Surround yourself with the tall mountains and beautiful scenery in the quaint mountain town of Pigeon Forge in eastern Tennessee. Pigeon Forge is conveniently situated near the Great Smoky Mountains Park, the Nantahala River, and plenty of amusement parks and attractions. Stay at one of many incredible Pigeon Forge vacation rentals including rustic cottages, cozy cabins, and spacious homes. This guide details 10 of the most prominent activities you and your family should check out.
1. Find Your Favorite Stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum
Arrive at the museum and walk the red carpet. Locate your kids’ favorite stars and take a picture. The features and details are so realistic you’ll question if it’s the real thing. The museum also is home to the mirror maze, the 5D movie ride, and a haunted house, so there are plenty of activities to fill up an evening. Go on the observation deck with King Kong and enjoy the views of the city below.
2. Tour the Wonderworks Upside Down Museum
You’ll notice the museum from the minute you pull in to this exhibit. The exterior features an upside down mansion that cover over 35,000 square feet. This attraction combines education and fun, which is ideal for families with children. Discover how natural disasters work and what happens when homes and structures are in the path. Test your physical prowess at the Physical Challenge Zone, or immerse yourself in the Space Discovery Zone and take part in the same types of activities that prepare astronauts for space travel.
3. Take a Water Rafting Trip
Pack your gear from your vacation rental early in the morning and set out on a whitewater rafting adventure along the upper Pigeon River. Choose from two-person kayaks to large inflatable rafts for groups. Learn how to traverse the river with the mild waters then graduate to stretches of rapids with a trained guide.
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4. Zipline Through the Trees at the Five Oaks Adventure Park
Several zip line companies are available in Pigeon Forge to take you traveling through the trees. Sign up with Smoky Mountain Ziplines or Wahoo Ziplines. Trust the experienced guides to teach you about your gear and how to get the most out of your trip.
5. Have Fun at Dollywood
Dollywood is one of the most visited theme parks in Pigeon Forge. The amusement park includes a water park, so you can spend the hottest part of the day lounging in a lazy river and gliding down the water slides. Travel within the park to ride the thrill rides like the Barnstormer and the Blazing Fury. The park also hosts a variety of musical shows, and there are several restaurants and gift shops to explore.
6. Race Go-Karts at Adventure Raceway
Adventure Raceway is an elevated kart track near the center of town. Kids can zip along the track at their own pace, and two can fit in a cart at the same time if you prefer to not travel alone. You‘ll find games and vending machines within the park, so there is something for all ages to enjoy.
7. Laugh at the Trained Animals at the Comedy Barn
One of the funniest and amusing sites to see in Pigeon Forge is the Amazing Animals show at the Comedy Barn theater. Watch chickens play the piano, ride scooters, roller skate, and ride bikes, and witness cats complete a high step routine. Pig stars Boris and Bacon compete with the audience playing piggy games, and you can see trained dogs doing barrel rolls, hind leg stands, and even jump roping. Aside from the animals, the trainers sing, clog, and tell jokes, which all contributes to a night of family fun.
8. Rent ATVs for an Off-Road Adventure
If you want to explore the Smoky Mountains but prefer to not do it on foot, sign up for an ATV tour with Bluff Mountain Adventures. Travel over 6,000 acres of trails in approximately two hours. You’ll cross streams, climb mountains, and cover the rugged terrain. Guests must be 12 years old to navigate their own ATV, while those younger can ride along as a passenger.
9. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Smoky Mountain Wheel is a landmark Ferris wheel that stands a towering 200-feet in the air. It sits at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain Park and is one of the most visited locations in the city. The glass gondolas deliver excellent views of the mountains and Pigeon Forge, and each one seats up to eight family members at a time.
10. Cast Your Magic at MagiQuest
Best noted by its castle-like appearance, MagiQuest is a four-in-one amusement park with an enchanted world of magic, mini golf, a laser room, and a large mirror maze. The attraction is perfect for young children, and you only pay for the attractions you want to see. Use magic to cast spells and embark on quests in the enchanted fantasy world of MagiQuest. The Caribbean-themed mini golf course offers 18-holes set in a pirate village, and if you get a hole-in-one on the 18th hole, you are serenaded by Blackbeard and his friends. This attraction is the perfect way to entertain the kids before heading back to your vacation rental.
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