Fun Things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge, Tn is an incredible place for families to spend time together making magical memories. It is a fun family vacation destination nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains that offers a distinct variety of new and established entertainment and activities that inspire unforgettable memories and stories.

It’s the perfect destination for hard-working Americans wanting an escape from their daily routines, Pigeon Forge is an especially welcoming vacation destination that provides more experiences that create stories your family will love to share. Unlike other destinations, Pigeon Forge combines the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with a surprising number (and unique combination) of family-friendly attractions that keep guests returning often.

My family has visited Pigeon Forge several times over the last 10 years and we can’t wait to go back. It is such an easy drive from Atlanta and the scenic beauty makes this family destination truly one of a kind.

Here is my list of all the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge

I cannot say enough good things about this museum! The moment we walked in we were in awe of this amazing exhibit. From the very first exhibit, you are drawn into the lives of the people aboard the Titanic. They have some of the only photographs of the passengers aboard the ill-fated ship. You literally are stepping back in time as you gaze at these long-lost souls. You feel a connection with them that is almost surreal.

Once you are able to tear yourself away from the photographs, you can walk through the other galleries and see the genuine artifacts that were collected from the debris shortly after the Titanic went under. It is overwhelming to be surrounded by pieces of one of the worst disasters in history.

One of the best things about this museum is how interactive it is. You do not just read about the workers shoveling coal into the engines, you get to do it too and see what it was really like to do that for 10 hours a day. In one room there is a stairway that floods while the lights flicker on and off, giving you a glimpse into Titanic’s final moments. My absolute favorite interactive exhibit was the recreation of the deck of the Titanic, complete with a real 10-foot iceberg and freezing water. My kids couldn’t stop touching the iceberg and putting their hands in the 28-degree water. Tip, there is no photography of any kind allowed inside the museum, so you can leave your camera back at the hotel for this one.

If you can only visit one museum while you are there, visit this one!

Magiquest

My kids could not wait to try this place out! They were so excited about the thought of a Harry Potter-ish scavenger hunt. For the next 90 minutes, they ran around trying to complete as many quests as they could. The quests start off fairly easy and get increasingly difficult as you go on. My 9-year-old completed 3 quests while my 14-year-old dominated the leader board that day by completing 8 quests. She was in her element, fantasy role play and puzzles to solve, oh yeah it was on. This is something that you have to try at least once while you are here. So fun!

Dollywood

Considered one of the world’s premier theme parks, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood boasts 40 fantastic rides and attractions for the whole family! Their food is incredible, their entertainment is top notch and their southern hospitality can’t be beat and it’s all surrounded by breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood is great entertainment all year round. During the summer, cool the family off at Dollywood’s Splash Country—an unforgettably fun summertime water park experience. And each winter, they hang four million dazzling lights to celebrate Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas—a ten-time Best Christmas Event winner.

We have so much fun at this incredible theme park! It really is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge!

Wonderworks

Love this place! The famous upside-down house in the middle of Pigeon Forge is an educational wonderland. Every exhibit is engaging and fun!

My 3-year-old laid on a bed of nails and learned why it didn’t hurt, the big kids climbed 50 feet in the air on a spacewalk ropes course and then participated in a military training exercise. The little kids created pictures with a giant Light Brite Board (OMG! This was straight out of my childhood! Awesome!)

We landed space shuttles, played with bubbles, pedaled a bike upside down, sat in a café during an earthquake and scaled a rock-climbing wall. We spent all day at this place and practically had to drag the kids out. Wow! What an adventure!

Family Style Dining at Mama’s Farmhouse

One of the best restaurants in the area! Mama’s Farmhouse is our family’s favorite place to eat. This is good old-fashioned southern cooking at its best. Everything they serve here is delicious! Meatloaf, fried chicken, dumplings, creamy mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and green beans served to your table family style, don’t worry about running out of food or fighting for seconds, they will always bring you more, but don’t forget to save room for dessert! The food is perfection and the service is top notch. If you ever miss Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, this is the place for you! This is hands down our absolute favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge.

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin

Part country store, part pancake heaven this place is a must do in Pigeon Forge. You have to get the pancakes here, the warm, fluffy stacks are basically happiness on a plate. Throw in some eggs, bacon and grits and you will be full for days. Everything here is so good! I truly think this may be the best breakfast place in Tennessee.

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

After a long day of roller coaster riding, my husband and I were just plain worn out! We stopped at Big Daddy’s pizzeria on our way back to the hotel. We ordered pizza and let the kids loose in the arcade while we kicked back and enjoyed a much-deserved glass of wine. I admit we delayed ordering the pizza for a while so we could enjoy the peace and quiet. Thank goodness for game rooms!

We ordered pizza for the kids, hubs and I had a sandwich. The pizza was wood fired yumminess that the kids devoured. Usually, we have leftovers, not this time, they ate every last piece. I ordered the chicken alfredo sandwich, just the name had me drooling, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. It was good on its own but paired with a glass of white wine it was perfection, just what I needed after a long day of “vacationing”. This place is at the top of our list for next time we come back!

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Pigeon Forge! We can’t wait to go back and find even more to do.