Pigeon Forge Staycation: 7 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a family vacation or staycation destination in the Smoky Mountains. With a variety of attractions, shows, stores and natural beauty, "the land of more" promises both indoor and outdoor adventures for the entire family.

Here are seven places for families on vacation or staycation to visit in Pigeon Forge:

1. Dollywood: Fans of Dolly Parton will get a kick out of this exceptional theme park as well as Dolly's water park and cabins. It is a place where "family togetherness just comes naturally." The theme park alone offers, "Thrilling roller coasters, daring water excursions, family rides and kiddie rides. You'll find them all at Dollywood along with one-of-a-kind attractions that let you experience our Smoky Mountain way of life."

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2. Titanic Museum: This permanent interactive exhibit lets families truly experience the Titanic. The museum is a celebration of the 2,208 passengers and crew from the ship. Visitors receive a boarding pass with one of the passenger's names and there are "hands-on experiences that are designed to give children and adults alike a sense of what it might have been like to actually be on board the Titanic."

3. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel: Located at the center of The Island in Pigeon Forge, this Ferris wheel rises 200 feet above the city and rather than the open air seats of carnival lore, passengers ride in climate-controlled gondolas. Not to be missed is the night ride during which the wheel is lit with 1 million LED lights.

4. Cades Cove: Located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, this 6,800-acre valley offers "some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible." Hiking trails originate in the cove and backcountry camping is allowed with a permit.

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5. Zipline adventures: With over 30 different companies providing zipline tours in Pigeon Forge, families are sure to find a tour that compliments their vacation or staycation plans. Smoky Mountain Ziplines states, "Tarzan did it … now so can you. Flying through the trees at up to 40 miles per hour is an exhilarating experience you'll never forget."

6. White water rafting: According to Smoky Mountain Rafting "Pigeon Forge white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains is something the whole family can enjoy." One of the tours offered on the Upper Pigeon River promises "big waves, big drops and plenty of surfing. This is an exciting 6 1/2 mile raft trip down class 3 and 4 rapids through the heart of the Smoky Mountains."

7. The Smoky Mountain Opry: Families can have a great time at the Opry, which is "America's Ultimate Variety Show! Showcasing the most talented collection of singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, jugglers and incredible aerialists, the Smoky Mountain Opry is an amazing show that is not to be missed!"

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