10 Things That Make Pigeon Forge the Ideal Vacation Spot for Families

 

Pigeon Forge is more than just a town; it's a gateway to creating beautiful family memories. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this vibrant town offers a unique combination of natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. From thrilling theme parks to tranquil nature trails, Pigeon Forge provides a diverse range of experiences that are both fun and affordable for families looking to spend quality time together.

Planning and Budgeting for Your Trip

A successful family trip to Pigeon Forge starts with smart planning and budgeting. Fortunately, this destination offers options for every budget. Families can save by visiting free attractions like the Patriot Park or enjoy discounted rates at many attractions with combo tickets. Planning ahead for meals, setting a souvenir budget, and looking for package deals on attractions can help families manage expenses without missing out on the fun. The key is to balance paid activities with the abundance of natural beauty and free entertainment options the area offers.

Accommodation Options

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a family vacation, and Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals offers a delightful solution. These cabins provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere that is ideal for families. A key highlight is their location, as they are among the cabins near Dollywood, providing easy access to many of Pigeon Forge's popular attractions. The cabins come in various sizes, ensuring that whether you have a small family or a large one, there's a perfect fit for you. With amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, and scenic mountain views, these cabins offer a comfortable and memorable stay. The relaxing surroundings not only offer a peaceful retreat but also keep you close to the bustling activities of Pigeon Forge.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Pigeon Forge is a treasure trove of attractions that are sure to delight every member of the family. The star attraction, Dollywood, is a must-visit for its thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and insight into the local culture. The Island in Pigeon Forge is another popular spot, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and amusement rides, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning views. For a more educational experience, the Titanic Museum offers an interactive way to learn about history. These attractions, combined with numerous others, ensure that every day in Pigeon Forge is filled with new and exciting adventures for the entire family.

Outdoor Adventures

Pigeon Forge is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Families can embark on hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, suitable for all ages. These trails often lead to breathtaking waterfalls and offer glimpses of wildlife. For a bit of thrill, consider a family-friendly zip-lining adventure or a horseback ride through scenic trails. These activities not only bring fun but also offer a unique way to connect with nature and each other.

Educational Opportunities

The town is not just about thrill and adventure; it also offers a range of educational experiences. The Titanic Museum, for instance, provides a fascinating journey into the past, where families can learn about the historic ship and its passengers. Another great spot is WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind, blending education and entertainment through interactive exhibits. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities while keeping the fun and engagement levels high, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Dining and Cuisine

No family vacation is complete without good food, and Pigeon Forge delivers on this front. The town boasts a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and diets. From classic American diners serving burgers and fries to local barbecue joints offering Southern specialties, there's something for everyone. Many restaurants in Pigeon Forge are family-friendly, providing relaxed atmospheres and menus that appeal to both kids and adults. Exploring the local cuisine is not just about eating; it's about experiencing the culture and warmth of this welcoming town.

Local Culture and Heritage

Pigeon Forge is steeped in rich Appalachian culture and heritage. Families can experience this first-hand by visiting local craft shops, watching live bluegrass music performances, or attending cultural festivals. The town's history is showcased in various attractions and museums, providing insight into the region's past and its people. These cultural experiences offer a deeper understanding of the area and enrich the vacation experience, making it about more than just fun and relaxation.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Pigeon Forge hosts a variety of events and festivals that are perfect for families. These range from the springtime Wildflower Pilgrimage to the fall’s Harvest Festival and winter’s enchanting Christmas celebrations. Each event is unique, offering activities and experiences that reflect the season's spirit. These festivals are a great way to immerse in the local community, enjoy seasonal decorations, and participate in special activities that aren't available year-round.

Fun for All Ages

Pigeon Forge is welcoming to visitors of all ages, including the very young and the elderly. The town's attractions, such as miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, and interactive museums, offer enjoyable experiences for all age groups. Facilities like wide, stroller-friendly walkways and senior-friendly seating areas make it comfortable for every family member to enjoy their time. This inclusivity ensures that no one feels left out, making the vacation enjoyable for everyone.

