Each time that I visit the Smoky Mountain Region we always discover so many fun things to do and find so many reasons to want to come back.
During our most recent visit, we enjoyed lots of unique adventures that you can enjoy in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
My family was invited as guests of My Pigeon Forge to experience and test out many of the family-friendly adventures and attractions that you will want to add to your list during your next visit.
Go Snow Tubing Indoors
2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN
You don’t have to wait for cold weather to go indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow. In fact, it’s even better in Pigeon Forge because the temperature inside remains around 60-70 degrees year-round. And you don’t need to wear snow pants or gloves!
Yes, it’s real snow made from water with a snow machine without any additional chemicals.
Tubing guests are given a special timed wristband. The wristband is scanned by an employee each time that they ride up the moving carpet to the top of the indoor tubing hill. This allows for all of the fun and none of the work.
There are multiple snow tubing lanes so that you don’t have to wait very long at the top. The staff will assist you and tell you when it’s time for you to safely go down.
This is a perfect activity for the whole family rain or shine, in all seasons.
Snow tubers must be at least 38 inches and 3 years old. If someone in your party doesn’t want to go snow tubing they can observe on the second-floor observation deck. Non-tubers do not have to purchase an admission fee.
There are also snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Tubing sessions are sold in 1 hours sessions and sessions in Snow Play are 30-minute sessions.
The Snow Play area is open to all ages and does not have any height restrictions.
Another way to save money is by purchasing your tickets online.
You don’t need to make reservations prior to your arrival but they do stop selling snow tubing sessions 30 minutes before they close.
For the best value, you can purchase a ticket that includes both Snow Tubing and Snow Play if you want to do more than one activity.
Try Indoor Skydiving
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving is America’s First Vertical Wind Tunnel and allows you to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane.
Before you fly you attend a safety training class so that you know the signals to look for from the instructor. After the class, you will feel more comfortable before going into your session in the wind tunnel.
All of your equipment is provided for you and you need to bring close-toed shoes so that you don’t have to borrow the loaner ones.
You are inside the wind tunnel for 15 minutes with 5 other people and each person gets about 3 minutes of airtime.
My nieces both tried indoor skydiving for the first time during our visit and they loved it! My older son and I tried indoor skydiving during a previous visit and it’s definitely an experience that I recommend trying.
There are observation windows so that family and friends can observe and you can buy the video footage of your flight afterward.
Experience Wet Zorbing Down a Hill
203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
I’m a sucker for unique adventures and Outdoor Gravity Park is a MUST during your visit. There are four different tracks with three different zorbing experiences.
This is the only outdoor gravity park in the United States which makes this adventure even more special.
Guests travel down a 1,000 ft hill with up to 3 riders on both the Fast Tracks and the FUNnel. The Extreme Zig Zag only allows one person inside.
The zorbing experience takes about 90 seconds but it feels much longer in a good way. On your way down you slosh around inside the O.G.O. ball and it’s unlike any other adventure I’ve tried.
I’ve personally tried both the Extreme Zig Zag and the FUNnel (which is the most popular one).
I highly recommend getting the video if you don’t own a GoPro. The footage from inside the ball as it goes down the hill is priceless.
The best time to go is early in the day and it helps to plan ahead on this adventure.
You will get wet but the water is heated before they put it in the ball and you will definitely want to change afterward. A swimsuit or dry-fit style activewear is your best option.
I would recommend wearing shorts if you are wearing a swimsuit to feel more comfortable getting in and out of the ball.
Pack towels and a whole new set of clothes so that you will be the most comfortable after your ride and not too cold while you are waiting for others to go down the hill.
Wet zorbing is available all year but dry zorbing is only available in the fall, winter, and early spring. If you want to stay dry instead of wet you need to call ahead to double-check if dry zorbing available during your visit.
Challenge Yourself on the Island Ropes Course
A great confidence builder for kids and adults, the Island Rope Course allows you to face your fears and challenge yourself with the safety of a harness.
There are two different course options available. The Sky Tykes course is for anyone less than 48″ tall. Parents can walk beside and encourage their harnessed child as they try the nine different elements.
The Sky Trail Explorer Course is for anyone over 42″ but any guests under 48″ will need a taller chaperone with them. This course has 30 elements, two zip lines, and one simulated free-fall called Quick Jump.
Make sure that you try all of the elements first before you do the Quick Jump. There is no time limit when you are on the course, but once you jump, your time on the course is over.
(If you don’t want to do the Quick Jump you can walk back down the stairs when you are finished)
Participants move their individual sling along the track and there is only one person allowed on each element at a time.
The ziplines are on each level and the elements vary in their level of difficulty.
I recommend trying them all of them because you will feel braver on the other side of it. It’s also great to model stepping outside of your comfort zone with your kids.
If you do need any assistance there are certified employees on the course who can help you. They are also a great resource if you need a few tips before tackling an intimidating element.
