Pristine mountain views and charming small-town atmospheres might be your idea of the perfect vacation in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. However, when traveling with children, they often seek more action-packed adventures to keep them entertained. While adults might enjoy scenic hikes or exploring local history, kids tend to have shorter attention spans and need engaging activities to burn off their boundless energy.
Traveling with kids requires careful planning to ensure everyone has a fun-filled trip. Luckily, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are packed with family-friendly attractions, but with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to pick the best ones. That’s where we come in.
If you’re looking for the top kid-friendly activities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top activities that will keep your kids entertained and excited throughout your visit to these Smoky Mountain gems.
Before We Start…
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins with amenities like hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Check out our website to find the perfect cabin for your stay.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge, head over to our destination blog. From the best rainy-day activities to the top eats in each town, we’ve got tons of local spots and insider tips just waiting for you!
Now, let’s see how to make your family vacation unforgettable!
1. Snap Photos with Celebrities at Hollywood Wax Museum, Pigeon Forge
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a fantastic experience for families with children visiting Pigeon Forge. The museum houses lifelike wax replicas of some of the world’s biggest stars, giving visitors the chance to take photos with their favorite idols, learn fun facts about their lives, and immerse themselves in a variety of creative scenarios.
Kids especially love the museum’s interactive nature, where each wax figure is paired with a themed backdrop. Plus, props and costumes are available to enhance the photo ops. The showstopper for younger visitors? King Kong, where children can pose in the giant gorilla’s hand for an unforgettable photo.
2. Dive into Fun at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
A trip to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without spending a day at Dollywood. Co-owned by Dolly Parton herself, this park stands as the premier theme park in the Smokies, offering a wonderland of rides, entertainment, and excitement for kids and adults alike.
With over fifty rides to choose from, including favorites like Flying Elephants, Busy Bees, and the Great Tree Swing, kids of all ages will find something to love. For families, Dolly’s Express offers a relaxing ride on an old-fashioned steam engine, and Wildwood Grove features additional family-friendly rides. Beyond the rides, Dollywood is home to live music, shows, exhibits, award-winning dining, and shopping.
Open from mid-March through December, Dollywood becomes even more magical during the holidays, with festive lights and performances. If you’re visiting during summer, check out Dollywood’s Splash Country, a water park with thrilling slides, splash zones, and pools for endless fun.
3. Ride and Dine at The Island, Pigeon Forge
The Island is an entertainment hub offering attractions for both kids and adults. Kids will enjoy watching the mesmerizing fountain show, complete with dancing water and lights, or hopping on the Flying Horse Carousel and other rides like Spinning Parrots Coaster and Tree Fall Drop Tower. There’s even more excitement at Arcade City, where kids can play games like Laser Tag and escape rooms.
For adults, The Island offers great shopping, dining, and live music. Be sure to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the area.
4. Experience Winter All Year at Pigeon Forge Snow, Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Snow brings winter fun to life all year round, making it America’s first indoor snow park. With ten snow tubing lanes covered in powdery snow, kids and adults alike can enjoy the thrill of snow tubing no matter the season.
The park also features areas where visitors can build snowmen, have snowball fights, or play in the snow. After all the fun, relax in the open play area or recharge at the snack bar.
5. Parrot Mountain and Gardens — A Local Treasure
For a tropical escape in Pigeon Forge, visit Parrot Mountain and Gardens. The beautifully designed gardens are filled with colorful plants, waterfalls, and exotic birds like parrots and toucans. Kids can feed the birds by hand or let them perch on their arms for a unique interactive experience.
This tranquil spot also has a bird nursery and a serene prayer garden, making it perfect for a peaceful family outing.
6. Explore Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park, Gatlinburg
The adventure begins before you even reach Ober Gatlinburg, as you ride the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to the mountaintop. Once there, you’ll find plenty of activities for the whole family, from skiing and snow tubing in the winter to mini-golf and thrilling rides like the Mountain Coaster and Scenic Chairlift in the summer.
The Wildlife Encounter is a hit with kids, where they can see black bears, bobcats, and other local wildlife up close.
7. Discover the Magic of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg
If your kids love marine life, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is a must-visit. With over 10,000 exotic sea creatures, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for kids to pet stingrays or meet penguins, it’s easy to spend a full day here.
The highlight is the Shark Lagoon, where kids can marvel at sharks swimming just inches away through a glass tunnel.
8. Splash Around at Wild Bear Falls Water Park, Gatlinburg
Wild Bear Falls Water Park offers year-round fun with its mountain-themed indoor water park. Kids will have a blast with the water slides, lazy river, and splash areas, while parents can relax in the hot tub or in the seating area overlooking the pools.
The park’s snack bar serves up family favorites like wings, sandwiches, and pizza, ensuring everyone stays fueled for more water fun.
9. Speed Down the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge
Adventure-seeking families should not miss the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, one of the longest downhill rides in the U.S. This thrilling ride allows kids to control their speed as they navigate twists and turns through stunning mountain scenery.
The coaster is open year-round and provides a different experience each season. For added excitement, ride at night when the track is illuminated with vibrant lights.
10. Roll Downhill at Outdoor Gravity Park, Pigeon Forge
For a one-of-a-kind experience, try zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park. Roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball — and in the summer, the ball is filled with water for a splashy good time. With multiple tracks to choose from, this unique activity is sure to be a hit with the kids.
11. Jump, Climb, and Play at Top Jump Trampoline & Extreme Arena, Pigeon Forge
On rainy days, head to Top Jump Trampoline & Extreme Arena for high-energy fun. This trampoline park offers free jumping, dodgeball, basketball, and a Ninja Course. With an arcade and candy shop on-site, it’s a great place to burn off energy and have fun indoors.
12. Year-Round Thrills at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, Pigeon Forge
Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark offers exciting activities for all seasons, from the Tubing Hill to the Avalanche Snow Coaster. In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, but there’s fun to be had in every season, making it a great destination for kids.
13. Interactive Fun at Beyond The Lens, Pigeon Forge
Beyond The Lens blends pop culture with hands-on fun, offering photo ops, virtual reality games, and exhibits exploring everything from celebrity trivia to conspiracy theories. The interactive museum also features a 2-minute escape room and the FlyRide, which lets visitors experience a simulated flight over U.S. landmarks.
14. Dinner Shows — Family-Friendly Entertainment
Why not enjoy dinner while watching a live performance? Pigeon Forge offers several family-friendly dinner shows, such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Each show offers a unique blend of music, comedy, and dazzling special effects, making for a memorable evening.
15. Nighttime Fun at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg
Anakeesta is a mountaintop park offering thrilling outdoor activities like zip-lining and the TreeTop Skywalk, a play area with suspended bridges. Stick around after sunset for Astra Lumina, a magical night walk through the forest featuring stunning light displays and projections.
16. Soar to New Heights at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
For unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Standing 407 feet tall, the tower offers glass elevator rides to the top, where you can take in panoramic sights of the surrounding area.
The Top Activities for Kids in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Now that you’re familiar with some of the top kid-friendly activities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’re ready to plan the perfect family vacation. With endless entertainment options, both towns guarantee an unforgettable trip for families of all ages.
Where Should You Stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Our short-term rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.