A steam enginge at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

December 15, 2017

6 Super Fun Things to Do with Kids in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains

Pigeon Forge, TN is the ultimate family vacation destination! Our Smoky Mountain city is overflowing with kid-friendly attractions that are guaranteed to delight young children, teenagers, and adults. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to six super fun things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge and the Smokies.

1. Dollywood

Butterfly flower arrangement at Dollywood.

A trip to Dollywood is perfect for guests of all ages! This awesome theme park is home to dozens of thrilling rides, many of which are designed especially for young visitors. Dollywood’s iconic steam engine is always a hit with train-obsessed little ones.

If your kids get queasy at the thought of roller coasters, don’t worry; there is plenty of fun for them to enjoy as well! The park is famous for its amazing live entertainment, which includes musical performances, animal shows, and the Little Engine Playhouse (which produces 20-minute musicals based off of beloved children’s books). Families that buy a Dollywood season pass for 2018 will even get a free copy of Dolly Parton’s new children’s album, I Believe in You!

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a can’t-miss stop for any family vacation in the Pigeon Forge area. Voted the best aquarium in America by the readers of USA Today, Ripley’s Aquarium consistently wows guests with its colorful collection of aquatic life and creative exhibits. Your kids will love having the chance to get up close and personal with the aquarium’s sea creatures, whether that means petting a stingray at Touch-A-Ray Bay or climbing through the transparent tunnels in the Penguin Playhouse.

3. Crave Golf Club

Crave Golf Club in Pigeon Forge TN.

Crave Golf Club is the sweetest spot in town! Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, this new attraction is home to indoor and outdoor putt-putt courses that both feature a Candy Land theme. Guests will play through whimsical locations like Jelly Bean Jungle, Cocoa Cliffs, Rock Candy Mountain, and Ice Cream Canyon. If you work up an appetite on the links, you can head over to Crave’s milkshake bar and candy store to enjoy some tasty treats. Be warned: your kids will definitely leave Crave Golf Club with a sugar high!

4. WonderWorks

Visiting WonderWorks is another one of the best things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge. This awesome indoor amusement park is home to over 100 hands-on exhibits that are educational and incredibly fun for guests of all ages. When you drive up to the attraction, your children will be amazed that the building appears to be upside down! Once you step inside, you will pass through a special “inversion tunnel” that will have you standing right side up again.

5. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo

A group of deer at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo.

If your children love animals (and most do), they will have a blast at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo . Your kids will have the chance to make a variety of furry friends as they feed deer, goats, zebra, kangaroos, reindeer, elk, miniature horses, donkeys, and other critters. This popular attraction also offers great pony rides and opportunities to go horseback riding in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

6. Fannie Farkle’s

Fannie Farkle’s is the most beloved arcade in the Smokies. Children will love racking up virtual tickets as they play Fannie’s collection of arcade classics and modern video games. Instead of using quarters or tokens, guests pay for games using a convenient swipe card that also keeps track of your points. In addition to its wonderful games and prizes, Fannie Farkle’s is also famous for its footlong corn dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and other country fair-style snacks.

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge

Beautiful cabin in the Smoky Mountains.

When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these incredibly fun things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. Our cabins come with your choice of highly sought after amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, decks with breathtaking mountain views, state of the art theater rooms, great game rooms, and swimming pool access. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your getaway. To start planning your escape, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!