Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids: Family Attractions They’ll Love
On July 1, 2025
Family attractions in Pigeon Forge come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re planning a full day of theme park thrills or just want to enjoy a few hours of play between meals and shows, we’ve rounded up the best places to go with kids of all ages.
From go-karts and coasters of all sizes to sweet treats, playgrounds, and hands-on exhibits, these family fun spots offer nonstop adventure, plenty of smiles, and memory-making moments that will last long after the trip is over. If you’re traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens—or all of the above—these Pigeon Forge favorites are sure to deliver.
1. The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is more than just shopping and dining—it’s a full day of fun wrapped into one walkable entertainment destination. Younger kids will love the whimsical Spinning Parrots Coaster, Happy Swing, and other classic amusement rides designed just for them. Stop by the Build-A-Bear Workshop for a fun, hands-on experience the kids will love—and take home a cuddly souvenir made right on the spot. Older kids (and the young at heart) can challenge themselves on the ropes course, zipline, or test their skills at one of the many arcade and midway-style games.
One of the most iconic attractions is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel—a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and city lights. And when you’re ready for a break, relax in a rocking chair by the show fountain and enjoy live music and entertainment at the outdoor stage.
With plenty of spots to grab a snack, sip a sweet tea, or treat the family to a Southern-style dinner, The Island is the perfect place to play, explore, and unwind—without ever leaving Pigeon Forge.
Bonus Tip: Get an Unlimited Rides Pass good for 48 hours of fun. Perfect for stretching the excitement across two days! And make sure to check out The Island’s newest attraction, Great Big Game Show, a variety of classic TV game show mini-games, complete with buzzers, a giant wheel and live host.
2. Dollywood
Dollywood is a can’t-miss experience for families visiting Pigeon Forge. With more than 40 rides and attractions, mouth-watering food, award-winning shows, and beautiful mountain scenery, it’s a full day (or two!) of fun.
Adventure lovers in the family won’t want to miss Dollywood’s high-adrenaline rides like Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster, where you’ll soar through the sky with nothing beneath your feet, and Lightning Rod, a world-class wooden coaster that launches riders from zero to wow in seconds. For younger visitors, Wildwood Grove offers a magical escape filled with gentle rides, interactive play areas, and enchanting theming.
And no visit to Dollywood is complete without a stop at the Grist Mill. The aroma of warm, freshly baked cinnamon bread draws guests from every corner of the park.
Bonus Tip: Consider a multi-day pass—there’s so much to do, one visit might not be enough.
3. The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops
Mountain Mile is one of Pigeon Forge’s newest family attractions—a lively outdoor entertainment district with a growing list of experiences perfect for kids and parents alike.
Start with a visit to Mountain Monster, a trio of thrill rides for the brave at heart (teens love it!). For something a little less daring, stroll through the Mountain Mile Lawn, where kids can run and play while parents relax in oversized chairs or grab a coffee from one of the shops nearby. Younger children will also enjoy a ride on the mini train that chugs around the lawn area—an adorable way to add a little adventure for the littlest visitors.
The Tower Shops offer a mix of fun retail, kid-friendly treats, and seasonal events like pop-up concerts, light shows, and photo ops. It’s a great spot for families looking to unwind and explore at their own pace—especially after dinner or during golden hour.
Bonus Tip: Head to Cinnaholic for a custom cinnamon roll or grab a milkshake from Cream & Sugar Sweet Shoppe for an end-of-day treat everyone will love.
4. Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
Get ready for non-stop excitement at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark. Start with a ride down the 500-foot tubing hill featuring an exhilarating 70-foot drop—open year-round, even in summer. Then take aim on the Laser Gun Coaster, North America’s first Alpine Flyer, where you’ll soar through the air while targeting points along the track. Still feeling bold? Control your speed on the Power Coaster for a custom ride experience or try your hand at axe throwing and see if you’ve got what it takes to hit the bullseye.
For younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the bigger rides, there’s also a fun playground area where they can climb, slide, and explore while the older kids take on the thrills.
