Family vacations are incredibly fun. You get to leave behind all your work stress and college commitments and enjoy your time with your family. You can bond over silly games or the tranquility of nature.

Why not take a flight to explore a completely new area and have a month-long vacation? Or you could travel to an equally epic nearby destination for a relaxing weekend. Many Americans enjoy Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for a wild yet family-friendly adventure. Plus, there are many thrilling activities to choose from.

If Pigeon Forge sounds like a place you’d like to explore, we have a full dose of thrilling activities to do here.

1.  Visit Dollywood

Dollywood is a famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern charm. The park is named after its co-owner, country music superstar Dolly Parton, who grew up in nearby Sevierville. Since opening its doors in 1986, Dollywood has become one of the most-loved tourist attractions in the southeastern United States, drawing millions of visitors yearly.

With various rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters, water rides, and live shows, Dollywood is a must-visit destination for families, thrill-seekers, and music fans.

2.  Experience Smoky Mountain Snowpark

If you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure that won’t disappoint, check out Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark. It’s a winter wonderland that offers various activities for unforgettable family fun in Pigeon Forge for visitors of all ages.

The park features a 500-foot-long tubing hill on which guests can race down on inflatable tubes. During the winter months, you can enjoy snow-covered lanes, but the park also has outdoor tubing lanes year-round.

In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy outdoor axe throwing, the Ski Lift Shootout Coaster, and the Avalanche Snow Coaster. Before you leave, grab a sweet treat from Sugar Bears Café!

3.  The Island

The Island is the perfect destination for family fun. It’s a sprawling entertainment complex that offers a variety of activities, shops, restaurants, and attractions for visitors of all ages.

One highlight of The Island is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, standing 200 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. In addition, The Island also boasts a range of other attractions, including the Mountain Ropes Course, the Fiddler’s Creek Splash Park, and the Island Show Fountain.

For a night out, The Island also offers a range of shops and restaurants, such as Margaritaville. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or want to enjoy some delicious cuisine, this place has it all.

4.  Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors the chance to get up close with their favorite celebrities. The museum features a vast collection of lifelike wax figures of Hollywood stars, musicians, and pop culture icons, including Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, and Michael Jackson.

The museum also features interactive exhibits and opportunities for visitors to take photos with their favorite celebrities, including a replica of the iconic Hollywood sign. With its impressive collection of wax figures and interactive exhibits, the Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the excitement and glamour of Hollywood right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

5.  Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a thrilling ride with plenty of fun for the whole family. The coaster, located at The Coaster at Goats on the Roof, winds down the mountain with 6,000 feet of track. Along the way, riders are treated to breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and a few unexpected twists and turns.

The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers of all ages, and it’s sure to make your family vacation unforgettable. So, why not ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster for an adrenaline-pumping experience you will never forget?

6.  TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena

It’s a popular indoor entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. It features a range of trampolines, including a large open jump area, a foam pit, and a dodgeball court. The arena also features a ninja warrior course and a rock-climbing wall for visitors looking for an extra challenge.

In addition to its trampoline and climbing activities, TopJump Trampoline Park offers a virtual reality experience and an arcade filled with classic and modern games. With its fun and exciting activities, this arena is a great destination for families and groups looking to have a blast indoors, rain or shine.

Furthermore, TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena also offer discounts for large groups and birthday parties, making it an affordable destination for family entertainment.

7.  Experience the Zip-Lines

If you’re seeking a unique way to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, then zip-lining is the way to go. The region has several zip-line attractions, each offering a unique view of the area’s breathtaking landscapes. The longest zip line runs through Gatlinburg SkyLift Park and is 1.5 miles long.

If you are with kids, consider taking a zip-line tour at Foxfire Mountain Adventures or AdventureWorks. Both offer kid-friendly courses that are just as thrilling but much less intense.

However, if you are up for a challenge, try taking on the most extreme zip-line course in the area: ZipZone. This adventure features five lines spanning over 2,500 feet and up to 50 mph. However, zip-lining is the perfect activity for anyone looking to add excitement and adventure to their family vacation.

Final Thoughts

Taking a break from the grueling hustle and bustle of our daily lives to travel with family can bring immense joy. From relaxing by the pool or at the beach to moving your body in thrilling activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and rock climbing, taking the time to enjoy these activities on vacation can help make memories for a lifetime. In addition to being incredibly fun, these activities are great opportunities for families to bond and reconnect after being away from one another throughout the year. Put together your unique itinerary of things you want to do together to make every moment count. With a little bit of planning and strategy, you can create a fantastic family vacation full of adventure and plenty of thrills.