Traveling with teenagers comes with a different set of priorities than traveling with younger kids. They may be looking for bigger thrills, places to explore on their own, or experiences worth sharing with friends. Fortunately, Pigeon Forge has plenty to keep teens engaged while giving the whole family something to enjoy together.
From mountain coasters and zip lines to unique attractions, local restaurants, and scenic spots, these ideas can help you build an itinerary everyone will be excited about.
Fast-Paced Fun For Teens in Pigeon Forge
Whether it’s a 230-foot drop or a race down the fastest waterslide in Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s coasters and thrill rides are sure to impress. With a family-friendly atmosphere, teens can explore on their own, while younger siblings enjoy kiddie rides.
Dollywood: Coasters For Thrill-Seekers
It’s hard to complain you’re bored while hanging off the side of a roller coaster 21 stories above Dollywood. On Wild Eagle, riders soar above the Smoky Mountains with nothing but open air stretching in every direction.
Daring teens may also enjoy Lightning Rod, which reaches speeds of up to 73 mph, or Drop Line, where riders plunge 230 feet. Less daring teens can scream and laugh as they drop through the darkness on Blazing Fury, or throw their hands in the air on Mystery Mine’s 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop.
Insider tip: With exhilarating twists and turns but no upside-down action, Dragonflier is a great ride for the whole family to enjoy together.
Splash Country: High-Speed Water Rides
There’s more to do in Dollywood’s Splash Country than just float down a lazy river. High-speed water slides and coasters elevate the excitement, while the summer heat disappears as soon as you plunge into the cool water.
On Fire Tower Falls, riders race down Splash Country’s tallest and fastest slides. Teens will barely have time to catch their breath before splashing into the pool below.
Mountain Scream sends riders spinning through winding corkscrew tunnels and steep drops while River Rush adds the twists and turns of a water coaster. Wild River Falls provides a slightly gentler option, with four slides that end in a refreshing splash.
Xtreme Racing Center: Full-Throttle Go-Kart Races
Teens itching to get their driver’s licenses will enjoy going full-throttle at Xtreme Racing Center. This year-round attraction lets drivers race pro-style karts that reach speeds of up to 40 mph. Ages 11 and up can drive solo, but be warned—after your teen beats you in a go-kart race, you’ll never hear the end of it.
Insider tip: Daring teens might enjoy the 1,500-foot elevated track, where twists, turns, and an above-ground course add a different dimension to the race.
Photo Ops and Picture-Perfect Stops
If your teen loves documenting every vacation, Pigeon Forge is full of perfect social media moments they’ll want to capture.
Hollywood Wax Museum: Selfies with the Stars
Stepping into the Hollywood Wax Museum feels like walking onto the red carpet. Here, teens can pose for selfies with Taylor Swift, The Rock, Michael Jackson, and plenty more pop culture icons.
Next, test your aim with a laser blaster as you race, fly, and crash through the Castle of Chaos, an interactive 5D motion ride. Finish your visit with a walk through the museum’s haunted zombie attraction—or send your teen through and have your camera ready when they emerge.
Insider tip: Take younger kids through Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors while your teens brave the haunted attraction.
Four Bandits Old Time Photo: Old West Photo Shoot
Take your vacation photos to the next level at Four Bandits Old Time Photo, where costumes, themed sets, and a little family silliness make the experience just as memorable as the finished portrait.
Let your teen choose the theme—whether it’s the saloon, old west, hillbilly, Victorian era, or Roaring Twenties—then step into character together for a family photo you couldn’t take anywhere else.
Insider tip: With a studio that accommodates up to 40 people, this is a fun way to capture group memories on an extended family vacation.
Where Shopping Meets Entertainment
Pigeon Forge is home to shopping and entertainment districts with something for every member of the family. From pop-culture merchandise to handmade pottery, you’ll find plenty to browse together.
The Island in Pigeon Forge: Pop-Culture Shopping
The Island in Pigeon Forge combines specialty shops with restaurants and attractions that appeal to a wide range of interests. Pop-culture-obsessed teens will eat up the merch at Kryptonite Character Store, where they can get a t-shirt or bag featuring their favorite TV, anime, cartoon, game, or comic book character.
Sports fans will feel right at home in Southern Sportz: the perfect spot to pick up NFL, college football, or MLB gear. Fashion-forward teens can browse trendy accessories, jewelry, and faith-inspired fashion at Be Free Boutique.
Insider tip: Take a shopping break at The Island Show Fountains, where synchronized water, lights, and music provide free entertainment.
Mountain Mile: Quirky Finds and Hangout Space
Mountain Mile gives teens freedom to wander the shops or enjoy thrill rides while parents relax outdoors. A favorite teen shopping spot is Bigfoot in the Smokies. With oversized statues and quirky merchandise, it’s one of Mountain Mile’s most photo-worthy stops.
After shopping, head over to Mountain Monster rides, where happy screams echo through the air as riders launch high above the shops. For a more low-key experience, challenge your teen to giant chess or cornhole on the central lawn.
Insider tip: Stretch your vacation budget further with coupons for Mountain Mile and other Pigeon Forge attractions.
Downtime and Feel-Good Moments
When you need a breather from The Island or Dollywood, a low-key activity can give everyone a chance to recharge. Pigeon Forge has plenty of activities that are easy, budget-friendly, and slot perfectly into any day.
The Forge Cinemas: Easy and Affordable Downtime
After a day in the Tennessee heat, sinking into a cool theater seat with popcorn in hand can feel like its own vacation. With $5 movie tickets and stadium seating, The Forge Cinemas makes for a fun, budget-friendly breather.
Insider tip: Teens can catch a movie while parents or younger siblings take some downtime nearby.
Goats on the Roof: Unique and Low-Key Fun
Goats on the Roof is a quirky, slow-paced attraction where teens can shop for souvenirs, play mini golf, or ride an alpine coaster. With goats and old-time gem mining for little kids, the family can head in different directions, then reunite for milkshakes on the porch.
Insider tip: Don’t leave without feeding the goats on the roof!
Family-Friendly Restaurants for Refueling
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or winding down after a busy day, Pigeon Forge has plenty of casual restaurants the whole family can enjoy.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria: Wood-Fired Pizza and Arcades
There’s nothing like the smell of bubbling cheese and wood-fired crust. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria has a casual, no-fuss environment and enough options for every taste. As the pizza bakes, teens can head to the on-site arcade to test their skills and win prizes.
Insider tip: Try the dough daddies or cheesy garlic bread for a pre-pizza appetizer.
Downtown Flavortown: Food, Bowling, and Game Cards
Dinner and entertainment come together at Downtown Flavortown. The Guy Fieri-inspired menu caters to a range of tastes, while kids’ menus include a $10 game card. While the chefs prepare your food, teens can explore the restaurant’s 1,000-square-foot arcade and 14-lane duckpin bowling alley. Or, if you have time to spare, head to the alley after dinner for a good old-fashioned family bowling night.
Insider tip: Don’t leave without snapping a family photo in front of the restaurant’s iconic 1968 Chevy Camaro.
A Teen-Friendly Destination
Teens who think Pigeon Forge is for kids may leave with a different impression. Between coasters, mountain adventures, interactive attractions, shopping, and room to relax, it’s easy to build an itinerary that keeps teens engaged while creating memories everyone can share.
