Ultimate Guide to a Summer Vacation in Pigeon Forge

Nothing beats summer fun in the Smokies! Pigeon Forge is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations for all ages. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in entertaining shows, exciting water parks, or unique activities. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve created the ultimate guide to a summer vacation in Pigeon Forge:

Plan Ahead

The key to having a stress-free and fun vacation is to plan ahead! You don’t have to decide on every activity you want to do in advance, but having a general idea of where you want to go and some can’t-miss activities will lead to a smoother trip. We recommend booking your accommodations as soon as you know the dates of your stay so you can get the best deal. You can also get tickets to attractions ahead of time, like for Dolly Parton’s Stampede! Getting tickets in advance allows you to avoid the risk of the attractions selling out for the date you plan to visit, and it takes away the hassle of trying to buy them the day of. When you plan ahead, you can focus most of your energy on having fun once you get here!

Bring the Family Along

Another key to having the best summer vacation in Pigeon Forge is to bring the whole family along! The city is overflowing with things to do for all ages, so whether you have younger children, teenagers, or adults, everyone will have a great time. Nothing can compare to the memories you’ll make together while being surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies and all the excitement the area has to offer.

See a Dinner Show

One activity you don’t want to miss this summer in Pigeon Forge is seeing a dinner show! Of course, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a can’t-miss attraction, providing an evening filled with a high-spirited adventure and a four-course feast. You’ll get to enjoy a mouth-watering meal while watching impressive horse riding tricks, stunning musical productions, and even some hilarious comedy! Our attraction has even more fun for families to enjoy, including the Horse Walk, Join the Stampede, and our pre-show entertainment. Other popular dinner shows in Pigeon Forge are the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Whether you’re interested in horse riding stunts, hilarious acts, or epic pirate battles, there’s a dinner show for you in Pigeon Forge.

Enjoy Unique Things to Do

While the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge are loved by all for a reason, it’s worth taking time this summer to enjoy some unique things to do in the area as well. You’ll love uncovering hidden gems and exploring areas you’ve never been before. We recommend visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hiking to the House of the Fairies or exploring Elkmont Ghost Town! Outside of the national park, you can dine with animatronic chickens at Frizzle Chicken Café, interact with the animal performers at Pirates Voyage during their special Animal Encounter, or walk through a replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home at Dollywood. There’s so much fun to be had in Pigeon Forge that you’ve never experienced before.

Visit a Water Park

What better way is there to cool off from the summer heat in the Smokies than by visiting a water park? Dollywood’s Splash Country provides visitors with water slides, water rides, a wave pool, and more for a full day of summer fun. There is something in the water park for everyone, whether you’re interested in heart-racing rides, splash pads, or a relaxing float. You don’t want to miss the chance to swim and play in the wave pool, which makes you feel like you’re in the ocean without the mess of the sand! Be sure to grab a frozen treat to help keep you cool — the park offers everything from Dippin’ Dots® to ice cream floats. If you’re looking for even more thrills, plan a visit to Dollywood as well!

Plan Your Summer Vacation in Pigeon Forge

This is the ultimate guide to a summer vacation in Pigeon Forge. If you follow these tips, you’re guaranteed to have a great time! Need more convincing on why you should visit us this summer? Here are the top 5 reasons to spend an evening of your summer with us at Dolly Parton’s Stampede!