Family Travel Guide to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner show are some of the top attractions. You’ll also find multiple mountain coasters, mini golf courses, and of course, nature fun in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here’s an overview of how to make the most of your vacation in this city packed with Southern charm and family-friendly entertainment. 

Where to Play in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood theme park is celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. My family has visited three times and thoroughly enjoyed every time. It’s a beautiful park with friendly staff. Big Bear Mountain, Thunderhead and FireChaser Express are rides that we all would ride countless times. Dolly Parton Experience is an interactive exhibit that walks you through Dolly’s career, fashion sense and family values. You’ll find shows and live entertainment throughout the park, including sing-alongs to Dolly’s hits. Don’t miss a chance to devour gooey cinnamon bread. When it’s warm out, soak in the sunshine at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.

TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena was a top choice of my teens. They climbed towers and obstacles, then bounced and whipped dodgeball on the trampolines. Snow tube indoors with real snow at Pigeon Forge Snow. The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre entertainment complex with places to play, eat, shop and stay. You can ride coasters, play laser tag, participate in a game show, ride a Ferris wheel, tackle a ropes course and so much more. 

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood features two resorts, DreamMore and the newest is HeartSong. My family has stayed at both and found each to be relaxing with plenty of family amenities, like pools and playgrounds and activities like roasting s’mores. Each night, you can turn the TV on to watch Dolly read a bedtime story. Take advantage of complimentary trolley service to the parks and included TimeSaver passes. 

Where at Eat in Pigeon Forge

In my opinion, eating at Puckett’s Restaurant is a must when visiting the South. Savor meat-and-three’s like smoked turkey with fried okra, Southern green beans and smashed sweet potatoes. You won’t regret topping it off with a Presley Parfait of banana pudding and peanut butter mouse. Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction reminded us of Medieval Times, yet it starts with live music and includes costumed butterfly dancing. Feast on creamy vegetable soup, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, buttery corn and an apple turnover. Ember & Elm is the restaurant inside HeartSong. Stop there for a breakfast buffet that includes made-to-order omelets and order cinnamon bread to-go. Supper can include deviled eggs and Southern entrees like shrimp & grits. 

Additional Family Fun

Friends told us we should check out Anakeesta, the mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, and boy, was that a great recommendation. Ride chairlifts to the top of the mountain to then cruise down two different mountain coasters. You can zipline or stroll the gardens and shop. Choose from a variety of restaurants from the fancier Clifftop to food trucks and ice cream shops. Astra Lumina is an enchanted night walk experience that uses projections and sound to engage the senses. 

Looking to spend even more time in the outdoors? Roamstead is modern campground not far from the fun, yet it’s quiet with babbling creeks to sit by or play in. Stay in a cabin, yurt or tent close to Smoky Mountain trails. And don’t worry about packing up too much stuff, as they serve pizza, milkshakes and lattes.