According to a recent survey, American families value time with family above almost all other activities. And yet, the typical family spends less than an hour together during the weekdays.
Does that sound familiar? If so, change things and spend time with your family now before the kids grow up and leave home.
To get you started, we have a wonderful suggestion for your family vacation this year. Make your way to the great state of Tennessee. Then head to the mountains and the town of Pigeon Forge.
There are enough family-friendly activities there to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come. To help you, we offer the following suggestions for five can’t-miss Pigeon Forge activities.
1. Dollywood
Let’s face it. You can’t go to Pigeon Forge without spending time at Dollywood. It’s not against the law, but almost.
And, honestly, it would be criminal to skip this amusement park. It has defied the odds to become one of the most visited attractions in the US.
It boasts several roller coasters, including Lightning Rod, the world speed record holder for wooden coasters. There’s also Big Bear Mountain, the longest coaster at the park. The run includes both tunnels and a waterfall.
There are also activities and rides designed for kids. In fact, there’s an entire section of the park for the younger ones in your group, called Wildwood Grove.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has become the national park more people visit than any other in the US. The gorgeous landscape brings lovers of outdoor activities back again and again.
Try camping for a more intense wilderness experience. Take in the stunning views on hiking trails and bike paths.
And keep your eyes open and your cameras ready for wildlife, especially the star of the show, the black bear.
For those who like extreme adventures, you can tour the rugged mountain terrain in rented vehicles.
3. Dolly Parton’s Stampede
When you have kids, sometimes having a regular dinner is too boring for them. They want live entertainment like Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
You’re served a down-home style meal along with a live show. And for your convenience, dinner options include vegetarian and gluten-free substitutes.
Meanwhile, trick riders put dozens of galloping horses through their paces in the arena. The show isn’t just on horseback but also overhead. Part of the show includes aerial acrobatics.
4. The Great Escape Room
Strengthen your family bonds by trying to escape your bonds. The Great Escape Room gives your family an hour to work together as a team to solve a mystery and free yourselves.
It’s so much fun for the family that you’ll want to go here for escape rooms more than once. Fortunately, there are three different rooms from which to choose so each of your experiences will be unique.
There’s Poker Night at the President’s Bunker where you have to find your way out of the command bunker and stop an attack on the US.
If you’re into all things spooky, there’s The Final Seance. You have to help Harry Houdini’s widow complete a séance and contact her late husband.
Mystery lovers will like Mountain Top Murders. It looks as though a dear old lady has met a mysterious end. Your job is to solve the mystery of what happened in her mountain cabin.
5. TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena
If you and your family eat too much while on vacation, you can burn off a few of those calories at TopJump. This indoor trampoline park gives your kids permission to finally unleash their burning desire to jump on furniture. But don’t let them have all the fun. Get in on the action.
If you want a change of pace from trampolining, test yourself on the climbing walls or play VR games. There’s also a lounge area where you can catch your breath.
A World of Pigeon Forge Activities is Waiting For You
When you visit the area, you’ll understand why Pigeon Forge activities are the highlight of so many family travel stories. You’ll understand why your kids want to go back.
If you need additional vacation tips, explore our travel section, where we regularly deliver insight that can transform your trips into adventures.
