Are the Smoky Mountains good for teenagers? Absolutely! Planning a family vacation in Tennessee that excites everyone, especially teens, is easy with fun activities in Pigeon Forge and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This destination offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, ensuring every family member finds something they love.
Teens can engage in adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining through lush treetops, whitewater rafting on thrilling rivers, or racing on go-kart tracks. The excitement continues with alpine coasters, escape rooms, and interactive museums along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. For a change of pace, the Smokies offers peaceful moments on scenic hiking trails or simply soaking in the beauty of nature.
Whether it’s an adventure or a quiet connection with the great outdoors, the Smoky Mountains offers the ideal getaway for families with teens. Here’s your guide to the top 15 activities that captivate young adults in the Smokies!
1. Dive into an Underwater World
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg to engage even the pickiest teens. The aquarium is a must-see and has over 10,000 exotic sea creatures — more fish than people in Gatlinburg! You can explore sections for sharks and the rainforest and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the aquarium works. Teens will enjoy walking through underwater tunnels to see marine life up close in an immersive experience.
Going to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is a great addition to any family vacation, making it a fun stop for your Smoky Mountain getaway.
2. Ride Roller Coasters at Dollywood
Packed with fun for teenagers, Dollywood Theme Park offers thrilling roller coasters like Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle for adrenaline junkies and water rides like Daredevil Falls to cool off on sunny days. Teens can also explore unique shops, snack on iconic treats like cookies the size of your face, and snap photos in the park’s scenic mountain setting, making it the perfect place for fun and memorable moments.
Live entertainment adds to the excitement, with music performances ranging from bluegrass to pop that appeal to all tastes. Seasonal events like the Flower & Food Festival or Smoky Mountain Christmas bring vibrant decorations and activities teens will love. With plenty of thrills, entertainment, and delicious food, Dollywood offers the perfect place to entertain teenagers for a full day on your mountain getaway.
Visiting in the summertime? Add Dollywood’s Splash Country to your list of things to do with teenagers in Pigeon Forge! This thrilling water park features exciting slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and family-friendly splash zones, all set against the beautiful Smoky Mountain backdrop.
Bringing smaller children too? Here are some tips for a day at Dollywood with kids!
3. Take to the Skies With Helicopter Tours
Experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the air is an extraordinary adventure. Scenic Helicopter Tours invites you and your kiddos to soar above the rolling hills, dense forests, and expansive valleys. The thrill of flight will ignite excitement in your teens, and everyone will be captivated by the breathtaking beauty below. Each tour reveals a unique perspective of Tennessee’s stunning landscapes — this ride is truly one to cherish!
Scenic Helicopter Tours elevates your family vacation into an inspiring journey. They seamlessly blend relaxation with adventure, allowing you to fully embrace the Smokies’ beauty and create lasting memories together.
4. Rev Up the Fun!
The Track in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit for your explorers seeking speed. Start with the go-karts and race your way to victory, then take it up a notch with the 65-foot bungee jump or the SkyFlyer, an exhilarating skydiving simulator! Watching your teens light up with excitement makes this one of the most rewarding stops on any trip.
For families visiting the Smokies, The Track is an excellent destination for a break from daily life. It’s packed with family fun and offers thrills for all ages.
5. Zipline Through the Trees
Ziplining through the Smokies is an experience like no other. Wahoo Ziplines features 6 thrilling lines where you can zoom through the treetops at up to 40 miles per hour. It’s an adrenaline-packed way to connect with nature, and the views from up there are unbeatable. Are you up for it?
Wahoo Ziplines adds a touch of adventure to your family vacation and is perfect for anyone seeking a unique experience during their Smoky Mountains hideaway.
6. Shop for Souvenirs in Pigeon Forge
Explore The Old Mill Square for unique handmade crafts, delicious homemade treats, and a touch of Southern charm. This historic site offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history, making it more than just a shopping experience. There’s even a wishing fountain and steps down to the Little Pigeon River, a scenic escape where you can dip your toes and splash for a bit.
Next, visit The Mountain Mile, a modern shopping and entertainment district offering trendy gifts, stylish apparel, and adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Mountain Monster. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind keepsakes or the latest in fashion, these iconic Smoky Mountain spots guarantee an unforgettable shopping adventure for everyone!
7. Take in 360 Views at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Take a ride 400 feet up in a glass elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The observation deck is a fantastic spot for photos and offers a quiet moment to soak it all in. Afterward, check out the arcade, laser tag, or the 2-story playground for even more fun. Pro tip: Visit on a clear day for the best views — it never disappoints!
A visit to the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a great way to mix relaxation with fun, making it an ideal addition to your family vacation in Tennessee.
8. Ride Horses in Nature
If your teens enjoy nature and animals, they’ll love horseback riding in the Smokies. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables offers guided tours suitable for almost any age. Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature on a peaceful yet exciting trail ride. Whether your youngster is a first-timer or an experienced rider, this is a great way to explore Tennessee’s natural beauty.
For families planning a day trip during your Smoky Mountain vacation, horseback riding is a relaxing way to bond while experiencing the great outdoors together.
9. Splash into Adventure
Nothing beats the thrill of rafting down the Pigeon River. With experienced guides leading the way, your family can tackle the rapids of the Upper Pigeon River for a high-energy adventure. Or opt for a gentle float on the Lower Pigeon River if you’d prefer something calmer. Rafting is a fantastic way to stay active while enjoying the outdoors with your teenagers.
