This year we brought our kids to Dolly Parton’s home in the Tennessee Smokies for our Spring Break. The week was packed with family fun, great food, and even a light dusting of snow. With Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park all within easy reach, there’s no shortage of activities. Below are the seven highlights from our trip—family-tested and tween/teen approved.
We traveled with another family—four adults and six kids between 11 and 20 years old—so everything we list worked well for tweens and teens. While we can’t vouch for toddlers specifically, most of these activities are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages.
Why Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg?
We picked this area for two main reasons: Dollywood and the abundance of nearby attractions. Imagine a compact mix of theme-park thrills, roadside kitsch, and mountain scenery—almost like a smaller, mountain-bound version of Orlando or Las Vegas. Because there are so many options, it’s easy to plan around weather and energy levels: you’ll find outdoor adventures, history, shopping, and plenty of hearty Southern cooking.
We visited in mid-March and experienced cooler temperatures than expected, but the trip was enjoyable nonetheless. The area can be busy and tourist-focused, and prices reflect that, but the lively, kitschy atmosphere is part of the appeal.
Whether you want adrenaline-pumping rides, scenic hikes, or family-friendly attractions, the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area delivers. Below are the seven experiences we enjoyed most.
Our Top Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Activities
Here’s a quick list of what we recommend; details follow.
- Dollywood
- Ober Mountain
- Dolly’s Stampede
- Cades Cove
- Crockett’s & Sloppy Hog
- The Island, Alcatraz East, and The Mountain Mile (rainy-day options)
- Our Airbnb
1. Dollywood
Dollywood was the primary reason for our trip and it exceeded expectations. The park has evolved since my last visit in 1999: the coaster lineup impressed the kids who are used to larger parks, and everyone found rides or shows they loved. Favorites in our group included Big Bear Mountain, Wild Eagle, Thunderhead, and Lightning Rod, which features a steep mountain-side drop. The Dragonflier was a hit for anyone who enjoys the sensation of dangling feet during a ride.
We also enjoyed several live shows, browsed the unique shops, and indulged in the park’s famous cinnamon bread—definitely not to be missed. Lines were long on our visit because many visitors waited for warmer weather, but we still managed to cover a lot of ground and had a great day.
2. Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is an all-season mountaintop park featuring everything from skiing and snow tubing to ziplines and mountain coasters. The aerial tramway up the mountain is a memorable start to the visit and offers great views. During our March trip some winter activities were closed and summer attractions weren’t open yet, but we still enjoyed the mountain coaster, ice bumper cars, and the Wildlife Habitat where rangers shared stories about rescued animals.
Gatlinburg also has other mountain parks like Anakeesta and SkyPark. We chose Ober because it offered a fully enclosed tram—ideal for a cold day—and it felt family-friendly and accessible.
3. Dolly’s Stampede Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge is known for themed dinner shows. We opted for Dolly’s Stampede, which mixes equestrian stunts, animal displays, and family-friendly competitions with a hearty country-style dinner. The show leans more Wild West than divisive themes, featuring impressive horse tricks, various animals, and playful contests between “sides” that are always lighthearted.
While campy in places, the equestrian stunts are genuinely impressive and the animals are well cared for. If you enjoy live family entertainment and comfort-food dinners, Dolly’s Stampede is a fun evening out.
4. Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beyond the tourist attractions, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major draw and free to enter. We explored the park via the 11-mile Cades Cove loop, which is ideal for sampling historic sites, short hikes, and scenic views from the warmth of your car. A recent light snowfall made the valley especially beautiful. Note that the loop closes to vehicles one day a week for cyclists, and you may encounter crowds during peak season or on weekends. A parking pass fee applies if you stop for more than 15 minutes in some areas.
5. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp & Sloppy Hog Burger Joint
Food was a highlight of our trip. Two standouts were Crockett’s Breakfast Camp and Sloppy Hog’s Burger Joint. Crockett’s, near the Ober Mountain tram, draws long lines but rewards diners with generous portions and classic comfort breakfast dishes—our group raved about the pancakes and corned beef hash. Sloppy Hog’s, a casual spot between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, surprised us with a standout burger—two patties topped with pulled pork—one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time.
These meals, along with Dollywood’s cinnamon bread, became recurring conversation points on the trip—delicious and memorable.
6. The Island, Alcatraz East, & The Mountain Mile (Our Rainy-Day Activities)
On a cold, rainy first day we focused on indoor and sheltered activities. The Island is an open-air mall and entertainment complex with shops, snacks, a large skywheel, and other family-friendly attractions. Next to it is Alcatraz East, a crime museum with interactive exhibits that engaged the kids and sparked conversations about history and forensics. Nearby, The Mountain Mile offers shopping, arcades, and entertainment options perfect for a rainy afternoon.
The Island
This lively complex has free parking, a trolley, and a variety of shops and rides that keep families entertained without committing to a full-day activity.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
The museum blends historical and modern true-crime exhibits with interactive displays that appeal to older kids and adults alike. It was more educational and engaging than we expected.
The Mountain Mile
This mall-meets-entertainment center is a convenient stop while charging an EV or waiting out rain. It has shops, candy stores, arcades, and family attractions that kept our group happy on multiple visits.
7. Our Airbnb
The rental we chose played a major role in the trip’s success. It comfortably accommodated both families, offering separate spaces for kids and adults, plus amenities that made downtime fun—hot tub, games, a theater room, and even indoor mini golf in one property. Splitting the home made costs manageable and gave everyone room to relax after busy days.
The layout worked well: kids had the downstairs game area and theater, while adults enjoyed quieter spaces upstairs. We spent evenings playing games, doing puzzles, and enjoying local music—plus an unforgettable rap-battle one night.
More Family Vacation Ideas
If you liked this roundup, we have other family travel posts that highlight kid-friendly destinations, road-trip ideas, and weekend getaways. These guides cover a variety of locations and can help you plan your next family escape.
- Spring Break Destination Ideas
- New Orleans, LA
- Dallas, TX
- Palm Springs, CA
- Charleston, SC
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Serenbe, GA
- Ocean Springs, MS
- South Dakota
- Mexico
- Costa Rica