It might be January, but you wouldn’t know it by the warmer weather we’re having! So if you’ve been singing the wintertime blues and want to take advantage of warmer days, read on. Our 20 fun ways to play in Pigeon Forge take you on guided tours and picnics, to favorite area attractions, and more!
- Step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction. This touching and interesting attraction in the heart of Pigeon Forge is great for both kids and adults. You’ll tour the RMS Titanic as an actual passenger or crew member, and at the end of the tour, you’ll find out if “you” survived or not. It gives you a truly hands-on experience, and will make you feel like you’ve been placed within the walls of the actual ship. You can walk the Grand Staircase, touch an iceberg, see the state rooms, and let the younger kids explore at the Tot-Titanic.
- Spend an afternoon shopping at The Island. The Island in Pigeon Forge is home to many favorites, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, the show fountain, and tons of shops to explore! Spend the day browsing around and getting some sun on a warmer winter day.
- Tap your toes at the Dixie Stampede. For a fun night out that will leave you happy and full, check out the Dixie Stampede. It features 32 amazing horses doing stunts with their riders, a North versus South rivalry, patriotic music, dazzling costumes, fireworks, and a 4-course feast with chicken, pork loin, vegetable soup, biscuits, corn on the cob, potatoes, dessert, and unlimited soda, coffee, or tea!
- Check out historic buildings in Cades Cove. A drive through Cades Cove is the perfect way to spend a beautiful spring day in the Smokies. Explore the Cantilever Barn, Smokehouse, Corn Crib, Primitive Baptist Church, circa-1856 log cabin, and more during an afternoon at this favorite area attraction. You can even bike it or walk it, or you can bring along a picnic to enjoy.
- Have a picnic in Patriot Park. Patriot Park hosts a variety of Pigeon Forge events throughout the year, including fireworks on the 4th of July, lights during Winterfest, and the Patriot Festival. But if you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend a spring afternoon, it’s also a great option.
- Explore 4 beautiful acres at Parrot Mountain and Gardens. Spring brings a new season of fun to Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge. The retreat features hundreds of tropical birds and beautiful flora all around. You can meet the many birds, have lunch at the deli overlooking the Smoky Mountains, and just enjoy a peaceful spring day in the gardens!
- Fish in the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. April 2 and 3 brings the annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament to the Smokies once again. Open to children and adults, locals and visitors, the tournament offers the unique opportunity to get out in nature and compete for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes! Spend a spring day fishing in the cool waters of the Great Smoky Mountains and test your skills!
- Fly down the mountain on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. The longest downhill ride in the United States, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster features more than 1 mile of track that will have you speeding down the side of the mountain to enjoy the fantastic spring views!
- Explore the area via a Scenic Helicopter Tour. Flying since 1972, this experienced helicopter company will take you on a fun and scenic tour of the Great Smoky Mountains. It will give you some of the most unique and incredible views around.
- Have a drink on the deck. Unwind in the rocking chairs (or porch swing or hammock) on your cabin’s deck overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains. Pick up some local wine or moonshine while you’re in town and enjoy a drink from the comfort of your own cabin.
- Spend the afternoon at The Old Mill Square. A staple in the Pigeon Forge community, The Old Mill Square is home to restaurants, homemade bakery items, beautiful pottery, delicious candies, and more. Spend a spring afternoon browsing the shops and learning more about the history of the water-powered gristmill.
- Feed the goats at Goats on the Roof. You could spend several hours playing here, with a gem mine, general store, ice cream, fudge, and of course…goats on the roof that you can feed!
- Watch the show fountain at The Island. What better way to finish off a nice spring day than by sitting back in a rocking chair at The Island and watching the dancing lights and water at the show fountain?! The water and lights are choreographed to 14 musical pieces, and the water shoots 60 feet in the air!
- Play miniature golf. When it comes to miniature golf, you have a lot of options in Pigeon forge. Check out Lost Treasure Golf, Ripley’s mini golf, Blacklight mini golf at Lazer Port Fun Center, and Firehouse Golf – just to name a few.
- Take a horseback ride through the Smokies. Explore the Smoky Mountain landscape by horseback with a ride at Sugarlands Riding Stables, Waldens Creek Stables, or Five Oaks Riding Stables, all convenient to Pigeon Forge.
- Tour the city by Segway. Have a unique experience with a Segway tour of Pigeon Forge – a more fast-paced way to see what the city has to offer.
- Play a few rounds of golf. One of the things that draws many people to the Great Smoky Mountains is the opportunity for some great golf. Gorgeous spring scenery will impress at Gatlinburg Golf Course and Bent Creek Golf Course – two favorites near Pigeon Forge.
- Relax in the cabin. On a nice spring day, take a little time to rest and relax. Grab a good book and curl up on the couch for a few hours of “you time.”
- Take a trip to the rainforest. One of my favorite spots in Pigeon Forge is the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, where you can meet Golden Headed Lion Tamarins, African Crested Porcupine, African Serval, Lemurs, and a variety of birds, reptiles, bugs, amphibians, and mammals from around the world! The attraction features both indoor and outdoor areas, so it’s great for a rainy or sunny spring day in Pigeon Forge.
- Take a walk. While there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in Pigeon Forge, one way to enjoy your day is just by taking a walk. Walk along the Parkway (or hop on a trolley between spots) on a nice spring day to see the many restaurants, shops, and attractions of the area.