Top Ways to Cool Off in Pigeon Forge this Summer

Summertime is one of the best times of year for a family vacation. The abundance of sunshine and warmer temperatures allows vacationers to enjoy an array of fun summer activities in Pigeon Forge.

As the temperatures continue to heat up, we know you’ll be looking for things to do on a hot day in Pigeon Forge during your visit. You’ll be glad to know that the area has a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities perfect for beating the heat this summer with your family. From water slides and lazy rivers to zorbing and more, discover the best ways to cool off in Pigeon Forge this summer!

 

  1. Go on a Waterfall Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Go on a waterfall hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best places to beat the heat is adventuring on a waterfall hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The temperatures in the mountains tend to be lower at higher elevations. So, the higher up you go, the cooler it gets. And many of the hiking trails are very shaded, with some even leading to streams and waterfalls.

Enjoy amazing views of beautiful foliage and stunning summer wildflowers that line the winding paths leading to crashing waterfalls and rushing cascades on a waterfall hike. Better yet, take off your shoes and dip your feet in the cool mountain stream while enjoying the peaceful running water. You will love cooling off in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains!

Discover even more fun things to do during summer in the Smoky Mountains.

 

  1. Make a Splash on Water Rides at Dollywood’s Splash Country

Make a Splash on Water Rides at Dollywood’s Splash Country

Put your swimsuits on and head for Dollywood’s Splash Country. Nestled in a beautiful mountain setting and boasting 35 acres of water activities, you’ll quickly see what makes this Pigeon Forge attraction one of America’s top water parks. From water slides and rides to pools, a lazy river, and more, you can spend a whole day cooling off and having fun.

For the adventurous, plunge thrilling slides like Fire Tower Falls or race on the TailSpin Racer. Families can enjoy a twisting, turning ride on the Raging River Rapids or grab a tube and take on a wave in the massive wave pool, Mountain Waves. Little kids will love getting drenched as they climb around and play at Bear Mountain Fire Tower or splash in the new splash pad at Little Creek Falls. A day spent splashing and playing in the water is the perfect way to keep the entire family cool during your Pigeon Forge summer visit!

Relax in style at one of the many private and spacious waterside retreats or cozy canopies that are available on the property. These fill up fast so be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible if you want to secure this incredibly popular amenity!

 

  1. Zorb Down a 1,000-Foot Hill

Zorb down a 1,000-foot hill

The Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge is the only zorbing park in the USA. Dive into an 11-foot giant inflatable ball and roll down the 1,000-foot hill for a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere!

The giant ball is filled with 10 gallons of water and can fit up to 3 people, with 3 different tracks to choose from. The Extreme Zig Zag course is so extreme only one person can ride at a time. A total of 3 people can speed down the Fast Tracks course or enjoy a roll down the hill on the Funnel course which combines the speed of the Fast Tracks and the turns of the Zig Zag course for an unforgettable experience. Beware, one time down the hill won’t be enough.

 

  1. Relax at Hotels with Pools or Lazy Rivers

Margaritaville lazy river

If relaxing poolside any time of day sounds like your kind of vacation, plan your stay in one of our Pigeon Forge hotels with pools, water parks or lazy rivers. These properties make it easy for the whole family to cool off and have fun.

Country Cascades Waterpark Resort offers a waterpark exclusively for hotel guests. You’ll find both an indoor and outdoor pool, a 4-story River Run body slide, River Chaser raft slide and Splashaway Bay which features a smaller slide and large dump bucket that is perfect for the younger kids. Be sure to check out the lazy river at Riverstone Resort and Spa or the big pool at Music Road Resort Hotel. Relaxing poolside is a great activity any time of the day!

 

  1. Discover Indoor Snow Tubing

Try indoor snow tubing

If you really want to cool off, try snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow. This fun indoor attraction in Pigeon Forge has snow year-round! They keep the indoor temps between 60 and 70 degrees, and you can spend your time snow tubing down the hills or making a snowman in the snow play area.

 

ids on the upper portion, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water.

