This post was sponsored by MyPigeonForge.com. All views and text are my own.
Planning a family vacation takes a lot of time and research. You have to plan where you will stay, what you will do, and decide if the kids will like it. But, when it comes to staying in Pigeon Forge, TN, I have done all the work for you.
Pigeon Forge is a family vacation destination that is located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are, in fact, many vacation resorts in this area and choosing which to go for requires considering what you and your family enjoy most. Some offer family entertainment packages, some have outdoor facilities like pools, and some have a more relaxed woodland theme (Click here if this sounds like what you're looking for). But today we're going to be looking at Pigeon Forge and what it has to offer. It offers you a distinct variety of new and established entertainment and activities that will inspire unforgettable memories and stories for your family.
I visited Pigeon Forge, TN with my husband five years ago and we loved it! The minute we arrived at our hotel in the middle of Pigeon Forge, we immediately felt welcomed. The atmosphere is fun and yet, relaxing. We enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains as well as the number of great activities during our stay. The next time we visit again, we are definitely bringing the kids. We were surprised at the number of family-friendly attractions and activities Pigeon Forge has to offer, which is why it's the perfect destination for a family vacation.
Here are 8 reasons why Pigeon Forge, TN is the perfect family vacation:
#1 Family-friendly Resorts and Cabins
When organizing your family vacation, the first thing you have to do is figure out where you are going to stay. Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best family friendly resorts and cabins in the states. Here are just a few of the best:
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- American Mountain Rentals by Natural Retreats - Whether you are planning a romantic escape, family retreat, or weekend getaway with friends, they have cabin rentals with breath-taking views in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Wears Valley and the surrounding area.
- Bluff Mountain Rentals: Just minutes from downtown Pigeon Forge, these 2 bedroom, 2 bath cabins offer you a taste of the country while keeping you close to the action.
- Country Cascades Resort: As the name states, you can't get any more kid-friendly than a water park at the resort.
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- The Inn at Christmas Place: If you love the old-world charm and elegance of a picturesque Bavarian hotel like I do, The Inn at Christmas Place is the place to be! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the warm, festive and cozy ambience of this hotel during our stay. I especially love all the year-round Christmas décor, and beautiful, holiday-themed lobby and suites I went crazy with photos (lol)!
#2 Top Family Attractions
Of course, like a vacation destination there are top attractions that everyone wants to see. Pigeon Forge is no different and has some of the best family-friendly attractions to fill your day. Here are just a few of the best attractions you can see:
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- With 50 rides, the Dollywood Theme Park is packed full of family fun. Get soaked on Daredevil falls, or check out Dolly's Home on wheels.
- Visit some of the top tourist attraction museums such as the Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, or spend time at one of Pigeon Forge's mini golf courses to entertain the whole family.
- With more than 100 exhibits, WonderWorks amusement park will get your curiosity running and your imagination flowing.
#3 Free Things to Do
Along with the top tourist attractions that can get pretty pricey, there are also free things to do in Pigeon Forge to make your vacation a memorable one. Take a look:
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- Go hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Choose from several hiking trails for all kinds of adventurers. My husband and I made a day trip here.. it was sooo relaxing!
- Pack a picnic lunch and head to Cades Cove. The park is open all year and is free!
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- Enjoy the stunningly beautiful 360 degree panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains from the Clingmans Dome - if you make it to the top of this popular park destination. My husband and I enjoyed spending time here during our visit in Pigeon Forge... such amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains! (That's me on the last photo above on top of the Clingmans Dome) 😉
- Take a scenic drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. You will never forget the breathtaking views of the Rainbows Falls.
- Take a look at the "liberty" bell, flags from all 50 states, and a historic patriot missile when you visit Patriot Park.
#4 It's full of rich history
During the 1700s, travelers coming from Carolina followed the Smoky Mountains along the river to what is now called Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge got its name from the large flocks of pigeons that would feed along the river banks on Beechnuts. Later, the iron forge was established and a mill was built. The old mill still stands as a National Historic site.