Shopping and Souvenirs

For families who enjoy shopping, Pigeon Forge won't disappoint. The town boasts a variety of shops ranging from local crafts to popular brand outlets. You can find unique souvenirs and artisan crafts and even indulge in some fashion shopping. Exploring the shops is a delightful experience in itself, as many stores offer a glimpse into local artistry and culture. Shopping in Pigeon Forge can be a leisurely, enjoyable family activity, offering something special for everyone to bring home as a memento.

Wrapping Up

Pigeon Forge is a destination that truly offers something for every family member. Its combination of natural beauty, exciting attractions, educational experiences, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and festive events makes it an ideal spot for a family vacation. Whether you’re seeking adventure or just looking to relax and enjoy some quality time together, Pigeon Forge provides an array of options to create lasting memories. It’s a place where each visit can be a new experience, yet it always feels like coming home.

Christmas Tree Process Art

 This is such a fun way for kids to paint, without using any brushes! It creates a lovely work of art that adds just the right touch of kid made cheer to your space!

My youngest and I love to paint together. We are always thinking of things to paint, without turning to a paint brush. We came up with this adorable process art using only a cork, a pencil eraser, and some paint. This is the perfect seasonal art project for kids.

Supplies:

Paint in green, red, yellow and brown

A pencil with an eraser

A paper plate

A cork

Paper

Directions:

Pour a little squirt of each color of paint on a paper plate.

Offer your child a pencil with an eraser and a cork.

Encourage your child to form the tree shape by stamping in the green paint, then adding one stamp to the paper.

On the next line, make two stamps.

On the third line, stamp 3 times. You get the idea.

After the tree is formed, using the eraser, dip into the other colors of paint, and start decorating the tree.

                     Use whatever colors you like for the ornaments. We used red, blue and yellow.

                                          Next form the tree trunk with brown paint.

                                         Allow to dry and display.

Isn't this such a cute holiday process art idea? Preschoolers and toddlers might enjoy this too!

You can find all of our Christmas crafts here.

Reader favorites include:

Gnome ornaments

14 Christmas Casseroles for Breakfast

Are you looking for a way to make Christmas breakfast amazing without spending much time in the kitchen? This list has 14+ breakfast casseroles that will make the holiday morning deliciously satisfying!

From casseroles loaded with sausage to hearty casseroles that are straight from the Amish country. This collection has some really decadent ideas for you!  I can't wait to hear which is your favorite!

As you might have figured out already, I am all about the Christmas holidays! I drive my family a little nutty with my enthusiasm for the holidays. I begin building steam in September and am elbows deep in crafting, cooking and wrapping by the weekend after Thanksgiving.

I guess you could consider this your one stop shop for crafty ideas, easy foods and great gifts. Well, enough about my holiday obsession and let's get on to these recipes! Be sure to click thru the link to visit the recipes.

Sausage Apricot Breakfast Casserole by Dukes and Duchesses

Breakfast Burrito Casserole by Homemade Interest

Easy Overnight Egg Bake by Foodal

Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole by The Kitchen is my Playground

Sausage Breakfast Casserole by Meaningful Mama

Farmers Market Breakfast Casserole by Two Healthy Kitchens

Cinnamon Roll Casserole by Cook Eat Go

Mediterranean Brunch Bake by Simply Stacie

Potato Breakfast Bake by That Guy Who Grills

Easy Egg Casserole by Mama Loves Food

Cowboy Christmas Casserole by Platter Talk

Eggs Benedict Casserole by Centsless Meals

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole by Spend with Pennies

Amish Breakfast Casserole by Ally's Sweet and Savory Eats

Find all of my holiday crafts here

Design Your Own Holiday Elf Printable

 I have a free printable for you today! This FREE Design Your Own Holiday Elf is so fun for kids and adults! You can color and decorate it however you like, and don't forget to give your elf a face!

I made this for my kids to welcome our Elf on the Shelf, Johnny. It turned out so cute that I wanted to share it with you. Print as many as you like. Share them with a friend, or a teacher for a FREE holiday themed activity that kids of all ages, including my 45 year old husband, are sure to enjoy!

I am already planning ahead that next year, if the kids are back in school normally, we will print these and gift them to the class with a box of crayons.

Make sure you pin this for later, so you can pull it out again next year too!

          You can print this free printable Design Your Own Elf Printable Here.

