7-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip Itinerary in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Day 1: Explore Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at The Pancake Pantry, famous for its wide variety of delectable pancakes.
Head southeast on Parkway toward Wears Valley Road.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge

Enjoy family activities, rides, and the impressive fountain show at The Island, a perfect entry point for fun.
Walk from the restaurant; it's just around the corner.
Free to enter; attractions vary., 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mellow Mushroom

Savor delicious pizza and salads at this family-friendly eatery that offers a fun atmosphere.
Drive 5 minutes southeast on Parkway.
USD40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Obstacle Course & Zipline at Adventure Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at this unique adventure park, great for all ages!
Drive 10 minutes east on Parkway.
USD60 per person, 2 hours

4:30PM

Mini Golf at Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf

Embark on a fun-filled round of mini-golf in a pirate-themed setting that's entertaining for everyone.
Drive 5 minutes northeast.
USD30 for 3, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Southern meal, served family-style, in a cozy setting overlooking the historic mill.
Drive 5 minutes southwest.
USD65, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure Day

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

7:30AM

Breakfast at Dolly Parton's Stampede

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before watching an engaging and lively horse show!
Drive 5 minutes northeast.
USD50, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Experience nature firsthand with easy family-friendly trails perfect for a 5-year-old.
Drive 15 minutes to the park entrance.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the designated picnic areas in the park.
Find a picnic area in the park.
USD25 (for food), 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center

Learn about the park's wildlife and history, perfect for kids with hands-on exhibits.
Drive 5 minutes to the Visitor Center.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Cades Cove

Drive through Cades Cove for stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Drive 30 minutes southwest.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return and relax at hotel

Spend some time relaxing at your accommodation after a busy day.
Return to Pigeon Forge.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Treat the family to an enjoyable dining experience with a huge menu of pizza options.
Drive 10 minutes from hotel.
USD50, 1 hour
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Day 3: Transition to Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Donut Friar

Start your day sweetly with delicious donuts in this quaint shop.
Drive 10 minutes to Gatlinburg.
USD15, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Spend your morning exploring interactive exhibits and marine life guaranteed to fascinate your little one.
Walk 5 minutes from the donut shop.
USD75 total, 2 hours

11:30AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Ride the chairlift and enjoy breathtaking views of the Smokies from above.
Walk 5 minutes to the lift.
USD60 total, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy hearty pub food with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for lunch.
Drive 5 minutes from the SkyLift.
USD45, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Ripley's Believe It or Not!

An outrageous attraction featuring strange exhibits, guaranteed laughter for your 5-year-old.
Walk 5 minutes from the restaurant.
USD40 total, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Experience the 360-degree views from the observation tower and enjoy the nearby arcade.
Walk 5 minutes to the Space Needle.
USD40 total, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and recharge for the evening.
Walk back to accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Park Grill

Enjoy delicious steak and local flavors in a rustic lodge atmosphere.
Drive 5 minutes from hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Outdoor Excitement

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes at The Park

Savor unlimited breakfast at this local favorite known for hearty meals.
Drive 5 minutes.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Rafting on the Pigeon River

Experience a thrilling family-friendly white-water rafting tour suitable for kids ages 5+!
Drive 30 minutes to the rafting site.
USD150 total, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at BBQ at Smoky Mountain

Indulge in some delicious BBQ with a casual atmosphere perfect for family dining.
Drive 10 minutes from the rafting site.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Anakeesta

Experience this beautiful theme park with tree canopy walks and train rides, ensuring fun for all!
Drive 5 minutes from BBQ.
USD105 total, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

Recuperate and refresh after a busy day of outdoor activities.
Drive 15 minutes back.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Enjoy a beautifully lush dining experience with great steaks and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Drive 5 minutes.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Wildlife and Fun

Sevierville, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Fuel up at this vintage diner for classic breakfast fare and a fun vibe.
Drive 15 minutes to Sevierville.
USD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the RainForest Adventures Zoo

Explore fascinating animal exhibits in a family-friendly environment that your son will love!
Drive 10 minutes from the diner.
USD60 total, 2 hours

11:00AM

Go Karts at Fast Tracks

Let your little one experience the thrill of driving his own go-kart in a safe and fun environment.
Drive 10 minutes.
USD40 total, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Savor classic Southern comfort food served in a warm rustic setting.
Drive 5 minutes.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Tennessee Museum of Aviation

Engage with interactive exhibits showcasing fascinating aircraft history and model displays.
Drive 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Gatlinburg Hotel

Relax before heading out for dinner.
Drive back to Gatlinburg.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Enjoy juicy burgers and fun wings in a friendly atmosphere that's perfect for families.
Walk 5 minutes.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Dollywood Excersion

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Local Goat

Dive into hearty breakfast options that suit every palate.
Drive 10 minutes.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Full Day at Dollywood

Spend the entire day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions designed for family fun!
Drive 10 minutes back to Dollywood.
USD195 total (45 for child), 7 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the park

Enjoy some downtime enjoying the beautiful landscape at Dollywood.
Stay in the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Early Dinner at Dollywood’s Market Square

Enjoy a variety of dining choices in a delightful market square with Southern-inspired options.
Stay within Dollywood.
USD60, 1 hour

6:00PM

Nighttime Show at Dollywood

Cap off an exciting day with a spectacular evening show, featuring lights and entertainment.
Enjoy within the park.
Free with park admission., 1 hour
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Day 7: Wind Down Day

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Applewood Farmhouse Grill

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring home-cooked favorites to set a relaxing tone for the day.
Drive 10 minutes from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum

Have fun posing with celebrity wax figures and immerse yourself in Hollywood vibes.
Drive 10 minutes.
USD50 total, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Outlet Shopping

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs and family goodies at the nearby Pigeon Forge outlets.
Drive 5 minutes.
Variable depending on purchases., 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Plate Special

A casual setting featuring comfort food options, making it perfect for your last meal in Pigeon Forge.
Drive 5 minutes.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at the hotel or pool

Spend your last hours soaking up the atmosphere before your trip comes to an end.
Return to the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Final Farewell Dinner at TGI Fridays

Enjoy a casual dining experience with hearty food and drinks to celebrate your week.
Drive 10 minutes.
USD75, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Head back to hotel for packing

Finish packing and prepare for your departure the following day.
Drive back.
Free, 1 hour
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