WonderWorks — Where Theme Park Meets Science Museum in Pigeon Forge

wonderworks-in-pigeon-forge

Who said learning can’t be fun? When you visit WonderWorks Pigeon Forge on your next Smoky Mountain vacation, your kids will be thanking you for the endless hours of “edu-tainment” this one-of-a-kind attraction provides for the whole family!

What Is WonderWorks?
If you’ve ever driven down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you’ve probably wondered why there’s a huge upside-down building in the heart of all the fun attractions. According to WonderWorks legend, scientist Professor Wonder was working on an experiment to create a tornado and harness its power at his lab in the Bermuda Triangle. His experiment went wrong, and the tornado began tearing through the lab. It flew all the way to Pigeon Forge and landed upside down on a theater! 

Before you get started at WonderWorks, you’ll have to be flipped upside down, so your first stop is the inversion tunnel that will leave you feeling topsy-turvy for a second. Then you can make your way into the Wonder Zones for some fun. Each zone is loaded with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that are the perfect blend of education and entertainment for kids and families.

Hands-On Fun at WonderWorks

THE WONDER ZONES

Extreme Weather Zone
Discover the incredible power of the world’s natural disasters, from lightning and earthquakes to hurricanes and icebergs. You can sit in the Earthquake Café and feel a 5.3 magnitude quake for yourself, become a human lightning rod, experience hurricane force winds in the Hurricane Shack, travel anywhere in the world via Google Earth, and so much more. There is even a trivia wall with questions about weather, earthquakes, fires, man-made disasters, and beyond.

Physical Challenge Zone
Put your body to the test in the Physical Challenge Zone, pitching like an MLB player, throwing a touchdown pass to an NFL player, try rock climbing at the climbing wall, lying on a bed of nails, or riding on the Xtreme 360 bikes. Kids will love playing in the Bubble Lab, making 3D images of themselves on the Wonder Wall, and lying (safely) on a bed of 3,500 nails!

Light & Sound Zone
A treat for the senses, the Light & Sound Wonder Zone will answer your questions about shadows, the speed of light, and more. You can test your reflexes to see how fast you are versus the speed of light — which moves 299,792,458 meters per second — play with your shadow with colors and music, and dance on the Giant Piano!

Space Discovery Zone
If your kid has ever dreamed of being an astronaut, now is their chance to get a first taste of space. They can climb into a life-size replica of a NASA space suit and learn more about how the suit protects astronauts on their journeys. The Space Discovery Zone also has a Mercury Capsule replica, a command center for the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Astronaut Training Challenge, and a simulator roller coaster ride – the Wonder Coaster virtual roller coaster!

Imagination Lab
Giant Lite-Brite, digital painting and matchmaking on the Fun Express, and working with gears at Gear Works are just a few of the things kids will love in the Imagination Lab. This hands-on zone will get kids’ imaginations soaring, offering them the chance to stomp on aliens, build, and stretch their minds.

Wonder Art Gallery
Browse the galleries and artwork here to see eyes following you wherever you go, find hidden objects in paintings, and figure out riddles. Here, you’ll also find Dr. Seuss’s unorthodox taxidermy that features 7 original sculptures that helped bring his imaginations to life…sort of. Older kids will especially love this challenging zone. If you have an aspiring artist, also be sure to drive to Gatlinburg and visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community! 

Other Fun at WonderWorks
Beyond the Wonder Zones, WonderWorks has even more family fun throughout this sprawling facility that is 35,000 square feet. And it’s all included in the WonderWorks general admission ticket price! This indoor amusement park boasts…

Indoor Ropes Course
At the world’s largest Indoor Ropes Course, climb 4 stories over 50 feet as you test yourself on 50 obstacles on this fantastic ropes challenge course! Hop along the lily pads, cross over the tremor bridge, and more on this glow-in-the-dark ropes course adventure in the sky. 