Enjoy a Scenic View From a Ferris Wheel
Relax and Enjoy the Island Show Fountain
31 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge
Picture the Bellagio Fountains, only smaller. The Island Show Fountain is fun to watch both during the day and at night.
Every 30 minutes, Monday- Sunday you can catch a show starting at the top of the hour from 10am-11:30pm. The fountains incorporate dancing water that can shoot as high as 60 feet in the air! The show is choreographed to music, with additional colored lights at night.
You will find plenty of seating surrounding the fountain circle but keep in mind that the rocking chairs are very popular. Try to claim your chair several minutes before the show starts.
Walk, Bike or Fish on the Riverwalk Greenway
If you want to slow down for a bit after a few extreme adventures, I recommend spending some time along the Riverwalk Greenway. This could also be the perfect fishing spot when your spouse wants more time to explore the shops.
We used the Riverwalk Greenway to connect us to the Island in Pigeon Forge after we went go-karting.
Fulfill Your Need for Speed
2575 Parkway, Pigeon Forge,
Speaking of go-karting, you can race your friends and family at The Track Family Fun Park.
My favorite track is the multilevel course because it adds an extra dimension and challenge during your race. There are several different race tracks to choose from and there is even a kiddie track for younger guests.
If you are looking for another adrenaline rush, check out the Skyflyer. This thrill attraction lifts and pulls you and up to 2 other people, 75 ft in the air, and then releases you to swing and soar.
The Track also has mini golf, an arcade, and a few other rides and attractions that are a little less extreme.
Unique Museums in Pigeon Forge
Science Made FUN
100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge
The WonderWorks building has always piqued my curiosity because it looks like it’s been flipped on its head and I discovered that the inside was WAY better than I anticipated.
Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring all 35,000 sq. feet of the education-entertainment fusion with more than 100 hands-on exhibits.
You can easily spend HOURS inside this attraction and what I really appreciated was that the activities inside (exhibits, 4D XD Motion Theater, Laser Tag, and the Glow in the dark Ropes Course) were included in the general admission price instead of adding additional fees.
* Make sure that you wear close-toed shoes if you plan on doing the ropes course.
As an additional value, your admission is good for all day so you can even leave and come back on the same day and you can purchase a combination ticket that includes a ticket to see the Wonders of Magic Show by Terry Evanswood.
We watched his show and we were blown away with the illusions that he performed before our eyes.
No photography is allowed which made us focus on what we were watching even more in awe and wondering “How did he do that??!!”
Tour the Titanic
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
When the movie Titanitic came out I watched it twice in the theaters, which was a big deal when I was a college student on a budget.
A self-guided tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge definitely exceeded my expectations!
As you enter the Titanic Museum, you are given a boarding pass and information about a passenger who was on the ship.
As you go through the museum you have opportunities to learn more about their story and what happened to your designated passenger on that historic day.
I was AMAZED at the number of personal and private artifacts displayed at the museum (400+) and I learned so many interesting stories about the passengers that each deserve their own movies.
A few of my favorite moments inside the museum were touching the iceberg and then putting my hands into 28-degree water to visualize what the passengers experienced as they waited in the cold dark water in hopes of being rescued, trying to stand on the sloping deck, and walking on the Grand Staircase.
I also found it fascinating to view the display of the passenger list. It was broken down into details identifying if they were a survivor or deceased, their passenger class, gender, age, and crew.
The World’s Largest Titanic Model with LEGO® BRICKS
The Titanic museum does not allow photography inside with the exception of the incredible Lego display of the Titanic (26ft X 5ft) designed by a 10-year-old boy from Iceland that took 56,000 Lego Bricks and 11 months to build.
Learn More About the History of Crime in America
2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
If you or someone that you know is fascinated by true crimes, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum will definitely pique your interest with 25,000 sq ft of hands-on exhibits containing lots of information on American crime history.
The museum takes on 5 perspectives on crime with the criminal profiles, victim’s stories, crime prevention, the justice system, and law enforcement.
And they even have the vehicle that O.J. Simpson was driving when he was being chased by the police!
If you are a certain ..ahem..age.. you can probably remember where you were when you watched the live footage of OJ Simpson fleeing from the police on the expressway in a white Ford Bronco.
For a little entertainment, watch a friend or family member as they try to walk the line while wearing the “beer goggles.”
I personally liked that the museum didn’t only focus on the criminals and presented a well-rounded approach.
Take a Picture with One of Your Favorite Celebrities
106 Showplace Blvd A, Pigeon Forge
The Hollywood Wax Museum gives you an opportunity to get up close to the likeness of some of your favorite celebrities.
Photos are highly encouraged and props are located throughout the museum so that you can really get into character with your favorite famous television, movie stars, and singers.
The John Cena and Taylor Swift wax sculptures were two of my favorites at the museum. They made me have to take an up-close double take to look into their eyes.
