It is springtime in the Smokies, and that means that nature is blooming and town is bursting with all sorts of fun activities. If you are looking for family activities that all ages in your party can enjoy, keep scrolling to read our list of the best things to do! We are here to help you make greater memories, and that starts by helping you with greater ideas of what to do.
1. Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival
Spring has sprung and it is time for fun at Dollywood‘s Flower and Food Festival. Take a stroll under the umbrella sky, enjoy live music, try all sorts of seasonal foods, and take in the smell of fresh flowers all throughout the park. They also have a unique aerial show during the festival! With more than one million blooms scattered through the park, you will be fully immersed in a springtime experience. If you have never seen street performers in the air on sway poles, you must visit Dollywood and see them for yourself! Make sure to visit before June 11 when Dollywood will shift to their Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration.
2. Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta
Have you ever seen a 20-foot long blooming daisy? Well, you will have to see it to believe it at Anakeesta‘s Blooms and Tunes! Art enthusiasts, you will want to attend to see the large nature-themed works throughout the park. From amazing sculptures to beautiful landscaping, Anakeesta is a dream for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. Stay late to see dazzling light displays throughout the park at night, and adults can sip on a spring-themed cocktail. Thursday through Sunday, you can hear local musicians showcase their talent and provide a wonderful atmosphere to park guests. With countless activities to choose from, the whole family can find something they love at Anakeesta. This event runs through June 20th.
3. Parrot Mountain
If you want to see the world’s brightest birds in a world of Thomas Kinkade’s artwork come to life, you must visit Parrot Mountain. Walk the pathways lined with natural stone and see tropical birds perched all along the way. Enter the Secret Garden to see toucans and magpies flying freely above your head. Move on to the bird garden where you will see 70 birds perched and ready for visitors. You can feed them from your hand or just walk up close for a look. Pet baby birds and see how their lives begin in the nursery. Parrot Mountain is the largest eco-tourist bird park in the Southeast, and it lives up to the legacy! This is a great place to make memories and take some hilarious photos of your family members.
4. See a Smokies Baseball Game
Root for the home team while eating peanuts and Cracker Jacks at a Tennessee Smokies Baseball game! This is a great outing for families that are sporty and love to cheer with a crowd. This “AA” affiliate of the Chicago Cubs will have you on the edge of your seat with their playing style! Play fun crowd games, see friendly competitions between innings, and bring your glove in case a ball goes flying. This is a local favorite activity, and it is a great way to spend quality time with the people you love.
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5. Go-Kart Racing
For the competitive families out there, Pigeon Forge has plenty of race tracks for you to go head to head and determine the family champion. If you have a need for speed and want to show your family who’s boss, make sure to visit one of our tracks! And go-karts are almost never alone; make sure to walk around to see accompanying arcades, bumper boats, mini golf, carnival rides, and more! Here are some of our favorite tracks:
6. Go Mini-Golfing
Everyone grab your favorite color putter and ball and get to golfing! Pigeon Forge has plenty of places where families can wander through various scenery and put their putting skills to the test. This is a great activity for all ages, and we also have indoor mini-golf options as well for those who are sensitive to the elements. Whether you want a course that is relatively flat and accessible or one covered with hills, we have something for you. We recommend the courses below:
Professor Hackers Lost Treasure Golf
Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf
Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf
7. Mountain Coasters
If you want to take in incredible views while riding a super fun coaster, make sure to check out the mountain coasters we have in the area. There is a coaster for you no matter your preference of speed, height, or views. This is a great activity for families that can be done in pairs or everyone can ride in their own sled. You determine your own speed with the breaks! Some coasters are part of attractions that you can explore after your ride. Some of our favorite coasters are listed below:
The Wild Stallion at Skyland Ranch
8. Hike in the Smokies
This might seem like an obvious choice, but a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains is always worth mentioning! For families that like to spend time outdoors and disconnect from the world, hikes are a great option. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has countless trails of varying difficulties so you can be sure to find something that works for all family members. From Cades Cove to Clingman’s Dome, the possibilities are endless! If you and your family enjoy outdoor activities, a trip to the National Park is a must!
If you would like to see more activities in the area, make sure to check out the rest of our website so you can find the best places to stay, play, shop, and dine. It’s time to make greater memories in Pigeon Forge!