Other sites include Elkmont, Little Greenbrier, and the Wheatlands Plantation.
#5 Spring festivals are the best!
In the spring, you have more than just the ordinary. Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best spring festivals. Here are just a few you should check out:
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- Dollywood's Festival of Nations is a production you won't want to miss, with educational value mixed in with the fun for everyone.
- For the early birds in your family, you can enjoy a fishing tournament at the Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament.
- Car lovers won't want to miss the Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run.
- There is nothing like taking in the scenic views of the Smoky Mountains while enjoying the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade.
#6 Theatre Entertainment
If you just want to go somewhere that entertains you for the night, the Pigeon Forge theatres is the place to be.
From music and dance to comedy and the mystery of magic, the dinner theaters are fun-filled performances that keep families entertained all night long.
#7 You can stay anyway you want
With so many great options and things to do, you can stay in Pigeon Forge any way you like.
Make it an outdoor adventure with no electronics and primitive camping. Or, spend your days sightseeing or shopping for something unique like hand-blown glass, handmade pottery and arts & crafts.
My husband and I went to some of the shops and my favorite was The Incredible Christmas Place that celebrates Christmas year-round. Here, you will find Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, designer trees, collectible figurines, dollhouses, fudge and much more!
#8 The Smoky Mountains
It comes as a no-brainer, but one of the best reasons to visit Pigeon Forge, TN is to get a real life view of the miraculous, picturesque Smoky Mountains.
During spring, the Smoky Mountains begin to bloom with vibrant colors, sunshine, and spectacular views you won't want to miss.
When you visit Pigeon Forge, you get more than a vacation. You get memories that will last a lifetime.
So what do you think about Pigeon Forge, TN as a vacation destination? What do you want to do when you visit? Share with me in the comments below!
Some images in this post courtesy of: MyPigeonForge.com, Dollywood.com, CountryTonitePF.com
Maximum King says
Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, beautiful Pigeon Forge is can meet the needs of all types of travelers, a great family vacation destination for sure!
Ewuzie Kingsley says
What a beautiful and amazing place to be I really love the picture of what I see I has beautiful landmarks I would really love to be here someday
Jessa b says
I've never heard about Pigeon Forge before! Will de check them out soon! You've presented the place so well!
LuciWest says
Tennessee looks like a super place for a vacation. Just 2 weeks ago, I was on a trip to the other side of the Smoky Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. For my birthday we also went into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park... and we even made it to the top of Clingmans Dome. It's such a beautiful area that I want to come back and this time start out from Knoxville and see all the things you describe, too! Thanks for the tips!
xx Luci
Happier.Place
Nina Cochingco says
Such a nice place for kids and even adults to enjoy. So sad it was too far from my place
Mijia Eggers says
This is very informative. It is indeed a nice place for the family vacation. Thanks for sharing!
Samantha Donnelly says
This looks like a great place to visit and stay as a family, such a shame it is too far for me x
Trisha Mishra says
This looks like so much fun. I am bookmarking this for my future travels. Thanks for sharing!
Miljana says
Well, it has so many activities and it looks gorgeous. I love the pictures too!
Diana says
It looks like you guys had a lot of fun! I would love to visit the Christmas Inn!
Preet says
Such beautiful photos! This is completely and utterly spectacular!
I would love to travel here so much. Thanks for sharing
Alexandra Cook says
Oh wow! I’m not sure I could ever leave that place. it is absolutely one of the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen.
Geraline Batarra says
It sounds like a wonderful place..! I wish there were something like this in my location..
Owen G. says
Wow, this place looks so amusing..! Kids would really love to be here..! So sad it was far from my location.. ?
Mickal says
I'm so used to staying in a hotel that I never look at the resorts but I might have to start.
Taryn says
I visited Pigeon Forge as a kid, and thought it was such a fun place. It really is a great place for families and very friendly.
