Looking for a family fun adventure into the Smoky Mountains? Here is my Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide on the Top 10 Things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN.



Best Things to Do In Pigeon Forge For Family Fun
If you ask me where to stay in the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is definitely on top of my list.
Filled with tons of family-friendly activities, Pigeon Forge is a one-stop-shop for all things fun. From world-class attractions, entertainment, and shows to numerous dining, shopping, and lodging options, it’s easy to understand why millions of people consider it their ultimate vacation destination to the Smokies.
If you’re having a hard time choosing which to put first in your itinerary, no worries, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tn.
Take the Family to Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Pigeon Forge, it’s definitely going to be Dollywood. This must-do experience in the Smokies offers over 50 world-class rides, family fun shows, southern-style dining, and amazing festivals and events throughout the year.
Situated in the Smoky Mountains, it offers one of the most scenic backdrops of any theme park in the USA and has won several international awards over the years.
At the park, you’ll notice 11 themed areas including Showstreet, Rivertown Junction, Craftsman’s Valley, The Village, Country Fair, Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, Jukebox Junction, Owens Farm, Adventures in Imagination, and Wilwood Grove which reflect the historical eras and culture of East Tennessee.
Dollywood is more than just a theme park, it’s a tribute to the history and culture of the southern Appalachian region which is Dolly Parton’s home.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is one of the best choices for you. And if you happen to visit during the summer, Dollywood’s Splash Country is just right around the corner.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Pigeon Forge likely wouldn’t be as famous as it is without its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With ridge upon ridge of forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, there are plenty of things to do and see in this most visited park in America.
Enjoy great Smoky Mountains hikes, scenic drives and spot some remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Visit the Titanic Museum
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Open all year long, the Titanic museum is another place to add to your itinerary when visiting Pigeon Forge.
The Titanic Museum opened in April of 2010 and is hard to miss with its impressive ship-like structure that looks exactly like the famous 1912 vessel.
Inside the half-size replica of the Titanic is a 30,000 square-foot museum that displays 20 galleries and over 400 artifacts that came directly from the ship and its passengers.
The concept of the museum is to celebrate the ship, passengers, and crew by allowing visitors to experience what it was like boarding the ship, to walk the hallways, cabins, and the Grand Staircase of the Titanic.
Old Mill Square
Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Located just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, Old Mill Square is one of the most historic places to visit in Pigeon Forge. This local attraction is designed and built to look just the way it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It highlights the historic Old Mill built-in 1830 which is still functioning up until now.
Old Mill Square also features several dining options including the Old Mill Restaurant which serves classic Southern cuisine just like how our grandmas used to make it. Because of its popularity, be prepared for the long lines, especially during the peak season.
You’ll also find unique shops that offer different handmade products including potteries, homemade goodies, and a lot more.
Stroll the Shops at The Island in Pigeon Forge
131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

There are so many things to do at The Island Pigeon Forge that one day doesn’t seem enough. It is a must-see destination in Pigeon Forge that is filled with shops, top-notch restaurants, entertainment, and a variety of attractions including a 200-foot-tall observation wheel.
Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Smoky Mountains from the Wheel with all-glass gondolas that can accommodate up to 8 persons. Have some family fun thrills at The Island Ropes Course, Island Mirror Maze, and more.
Aside from these, you can also shop at different stores featuring interesting and unique items.
If you find yourself hungry after spending a day at the Island, enjoy one of these great Italian restaurants in Pigeon Forge or plan a nice date night at one of these romantic restaurants in Pigeon Forge.
Discover the Wonders at the WonderWorks Museum
100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

If you’re looking for educational yet fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids, WonderWorks is among the best options. Located inside a gigantic upside-down building, this indoor amusement park is a mix of education and fun.
With more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind, WonderWorks not only appeals to young children but entertains and educates people of all ages.
Some of the activities to enjoy in this amusement park includes the Inversion Tunnel, an upside-down carnival ride at Xtreme 360, Hurricane Simulator, Climbing Wall, Wonder Coaster, and Ropes Course which stands over 50 feet tall, which is the largest in the world.
Zip Down the Mountains in a Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Most of the things you can do in Pigeon Forge revolve around the Smoky Mountains. And one of the most unique and exciting ways to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies is by the Smoky Mountains Alpine Coaster.
It is the longest downhill roller coaster in the US that is over a mile long so if you’re a roller coaster junkie this is a must-try.
Unlike the conventional roller coaster, you’ll have full control of house fast you go by hitting the brakes or letting it go for a faster ride downhill.
As you ride the sled through the mountainside, you’ll have a view unlike any other with the beautiful landscape filled with trees and flowering plants.
The sled can accommodate one to two passengers and the ride downhill typically lasts for 7 to 10 minutes.
Visit the Movie Stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum
106 Showplace Blvd Unit A, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Have fun as you brush elbows with your favorites Hollywood stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum located in Pigeon Forge near Traffic Light #1. The fun starts with the gigantic king kong hanging on the tower along the Parkway!
The Hollywood Wax Museum features dozens of lifelike replicas of your favorite stars that you can have a photo with. There are also some props provided to make it even more fun!
From the biggest names in Hollywood like Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney to the most iconic singers like Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson you’ll surely have an extravagant time at the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Enjoy A Night Out at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Formerly known as the Dixie Stampede, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show is one of Pigeon Forge’s iconic attractions.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede features a spectacular equestrian show with daring tricks, friendly competition, exciting audience interaction, and a delicious Southern-style four-course meal.
As a start, guests can visit their signature horse walk for some photo opts with some of the show’s stars.
Guests enter the 35,000 square-foot arena where the real action begins, featuring the 32 magnificent horses as the leads of the show with top-notch riders performing a series of extraordinary equestrian feats of skill and daring.
The dinner show also features some really great country music and comedy provided by Skeeter and Nugget. The show comes to an end with a musical conclusion set to a patriotic salute of Red, White, and Blue.
Take the Family Tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow
2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Pigeon Forge Snow is the first of its kind in the USA. This 35,000-sq.-ft indoor snow facility offers real snow that never melts all year round, which makes it a great attraction to beat the summer heat.
This indoor facility transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to their state-of-the-art snow-making technology. Its features 12 snow tubing lanes and instead of using synthetic material, they use 100% pure water, without any additives to cover the slopes.
Aside from the best place for snow tubing in Pigeon Forge, they also have other features including a snow playing area where guests can make snow angels and build snowmen.
They have a second level that provides a great view of the snow tubing area and features a snack bar and areas for relaxation.
More Smoky Mountains Resources
- The Best Spots For Some Serious Glamping In Pigeon Forge
- Best Smoky Mountains Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking in the Smoky Mountains