Pigeon Forge: A Family Vacation Destination For Generations

Nestled away in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge has been Tennessee’s staple of family fun for generations. It could be the majestic mountains creating the ideal backdrop or the endless thrills lining the main strip but families just don’t visit here once.

On the contrary, Pigeon Forge becomes a destination that families visit, again and again. Bringing their children and grandchildren back to experience and create new lifelong memories. We are one of those families.

We highlight why Pigeon Forge is a great family vacation destination and a few of our favorite Pigeon Forge family attractions that are great for all generations. This is a paid partnership on behalf of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. For more information on Pigeon Forge, visit their official website. #ad #mypigeonforge

Stay In A Spacious Pigeon Forge Cabin

Vivid memories of counting down till we left on our annual Smoky Mountain vacation come rushing back each trip.  One of the highlights of every  Pigeon Forge family vacation is that we get a cabin for the entire family to stay at.

Since cabins come in all shapes and sizes it is easy to find the perfect one that will fit all those who are going. Having everyone under the same roof allows us to spend quality time together.  Quiet moments, like having coffee with your mom on the balcony while everyone else is asleep or cozying up by the fireplace are moments that are not forgotten. Even cooking meals together become enjoyable experiences as little ones assist.

Game nights, movies and a competitive game of pool have become a tradition. Find your perfect Pigeon Forge Cabin here and start planning your family retreat.

Traditions Are Served With A Smile

Dining out has always been one of my family’s favorite pastimes. We could spend hours gathered around the table laughing and sharing stories of days gone by.  While we are always on the hunt for new trendy restaurants there are a few that have been family staples since I was young. These Pigeon Forge restaurants have something the entire family will enjoy.

The Old Mill

If you don’t visit the Old Mill did you even go to Pigeon Forge? This historic treasure is one of the oldest operating gristmills in the county and is now home to a fabulous restaurant. Visiting with grandparents they would often reminisce about the mill and how the area has grown so much since they started vacationing here.

A story that is routinely told around a plate of southern fried chicken.  The Mill has expanded through the years to include multiple shops, a cafe and more.  We always joke that we will need to go shopping to burn off that delicious meal however we oftentimes end up at the Old Mill Creamery!

Alamo Steakhouse

While grilling out a tasty steak dinner at the cabin is always in our plans there are times when no one wants to cook. A good day of hiking or sightseeing can wear a family out. Insert Alamo Steakhouse. This traditional steakhouse has been serving up chargrilled steaks since I was little. With the ability to fit large groups and they take reservations this is a great dining option.  While steak my be their forte their massive menu has plenty of options outside of a steak dinner.

The Local Goat

The newest addition to our family line up is a mouth-watering burger from the Local Goat. We swung into this place after tons of great reviews from other families and friends and were very impressed. A huge craft beer selection is followed by a slew of unique burger combinations. We can’t wait to go back to try even more of their scratch-made meals. They also have the ability to seat large groups, have high chairs and booster seats.

Award-Winning BBQ

Driving along the main street in Pigeon Forge there are many great BBQ joints that are beckoning visitors to come to sample their award-winning creations. A few that we religiously visit are Corky’s and Bennetts. It is hard to decide which one I enjoy more but it is fun to have your own taste test to determine your own personal winner.

A Stack Of Pancakes

A visit to the Smoky Mountains would not be complete with a trip to get a warm stack of pancakes. Pigeon Forge is home to many pancake houses each one serving up traditional breakfasts with signature smoky mountain flapjacks. Whether you are visiting Smoky’s Pancake Cabin or Reagan’s House of Pancakes you are in for a treat.   A tip is to arrive early as many of the pancake houses fill up after 9:30 am. Then while others are waiting for their pancakes take advantage of lower crowds at popular attractions.

A Fun Dinner Show

Another family tradition is to visit one of the fun dinner shows that Pigeon Forge has to offer.  We often have a secret vote to see which show will reign supreme. We have had the pleasure of going to the Dixie Stampede and the Hatfield and McCoy show which seem to be family favorites.  These interactive shows not only keep the whole family entertained but well fed!

Pigeon Forge Is A Family Vacation Playground

From indoor sky diving to mountain roller coasters there are endless attractions that will leave your Pigeon Forge bucket list bigger than when you arrived.  Whether there is a toddler or teenager in tow Pigeon Forge is truly a playground for the whole family. Here are a few of our top picks for those that are traveling with multiple generations.

The Track

A visit to The Track has been a tradition for years! Adults and children will all agree that this place has something for everyone. Go-Carts, amusement rides, an arcade and more will keep the family entertained for hours. The wide selection of kiddie rides is what won us over, or maybe it is because of the elevated go-kart tracks.  It’s hard to pinpoint one great reason when there are so many.

Wear Farm City Park

A stunning majestic mountain view paired with two fantastic playgrounds makes this park is a hidden gem in Pigeon Forge. With a playground designed for toddlers, another for older children and peaceful walking trails there is something for everyone. Best of all, this is one attraction won’t break the bank because it is free!

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf

This has been the only mini-golf my family has done in Pigeon Forge because we adore it so much. A key highlight is the mining train that takes you to your first hole. Guests get a fun train ride through a good portion of the course as your set on an archeologist journey for lost treasure.  The course takes you on an adventure through caves, volcanos, waterfalls and more. At the end of the game, the winner of our family mini-golf receives the “Golden Club”, a corny self-made spray-painted golf club. We pass it on from year to year to the winner and comes with massive bragging rights. It has become a Pigeon Forge family vacation tradition.

Wonderworks

A fun, unique museum that everyone will enjoy is Wonderworks. This museum turned amusement park has over 100 hands-on exhibits that are bound to spark curiosity and imagination. There are six wonder zones that each boast a different theme for families to explore. Experience what its like to be in the middle of a natural disaster to assembling gears and wheels with little ones. Keep your eyes open for coupons and discounts as they usually have one available.

Looking for more attractions: Discover these 17 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge Snow

While we haven’t had the opportunity to try this new adventure out families are raving out the year-round indoor snow tubing found in Pigeon Forge. Guests can hit the slopes in their tubes as they slide down real snow!  Keep in mind that there is a height requirement to snow tube, in that little ones must be three years old and at least 38 inches tall.  They have a SnowPlay area where there are no age or height restrictions.  There is even a special area for the family to observe all the action happening on the slopes.

Dollywood

A true southern family tradition is a visit to Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood  Sweeping views of the mountains paired with endless family-friendly attractions and shows make Dollywood a pilgrimage that many families make every year.  It is one of the few amusement parks where you will see all the generations. Hop aboard the Dollywood Express, take in one of their amazing shows and don’t forget to sample that amazing cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill.

Whether your a first-time visitor or have been visiting Pigeon Forge for decades it is easy to see why Pigeon Forge makes a great family vacation. The locals are always welcoming, the atmosphere is always friendly and the experiences always leave unforgettable memories.  Start planning your visit to Pigeon Forge today.

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Pigeon Forge Family Vacation