Your Guide to the Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Jennifer writes for Venture Smoky Mountains, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in East Tennessee.

The best thing about a vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains is that you don’t have to limit yourself to one town during your visit. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Wears Valley and other popular spots are all just a short drive from each other. This means while your cabin may be in one area, it’s still easy to spend your time exploring a new place each day of your stay.

Last month, we highlighted the top things to do in Gatlinburg, and this month we’re keeping the theme going with neighboring Pigeon Forge. Known for rolling mountains, exciting family-friendly attractions and world-famous Dollywood, it’s a destination that should one hundred percent be on your to-do list when you head to East Tennessee. Check out our top things to do in Pigeon Forge and start planning your dream getaway today!

In This Article:

• Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
• Cheap Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
• Hidden Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
• Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
• FAQs

What Are the Best Things to Do in Pigeon Forge?

That depends on your idea of fun. Outdoorsy folks will love ATV off-roading excursions or white water rafting. Kids and families visit go-kart tracks and mini golf courses. Adults can have a blast on The Island, trying moonshine or riding roller coasters at Dollywood. You’ll find arcades, dinner theater shows and much more, all waiting for you in Pigeon Forge. Here are our top picks for easy planning.

Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Kids 

Xtreme Racing Center

With more than 4,500 reviews and a stellar 4.4 gold star rating on Google, we can attest that the best go-karting in Pigeon Forge is at Xtreme. Put the pedal to the metal on three courses as you fight for first place in their high speed, professional grade karts.

• ‘Xtreme’ Track – 3,500 linear feet of track filled with daring twists, turns and narrow passages.
• Reverse Track – Think you’ve mastered the turns of the ‘Xtreme’ Track? Now try it in reverse!
• Elevated Track – 1,500 feet of elevated raceway, great for single or double rider karts.

Because of the speed and nature of these go-karts, drivers must be at least 11 years old. Riders must be at least three years old.

No reservations are required, and your ticket includes access to five or 10 additional attractions, including the arcade, mini-golf, laser tag and more. Tickets start around $39.99.

Dollywood

Dollywood is more than just a mountain town theme park. It’s a multi-park immersive experience that offers thrilling rides, water slides, entertainment, great restaurants and days filled with adventure. And when you stay in Pigeon Forge, you’re only a few miles away from the fun.

People plan their entire East Tennessee vacations around Dollywood, so if that’s you, make sure you map out the logistics before you arrive. Secure your park passes. Check the weather if the waterpark is on your list. Look at schedules for the dinner theater shows and choose which ones you want to attend. Most importantly, find a Pigeon Forge vacation rental that makes getting to the park each day a breeze.

Season passes go on sale each spring, and if you’re traveling with pre-k aged children, make sure you take advantage of the free pre-k Imagination Season Pass, which grants children age five and under free admission to the park and waterpark.

Crave Golf Club

Ranked “Best Mini Golf Course in America” by The Travel, Crave Golf Club in Pigeon Forge is full of fun well beyond traditional putt-putt. Here, you’ll find both indoor and outdoor courses, an arcade, candy shop, and even mini-bowling and escape room games. Great for the occasional rainy day, this one-stop shop has you covered when it comes to family entertainment.

Two courses of play start at $23.10 for adults, or you can purchase park hopper passes and get unlimited access to multiple spots, including TopJump Trampoline, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay, and more.

What’s better than buying a ticket, though? Getting one for free!

When you book your Pigeon Forge vacation directly with Venture Smoky Mountains, you get just that, plus more than $400 in other free activities. These aren’t just one-off uses, either. You get every offer, every day of your vacation. Check out the full list of free activities you get just by booking your vacation with us.

See All Free Activities from Venture Smoky Mountains 

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Things to do in Pigeon Forge for Adults

Taking a friend trip to Pigeon Forge is always a great time. Not only can you save big when you split a vacation rental among friends, but there’s tons of stuff to do each day, from trips through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to hiking trails, shopping, sightseeing, dining, and even some nightlife fun.