You can find all of my Christmas Crafts here

You can check out all of my gift guides for to simplify your shopping.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Gift Ideas for Pets and Pet People

Don't forget about the pets this holiday season! Don't get caught without a gift for your furry little best friend this year! Get a gift that is good for your pet and keep them at their best, all season long! I hope these gift suggestions help you to have a fuss free shopping experience. I included a few gift options for pet people too! You know we all have a crazy cat or dog lady in the family!

Samples were provided for original photos.

For more pet gift ideas check out this Ultimate Gift Guide for Pet Lovers

Probiora Pet makes a must have product for anyone that loves a pet with smelly breath. I love my pets, but let me tell you, my beagle dog has some dank breath! Probiora Pet Oral Care Supplements really help make his breath smell nicer and are easy to give without a fuss. Order online for $18 or save with a subscription.

Portland Pet makes pouches of food and treats that my dogs went wild for. Scout loved the Bacon Brew Biscuits while Enos was all about the Pumpkin biscuits.  This is a really good quality of food for dogs. Order online for happy pooches. Biscuit treats are about $10 a bag.

We can't forget about the cats this year, so why not order a box of Skoon cat litter and give the kitties some really good litter, and the box it came in as a bonus, because we all know that is what they want anyhow. A really good box. Skoon is light but absorbent and really keeps odors at bay. Get it for about $25 a delivery.

 

My best furry friend Scout is a rescue, and that is some kind of dog magic! I love to encourage other people to rescue, so this is the perfect shirt for holiday gifting. The rescue dog will love to see you display your paw, and you can spread the word about adopting! Get this shirt, or a really cute breed specific, non rescue shirt from Fur and Collar for about $20.

What could be better for a dog loving person at the holidays than a Designated Dog shirt? These comfy shirts feature too cute driving dogs. Each purchase helps dog organizations too! So this makes for an all around feel good gift. Order online where you can get a hat and tshirt bundle for $25.

Native Pet makes supplements that are great for dogs, like this Pumpkin Powder for healthy stool. I know it doesn't sound super holiday-ish, but when the dog feels good, you can feel good too! Order online for about $20 a can.

Native Pet also makes treats, and let me tell you, both of my dogs will drop everything for a Yak Chew. These are long lasting, even for my serious chewers. Get these for about $15 for 3 treats. Your dogs will love them!

Keep your dogs breath fresh and the teeth clean with this handy Natural Dog Treats dental care set for dogs. It has a brush, brush cleaner and some meat flavored toothpaste that my dogs liked! Order it for about $25 a set for healthy teeth and fresh breath.

Top the dogs food with some healthy and tasty bone broth. Brutus bone broth is perfect for senior dogs as it gives hip and joint support. The treats are a big hit with my boys too. Both the broth and the treats start at $8. 

 

Give a pet person peace of mind about pets on the furniture with the Alpha Pet Flex Couch Cover. This is soft, easy to clean and keeps furniture free of scratches and damage from nails. Get it from amazon for about $60.

Homes with cats will love this DIY Cat Toy kit from Supakit. You can make some adorable catnip infused toys that kitties of all ages will want to play around with. This is a must get kit for the holidays. Order it for about $25.

I hope these suggestions help you find a tail wagging gift for your pets this holiday season.

While you are here, why not check out my Christmas crafts?

Best Board Games to Gift

Board games make awesome gifts! They encourage family time, and any gift that pull kids away from a screen is going to be welcome by parents! I have rounded up some excellent options for gifting board games this year to help you find some new and exciting options for family game time.

Samples were provided for inclusion and photography.

Exit the Game Theft on the Mississippi is a really fun option for older kids. It involves solving riddles to discover who done it. Families will love this engaging game that is challenging and fun. Exit the Game is available in several themes, for about $15 a game.

Jabber Jaw is perfect for snow days, or anytime you need a good laugh with game play. This descriptive game is challenging and fun for kids of all ages. Order it for about $25.

Trailz is a really fun strategy game from Play Monster. This game is perfect for kids 7 and older. The players will out manuever one another to safely move their shrooms to the other side of the board with the help of some slugs. The game is unique and fun. Order it for $15.

