5-Day Family Adventure in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Day 1: Exploration Day

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of fluffy pancakes and scrumptious toppings at this beloved local spot.
Drive to The Pancake Pantry, located on the main strip in Pigeon Forge.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dollywood

Immerse yourself in thrilling rides and world-class entertainment at Dollywood, a must-see theme park in the area.
Head southeast on Dollywood Park Blvd; the entrance is clearly marked.
USD89, 5 hours

3:30 PM

Lunch at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious family-style meal featuring Southern comfort food, perfect for refueling after your adventures.
Located inside Dollywood, so no need to travel far!
USD20, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore The Island in Pigeon Forge

Stroll through this vibrant entertainment complex filled with shops, attractions, and the famous Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Short drive north on Parkway; look for The Island signage.
Free (attraction costs vary), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Gather for a wholesome dinner at this popular restaurant featuring down-home Southern fare served family-style.
At The Island, head to Paula Deen’s entrance.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Fun

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House

Savor homemade pancakes in a cozy cabin setting to fuel your adventure-filled day ahead.
Drive 5 minutes up the Parkway.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Adventure at Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Experience the thrill of one of the longest Alpine coasters in the U.S., twisting and turning through the scenic Smokies.
10-minute drive down Highway 441 to the coaster location.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Relax with a hearty lunch, featuring a fantastic selection of appetizers and pizzas while enjoying brewed-on-site beer.
Back track to Parkway for a short distance.
USD18, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore the wonders of the ocean at this critically acclaimed aquarium filled with interactive exhibits and diverse marine life.
Drive 15 minutes into nearby Gatlinburg.
USD40, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at the Old Mill Restaurant

Enjoy an old-fashioned meal at this iconic eatery offering traditional Southern dishes in a rustic setting.
Head back to Pigeon Forge; it's a short 10-minute drive.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Gatlinburg Adventure

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg)

Dig into a delicious breakfast at this popular spot that offers an amazing variety of pancake options.
Drive 15 minutes to Gatlinburg along Highway 441.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Head into nature with a family's adventure hiking one of the park’s scenic trails, perfect for all skill levels.
10-minute drive to park entrances, choosing trails based on your family’s capabilities.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Park Grill

Indulge in hearty meals and mountain specialties while enjoying stunning views of the Smokies.
Drive back into Gatlinburg (20 minutes).
USD25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Ober Gatlinburg

Take a chairlift to enjoy beautiful mountain views and participate in various fun activities including a wildlife encounter.
5-minute drive; look for the Ober Gatlinburg signs.
USD35, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at No Way Jose's

Unwind with a fantastic dinner focused on Mexican cuisine located right in downtown Gatlinburg.
A brief 5-minute walk from Ober Gatlinburg.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Wildlife and Shopping

Sevierville, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Gather for breakfast at the iconic Southern chain, enjoying warm biscuits and hearty breakfasts.
Drive 10 minutes to Sevierville.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the RainForest Adventures

Check out this indoor zoo featuring exotic animals and interactive exhibits, fun for the whole family.
Continue south down Forks of the River Parkway.
USD22, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Roots

Enjoy a cozy lunch packed with fresh local flavors in a welcoming ambiance.
Short drive back to Parkway.
USD18, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Spend the Afternoon at Tanger Outlets

Go on a shopping spree at this expansive outlet mall featuring a variety of prestigious brands and discounts.
A short 15-minute drive east on Highway 66.
Free (shopping costs vary), 3 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Feast on delicious family-style dining with fresh produce from the on-site apple orchard.
Drive 5 minutes to arrive at Applewood Farmhouse.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Last Day Fun

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Old Mill Restaurant

Start your day off right with more Southern classics at this timeless spot that brings the flavor.
Return to Pigeon Forge, just 10 minutes drive.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum

Enjoy a fun-filled morning posing with your favorite celebrities at this entertaining wax museum.
Drive down Parkway, museum will be on the right.
USD25, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore WonderWorks

Unleash your inner child with hands-on exhibits and fun scientific demonstrations at this unique interactive museum.
Just down the street from the wax museum.
USD28, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Cheese Factory

Grab a unique lunch experience with scrumptious homemade cheeses and charcuterie boards.
Drive back to the Parkway, right off Dollywood Lane.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Relax at the Cabin

Spend your last afternoon enjoying some relaxation time at your vacation cabin, cherishing the lovely views.
Return to your booked cabin.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe

End your trip with a final evening of delicious dining surrounded by pottery and decor made by local artisans.
A quick drive to the Old Mill area.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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