One of the best spots for adults in Pigeon Forge is at The Island. Test your courage on the three-story ropes course, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, catch some live music, watch the fountain show, grab a drink at Margaritaville, or sample East Tennessee’s finest moonshine at the Ole Smoky Distillery—the first legal, licensed distillery in the region.

Just on the other side of the National Park, the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort offers full-service games including slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great food and entertainment.

Other activities adults love include simple moments—making the most of your vacation rental, taking advantage of the hot tub, cozy rocking chairs, and stunning mountain views as you hang with friends and family and enjoy a brief break from the bustle of everyday life.

Many Venture Smoky Mountain properties have additional amenities like arcade games, home theaters, and pool tables, so staying home is more than just watching TV.

Cheap Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Budget-friendly travel is easy in Pigeon Forge, especially if you’re interested in outdoor activities. You can hike through the national park, go fishing on the Little Pigeon River (just make sure you have a valid fishing license), or ride bikes at Cades Cove.

For a more novel activity, Pigeon Forge Snow features year-round winter conditions inside their temperature-controlled building. You can go snow tubing for 1 hour for $39.99, or spend 30 minutes building snowmen, making snow angels, or having a snowball fight in the Snow Play area for $9.99.

Mountain coasters, museums, and even the free Jurassic Adventure at The Island are also top choices when you want to explore without breaking the bank.

Hidden Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has a lot of tourist attractions, and while those are incredibly fun, if you’re looking for more unique activities or hidden things to do, be sure to check out: 

• The Old Mill District – 19th-century area that features popular shops, artisan crafts, and a working water-powered mill from the 1830s
• Historic Marker Driving Tour – History lovers appreciate this popular drive, which highlights important sites in Pigeon Forge dating back to the 1700s. See and learn about things like Broady Dairy, the Pigeon River Railroad, and Pigeon Forge Iron Works.
• MoonPie General Store – Though the MoonPie was born in Chattanooga, you can visit the general store and book warehouse in Pigeon Forge. Try hard-to-find flavors like blueberry or salted caramel, stock up on great merch, and head home with some treats for the road.

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge

Featured Property: I'll Always Love View

Your Pigeon Forge adventure starts with finding the perfect place to stay. At Venture Smoky Mountains, we pride ourselves on our customer service and aim to ensure each guest feels truly at home in our properties. From our free activity tickets to stunning homes, our hope is that your East Tennessee vacation is everything you’ve dreamed it will be.

In our inventory, you’ll find properties in the top Smoky Mountain areas like Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Wears Valley, and of course, Pigeon Forge. You can also use the filters to hone in on specific amenities.

When you’ve found your ideal property, remember that booking directly with Venture Smoky Mountains lets you bypass the third-party fees and extra costs associated with Airbnb, Vrbo and other online travel agencies. If you want to secure the same homes you see on these sites, but at a much lower rate, book direct today.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

How many days do you need to see the best things to do in Pigeon Forge?

Plan for 3–4 full days if Dollywood is on your list. One day usually goes to Dollywood alone, one day for Parkway attractions and shows, and one day split between the national park and nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Wears Valley.

What’s the best time of day to visit popular attractions in Pigeon Forge?

Arrive at major attractions right at opening or after 6:00 pm. Midday (11:00 am–4:00 pm) is when lines, traffic, and wait times peak—especially on the Parkway.

Do you need reservations for shows and attractions in Pigeon Forge?

Yes, for dinner shows, Dollywood, and popular seasonal events, book at least 1–2 weeks in advance during peak months. Go-karts, mini golf, arcades, and most Parkway attractions are walk-up friendly.

Is the Pigeon Forge Trolley a good way to get around?

It works well along the Parkway and to The Island, but it won’t replace a car. If you plan to visit Dollywood, the national park, or Wears Valley, you’ll want your own vehicle.

Are most Pigeon Forge attractions open year-round?

Most are, but hours shrink in January–February, and some outdoor attractions close temporarily for weather or maintenance. Always assume reduced hours in winter unless it’s Dollywood’s operating season.