While planning a family vacation with toddlers can sometimes be a tricky endeavor, that isn’t the case in the Smoky Mountains! You’ll find toddler activities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that your little ones are sure to love. Best of all, these awesome activities are fun things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for kids who are older and adults too! To help you make the most of your next getaway, we’ve put together a guide to 7 of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with toddlers.
1. Dollywood
No trip to the Smokies is complete without a visit to Dollywood! This amazing theme park offers a number of Pigeon Forge toddler activities and kiddie rides, such as the Amazing Flying Elephants, Busy Bees, Lucky Ducky, Piggy Parade, and Lemon Twist. If your kids are crazy about trains, they will absolutely love riding on the Dollywood Express, the park’s old-fashioned steam engine.
Of course, toddlers who are weary of rides will still have plenty to do at Dollywood. The theme park boasts some great play areas, like the Firehouse Fun Yard and the Lil’ Pilots Playground, along with a fantastic collection of shows. Families also love Wildwood Grove, a section of the park designed with families in mind that features family-friendly rides and activities.
2. Dollywood’s Splash Country
In the summer months, Splash Country is the best waterpark to bring the whole family to, filled with toddler-friendly water attractions! They’ll love splashing and playing at The Cascades, an 8,000 square-foot lagoon-style pool with over 25 interactive elements. At Little Creek Falls, the little ones enjoy a massive splash pad; families love the large, shaded butterfly structures for snack time and relaxation in between activities.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
This attraction is guaranteed to be a hit with your little ones! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a hugely popular attraction full of hands-on exhibits that are ideal for toddlers. Young guests can crawl through transparent tunnels in the Penguin Playhouse, pet a real live stingray at Touch-A-Ray Bay, and explore a 4-story play structure. Be sure to stop by the gift shop before you leave for a special souvenir just for the kids! It’s no secret that the aquarium is one of the best things to do in gatlinburg with toddlers!
4. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is home to a number of excellent toddler-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy seeing black bears, bobcats, otters, owls, and other critters at Ober’s Wildlife Habitat. The amusement park also features a carousel, a jump pillow, chair swings, and an ice skating rink. Get Ober’s Fun Pass for the best family value!
5. Pancake Pantry
If your toddler has a sweet tooth (and most do!), breakfast at the Pancake Pantry is one of the things to do in Gatlinburg for kids that you won’t want to miss. This legendary restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg has a wonderful Kids' Menu with a variety of fun hotcakes for your little ones to choose from. Some of the most popular varieties include Bears in the Snow (bear-shaped pancakes covered in powdered sugar), M\&M pancakes (served with peanut butter syrup), and Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
6. Ripley’s Super Fun Park
Another one of the top Pigeon Forge attractions for families with toddlers, Ripley’s Super Fun Park has go-kart tracks, a massive arcade, and more! It’s a place you can bring kids of all ages to have fun and make memories together as a family.
7. The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a great place to enjoy some downtime with your toddler. Located right off the Parkway, this shopping and entertainment complex is home to a mesmerizing show fountain with geysers of water that “dance” to hit songs. Trust us, your kids will be transfixed by this beautiful fountain! This attraction is also home to some of the best kid-friendly rides in the area, like Lil’ Ribbits and The Flying Horse Carousel! Other highlights of The Island include sweet treats, toy shops, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that lights up at night.
More Toddler Activities near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
There are so many fun things to do with kids in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Just up the Parkway, Sevierville is also filled with fun family activities! Here are a few more options for things to do with toddlers near Pigeon Forge:
- Goats on the Roof
- Sweets and Play
- Wear Farm City Park
- Rainforest Adventures Zoo
- Safari Hayride at SkyLand Ranch
- Ripley’s Old MacDonald Farm Mini Golf
- Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with toddlers. With everything from 1-bedroom cabins to 17-bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!
