Sensory Activities & Attractions in Pigeon Forge – Fun for Everyone

Welcome to the Smoky Mountains, where everyone is included in the fun! Whether you are the parent of one child on the spectrum or looking to find an activity all your kids can enjoy together, Pigeon Forge is home to numerous sensory activities and sensory integrated features at awesome attractions that the whole family will love. Laugh, learn, and play together while staying in a Pigeon Forge cabin that suits all your personal needs, too.

Talk to one of our vacation specialists or simply use the handy amenity search filter to peruse the budget-friendly, 1-bedroom, luxury, or pet-friendly cabins that have all the necessary qualifications such as handicap accessibility features for those with unique mobility needs, and extra fun additions to make your trip to the Smokies the best summer vacation with the kids. Don’t let anything hold your little ones back; head to a Pigeon Forge, Tennessee cabin and discover all the cool sensory activities and inclusive attractions for your dream Smoky Mountain getaway.

First of Its Kind: Sensory Room in Dollywood
As this park continues to grow in size, Dolly Parton and her incredible team at Dollywood Parks have strived to make sure every child knows just how important their joy and happiness is while visiting Dollywood. As the first of its kind in any theme park in the world, the Calming Room is specifically and thoughtfully designed for families who have a need to slow down due to sensory overload. The features of this room include all the following to help your family take a break during your exciting day in Dollywood:

  • Weighted blankets
  • Easy-to-use speakers to connect to with an AUX cord for music
  • Bean bag chairs
  • A cute, cozy tipi
  • Rocking chair
  • Low lighting options
  • Stuffed animals
  • Fiber Optic strand lights
  • Private, quiet room with soothing color scheme and varied textures

Dollywood wants to host every family and to better serve children of every unique accessibility need, so the park has an entire team employed and ready to assist you! The Ride Accessibility Center, connected to the Dollywood Emporium inside the park, provides a detailed Park Accessibility Guide which details ride requirements, special entrances, and information to help plan your best and safest visit to Dollywood. Additionally, the Center’s team can walk you through the park guide using their experience to provide information and pointers to suit your specific needs. They can also provide you with a Boarding Pass that is uniquely designed to include the rides you can participate in!

Sensory Friendly Nights at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
As sharks swim overhead and penguins leap into the water and wave to the kids, the usual music and audio narration is softened to meet your child’s unique needs during these moments of discovery and awe. Sensory Friendly Night tickets are from 5 pm to close on the following dates: August 7, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18 of 2019. Simply purchase your passes at the admission window and mention “Sensory Nights” for $3 off your admission!

WonderWorks: Sensory Days
Packed with learning and entertaining fun, WonderWorks invites everyone to expand their horizons together! During Sensory Days, in partnership with the Autism Society of East Tennessee, the music is turned down, the inversion tunnel is stopped, and the louder exhibits are not operating in order to cater to kids with special needs. Without the more overwhelming attractions in operation, families can enjoy exploring space, defying the laws of physics, and exploring the inner layers of the earth and so much more throughout the 100+ interactive exhibits! To make this the most inclusive day possible, parents, caretakers, family, and children can explore WonderWorks for the discounted price of $10!

Keep your eyes on WonderWorks’ calendar for their next Sensory Night on their website!

East Tennessee Autism Social Scene
If you are traveling from West Tennessee or want to experience some more ways to keep your kids active, learning, and making friends, be sure to check out the very active calendar of the Autism Society of East Tennessee! With summer approaching and less time in the classroom with their peers, keep your kids engaged with fun social activities like the Free Drum Circle, Roxstars Dance Class and Support Group, and LEGO Club! Check out their calendar of weekly events on their website where you can also get more information or sign up!

Wheelchair Accessible Pigeon Forge Cabins
Situated along the mountainsides, many of our cabins require a few or more stairs to enter, but no worries, because there are handicap-friendly Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabins that boast ramps, no stairs, and features like handles on large jetted tubs! No matter where your child is on the spectrum or what physical needs must be met, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Cabins wants every family of every shape and size to enjoy the beauty and fun of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are pet-friendly cabins, too, if your child has an emotional support furry friend tagging along for the family vacation to the Smokies!

So, call one of our vacation specialists or start perusing our listings for your dream Pigeon Forge getaway with the whole family, where everyone can have the best time this summer!