Make sure that you don’t forget to take the elevator up to a stairway on the roof. This allows you to view King Kong and the strip from an awesome vantage point.
Enjoy a Show in Pigeon Forge
Watch a Lumberjack Show
2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
If you are looking for a show that’s a little more out of the box, you should definitely check out Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show.
This show is really engaging with lots of audience participation as you are assigned to be on team “Dawson” or McGraw” determined by your seating section. Kids can even volunteer to help with different parts of the 90-minute show featuring 13 lumberjack skill challenges.
The lumberjack skills that you witness by both the men and the women will definitely blow your mind!
My favorite moment was when the lumberjacks raced up and down the pole. The log rolling challenge was also fun to watch because kept on getting crazier the wetter the log got.
Seating is first-come, first-serve and it’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to the show to get your preferred seating. There is an intermission so that kids can get a special photo op.
Attend a Performance at the Smoky Mountain Opry
I’ll be honest and admit that I was wondering if the Smoky Mountain Opry would be a little cheesy. The Smoky Mountain Opry was far above and beyond what I anticipated in both the excellent talent and production level.
The performances by the singers, musicians, and aerial artists/dancers appealed to all audiences. They sang a wide range of recognizable songs spanning several genres and decades. The comic relief/juggler was really enjoyable to watch.
An Adventure at Dollywood
Dollywood is a theme park that has something for everyone, no matter what age you are.
If you are already a fan of Dolly Parton, you will love the park even more. Dolly Parton fans will love the museum that shares more of her story with exhibits containing lots of memorabilia through the years.
Thrill-seekers will definitely want to get in line to ride Lightning Rod as soon as they arrive. This wooden coaster is unlike any roller coaster that I’ve ever been on before!
Lighting Rod launches from zero to 45 mph and has almost 20 seconds of airtime that you experience throughout the ride.
There are several other roller coasters and thrill rides to get your heart racing. Make sure that you check the Dollywood app so that you can be strategic with your wait times.
If you have younger kids, there are rides at Dollywood that are geared more for families. If you need a break from walking around, I highly recommend attending one of the live performances or shows located throughout the park.
You MUST also try the cinnamon bread when you visit the park. I didn’t think that it even needed a side of icing or apple butter but we tried it anyway. The cinnamon bread is baked fresh right in front of you. Judging by the line out the door, you know that it’s worth it!
This is a great park to visit surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
Unique Places to Eat in Pigeon Forge
There are several unique dining options in Pigeon Forge.
Enjoy a Great Locally Sourced Meal
2167 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
You know that a restaurant is pretty amazing when it’s PACKED at random times of the day. I’m glad that we didn’t let a crowded parking lot deter us from our first visit to The Goat.
The Goat is a scratch kitchen with locally sourced and sustainable foods that also serves craft beer and cocktails. Once you take a bite of the food, you will understand why it is such a popular place.
I highly recommend the Steak Nachos at the Goat. They are made with marinated steak, melted cheeses, pickled red onion, cilantro, jalapenos, balsamic glaze, guacamole, and sour cream.
The chicken wings are another great option.
You can’t go wrong with one of their sandwiches or burgers.
We were too full for dessert but I definitely want to try one of theirs the next time that I visit.
Breakfast That Will Put a Smile on Your Face
2785 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Animatronics and fantastic food, The Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe is a bit of a gimmick in the best ways possible.
The animatronics will take you back to memories of Chuck E. Cheese as a kid and the clever chicken names and music will delight the kids and the adults.
What’s even better is that the food is REALLY good and it’s a great value!
A few of our table favorites were the biscuits and gravy, omelet, chicken biscuit with gravy, and BLT. I’m still craving the incredible cinnamon roll pancakes.
Frizzle Chicken is only open for breakfast and lunch so plan accordingly. We learned that the hard way!
A few other Unique Adventures in Pigeon Forge to Add to Your List
I also need to mention that Pigeon Forge has several Mountain Coasters that you can try. A Mountain Coaster is basically your own individual roller coaster where you control the speed of your individual car as you travel down the mountain.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
During our visit, we stayed at the “Eagle’s on High” cabin that is part of the cabin properties available for rent at Eagle’s Ridge Resort.
The cabin was absolutely gorgeous with mountain views. The best part was that it’s a short drive to all of the attractions at Pigeon Forge.
The cabin slept all of us comfortably. There were 3 bedrooms with King Beds and 3 full baths and a game room with a queen-sized sleeper.
There was plenty of room for everyone in our group to spread out. The open floor plan is perfect for families or getaways with friends or couples.
The kids really enjoyed playing in the game room. Kids and adults had a great time relaxing in the hot tub and sitting on both decks with mountain views.
A cabin rental is a great way to save on meals and lodging costs during your stay. Cabins provide you with the amenities and comforts of home.
We had such a great time in Pigeon Forge! We are looking forward to crossing off more adventures in the area the next time that we visit!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by My Pigeon Forge and contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
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