Things To Do With Kids: Activities by Age Group

Vacationing With Kids

Looking for things to do with kids on your vacation? The mountains are the perfect playground to let the imagination run wild! Here you’ll find world-class shows & entertainment, with no shortage of activities for the little ones to enjoy. Regardless of whether you’re traveling with your kids, your grandkids, or with a large group, you can take the guesswork out of your Pigeon Forge vacation plans by checking out a few of the kid-friendly activity suggestions below.

Though this family-friendly attraction features something for everyone, your pre-school age child will love exploring the magic of science and wonder at this interactive museum. Learn about the world around us with great exhibits on science, space, imagination and more!

Marvel at every creature of the ocean without getting wet! From playful penguins to fierce-looking sharks, this amazing aquatic world is educational and fun – the highlight of downtown Gatlinburg. Be sure to check out their brand new Glass Bottom Boat!

Toddlers are fascinated by large vehicles and trains are no exception! From kid-friendly rides with familiar favorites like Thomas the Train and the Peanuts gang to breathtaking mountain views, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers family-friendly fun for everyone to enjoy.

MagiQuest

There’s something for all ages at MagiQuest on the Pigeon Forge parkway. Adults and kids will enjoy the excitement of their main attraction: an interactive treasure hunt quest. Then you can keep enjoying the castle with the Odyssey Mirror Maze, blacklight pirate-themed mini golf course, and brand new arcade.

Looking for a family-friendly comedy show that will leave everyone in stitches? Consider the Comedy Barn! This Pigeon Forge show offers homespun hilarity, complete with amazing animal actors that are sure to impress any school-age child – or even a kid at heart!

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud

The all new Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud is sure to be a fun event for the whole family. Audience members will be treated to a family-friendly show featuring live action, side-splitting comedy, crowd interaction, and good ole fashion lumberjackin’. This will be one of the most memorable experiences from your vacation!

Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

Animal lovers in this age group will have plenty to see at Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Kids can get an up close look at animals from around the world, with everything from playful otters and tropical birds to reptiles and other unique species. It’s a great attraction to explore at your own pace.

SkyLand Ranch Safari Hayride

Take a ride through the ranch and meet some furry friends along the way! The Safari Hayride at SkyLand Ranch gives you a chance to see and feed animals while enjoying a ride around the property. It’s a fun choice for anyone who loves animals.

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay Mini Golf

Pirates or mermaids? Kids can pick their adventure at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay, with two colorful 18-hole mini golf courses to choose from. The playful theming makes the experience just as much fun as the game itself, making it a great introduction to mini golf for younger kids.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dinner comes with a show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede! Kids can watch horses, trick riding, music, comedy, and plenty of action unfold in the arena while enjoying a four-course feast. This show gives the entire family plenty to keep their attention from beginning to end.

Professor Hackers Mini Golf

Turn a round of mini golf into an expedition at Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf. You begin your adventure with a ride aboard the mining train before putting their way through caves, waterfalls, and other themed obstacles in search of Professor Hacker’s lost treasure.

Kids who have an interest in history will love exploring this world-class museum honoring the passengers and crew aboard the R.M.S. Titanic. Learn about the lives of people in the Edwardian era while exploring this elaborate, award-winning museum.

Toy Box Mini Golf

All new for 2021, this toy-themed 18 hole mini golf course is located on Dollywood Lane behind TopJump. Toy Box also has a laser maze, a toy store, and so many cool photo ops with oversized toys. Kids in this age range will have a blast making their way through giant army men, space invaders, and more recognizable obstacles.

Anakeesta

Just a scenic ride up the chondola from downtown Gatlinburg is all it takes to reach the magic of the mountains at Anakeesta. There’s something to do here for parents and kids alike. Try out the dueling zipline or the ropes course before heading over to Black Bear Village for some shopping and dining.

Catch A Movie

Kick back with some popcorn and watch the latest box office hit at Governor’s Crossing Stadium 14 Movie Theater. The movies are a perfect place to relax after a long day of adventure in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

When looking for Things To Do With Kids, Lazerport is a great place to visit. From laser tag to go-karts to indoor miniature golf, your little one will have a blast at Lazerport Fun Center. This family friendly destination can provide hours of fun on your Pigeon Forge vacation.

Make mealtime memorable by checking out this free-for-all, featuring hillbilly hijinks and old-fashioned family fun! Hoot, holler and raise a ruckus to this comical show, served up with lip-smackin’ Smoky Mountain cuisine. Voted Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Theater for 2018, this attraction is one of the top things to do with kids.

Pigeon Forge Snow

Leave the coat & boots at home but still enjoy the magic of a winter wonderland at Pigeon Forge Snow. Older kids will have a blast tubing down hills covered by real snow. Make it a race or just come to have fun.

Sick City Action Park

Race side-by-side down Fast Lane, catch some air on Big Wave, twist your way down Royal Flush, or see how many of the park’s giant slides you can conquer. With slides ranging from racing and swirling to ones that send you flying into the air, there’s plenty to keep your group busy at Slick City.

Hulk Hogans In The Ring Experience

Give them their own pro wrestling moment at Hulk Hogan’s In the Ring Experience. Kids can choose their walkout song, make their entrance, and step inside the ring like a real wrestler — perfect for this age group when simply watching the action isn’t nearly as fun as being part of it.

Crave Golf Club is one of Pigeon Forge’s newest attractions, and it is taking mini golf to the next level. Your teen will love the 36 custom candy-themed courses that push your imagination to the limits. This attraction is one the whole family can enjoy together.

Big Top Arcade brings you right into the the center of the circus. Be the ring leader of your vacation and play a day away. Enjoy all of your favorite games and activities and take advantage of their play card specials to get the best bang for your buck.

Mountain Coasters

You’ll have a blast at some of Pigeon Forge’s fastest and most exciting mountain coasters. A ride on a mountain coaster provides a similar thrill to one on a roller coaster, but the ride is completely self controlled, giving you a little extra comfort if you’re not ready to go full speed.

Go Ziplining

Soar through the trees, see the mountains from above and have an adrenaline filled adventure. The kids will love the freedom of flying through the sky while ziplining in the Smokies.

SkyFly: Soar America

Take flight without ever leaving Pigeon Forge at SkyFly: Soar America. This immersive flying experience uses motion, wind, scents, mist, and a massive screen to make you feel like you’re soaring over some of America’s most incredible landscapes. It has enough thrill to feel exciting without being an intense ride.

Blake Jones Fun Center

Get behind the wheel and see who’s fastest at Blake Jones Fun Center. Race around the covered outdoor go-kart track, putt your way through indoor galactic themed mini golf, or go head to head in the laser tag/gel blasters arena. They also have tons of arcade games to play!

Rowdy Bear Ski Lift Shoot Out Coaster

Turn a ride through the mountains into a competition on Rowdy Bear’s Ski Lift Shootout. Grab a laser gun, take aim at targets along the elevated course, and rack up as many points as you can before reaching the end. The combination of riding, gaming, and competing makes it especially fun for older kids.

Escape Games

Put the phones away and see if your group can beat the clock! Escape games put everyone right in the middle of the adventure as they search for hidden clues, crack codes, solve puzzles, and work together to escape.

Things To Do With Teens

Traveling with older kids? Check out our blog on the top things to do with teenagers in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. The best part of the Smoky Mountains is that there are so many things to choose from, but we know that can be overwhelming when you’re planning your trip. Trust the experts and read on!