon Forge has a number of amazing festivals and events happening throughout the year. Most of these festivals are open to the public for free like the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, Patriot Festival on the fourth of July, Winterfest, and a lot more!
Located just a few miles from Pigeon Forge in the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove loop. Offering scenic mountain views, wildflower meadows, rolling greens, historic buildings, and more, it is easy to understand why this area is one of the most popular places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best family-friendly shows in the country. And the best part of it is that some of these shows offer free admissions for kids. Check out some of these shows that offer free passes for children.
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park- If you have any kids who are 3 and under, they are admitted to the show for free.
- Comedy Barn- Children under the age of 3 receive free admission as long as they sit in the lap of an adult
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud- Children 2 and under are free only if they sit in a parent’s lap and eat from their plate.
- Country Tonite- children 12 and under can attend a Country Tonite performance for free with a paying adult.
Meet and greet the stars of the show before it even begins! Arrive early so you can see the Horse Walk and get a cup close look at the beautiful variety of horse breeds- no tickets needed. You can even get your photos taken with your favorite horse.
Located just west of the center of town, Wear Farm City Park has sports fields, playgrounds, and plenty of space to spread out. You can also stay at the park without spending a dime! It is the perfect place to take the kids where they can run around and play. You can even bring picnic food to enjoy or food to grill on-site under one of the pavilions in the park.
Want to see the World's largest knife showplace? Just a few minutes away from Pigeon Forge, you can drive by the Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville and see over 1.5 million knives on display and for sale.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Recommended Pigeon Forge Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Discount Tickets
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Recommended Resources
Planning a trip to Pigeon Forge soon? Check out these amazing Pigeon Forge Family Resorts near Dollywood that the kids will love! You can also drop by the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.
Don’t Miss These Web Stories!