 

  1. Grab a Frozen Treat with the Family

Grab a frozen treat with the family

Grabbing a frozen treat with the family is an iconic part of summer and a great way to cool off. During your fun-filled day with the family, allow time to stop in at one of the many ice cream shops in Pigeon Forge to indulge in your favorite frozen treat.

Get a tasty milkshake hand-crafted using liquid nitrogen at Buzzed Bull Creamery. Or try Titanic Ice Cream, one of the area’s newest favorites. From milkshakes and sundaes to waffle cones, frozen yogurt and more, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to make cooling off a fun part of your day!

 

  1. Beat the Heat at Indoor Attractions and Dinner Shows

Beat the heat at indoor attractions and shows

Take advantage of the air conditioning at popular attractions in Pigeon Forge. From escape games to mirror mazes to thrilling virtual rides and more, you’ll find indoor fun for everyone!

Have fun and learn new things at Pigeon Forge museums. See one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia at Titanic Museum Attraction. One of the interactive exhibits allows you to feel the actual temperature of the cold water on the night the ship sank. Other fun options include posing with your favorite celebrities at Hollywood Wax Museum or go on an upside-down adventure at WonderWorks.

Most of the shows in Pigeon Forge offer an afternoon matinee this time of year, which is a great way for the family to take a break from the sun. You’ll enjoy the indoor temps even more with amazing singing, dancing and comedy. Or end the day with a hearty Southern meal and entertainment at one of our kid-friendly dinner shows that the whole family will love.

 

  1. Shop for Smoky Mountain Souvenirs

Shop for souvenirs to take home with you

A fun way to spend a few hours cooling off in Pigeon Forge is with retail therapy. Finding the perfect souvenirs to take home with you is an important part of family vacations. And luckily, Pigeon Forge gift shops offer something for everyone. From handmade crafts and home décor to homemade treats and charming collectibles, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenirs in Pigeon Forge to remember your trip for years to come!

 

From water park adventures to indoor snow tubing to the best ice cream shops, beat the heat with these great ways to cool off in Pigeon Forge this summer!

FAQ: Ways to Cool Off in Pigeon Forge

How much cooler is Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Pigeon Forge?

Temperatures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are often 5–20°F cooler than in Pigeon Forge, depending on elevation. During summer, Pigeon Forge typically sees daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. At lower-elevation areas of the national park, such as Cades Cove and Sugarlands, temperatures are often in the low to mid-80s. At higher elevations, including Kuwohi and Mount Le Conte, summer temperatures can range from the mid-60s to upper 70s, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Are there free water activities in Pigeon Forge?

Yes, Pigeon Forge offers water activities at no cost. The most popular free water activities near Pigeon Forge are hiking to waterfalls or splashing in mountain streams inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where no admission fee is required. For overnight visitors, many Pigeon Forge hotels include pools, water activities, and/or lazy rivers as part of your stay, making them a free perk for guests.

What are the best indoor activities in Pigeon Forge to escape the midday heat?

The best indoor activities to escape the midday heat in Pigeon Forge include indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow, exploring indoor museum attractions such as Titanic Museum Attraction, WonderWorks, and Hollywood Wax Museum, and enjoying air-conditioned kid-friendly dinner shows, like Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.

What are the top things to do on a hot day in Pigeon Forge this summer?

The top things to do on a hot day in Pigeon Forge this summer are spending the day at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, hiking to waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and trying unique year-round indoor snow activities at Pigeon Forge Snow. Other family-friendly ways to cool off include grabbing a cold treat at popular ice cream shops, and guests staying at a Pigeon Forge hotel with a pool or lazy river can also cool off without leaving the property.

What are the top family-friendly water parks and water activities in Pigeon Forge?

Dollywood’s Splash Country is the top water park in Pigeon Forge, offering 35 acres of slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and splash zones perfect for younger kids. Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park in the USA, offering riders a unique water experience as they roll down a 1,000-foot hill inside a giant water-filled ball. Guests visiting Dollywood can cool off on Daredevil Falls, a flume water ride that ends with a dramatic 60-foot plunge.

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