Bonus Tip: Save by purchasing a combo package that includes all-day access and digital photos of your adventure.
5. FunStop Family Action Park
If you’ve got thrill-seekers in the family, FunStop Family Action Park is a must. Race go-karts, soar 120 feet into the sky on The Slingshot, or fly down the zipline like an eagle. For the truly brave, The SkyScraper spins at 60 mph to give you the sensation of a real roller coaster—if you dare! Need a break? Grab a snack at one of the park’s eateries and recharge before diving back in.
6. Dollywood’s Splash Country
When the temperatures rise, cool off at Dollywood’s Splash Country, a family-friendly water park located right next to Dollywood. Float down the lazy river, race down water slides, or let the kids explore interactive splash zones. It’s a perfect way to spend a sunny day and beat the Southern summer heat.
7. The Track Pigeon Forge
Get your competitive spirit ready at The Track! Challenge your family on elevated go-kart tracks, let the little ones take control on the Kiddie and Rookie Tracks, and then cool off with bumper boats. With mini golf, an arcade, and rides designed just for younger children in Kids Country, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
8. LazerPort Fun Center
LazerPort is packed with indoor fun the whole family can enjoy. Try a round on the 18-hole blacklight mini golf course, speed down the 50-foot go-kart spiral, or compete in one of the area’s largest laser tag arenas. With a full arcade and plenty of prizes to win, LazerPort is a great option for rainy days or late-night laughs.
9. WonderWorks
Looking for something educational and fun? WonderWorks is an “amusement park for the mind” set inside an upside-down building that kids can’t resist. Step through the inversion tunnel and explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits, including a hurricane simulator, earthquake table, giant piano, and a ropes course suspended high above the floor. Wrap up your visit with a round of laser tag. Learning has never been this much fun!
10. Space Race Adventures
The cosmos comes alive with thrilling, space-themed attractions at Space Race Adventures! Putt your way through a 15-hole mini golf course with blacklight effects and three distinct planetary biomes, where each hole offers its own celestial challenge. Then, step into a 5,500-square-foot laser tag arena for an electrifying battle among the stars, or dive into cutting-edge VR experiences. Don’t miss the figure-eight go-kart track, home to the fastest karts in Pigeon Forge, for an adrenaline rush that’s truly out of this world.
Make the Most of Every Moment
Whether you’ve got coaster fans, animal lovers, little ones, or teens in tow, there’s a family attraction in Pigeon Forge ready to make their day unforgettable.
For even more ways to save and play, download and print coupons for popular attractions, or get coupons sent straight to your phone with our Passport to Savings.
FAQs About Family Attractions in Pigeon Forge
What are the best family attractions in Pigeon Forge for kids?
Dollywood, The Island in Pigeon Forge, WonderWorks, The Track, and Mountain Mile are among the most popular family attractions in the area. Each offers a mix of rides, interactive play, open spaces, and entertainment designed for a wide range of ages.
Are there indoor places to play in Pigeon Forge?
Yes! WonderWorks and LazerPort Fun Center are both indoor attractions offering laser tag, arcade games, and activities like blacklight mini golf—great for rainy days or escaping the summer heat.
Is Dollywood good for toddlers and younger children?
Absolutely. Dollywood has a whole section called Wildwood Grove dedicated to younger children, as well as kid-friendly rides like the Village Carousel, Busy Bees, and Frogs and Fireflies. There are also family rest areas and shaded play spaces.
What are fun things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge besides Dollywood?
In addition to Dollywood, families can enjoy go-karts and bumper boats at The Track, hands-on exhibits at WonderWorks, tubing at Rowdy Bear’s Snowpark, and rides at The Island and Mountain Mile.
What family fun spots in Pigeon Forge are best for a quick visit?
The Island, LazerPort Fun Center, and Rowdy Bear’s Snowpark are great options if you’re looking for a few hours of fun. They don’t require a full-day commitment but still offer exciting experiences for kids.
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