Chicken War is a strategic guessing game that will have players 8 and older clucking for more. This fun game is engaging and entertaining. It guarantees one thing, if chickens went to war, hilarity would ensue. Order it for about $20 for a fun family game night!

Any fan of the classic film Back to the Future needs this Dice Through Time game! This is a great gift for tweens and teens. Chances are their parents are going to want to play too for  the nostalgia factor alone. In this game you will help Doc and Marty while time traveling. Order this game for about $40 for a fun winter gaming session.

PENSILLY is the super, silly drawing and guessing game! It takes creativity, teamwork and imagination to play! Grab your friends, select your cards and sketch out the clues.

Kids will find the What's Wrong With Grown Ups Game to be hilarious because, well, it is a hilarious game for the family! This game encourages creativity and curiosity in kids for a fun way to play together with cards. Order for about $25.

 

This is a really fun game for families because it is a race to make sense of nonsense. Laughter is sure to ensue. This would be a good game to have ready for New Years Eve! Order Incoherent Family Edition for about $25.

Grounded for Life is such a fun game! But, be warned, the answers you give just might get you grounded for life! This is great for kids of a variety of ages and is perfect for family game night! Order it for about $20.

I hope these board game ideas help you find one that you don't have already and will definitely bring a ton of fun to family game night!

While you are here, why not check out some of my favorite Christmas Crafts?

Books to Gift This Holiday Season

 Books make the best gifts at the holidays! They are always the right size, and you never have to worry about a color preference or operating system. I have rounded up some of my favorite options for all ages to share with you. You will love these titles for holiday gifting! This list has something for everyone on it, and these titles are all budget friendly, which is as important as ever this year!

  

Samples were provided for photography and inclusion.

Inklings are bright, colorful and unique plush toys and books that spark a child's imagination. Gus, Ollie, Wobby are lovable creatures who come to life through the imagination of children.  The Inklings remind us that as long as you have your imagination, you’re never really alone. Find these cuties at Target this holiday season for $20 each set.

This hilarious new book from the out-of-this-world Sandra Boynton will have Earthlings big and small giggling with delight. Order this cute book  How Big is Zagnodd? for about $8. 

From beloved author-illustrator Eric Carle comes this brand-new interactive board book, You're My Little Baby features sweet text about baby love and touch-and-feel elements throughout! Order for about $8.

Ride shotgun on a trip to space with astronaut Terry Virts. A born storyteller with a gift for the surprising turn of phrase and eye for the perfect you-are-there details, he captures all the highs, lows, humor, and wonder of an experience few will ever know firsthand. Featuring stories covering survival training, space shuttle emergencies, bad bosses, the art of putting on a spacesuit, time travel, and much more! Order How to Astronaut for about $28.

Americans LOVE umami, even if they don’t realize it: From smoky bacon and ketchup-slathered cheeseburgers to anchovy-rich Caesar dressing and buttery garlic bread, umami flavor permeates many of the most beloved dishes. But most people associate the Japanese term for this fifth taste (along with salty, sweet, sour, and bitter) with meat. Now, award-winning cookbook author Raquel Pelzel explores how to bring the savory taste typically characteristic of cooked meats to vegetable-forward dishes in Umami Bomb. Get this book for about $20.

Life’s too short for boring questions and games, so we have just what you need! Look no further than The Try Not to Laugh Challenge’s Would Your Rather? - EWW Edition for one of the best additions to a family game night, long road trips, parties, and MORE!  Order this book for about $7.

Give kids the gift of school readiness with the Brain Quest line from Workman. These chunky workbooks have loads of activities for kids to give their brains a workout! Get an assortment of Brain Quest books for kids of a variety of ages for about $13.

Give tweens and teens a crash course in a variety of subjects with the Big Fat Notebook series. These are packed with so much info that is useful. Order one, or two for some smart kids on your shopping list to help them learn to study smarter for about $17.

Origami City is a recent release where kids can fold paper creations of skyscrapers, cars; everything that makes a city a city! And for those out-of-this-world space kids, we also have Star Wars Origami 2! In addition to the first book, this one has thirty-four new characters and beloved moments from the Star Wars universe to bring to life. Get these titles for under $25 each.

Give little learners a big advantage with their education with these Big Learning Tablets from School Zone. These books are packed with activities and lessons that are fun and beneficial to kids.

