A Pigeon Forge summer means the kids are out of school, the days are long, and everything the city offers is within reach. However, days in the Pigeon Forge area have a shape. In the mornings and the evenings, temperatures are livable, but in the middle of the day? The heat is largely unbearable, which is why we've put together several
Pigeon Forge Summers Are Hot: Plan Around the Middle of the Day
At the hottest point of the day,
Indoor Things to Do in Pigeon Forge When the Heat Peaks
Sometimes, the temperature is just brutal, especially if you're visiting
While you can find ways to make your cabin rental experience more enjoyable (more on that later), a vacation is all about finding things to do away from your home base.
To that end, there are some Pigeon Forge indoor attractions that are perfect for getting through the harshest part of the day. Some immediate options include traditional attractions like the Titanic Museum and Alcatraz East Crime Museum. However, if you want something more unique, consider these ideas for your day:
- Slick City Action Park: From indoor slides to an air court park, this option is one big indoor park where the kids can run and play while you take a breather from running around the city.
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Putt: This mini golf option offers indoor courses, letting you indulge in family fun the perfect way to maximize your enjoyment even when it's hot.
The Island: A Hybrid Option for Everyone
It's no secret the Island is extremely popular for visitors, and there are plenty of outdoor things to do like riding the big wheel and watching the fountain show. However, where this attraction really shines in the summer is the indoor breaks it offers, such as:
- Arcades
- Restaurants
- Souvenir Shops
- and More!
The best part? The Island is right in the middle of the Parkway, granting you and everyone else in your group convenient access to the rest of Pigeon Forge for easy planning.
Pigeon Forge After Dark
While Pigeon Forge is still quite warm at night in the summer, outdoor options become much more viable, so if you want a way to play as the sun starts to set, consider adding these outdoor options to your evening plans:
- Mountain Coasters: Many of these are open until late at night, letting you get your thrills while seeing the city lights, all while remaining cool enough to enjoy the experience.
- Go-kart Tracks: At 2pm, this activity is a punishment. At 7pm, it becomes one of the best family-friendly activities you can enjoy. Zip around the track as the lit-up Parkway and Island shine around you.
- Dollywood: Most choose the daytime, but Dollywood has extended summer hours with nightly fireworks, making this attraction a must-visit at night when all the lights are on and the sun isn't in the sky.
Did you know there are ways to have indoor fun at night in Pigeon Forge? If you don't feel like playing hard, but still want to have fun, this is the time to try lesser-known activities like various arcades, blacklight mini golf, and even escape rooms.
When in doubt, you can always go the more classic route. One night, everyone is heading to a live dinner show, like Pirates Voyage Dinner Show. The next night? Head to Guy Fieri's Downtown FlavorTown for killer food, bowling, and hundreds of arcade games for an epic family night.
Make Your Cabin a Part of the Plan
We understand. You can't play every minute of every day while on vacation. That's why one of the keys to a successful Pigeon Forge vacation in the summer is to make your Pigeon Forge cabin rental a part of the plan.
In-Cabin Entertainment Matters
Many cabins in the Pigeon Forge area double as entertainment centers. Does your family love movies? Grab a cabin with a theater room to make your movie nights an experience. Do you want extra options in case of inclement weather or if you don't want to go outside? A game room cabin lets you satisfy your need for fun without leaving the premises.
When Water is Your Best Friend
Let's be real. Summer vacations usually involve some kind of water. While there are waterparks in the Pigeon Forge area, none are as convenient as having your very own private pool cabin as your home base. If making a splash is the goal, you can't go wrong with this cabin option.
Alternatively, if you want a combination of water fun and convenient access to the best parts of Pigeon Forge, consider staying in a cabin rental with resort pool access for the best of both worlds.
A Few Summer Specials Worth Checking
Did you know Pigeon Forge often offers summer specials? You can add to your summer fun with these extra things to do in Pigeon Forge in the summer for a unique way to enjoy your day. Some of our favorites include:
- Forge Cinemas Free Summer Movie Series: Enjoy free select showings Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration: Extended hours, nightly fireworks, and drone shows add to the standard Dollywood experience for extra oomph to your visit.
- Jurassic Adventure at the Island: Feel like the dinosaurs have come back to life with this limited run of bonus fun at this classic attraction.
Keep in mind, it's always worth double-checking these specials are running and still available, as they are subject to change or have their hours modified.
Start Your Pigeon Forge Summer Vacation Today
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