Family trips hold a special place in our hearts, as it’s a time when loved ones come together and strengthen the bond that ties them. Traveling itself is a remarkable journey that unites the family as a whole as each member gets to indulge in unique experiences and explore a new world hand in hand.
When planning a family trip, you prioritize a destination that caters to the unique preferences of each family member regardless of their age. You wish to provide a blend of fun and adventure that appeals to everyone and offers a mix of thrilling indoor and outdoor activities, delectable local cuisine, family-friendly attractions, entertainment galore, and loads of shopping opportunities. And if there’s one place that checks all the boxes, it is Pigeon Forge.
Pigeon Forge may be a small town, but it offers a plethora of family-friendly outdoor activities. Plus, there’s always something new and exciting to discover and add to your wish list. To make it easier for you, here are the top family-friendly outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge that are sure to leave each of your family members with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
1. Devour Mouthwatering Southern Cuisine
If you want to spend quality time with your family, no outdoor activity compares to the fun and indulgence of relishing scrumptious food together and savoring the mouthwatering delights of Southern cuisine. Pigeon Forge proudly boasts a variety of local eateries offering a delectable array of Southern delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Start your day right with a satisfying breakfast in Pigeon Forge. Try classic homemade biscuits, Southern-style pancakes, omelets, buttermilk Belgian waffles, applewood bacon, and creamy hashbrown casserole. The breakfast options are energizing, delicious, and truly fit for a king! Some of the popular eateries in Pigeon Forge offer breakfast buffet menus loaded with items that each family member would love to munch on.
From street food to fine-dining restaurants and dinner shows with a four-course menu, you’ll never fall short of dining options in Pigeon Forge. The classic Southern-style ambiance and a family-friendly atmosphere create a perfect environment where you can spend moments of laughter and joy with your family as you relish your favorite breakfast food, appetizing entrées, barbecue delights, and classic sweet treats of Pigeon Forge. Bon appétit!
2. Reconnect with Nature
Let loose the inner explorer inside of you and wander off into the wilderness with your loved ones. Pigeon Forge offers unique opportunities to reconnect with nature and explore the stunning natural beauty that the magnificent Smoky Mountains offer.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides an ultimate escapade for families who wish to surrender themselves to nature and discover its hidden gems. You can even enjoy the stunning views of the misty mountaintops from inside your cabins and balconies. If you are traveling on your personal RV, how about spending a night at the campground under the starry skies roasting marshmallows and telling stories?
3. Hike Up the Trails
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has over 800 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels and trail lengths. You can choose to hike, bike, or take a jeep tour on these trails with your family.
If you are looking for more family-friendly trails near Pigeon Forge, we recommend Laurel Falls, Gatlinburg Trail, Baskins Creek Trail, Elkmont Nature Trail, Cataract Falls, and Grotto Falls. Not only do these trails offer easier hiking tracks to cater to each individual’s needs, but you also get to witness some breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, enchanting waterways, forest ecosystems, and a variety of flora and fauna native to the Great Smoky Mountains. On top of that, nothing beats the enthusiasm and excitement of walking through natural bumps and bulges and crossing old bridges over the rivers.
4. Experience the Unforgettable Adventure of the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
If your family is craving an experience that will leave them breathless with excitement, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a must-try outdoor activity! The coaster ride takes you on an exhilarating journey down the mountainside, with natural twists and turns that keep your heart racing and take your thrill and excitement to a whole new level.
What makes this coaster ride a family-friendly outdoor activity is that you can control the speed yourself, so you can tailor the intensity of the ride depending on your preferences and rider age or unique needs. This way, the entire family can enjoy a splendid ride through the mountains at their own speed. Best of all, this ride is available year-round, so there’s no reason to miss out on this extraordinary adventure.
5. Gallop Through Nature’s Beauty and Ride into the Wilderness
Picture this: You and your family are in the mountainous area of Tennessee, surrounded by a number of natural tracks. Wouldn’t you all yearn for a true cowboy mountain experience, galloping through the picturesque trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and riding your way through meadows filled with colorful wildflowers?
Thankfully, there are many riding stables in and around Pigeon Forge, and you can make your dreams of an unforgettable horseback riding adventure come to life. You and your family can opt for guided trail rides, pony rides for younger children, and even carriage rides. You can check out various riding options and even take riding classes on popular stables like Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa, Five Oaks Riding Stables, and many other horseback riding stables in the National Park.
For a memorable experience, try horseback riding around sunset or sunrise, where you can witness the sun’s rays casting a golden glow over the majestic misty mountains as you slowly ride your way into the wilderness.
6. Experience Family Fun at Pigeon Forge’s Town Center
Pigeon Forge has a perfect blend of all family-friendly activities, from amusement parks to shopping centers, local eateries, and a bird’s-eye view of the entire town and misty mountaintops. The variety of amusement parks and fun rides in Pigeon Forge will have your kids screaming in excitement! Unlike any other place within the Smokies, Pigeon Forge’s central area has an all-inclusive entertainment package for each member of the family in one place.
You’ll find world-class amusement and theme parks, such as Dollywood, and thrilling rides at The Island in Pigeon Forge. There are over 40 family-friendly rides in Dollywood for visitors of all ages. Plus, there’s always a festival or event taking place at Dollywood, and you can’t help but take part in the exciting activities each of these festivals offer. If you or a family member is a shopaholic, The Island in Pigeon Forge is an absolute paradise where you can indulge in a little retail therapy. You’ll find a vast selection of both local and international outlets.
Wrapping Up
We’ve only scratched the surface of the abundance of family-friendly outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge. If you want to make the most of your family trip to this exciting tourist destination, make sure to book your accommodations well ahead of time and purchase tickets to your favorite attractions. Happy traveling!