This guide covers the best things to do in Pigeon Forge for families, couples, and groups, plus a few cool things to do in Gatlinburg nearby that turn any Smoky Mountains trip into pure fun.
If you're looking for the best Great Smoky Mountains things to do Pigeon Forge is home to some of the top attractions for any kind of Tennessee getaway.
This mountain gem is packed with energy and attractions that fit every type of trip.
Curious about Pigeon Forge fun things to enjoy in your next Great Smoky Mountains gateway?
Here's a bite-sized intro to the good stuff:
For Families
- Dollywood
- Dollywood's Splash Country
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- WonderWorks
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum
- Toy Box Mini Golf
For Couples
- Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
- Scenic Helicopter Tours
- Carriage Ride
- Secret Garden at Parrot Mountain
- Ole Smoky Moonshine Tasting
- Intimate Moments at a Secluded Cabin
For Groups
- Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park
- Go-Kart Racing at The Track
- Group Photo Sessions
- Comedy Barn Theater
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. With over 20 years of experience in the Smoky Mountains and a capable team of true locals, we like to think of ourselves as your go-to mountain experts.
Head over to our destination blog for great local insights, from the best rainy-day activities to the top eats in every town. We've got a treasure trove of hidden spots and insider tips waiting for you.
In this guide, I'll break down the best things to do in Pigeon Forge for families, couples, and groups.
Let's jump into the details!
For Families: High-Energy Attractions and Kid-Friendly Fun
1. Dollywood
Roller coasters, family-friendly rides, live shows, and Appalachian culture.
Let's start with Pigeon Forge's crown jewel. Dollywood is a theme park created by the one and only Dolly Parton, and it's filled with roller coasters, family-friendly rides, live shows, and delicious Southern food.
Little ones will love the Dollywood Express train ride and the Country Fair section, while older kids and adults can jump into thrill rides like Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle.
You'll also notice a strong focus on Appalachian culture, with craftspeople demonstrating glassblowing, wood carving, and other old-school arts.
2. Dollywood's Splash Country
A full-day adventure featuring raft rides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for little ones.
If you're visiting during the warmer months, Dollywood's water park adds another layer of fun for family trips.
With raft rides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for little ones, it's a full-day adventure worth including in your itinerary. If you go, consider renting a private cabana as a home base to relax while the kids run wild.
3. The Island in Pigeon Forge
An entertainment complex home to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
This entertainment complex has something for everyone in your vacation crew. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the star of the show, but there's also a ropes course, arcade, candy shops, and plenty of space to explore.
Don't skip the fountain show, which runs every 30 minutes and syncs music with jets of water and lights. When you need to grab a bite, head to Margaritaville or pick up a sweet treat at The Island Creamery.
4. WonderWorks
A quirky gem is where science meets fun.
This quirky gem is where science meets fun, inside a building that looks like it landed upside down (photos in front of it are a must!).
WonderWorks is an interactive science center featuring over 100 hands-on exhibits that engage your senses and teach you a variety of interesting things.
You can lie on a bed of nails, ride a simulated earthquake, design and ride your own virtual roller coaster, or climb a 50-foot indoor ropes course. No matter what you decide to try, this will be one of the most unique experiences you'll have during your time here with your loved ones.
5. Alcatraz East Crime Museum
An offbeat museum dedicated to crime history and law enforcement.
Here's another quirky attraction that families traveling with older kids and teens might enjoy.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum is an offbeat museum dedicated to the history of crime and law enforcement. The exhibits cover everything from pirates to mobsters to modern forensic science.
Why should you visit? It's surprisingly engaging, and for anyone interested in CSI-style elements like fingerprinting, ballistics, and crime-solving techniques, the museum turns abstract science into something concrete.
6. Toy Box Mini Golf
A themed 18-hole outdoor course, a laser maze, and a candy store for the sweet tooth.
For golf enthusiasts with kids in tow, Toy Box Mini Golf delivers giant toy displays, fun photo ops, and a full 18-hole outdoor course that adds tons of fun to a day in Pigeon Forge.
The course winds past oversized toy soldiers, building blocks, and action figures, and there's also a laser maze and candy store on-site to satisfy a sweet tooth.
For Couples: Laid-Back Experiences and Unexpected Romance
7. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island
Bring back a sense of old-fashioned romance to your trip.
I've mentioned it before as a great attraction for families, but if you're traveling with your soulmate, riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel can feel surprisingly romantic and bring back a sense of old-fashioned romance. Here's the way to do it: take a slow ride at night to the top and admire panoramic views of the Smokies as the town lights begin to twinkle. Even during winter, the ride stays comfortable thanks to the enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.
If you're celebrating something special, ask about the VIP gondola with glass floors and extended ride time. A pretty great way to propose to your loved one, just an idea.
8. Scenic Helicopter Tours
See the Smoky Mountains, rivers, and Pigeon Forge Parkway from a whole new perspective.
Now, if you're looking to upgrade your date day and add some thrill, book a helicopter ride for two. The views over the Smoky Mountains, rivers, and Pigeon Forge Parkway are simply unbeatable, and although it's not a cheap activity, it's a one-of-a-kind experience that will definitely stand out during your time together in Pigeon Forge.
Tours range from quick 8-minute flights to longer excursions that go deeper into the mountains, so you can choose the ride that fits your budget and preferences.
9. Carriage Ride Through Cades Cove
A private carriage ride through one of the most scenic valleys in the Smokies.
Few things say romantic getaway like a private carriage ride through one of the most scenic valleys in the Smokies. Cades Cove is already a must-see, with its wide fields, old cabins, and mountain silhouettes in every direction.
