Pigeon Forge Things to Do with Kids: 15 Fun Activities

Read on to discover the top 15 kid-friendly activities that children of all ages can take part in (and will happily join in the fun) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Make it a memorable family vacation with a trip to the one and only Dollywood! It’s a top Pigeon Forge attraction because it’s one of the best theme parks for kids and adults.

Interested in seeing more of nature? Let the kids join you on a breathtaking Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour and a scenic Pink Jeep Tour of the Smoky Mountains National Park. The mountains are a veritable playground for children, and the Pigeon Forge Parkway is lined with attractions featuring fun, adventure, and plenty of entertainment.

Are you wondering which is more kid-friendly Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? Both cities offer fun activities for all ages, but if you’re looking for a place where the kids will have tons of things to do throughout the trip, head straight to Pigeon Forge! Kids will love all of the exciting attractions Pigeon Forge has to offer. Below are things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids to help you plan your family vacation.

13 Kid-Friendly Pigeon Forge Activities You Don’t Want to Miss

1. Dollywood

Dollywood continues to be on our top list of Pigeon Forge things to do with kids. Why? Read on for more answers!

Looking for big thrills? Then Dollywood tickets, and you’ll be on your way! Teens and kids love the excitement of theme parks. So in Dollywood, ride epic coasters like Wild Eagle, Tennessee Tornado, and Mystery Mine.

There are over 50 thrill rides and attractions the family will enjoy the whole day, meaning dozens of things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge! The Smoky Mountain River Rampage takes you through several dips, twists, and turns–channeling your love for whitewater rafting. You’ll get drenched during the ride, but we guarantee you’ll leave refreshed and smiling.

Dollywood for 1 year old is also a fun day outdoors! There are a chock-full of rides for the little ones, like Frogs & Firelflies and the Treetop Tower. The best part? You don’t need to purchase a ticket until your child is 4 years old!

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Looking for more thrilling things to do in Pigeon Forge for kids? If the bigger kids are looking for more thrilling adventures, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is just 4 minutes away! This is definitely one of the “kids activities Pigeon Forge” for the brave ones! This wild coaster promises over 9 minutes of adrenaline-fueled fun and features beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery, tunnels, curves, and 360-degree turns on over 20 acres.

2. WonderWorks Pigeon Forge

This kid-friendly attraction is fun and full of ‘edutainment’ for the entire family, but young children really love exploring the magic, science, and down-right wondrous exhibits at this immersive and interactive museum. Your list of “things to do with kids Pigeon Forge” should not miss this science-focused indoor amusement park!

As one of the best things to do for kids in Pigeon Forge, everything is “hands-on” at WonderWorks, kids can touch, play and pounce to their heart’s content! In addition, kids will love the glow-in-the-dark indoor ropes course, laser tag arena, and much more!

Things to do with Toddlers in Pigeon Forge

Looking for “toddler activities Pigeon Forge”? The Light & Sound Zone and Imagination Lab are just two areas to explore with the little ones at WonderWorks Pigeon Forge. For the best things to do in Pigeon Forge with toddlers, include letting your toddler jump from key to key on a giant piano and, quite literally, play music with their feet!

Exploring the Light & Sound Zone is also an ideal addition to your list of things to do in Pigeon Forge with a baby. The little ones will love the bright lights and entertaining music!

Meanwhile, the interactive sandbox encourages toddlers to make their imaginations come to life. Guide their tiny hands as they dig ocean trenches, build Jurassic mountains or create safari flatlands.

3. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

It’s easy to stay on budget when you’re taking the family for a vacation in Pigeon Forge. If you’re looking for “family fun things to do near me,” The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the most affordable kid-friendly attractions in Pigeon Forge. General admission and parking are free, making this family trip one of the best cheap kid friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN!

You must not miss the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel during your trip to The Island in Pigeon Forge. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Pigeon Forge TN with kids

This 200-foot observation wheel provides riders an unparalleled view of the world-famous Smoky Mountains. Each glass-enclosed gondola can fit up to 8 people at a time, so there’s more than enough room for the family!

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Pro Tip: Catch a ride during the evening! You’ll be just in time to witness a mesmerizing 24,000 LED-light show.

4. Outdoor Gravity Park

Coming from WonderWorks Pigeon Forge? Stop by Outdoor Gravity Park before calling it a day! It’s an exciting outdoor attraction that features thrilling zorbing tracks. It’s also the only zorbing park in the US, so it’s an activity worth including on your bucket list!

If you have a need for speed, we recommend the Fast Track, one of the best Pigeon Forge activities for families and groups. Get inside a giant 11-foot inflatable ball with up to three people and speed down the track’s 1,000-foot hill. Be prepared to experience feeling a little out of control, but that’s part of the family fun!

Kids ages five and up can join in on the thrill! If they feel confident and adventurous, they can even ride the Extreme Zig-Zag track on their own. 

5. Smoky Mountains Helicopter Tour

There’s no better way to get unobstructed breathtaking views of the Smokies than to book a Smoky Mountains Helicopter Tour. 

Choose from numerous flight adventures to see a beautiful panorama of the Smoky Mountains, French Broad River, Douglas Dam Lake, Bluff Mountain, Chilhowee Mountain Range, historic downtown Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

Kids will love riding a helicopter for the first time or the millionth. Going up in the sky and flying around can feel magical to them. Most especially, it’s an outdoor activity that is sure to encourage a love for nature.

Watch as they witness spectacular views from above, but don’t forget to document this memorable trip with lots of pictures and recordings!

6. Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

Looking for unique kid things to do in Pigeon Forge? If you’re tired of typical activities like mini golf and theme parks, you’re in for a treat at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction.

There are multiple dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, but none are as entertaining as Dolly Parton s Stampede Dinner Attraction! The musical productions are unmatched!

This engaging Pigeon Forge dinner show wins high marks with kids. Everyone will enjoy the audience participation segments as well as “stampeding” their team to victory. Kids also think eating with their hands is a lot of fun. Who would’ve thought? (Probably every parent – anywhere!)

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge: Coupons, Discounts, and Deal

Simply put, you’ll be attending a family feast and fantastic show that is fun for all ages. Thrilling horse-riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal music productions over a mouth-watering four-course dinner will keep the family enthralled all evening.

7. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park

A family friendly adventure park awaits at Pigeon Forge! Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park provides guests the ability to compete in the exciting events seen in Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud show. One up each other in your own log roll, boom run, and speed climb family competitions.

Don’t leave without riding the Flying Ox! It’s a one-of-a-kind zipline roller coaster that features sensational views of everything that’s going on at the park. Then, for a heart-stopping motion, line up for the 80-foot freefall adventure! It only takes a few seconds to reach the bottom, but it will be long before the adrenaline wears off! It’s an unforgettable attraction in the adventure park.

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The adventure park package typically takes around two hours to fully enjoy. Hollywood Wax Museum is just three minutes away if the kids are itching for more adventure. Take photos with the wax figures of well-loved celebrities like Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Marilyn Monroe.

8. Titanic Museum Attraction

By this age, many kids have learned about the RMS Titanic in school. Now they will get to live it. Show them more about this historic ship at the Titanic Museum, an educationally engaging attraction.

Learn together about the lives of Titanic passengers by examining artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. You’ll even be able to feel frigid 28° water!

Other indoor attractions in the area include Pigeon Forge Snow, a year-round indoor snow park where kids can enjoy after a fun, educational day exploring the secrets of the Titanic.

9. Pink Jeep Tours – Smoky Mountains

Tune in with nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore the great outdoors with a Pink Jeep Tour, which is one of the most popular Pigeon Forge family activities.

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Kids enjoy the thrill of riding an open-air Jeep Wrangler while they experience the sighs and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Going on a Pink Jeep Tour is more than just a sightseeing activity. Certified adventure guides bring the history and the magic of the mountains to life, so it’s an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more about the Smokies too! If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some of the abundant wildlife that calls the Smoky Mountains home. 

Not interested in a jeep tour? That’s okay! Free things in Pigeon Forge that you can do with kids is exploring the Great Smokies at your own pace, with your own vehicle.

10. Rafting in the Smokies

Believe it or not, rafting in the Smokies is also one of the most popular kid friendly things to do in Gatlinburg and pigeon forge, TN.

Challenge yourself and your kiddos with a wet-and-wild adventure on the Pigeon River. Conquer Class III and IV rapids while you ride the white waves of water.

Watch as your child smiles with glee as they get splashed, drenched, and soaked during this outdoor activity. So if you’re in town and you’re searching for “kid friendly activities near me,” check out two of the best outfitters, Smoky Mountain Outdoors and Rafting in the Smokies.

11. Zipping in the Smokies

Pigeon Forge kids activities are not complete without outdoor ziplining!

These high-flying attractions are all the rage in the Smoky Mountains. Please be mindful of the weight requirement (generally 70 lbs.). Letting down kiddos with high hopes of participating is no fun; for those who can harness up and get ready to fly through the canopy of Pigeon Forge.

It’s the perfect activity for kids to enjoy outdoor adventure in a safe, secure environment. If you’re already planning to book a rafting adventure with Rafting in the Smokies, we recommend booking the family’s zipline adventure with them!

12. Dollywood’s Splash Country

Looking for the ultimate Pigeon Forge summer attraction for kids? Go to Dollywood’s Splash Country! Each nook and cranny is created with kids and families in mind.

The water adventure park features an 8,000-square-feet lagoon-style leisure pool, a 25,000-square-feet wave pool, interactive children’s play areas, and RiverRush – Tennessee’s first and only water coaster! 

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Dollywood’s Splash Country: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals

A full day well-spent in Dollywood’s Splash Country is refreshingly fun. However, the kids will be worn out by sundown! We recommend staying at comfortable and affordable hotels nearby, like the Quality Inn & Suites at Dollywood Lane and the Comfort Inn & Suites at Dollywood Lane. Both are less than 10 minutes away.

13. Anakeesta

Kid friendly Pigeon Forge has tons to offer families, including a Smoky Mountains adventure that awaits you at Anakeesta, a Pigeon Forge top attraction where there are tons of activities and things to do with kids. This outdoor adventure theme park combines nature, thrill, wonder, and more for a one-of-a-kind journey.

Race on a zipline, see epic views of the Smokies from the Chondola, go gem mining, or brave the treetop canopy walk—the choice is yours! Plus, don’t miss the Magical Firefly Village with shops, restaurants, and more.

Bundles and Packages for Cheap Kid Friendly Things to do in Pigeon Forge TN

There are so many family activities and kid-friendly things to do in Pigeon Forge, but kid friendly activities in Pigeon Forge don’t have to be expensive! Grab Pigeon Forge bundles and packages to the fun-filled attractions we listed above, including your choice of hotels.

Our Dollywood Vacation Package ensures you stay close to all the top attractions. It also includes tickets to Dollywood and lets you save up to 14%.

What is Your Favorite Kid-Friendly Activity in Pigeon Forge?

Leave us a comment below!