Sophia says
I have always wanted to go here but have never even been to Tennessee! I will have to make it a priority in the next few years. Your pictures look awesome!
Faithnturtles says
I think this location is a great destination to visit, I would loveee to be there although the ride looked scary. Thanks for the lovely images.
Lisa Rios says
I always love collecting new destinations for our family bucket list. A road trip from TX to TN sounds like it'd be fun!
Amy-Lynn Denham says
Between Dollywood and that Christmas place you can go ahead and sign me up!
Chelsea Faulkner says
We love to visit the Pidgeon Forge area and generally make it down there every couple years. Clingman's Dome and Cades Cover are some of our families favorites, as well as the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies!
Robin says
This is definitely a great getaway for a small family. Quiet and relaxing.
Joanna says
It's so great that there are so many things to do in Pigeon Forge. Going on a family holiday you do need to take care of the expenses, and I like that in Pigeon Forge you can do many free things that won't affect the budget.
Dalene Ekirapa says
I can't agree more! Pigeon Forge definitely have so much to offer for an epic family time. I would the hiking , visiting the theme park and museums and also experience the rich culture and history of Tennessee.
Linda says
Seems like a great destination with so much to do! The Smokey mountains are just stunning!!!
Pam says
We used to go to Pigeon Forge several times a year with our extended family. It was always so much fun.
minimalistmiri says
Pigeon Forge is great! I've taken several trips there with friends and family, and my absolute favorite thing is getting to see the Smokey Mountains and take some hikes. And you can't beat all the wonderful cabins and places to stay!
Marysa says
Pigeon Forge is on our list of places to visit. There really are a lot of cool things to do there! I think there are plenty of things my kids would enjoy and it is nice to find somewhere that is family friendly.
Lynndee says
Oh yes, the smoky mountain looks amazing. We only drove by Pigeon Forge before, but we'll explore the place soon, for sure.
Heather Barber McMechan says
I have to agree that spring festivals are THE best. I'm excited to hear that there are a variety of options for you to choose for your stay.
Ash says
Oh we love it there! Such a fun destination to visit, especially with the whole family!
Beth says
I've always wanted to see the Smoky Mountains. Now I have a leg up on making those vacation plans!
Jamie H says
Visiting Tennessee is definitely on my bucket list. I hope to make it there within the next couple of years, and Pigeon Forge will definitely be on the top of my list of places to see! I had no idea about the spring festivals, so that's really helpful!
Lia says
Oh sounds like there is a lot to do there, my family goes on vacation once a year. I am going to suggest this now.
Happy Dog says
Pidgen forge sounds like an amazing place to visit with a ton to do. Thank you. I think I know where we will visit next.
Theresa says
Our first ever family vacation was to Pigeon Forge and it was one of our favorites to date. We don't tend to go to the same area more than once, but we're itching to schedule another trip there since we loved it that much. So much for a family to see and do, you really can't get it all done in just one vacation.
kita says
Love it out there! We went a few summers ago and we didn't want to leave. The best part was Paula Deen's spot OMG I want to take a trip just to go there
Jeanette says
I have been wanting to go there for years. I have known about Dollywood and I just think it would be a great place to go. I love the idea of it being out in the country a more relaxed atmosphere and just fun!
Melissa says
Yes we agree! Pigeon Forge is one of our favorite places to travel! Love that your family made memories that will last forever in the mountains of TN.
alexandra says
okay you sold me on this place! Once i saw the rollercoaster! Love the mountains as well! fun trip!
Amber Myers says
I've always wanted to go here. One day, I hope! It seems like there is so much to see and do. Those mountains are gorgeous.
robin rue says
My husband and I keep talking about going to Pigeon Forge so I am dying to get there. It sounds so fun!
Krista says
I have never been to TN before but it truly looks like a wonderful vacation spot. Defiantly has something for everyone in my family. My kids would love the rides and I want to go hiking in those beautiful mountains.