Instead of packing up and heading home or sulking in your cabin, check out these nine Pigeon Forge activities to do when it rains.
Isn’t rain just the worst? You put all that time and energy into planning your Smoky Mountains vacation and then it rains. Don’t worry! There are endless things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains. In fact, during my last trip to the Smokies, it rained on and off every day of the week. Did we let that stand in our way of having a fantastic vacation? Absolutely not.
Outdoor Activities
You might think I’m crazy for suggesting you head outdoors when it rains, but hear me out! These outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge are sure to entertain, rain or shine.
1. Dollywood
When you think about theme parks, what comes to mind? Rollercoasters, park food, kiddie rides, and… the dreaded lines. Well, if it’s raining outside, you won’t have to deal with those pesky lines!
As with most theme parks, Dollywood doesn’t shut down at the first sign of a rainstorm. By going to Dollywood on an overcast, rainy day, you’re guaranteed short wait lines for almost every ride. When I went to Dollywood with my family, it poured for the first 10-15 minutes of our day and we watched the crowds clear out. After that, it was a few light showers on and off, but we never waited more than 10 minutes for a roller coaster. We walked right onto Tennessee Tornado and Wild Eagle!
To be safe, pack a rain jacket or a poncho and put your electronic items in a Ziploc bag throughout the day.
Photo Credit: Dollywood / Facebook
2. Dollywood’s Splash Country
is a water park. Rain is water. Why skip a day on the water slides and lazy river because more water is falling from the sky? Plus, depending on your idea of fun, the extra water could make the slides more thrilling! Kids and adults alike will have a blast splashing the day away, no matter if it’s bright and sunny or raining.
Do be aware that in the case of extreme weather, Dollywood’s Splash Country will close for the safety of guests.
3. Go Hiking
I must be insane, right? Who goes hiking in the rain? You do!
I hiked up to Laurel Falls in the rain on July 4th. This normally jam-packed trail had maybe 20 people including my group on it the entire time I was there. We packed rain jackets, put on our hiking boots, and headed out on the 2.6 roundtrip trail. Unless you’re the Wicked Witch of the West, a little rain won’t put a damper on your hike!
If you do decide to go hiking in the rain, I recommend checking the forecast. If you see a large storm cell heading your direction, reconsider the timing of your hike. Also, think about the length of the trail. You don’t want to head out on a long trek only to meet up with a thunderstorm. Choose a short trail to be safe and enjoy the Smokies.
4. White Water Rafting
Once again, this Pigeon Forge activity has the word “water” in the name. Don’t cancel your white water rafting reservations at the first sign of rain in the forecast. You’re going to be soaked from head to toe
anyway!
If the storms have been strong, call your rafting company ahead of time. Strong storms can raise the Pigeon River rapid levels to unsafe conditions. Or, if severe storms are in the future forecast, the rafting guides may cancel for your safety. However, if it’s a small rainstorm, head out on the river for an epic adventure!
Family-Friendly Activities
In addition to the ample outdoor things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains, the area boasts multiple indoor attractions. For unlimited fun, check out these indoor attractions when the rain clouds roll in.
5. Hollywood Wax Museum
Who knew you could (sort of) meet your favorite celebrities in the Smoky Mountains?
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a great rainy day activity for families with children of all ages. Take your picture next to wax figures of music stars, film icons, politicians, and athletes. If you purchase the All Access Pass, your family can also check out the Castle of Chaos, Hannah's Maze of Mirrors and Outbreak attractions when it rains.
6. WonderWorks
Geared towards curious children, WonderWorks offers more than 100 engaging, hands-on exhibits and activities such as an indoor ropes course, laser tag, and more. While the attraction is designed to educate and entertain children, I bet the adults in your group won’t be able to help themselves from having fun, too!
Do note that this attraction can become packed on especially rainy days, so be sure to arrive as early as possible.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
If it’s a dreary day outside, dive underwater at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. While you won’t actually get wet (unless you step outside into the rain), the top-rated aquarium takes families on an ocean journey with interactive exhibits, touch pools, and more.
Once inside the aquarium, it’s easy to see why it was voted the best aquarium in the country by USA Today and made our list of things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains.
8. Titanic Museum Attraction
Families interested in educational things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains will love the immersive Titanic Museum Attraction. This interactive museum provides guests with an inside look at the magnificent vessel, the events that took place that fateful night, and the individual stories of passengers.
Kids will love feeling an iceberg and following along with the stories, while parents will appreciate the historical significance of the attraction.
Titanic Museum Attraction
9. Get Tickets for a Pigeon Forge Show
From Dolly Parton's Stampede to the Comedy Barn, one of the best ways to escape the rain is by reserving your tickets for a show. Pigeon Forge dinner and theater shows are known for their world-class entertainment, Broadway-level talent, and delectable meals.
After the shows, stick around and meet the cast! At most Pigeon Forge dinner shows, the cast provides a meet and greet opportunity once the performance has ended. You can take your picture with the stars and get their autograph, if you'd like.
Don’t Let the Rain Interrupt Your Trip to the Smoky Mountains
With so many things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains, why let a small rain shower stand in the way of your vacation fun? To beat the lines and save in the long run, purchase your tickets for top rainy day Pigeon Forge attractions from Tripster Pigeon Forge today.
