This is our favorite Pigeon Forge itinerary! When we were looking for Summer break to take our five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter we found Pigeon Forge checked all the boxes. You can’t beat the fresh mountain air, and the town is jam-packed with fun activities for all the family.
If you’re planning a 4-day visit to Pigeon Forge with young kids, here is an itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and ensure an unforgettable trip!
Jump to:
- Where is Pigeon Forge?
- Day 1 - Explore Pigeon Forge
- Day 2 - Spend the Day at Dollywood
- Day 3 - Cool off at Dollywood's Splash Country and eat dinner with the Hatfields and McCoys
- Day 4 - Explore Gatlinburg
- Pigeon Forge Itinerary FAQs
- Did you use this 4 Day Pigeon Forge Itinerary? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Where is Pigeon Forge?
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The closest airport is Tyson McGee Airport (TYS) in Knoxville which is the nearest city. You definitely need a car to get around Pigeon Forge. We road tripped from Arlington, TX and combined the trip with a short stay in Nashville.
Day 1 - Explore Pigeon Forge
Breakfast at The Old Mill
Start your trip with an ample breakfast at the Old Mill. This historic mill was built in 1830 and still make their baked goods through 19th century hydropower. The place is almost always packed so there will probably be a wait for a table, but it is worth it.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Take an exhilarating ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. Our kids loved this coaster and begged us every day to take them back. The ride is much longer than your usual rollercoaster so you definitely feel like you get your moneys worth. They space out the cars so you can control how fast you want to go, which was perfect for our three-year-old.
The Apple Barn and Cider Mill
Visit the Apple Barn and Cider Mill. This cute mill has Christmas shop, winery, general store, ice cream and chocolate store. You can also grab a bite at the restaurant. We shared a fresh apple pie which was delicious.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Spend the evening at the Island In Pigeon Forge. This fun entertainment complex caters to so many needs. It is a relaxing place to stroll about, and they have lots of seating to sit and watch the stunning water fountain display. The main attraction is The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a huge Ferris wheel. The kids loved the ride, and we enjoyed scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.
There are lots of dining options. For our three and five-year-old we could never go wrong with pizza, so we grabbed dinner at Mellow Mushroom.
Day 2 - Spend the Day at Dollywood
Spend the day at Dollywood – a pure slice of Dolly inspired feel-good Americana. The park is absolutely immaculate and there is so much to see and do. The Wildwood Grove area is only a few years old and has lots of great attractions for smaller children. Our five-year-old loved the Mystery Mine roller coaster.
Like all popular theme parks it does take time to park, and of course there are lines for rides. But the day we went (late July) we did not find the lines unbearable. The design of the park makes sure there are lots of shaded areas so you’re not walking under the beating sun the whole time.
There are several restaurants, but we let our kids choose lunch and of course they chose corn dogs and fries, and it was pretty good as fairground food goes. You must get one of Dolly’s beloved cinnamon bread at Grist Mill. The park is famous for it!
At night there was a fun dance party that our three-year-old daughter just loved. And don’t leave before seeing the epic drone show.
Day 3 - Cool off at Dollywood's Splash Country and eat dinner with the Hatfields and McCoys
Dollywood's Splash Country Waterpark
Go wild at Dollywood’s Splash Country. This world class water park is a fantastic day out. We were so impressed with how clean the park was. Both our kids were not swimmers when we went, so we were extremely reassured by the vast number of life guards on show in the park. There are countless attractions, most even the little ones could enjoy.
Tip: Pay for a canopy. You won’t regret it. You can store all your stuff, and it gives you a great place to go and chill for a little bit in-between all the fun. (Extra tip: Pay an extra $10 for “insurance.” Yeah, it’s annoying, but if there are thunderstorms they will close the park and won’t refund the cost of the canopy).
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show
Have dinner at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. This was a fun show that was clean and suitable for our young kids, and they stayed engaged throughout. They loved the stunts at the end. The food was classic Southern fare. Lots of fried chicken with all the fixings. We had a blast.
Day 4 - Explore Gatlinburg
Breakfast - Crockett's Breakfast Camp
Head to Gatlinburg for an unforgettable breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. This place has a big reputation, and it’s easy to understand why. They do breakfast the way it should be done.
Have a Stroll in Downtown Gatlinburg
After that great breakfast have a stroll along the downtown strip in Gatlinburg, a fun tourist spot with lots of attractions and shops.
Go for a Hike in the Smoky Mountain National Park
Explore nature in the stunning Smoky Mountain National Park. There are countless trails. We really wanted to go on a hike with our kids, but of course, with them being three and five years old we couldn’t do anything too demanding. The hike along Cataract Falls just outside Gatlinburg was the perfect Smoky Mountain experience for our little ones.
Head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center (The kids actually loved the museum at the center). Cataract Falls trail is less than a mile round-trip where you will see a stunning waterfall. Our kids loved stopping to have a splash and play in the river (Tip: bring water shoes).
Dinner - Wild Bear Tavern
Head back to Pigeon Forge for dinner at the Wild Bear Tavern and enjoy amazing German food. The atmosphere is super casual and the service is friendly, but the food is seriously good. Our favorite meal of the trip.
Pigeon Forge Itinerary FAQs
Yes, it is relatively affordable compared with other family friendly destinations in the U.S. There are a variety of budget and family friendly accommodation options as well as restaurant and dining choices. It's also well set up for camping and picnics if you prefer to go that route.
Absolutely! There is so much to do for toddlers and teens alike.
Check out more of our favorite U.S. destinations with kids:
Storybook Princess Dining at Epcot
Colorado Springs with Toddlers