Top 10 Summer Activities in Pigeon Forge
On July 15, 2025
To help get your vacation planning off to a good start, here’s a list of some of the most popular Pigeon Forge summer activities that are sure to please kids of all ages.
1. Race through the hills on an mountain coaster
Riding an alpine coaster is a must-do experience during your visit to the Smoky Mountains. With several exciting mountain coasters to choose from in Pigeon Forge, you can try one—or ride them all—to find your favorite. For a truly unforgettable adventure, hop on a night ride, where glowing lights illuminate the track as you race through curves, tunnels, and twists under the stars. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fun-filled day in Pigeon Forge!
Visitor tip: Add a stop at the first-ever racing mountain coaster, Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, for a high-speed ride through the Smoky Mountains that’s as unforgettable as it is exhilarating.
2. Ride, shop and play the day away
The Island in Pigeon Forge is packed full of fun and exciting things to do all summer long. Ride to the top of the 200-foot Smoky Mountain Wheel for amazing mountain views. Take a seat and watch the dancing fountains. Shop at one of the more than sixty retail and specialty shops. Let the kids run wild with a countless number of rides and games. The Island is your one-stop destination for affordable family fun.
Visitor tip: For a limited time only, The Island in Pigeon Forge is offering a larger-than-life FREE experience that transports guests back to the Jurassic era. Jurassic Adventure features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a custom Island Fountain Show that you won’t want to miss!
3. Zorb down a 1,000-foot hill
Looking for an exhilarating, action-packed ride to try? Summer and water just go together, so riding down a 1,000-foot hill in an OGO (outdoor gravity orb) filled with water at the Outdoor Gravity Park sounds like a good activity for a hot summer day!
Visitor tip: Pigeon Forge offers a variety of extreme adventures to add to your summer bucket list.
4. Cool off indoors
When the summer sun heats up, head inside to explore some of Pigeon Forge’s coolest attractions—literally. From mind-bending science exhibits to immersive fantasy worlds, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat while keeping the whole family entertained.
Step into the upside-down world of WonderWorks, where hands-on experiments and optical illusions bring science to life. Or dive into a real-life adventure at MagiQuest, a role-playing game where kids can cast spells and solve magical quests in an air-conditioned castle.
Visitor tip: Don’t miss Truth Traveler, one of Pigeon Forge’s newest indoor experiences. This immersive 5D virtual reality ride takes guests on a cinematic journey through biblical history—perfect for travelers looking for something meaningful, unique, and refreshingly cool.
5. Float down a lazy river
Spend your summer days splashing and playing at one of our hotels with water parks or pools in Pigeon Forge. From splash pools and slides to floating down a lazy river, these hotels offer plenty of ways to beat the Tennessee heat during your stay.
Visitor tip: Country Cascades Waterpark Resort offers endless waterpark fun, arcade games, affordable lodging and more for a summer vacation filled with excitement and relaxation. Or check out even more fun ways to stay cool this summer in Pigeon Forge.
6. Fuel the fun with mini golf and go-karts
Family fun at full speed! Whether you’re challenging mom and dad to a round of mini golf, racing your friends on a go-kart track, or racking up tickets in the arcade, Pigeon Forge is packed with action for all ages. From classic kids’ rides to friendly competitions, these attractions guarantee hours of nonstop entertainment. One of the newest places to play is Space Race Adventures, where you can tee off on a space-themed mini golf course, dive into laser tag battles, experience thrilling VR adventures, and zoom around the track on some of the fastest go-karts in town—all under one roof!
Visitor tip: Grab a Pigeon Forge Park Hopper Pass and enjoy a whirlwind adventure filled with mini-golf marvels, trampoline thrills, and epic golf adventures, all bundled into one unbeatable package. Choose from 1-day and 2-day unlimited access options.
7. Parley with pirates
Watch as pandemonium breaks out in an epic battle filled with pirates swinging ship to ship, scaling masts and sword fighting. Enjoy a great show and a four-course feast fit for a pirate at Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show. Check out even more great kid-friendly shows in Pigeon Forge.
Visitor tip: Want to catch a show without stretching your budget? Use coupons to save on popular Pigeon Forge performances like Pirates Voyage, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and more—big fun at a better price!
8. Enjoy hands-on fun at a museum
Pigeon Forge is home to a surprising collection of museums that blend education, entertainment, and unforgettable photo ops. Touch a real iceberg at the TITANIC Museum Attraction or get a fascinating look at American crime history at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. For something a bit more playful, strike a pose with lifelike celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Each museum offers a unique, interactive experience that’s perfect for families, curious minds, and pop culture fans alike.
9. Hike a mountain trail to see a waterfall
Hikes in the cool mountain air are so refreshing and the waterfalls within Great Smoky Mountains National Park are definitely worth the hike. Make sure to bring your camera and grab a snapshot behind the falls!
10. Beat the heat with a sweet treat
After a full day of exploring Pigeon Forge’s exciting attractions, cool down with a sweet treat the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving classic cones, creamy milkshakes, bubble tea, or rolled ice cream, you’ll find plenty of ice cream shops around town serving up delicious ways to beat the heat.
Visitor Tip: Don’t miss Titanic Ice Cream, one of the area’s newest favorites—conveniently located right next to the TITANIC Museum Attraction. It’s the perfect stop before or after your museum visit!
With more than 80 attractions and countless summer activities in Pigeon Forge, your choices are seemingly endless. Check out even more fun things to do this summer in Pigeon Forge.
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