Pigeon Forge offers so much to see and do during the summer. With our guide to
Whether you're all about the attractions in Pigeon Forge or staying cool during the hot days, there's something for everyone to enjoy during their summer vacation in Pigeon Forge as we cover the
Pros of Visiting Pigeon Forge in Summer
Full Access to All Attractions
Without exception, the best part about visiting the Pigeon Forge area during the summer season is that every attraction is fully open. This means no rides are closed, and even better, there are extended hours due to the daylight lasting longer. Some excellent examples of
- Dollywood: All rides open.
- Outdoor Adventure Parks: Everything from ziplines and ATV rides to whitewater rafting is open.
- Dollywood's Splash Country: Giant waterpark meets warm weather for a fun-filled day.
Naturally, the best way to stick close to the action is with a stay in our excellent cabin rentals. If you love Dollywood, our cabins near Dollywood are the perfect solution, while our Pigeon Forge Parkway cabins will let you stay close to the heart of the Pigeon Forge action.
Ideal for Families & Kids
School is out for the summer, making it the easiest time of year to coordinate a fun family vacation. To make things more enjoyable, there are plenty of
The Island
The Island is an incredible attraction off the Parkway that lets visitors enjoy various activities. From live entertainment and arcades to shops and restaurants, there's nearly no limit to what the whole family can enjoy while visiting this fun attraction.
Mini Golf
There are dozens of mini golf courses in the Pigeon Forge area, each with its own unique charm and experience. Do you like pirates and mermaids? You'll want to check out the Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay in Pigeon Forge.
Go-Karts
Is your family more action-oriented? Get your motor and heart revving by hitting one of the go-kart tracks. There's nothing like enjoying pure speed on a bright summer day that the whole family can enjoy.
Dinner Shows
What's better than having dinner covered? Having entertainment to go with your dinner! Whether you want to watch a Pigeon Forge classic like Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud or experience something different like Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud, there's a dinner show with your name on it while vacationing in Pigeon Forge.
Warm Weather & Outdoor Fun
It's not just the attractions that make Pigeon Forge such a draw in the summer. If you prefer to get away from the crowd and embrace nature's beauty, then the summer season might be your perfect time, thanks to excellent options that include but aren't limited to:
- Tubing and whitewater rafting on the Little River.
- Hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Bike and UTV trails at Wildside in Pigeon Forge.
With average temperatures hitting the high 80s, there's no better time to experience the great outdoors while on vacation.
Note: Pay attention to weather patterns for storms or temperatures exceeding the average to remain safe.
Exciting Pigeon Forge Summer Festivals & Events
A vacation in Pigeon Forge should feel like a party, so what better way to enjoy that party-time feeling than with a bunch of
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June – August)
Since Dollywood will likely be part of your plans anyway, add to your experience by visiting during their summer celebration events and activities. Some highlights include:
- Extended park hours with late-night fireworks.
- Drone & light show over Wildwood Grove.
- Summer-only entertainment and food.
Fourth of July Fireworks
If you're in town for the country's birthday, then you owe it to yourself to enjoy one of the best
Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival (August)
For those moments you're looking for one last thing to do before school starts again, consider attending the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival. During the festival, you'll enjoy:
- Hot air balloon rides
- Glowing Displays
- Live bluegrass music
- Local food trucks
No matter how you choose to enjoy your time in Pigeon Forge, there are always things to do in Pigeon Forge in the summer that will grab your attention. The best part? There are even more
Cons of Visiting Pigeon Forge in Summer
It's no secret that summer in Pigeon Forge can be a dream come true. However, there are some cons to visiting Pigeon Forge in the summer. Fortunately, we've already broken down the reasons to wait before visiting.
Large Crowds & Heavy Traffic
The single biggest drawback to visiting during summer is that it's peak tourist season, which means more people surround you than any other time of the year. As such, you can expect:
- Traffic congestion
- Higher lodging prices
- Long lines at major attractions
Pro Tip: Visit in early June or late August to avoid the busiest times.
Hot & Humid Weather
Hot weather is expected during summer, but most visitors don't know that the Pigeon Forge area is often as humid as it is hot, making outdoor time a challenge for the unprepared. Fortunately, there are ways around this disadvantage, such as:
- Visit outdoor attractions in the morning or evening to avoid peak heat.
- Stick to indoor attractions during the afternoon.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen for outdoor adventures.
Longer Wait Times at Popular Attractions
We briefly touched on longer wait times, but now we will dig deeper. Without exception, you'll experience longer wait times and other issues at favorites like:
- Dollywood
- Dinner Shows
- Parking Places
- Smoky Mountain Exploration
Fortunately, we have handy tips to make those concerns more manageable. Consider the following:
- Dollywood: Use your special passes, like the TimeSaver pass, to skip lines.
- Dinner Shows: Make your reservations ahead of time, i.e., before arriving in town.
- Parking: Use the trolley system if parking is a struggle for you.
Super Pro Tip: All attractions and activities offer a way to maximize your experience. Carefully research your options, from memberships to specials, to make even summer a fun-filled time.
Is Summer the Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge?
Without question, the summer season is the perfect time to visit if you:
- Want full access to all attractions.
- Love festivals, events, and fireworks.
- Can handle the heat and crowds.
- Are planning a family vacation.
However, other seasons might be a better idea for your next vacation if you:
- Prefer a quieter vacation experience.
- Are not a fan of heat and humidity.
- Want better deals due to it being peak tourist season.
Pigeon Forge in the summer is a massive draw for a reason, so it's always worth considering it as the perfect time for a vacation. Families, thrill-seekers, and festival-goers will benefit the most from
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