You can get singles, multipacks and learning kits starting at about $3 and up.

In today’s hectic, stress-filled world, taking stock of one’s blessings and truly experiencing gratefulness isn’t always easy, but this coloring book from the creators of the bestselling Whatever Is Lovely offers a beautiful and unique way to find moments of peace and quiet to meditate on gratitude. Each of the 45 single-sided coloring pages features an original design from one of seven talented artists that illustrates a corresponding inspirational quote from renowned authors such as Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King, Jr., Bob Goff, Mr. Rogers, and more. Order Choose Joy for about $15. 

The new Shore Buddies plush collection is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! It takes six plastic bottles to make one 12" stuffed animal.  They even make authentic animal sounds when pressed too! The company is also dedicated to giving back, and $1 from each purchase is given to charities that support Marine life.  Get a few friends and the book this holiday season for a young reader on your list. Get the book for $12. The stuffed animals are $20.

This book, The Don't Laugh Challenge Joke Book,  gives kids a chance to learn some new jokes with a friend. Kids won't want to put this stocking stuffer edition down as it is a holly jolly good time!  Order it for about $8.

 Songs for Little Love Bugs is a collection of original songs for babies and young children you won’t hear anywhere else and a companion book full of watercolor paintings. Order for $15.

He's Not Just Teasing recently won a gold status Mom's Choice Award.  He’s Not Just Teasing is a quick-read chapter book focused on teaching children ages 9 through 12 the differences between teasing and bullying, and how to deal with both.  Parents can read this book with their children (or children could read on their own) to promote meaningful conversations about bullying and how to deal with it.  When parents are busy, it's hard to have the energy to tackle a subject like this. Order for about $13.

Amazon best-seller Welcome to Superhero School is the debut novel by Gracie Dix, a 17-year-old high school senior. The book is the first in a series called The Vork Chronicles which follows a group of teenage friends learning to control their unique superhero-like abilities. Siblings Oliver and Jess set off with their friends on a mission to destroy the power-hungry, evil villains of Vork, sending them from subterranean sewers to lush jungles as they encounter everything from dinosaurs to dragons. Order from amazon for under $13.

This is a great, unique gift for dads, uncles, grandpas, or anyone who loves not only food, but also gangster movies! Frank Cullotta was best known for his exploits as an associate of the Chicago Outfit and his role as Tony Spilotro’s enforcer and street lieutenant in Las Vegas. The character "Frankie" in Casino is based on Frank, who was a consultant for the movie. However, he had another interest besides crime. He loved to cook. In this book, he shares some of his favorite recipes for your eating pleasure. Although Frank died on August 20, 2020, his memory will live on every time you prepare one of these lip-smacking dishes. Order for about $23.

Check out some of my Christmas Crafts while you are here.

Design Your Own Play Doh Ornaments

Kids of all ages are sure to love this Design Your Own Play Doh Ornaments project. It is perfect for holiday crafting and turns out so cute everyone will love to display these!

I am crazy for all things play doh, so naturally I had to make something for Christmas from my favorite craft material. These ornaments are so easy! They will have you saying, who knew you could not only draw on play doh but you can bake it too?!

This post contains affiliate links. Making a purchase means I will earn a small advertising fee, at no cost to you.

These easy ornaments give kids a chance to design their own addition to the Christmas tree! Made with basic supplies this is the perfect project to do with the kids for minimal mess this holiday. 

You can make your own white play doh, like in my super soft play dough recipe, just leave the food color out, or to make this activity really easy during a generally already packed holiday season, just buy cans of white play doh.

To make these design your own play doh ornaments you will need
Supplies
white play doh
washable markers
cookie cutters
bakers twine
A pen or stick to poke a hole with

Directions

Roll the play doh out to be about 1/8" thick.

With your cookie cutter of choice cut shapes of doh.

Poke a hole in each ornament so that it can be hung after completion. I used an ink pen to make my holes.

Use washable markers to draw on the designs.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Allow to cool.

Thread bakers twine through the hole and display on your tree.

Find all of my Christmas crafts here
Reader favorites include:
Button Tree Ornaments
Mickey Mouse Jingle Bell Ornaments