Laser Tag Arena
At the Laser Tag Arena, kids (and adults!) will love sneaking around corners, ducking behind walls, and seeing how many points they can rack up in this heart-pounding blacklight game. Get ready for some serious laser tag fun and thrills!

4D XD Motion Theater
Combing 3D film with full-motion seating and cool special effects, the 4D XD Theater pulls guests into an action-packed adventure through the big screen. Fly on the Canyon Coaster, speed along the Wild West Mine Ride, or go on a Dino Safari!

Refuel & Refresh at the Wonder Café
When you need a break from playing and exploring, you can stop in the Wonder Café for a bite. Chow down on pizza, hot dogs, nachos, chips, popcorn, and pretzels before washing it down with an ice-cold soda. Finish it off with Dippin’ Dots ice cream and cookies before you head back to the arcade or try your hand at laser tag.

Planning Your Visit

Groups at WonderWorks
Pigeon Forge has long been a go-to vacation destination for groups. With tons of great attractions, beautiful large group lodges with plenty of space and amenities, lots of restaurant choices, and many great shops, it’s a convenient and fun place to plan a retreat, reunion, field trip, or group getaway for a special occasion.

WonderWorks is always ready to cater to groups (15+ guests), whether it’s a youth group, a birthday party, a corporate retreat, or a school group. Teachers can even get lesson plans and scavenger hunts from WonderWorks (just ask!). Planning a birthday party will be a breeze, with packages offering food, drinks, party space, and more.

Birthday Party Packages

  • Hurricane Party — WonderWorks tickets (10 children + 2 adults), 2 large cheese pizzas, 2 pitchers of soda, 12 game cards, 45 minutes in a private party room & discounted ticket pricing
  • Laser Mania Party — WonderWorks tickets (10 children + 2 adults), 2 large cheese pizzas, 2 pitchers of soda, 12 game cards, 45 minutes in a private party room, discounted ticket pricing & laser tag
  • Big Shot Laser Party — WonderWorks tickets (11 adults), 3 large cheese pizzas, 3 pitchers of soda, 12 game cards, 45 minutes in a private party room, discounted ticket pricing & laser tag

Top Tips & Rules
Make your day at WonderWorks in the Smoky Mountains more fun by following a few guidelines and helpful tips for this Pigeon Forge attraction. You can find more information in their FAQs, but here are just a few to get you started:

  • Guests typically take about 3-4+ hours.
  • FREE parking is in front of the upside down house.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes.
  • Some rides/attractions have height and weight restrictions, so check ahead of time.

Hours & Tickets
WonderWorks and the Wonder Café are open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., offering year-round fun for families and groups heading to the Great Smoky Mountains. Parking is plenty and FREE, and general admission* is reasonable and includes 100+ interactive exhibits!

WonderWorks Tickets 

  • Adult (ages 13-59) — $29
  • Children (ages 4-12) — $23
  • Senior (ages 60+) — $23
  • Small Children (ages 3 and under) – FREE

*Prices are as of December 2020 and do not include taxes.

WonderWorks
100 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865.868.1800

Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
Exploring all the Wonder Zones, playing laser tag, climbing through the ropes course, and experiencing the 4D XD Theater will tucker out you and the kids in no time. Look forward to recharging your batteries at an inviting and cozy log cabin in the Smoky Mountains. 

Sip coffee on the deck with a gorgeous view, soak tired muscles in the steamy hot tub with massaging jets, keep the kiddos entertained with splashes in the private indoor pool or games in the rec room, settle in for movie night in the home theater, serve up a nutritious homemade meal with the full kitchen, and snooze in your king suite. 

When you’re ready to plan a memorable stay in the Smokies, Pigeon Forge TN Cabins is here to help. Currently, with 450+ cabin options in the Pigeon Forge area that range from 1-16 bedrooms and budget-friendly to luxury, we have just what you’re looking for on your family vacation, group getaway, or romantic retreat. Book online or give us a call at 1.866.513.7885 today!