Add a slow-paced horse-drawn ride, and you've got the perfect afternoon date. The guides are knowledgeable and easygoing, and the peaceful pace gives you plenty of time to take in the views without distractions, just you, your other half, and the mountain scenery.
10. Secret Garden at Parrot Mountain
Stone paths wind past fountains, flowers, and quiet benches, with parrots perched in the trees.
This hidden gem feels like a fairytale tucked into the hills. Sounds good enough for a romantic date, right? Parrot Mountain is known for its tropical birds and peaceful atmosphere, but the Secret Garden is where it turns especially dreamy.
Stone paths wind past fountains, flowers, and quiet benches, with parrots perched in the trees like birds in love, completely at ease. It's a low-key, unexpected escape made for wandering hand in hand. If luck is on your side, a friendly parrot might even stop by to say hello.
10. Secret Garden at Parrot Mountain
Stone paths wind past fountains, flowers, and quiet benches, with parrots perched in the trees.
This hidden gem feels like a fairytale tucked into the hills. Sounds good enough for a romantic date, right? Parrot Mountain is known for its tropical birds and peaceful atmosphere, but the Secret Garden is where it turns especially dreamy.
Stone paths wind past fountains, flowers, and quiet benches, with parrots perched in the trees like love birds, completely at ease. It's a low-key, unexpected escape made for wandering hand in hand. If luck is on your side, a friendly parrot might even stop by to say hello.
12. Intimate Moments at a Secluded Cabin
Fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and panoramic views make it easy to turn every moment of your stay into a chance for romance.
There's something special about ending your day in a private cabin in the woods.
Pigeon Forge has no shortage of cozy cabins, many tucked away just far enough from town to feel like your own retreat. Fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs, and panoramic views make it easy to turn every moment of your stay into a chance for romance.
Watch the stars from your private deck, share a glass of wine, or simply listen to the quiet. You and your loved one deserve these simple, special moments while in Pigeon Forge.
For Groups: Team Activities, Laughs, and Late Nights
13. Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park
Log rolling, axe throwing, ziplining, and a multi-level ropes course.
For something high-energy and seriously fun, head to Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud. The show features real lumberjack competitions, and the attached adventure park lets your group try it all for yourselves.
You can enjoy log rolling, axe throwing, ziplining, and a multi-level ropes course. Between one lighthearted competition and another, take a break for group selfies to remember the fun moments you'll have here.
14. Go-Kart Racing at The Track
Multiple go-kart courses including elevated wooden tracks, plus an arcade and mini golf.
For more lighthearted competition, The Track has multiple go-kart courses, including elevated wooden tracks, plus an arcade and mini golf.
This is a great place for groups who want to let loose and maybe trash-talk a little in a friendly way.
15. Group Photo Sessions with Costumes
Take group photos in in Wild West gear, saloon outfits, or gangster-style suits.
Here's a fun and quirky thing you can do with your group. Several old-time photo studios around town offer group sessions where you dress up in Wild West gear, saloon outfits, or gangster-style suits.
Why should you do it? It's fun, a little ridiculous, and makes for a great souvenir photo. Most studios can handle groups of six or more.
16. Comedy Barn Theater
A mix of jokes, juggling, live music, and plenty of audience interaction.
If your group is up for a good laugh, this clean comedy show is an absolute must. It's genuinely funny, not forced, with a mix of jokes, juggling, live music, and plenty of audience interaction.
Another good thing is that it works for all ages without feeling cheesy, and the fact that it's been running for over 25 years pretty much says it all.
Must-Try Local Eats (for Everyone)
No matter who you're traveling with, food is a central part of the Pigeon Forge experience. Below, I've put together a list of top local eats worth adding to your itinerary.
- The Old Mill Restaurant: It serves up big Southern breakfasts, hearty meatloaf dinners, and fresh-baked pies in a historic gristmill setting. The attached shops sell homemade jams, pancake mixes, and pottery.
- Local Goat: This is is a popular spot for burgers, steaks, and craft beer with a modern menu and rustic style. It's busy every night, so try going early or making a reservation.
- The Apple Barn: A local gem offering homestyle apple fritters, fried chicken, and cider tastings. There's a general store, bakery, winery, and candy shop all within the complex, making it a fun place to explore after your meal.
Quick Gatlinburg Detour: Fun Add-Ons Near Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg is just a 15-minute drive from Pigeon Forge, making it an easy addition to your trip. This neighboring mountain town offers its own lineup of fun, especially if you're in the mood for scenic strolls, mountaintop views, and a little adventure.
Here are a few cool things to do in Gatlinburg:
- Anakeesta: Ride the scenic Chondola up to a mountaintop park with treetop walks, ziplines, dining, and views of the Smokies
- Gatlinburg SkyPark: Walk across the record-breaking SkyBridge with sweeping mountain scenery all around
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Underwater tunnels, penguin encounters, and interactive marine exhibits
- Ober Mountain: Ride the aerial tramway up to a mountaintop park with alpine slides, ice skating, and seasonal snow tubing
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: Take the glass elevator to the top for 360° views and arcade fun at the base
- Gatlinburg Trail: An easy riverside hike that starts near town and leads into Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Make the Most of Your Stay in the Smoky Mountains with Smoky Mountain Holiday
While you're in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, make the most of your stay with Smoky Mountain Holiday's curated collection of cabins and vacation homes.
Whether you're looking for a convenient base near the park's best hiking trails or a comfortable retreat to unwind after a day of exploring the Smokies, our properties are designed to help you settle in and enjoy the region at your own pace.