Whether you’re seeking thrills or relaxation, Rafting in the Smokies is a family fun experience worth having. Plus, you’ll come back with exciting stories to tell!
10. Blaze Mountain Trails
Bluff Mountain Adventures offers guided ATV rides through 6,000 acres of rugged backwoods for off-road fun. Children aged 12 and up can tackle winding mountain paths and take in breathtaking views with experienced guides, who ensure a safe and thrilling ride.
An excellent addition to any vacation itinerary, Bluff Mountain Adventure offers a great way to add more excitement to your Tennessee getaway.
11. Explore the Enchanting Forbidden Caverns
For young adults seeking a unique adventure beyond the usual mountain hikes and scenic vistas, the Forbidden Caverns near Pigeon Forge offers an unforgettable underground experience. While Tennessee is known for its towering peaks and vibrant landscapes, it boasts over 8,350 caves — with the Forbidden Caverns as a must-visit destination.
During a 1-hour guided tour, descend into the depths of history and legend. You’ll encounter stunning rock formations, sparkling onyx, and natural chimneys. The caverns’ rich history includes serving as a Cherokee shelter and later as a secret moonshine distillery. Modern tours enhance the experience with special lighting effects, fascinating stories, and even a stereophonic sound presentation.
This underground wonderland is perfect for a day out with your kids. It provides a fun and educational escape from the ordinary. Remember to bring a jacket — it can be cool down there!
12. Watch a Stellar Performance
It’s showtime in the Smokies! Pigeon Forge is famous for its lively dinner and comedy shows, where visitors can enjoy delicious meals alongside unforgettable entertainment. These family-friendly performances range from exciting stunt shows to laugh-out-loud comedy acts, providing the perfect way to end a fun-filled day with your teens in the Smoky Mountains.
Many shows also incorporate live music, impressive acrobatics, and interactive elements, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages. With themes ranging from pirates and cowboys to lumberjacks and Southern charm, there’s a show for everyone to enjoy! Plus, it’s a great rainy-day activity in Pigeon Forge to keep your teenagers entertained.
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show — Watch swashbuckling pirates battle on land and water in a spectacular performance.
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud — Laugh along with the wacky antics of the famous feuding families while feasting on homestyle cooking.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede — Cheer on thrilling horse-riding stunts while enjoying a hearty Southern meal.
- The Comedy Barn Theater — Enjoy clean, family-friendly comedy acts with plenty of laughs, music, and fun surprises.
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud — Witness exciting lumberjack competitions featuring log rolling, axe throwing, and high-energy stunts.
- Country Tonite Theatre — Enjoy incredible live music, dancing, and comedy that celebrates the best of country music.
13. Play, Shop & Dine at The Island
Another vibrant entertainment destination in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, The Island in Pigeon Forge features a mix of family-friendly attractions, dining, shopping, and live music. Enjoy the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning panoramic views, or unwind at the dancing show fountain.
With everything from boutique shops to classic Southern cuisine, The Island delivers a memorable experience for guests of all ages. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, it’s the perfect spot for making lasting memories. Psst…this is also where you’ll find The Escape Game!
14. Explore the Odd at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg is a treasure trove of bizarre exhibits that showcase unique oddities not found anywhere else, ranging from the gross to the quirky. Teenagers will be delighted as they explore these strange attractions, and witnessing their reactions will be a joy. This experience adds a spark of humor and curiosity to your mountain retreat.
Including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in your Tennessee trip transforms an ordinary visit into something extraordinary. Its captivating blend of the strange and wonderful creates unforgettable memories for the whole family.
15. Hang Out in Your Cabin
Sometimes, the best part of a vacation is simply hanging out in your mountain cabin — and with the incredible amenities our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals offer, you won’t want to leave! From cozy spaces for small families to spacious retreats perfect for larger groups, we have a wide variety to choose from. Many cabins feature game rooms, hot tubs, home theaters, and even private pools — amenities that teens and kids love!
Whether challenging each other to a round of air hockey, relaxing in the bubbling hot tub with mountain views, or splashing in your private indoor pool, there’s no shortage of fun at your Smoky Mountain cabin. Staying in doesn’t mean missing out on the adventure. You can create lasting memories together without leaving the comfort of your rental.
So, kick back, relax, and enjoy a family vacation that’s just as exciting as it is convenient!
Become a Vacations for YOU Member
Join Vacations for YOU Rewards and unlock exclusive savings on every trip with us and our growing family of brands. For a recurring annual fee — including 1 free month — you’ll enjoy amazing perks like vacation rental discounts, FREE nights, lower pet fees, and much more. Plus, every stay comes with FREE Pigeon Forge attractions tickets, adding extra value to your vacation.
Our lodging discounts and attraction tickets alone make the membership pay for itself, but there’s even more! Members get access to exclusive deals, early notice of surprise giveaways, and limited-time offers to make every getaway unforgettable.
Don’t miss out on these incredible savings and perks — become a Vacations for YOU Rewards member today and start enjoying a better way to vacation!
Plan Your Smoky Mountain Getaway
With endless activities to explore, kids and teens will never run out of things to do in the Smokies. From adrenaline-pumping Pigeon Forge attractions like Dollywood Theme Park to serene nature adventures, this destination truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re racing down alpine coasters, hiking scenic trails, or simply relaxing in a cozy rental, these experiences create memories your family will treasure forever.
Don’t let your teenagers bounce off the walls — get them out there! The Smoky Mountains promises a vacation packed with excitement and unforgettable moments for the entire family. Make memorable vacation plans today!
