When planning a vacation, parents usually have to work to find activities that the whole family will enjoy. It’s hard to make everyone happy, but in Pigeon Forge, there is an abundance of things to do for every age. If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains and you want to find something to entertain that notoriously picky part of your clan (your teenagers), here are the top 10 things for them to do in and around Pigeon Forge.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium: This is one of my favorite places near Pigeon Forge! Ripley’s Aquarium of Gatlinburg houses 10,000 exotic sea creatures. There are actually more fish in this aquarium than there are people in the entire town of Gatlinburg! With areas devoted to sharks, the ocean, the rainforest, and systems control (how the aquarium works), this is sure to intrigue even the toughest critic.
2. Nascar SpeedPark: You won’t want to let your teen have all the fun here! At the Nascar SpeedPark, you could spend an entire day with the whole family riding go-karts, testing your skills on the climbing wall, or putting around on one of two mini golf courses. In all, there are 24 different attractions to choose from, so everyone will have a blast!
3. Scenic Helicopter Tours: This is an incredible and breathtaking tour, and one of the most fabulous ways to take in the splendor of the Smoky Mountains. Both teens and adults will love seeing the Smokies in such a new and exciting way!
4. The Track: At The Track, teens can take a spin in the go-karts, plunge 65 feet from the bungee jumping tower, or experience skydiving on the sky flyer. Whether they try one or try them all, your teens will definitely get their adrenaline pumping!
5. Wahoo Ziplines: This is yet another exciting way to take in the scenery in the Smokies. Strap in and zoom down 6 thrilling zip lines, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. You certainly won’t hear, “I’m bored,” on this trip!
6. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum: From interesting, to gross, to weird, this museum has so much to offer, you can’t help but keep your eyes peeled. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not will definitely freak out any curious teen!
7. Gatlinburg Space Needle: If you want a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains, take this glass elevator 400 feet straight up to an open observation deck. And, if you need some activity to get your blood pumping when you’re done, try the arcade, laser tag, or the two-story playground.
8. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables: A horseback ride through the Smoky Mountains is a fun chance for your teen to experience nature. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables offers stimulating yet relaxing tours for almost any age.
9. Rafting in the Smokies: With an experienced guide at their side, teens can splash their way down the Upper Pigeon River, or float lazily down the Lower Pigeon River. Whether they want to chill or challenge themselves, Rafting in the Smokies has a little bit of everything.
10. Bluff Mountain Adventures: For some fun on the winding mountain trails, check out these guided ATV rides for kids 12 and over. Bluff Mountain Adventures will lead you along as you blaze through 6000 acres of backwoods excitement.
