One of the most family-friendly destinations in the Smoky Mountains is The Island in Pigeon Forge, a huge entertainment complex featuring everything from unique shops and restaurants to amusement park rides! Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, your kids will have a blast exploring everything that The Island has to offer - and adults will feel like a kid at heart! Here are a few reasons why families love visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge:
Exciting Dining Options
The Island in Pigeon Forge offers a variety of fun dining options to appeal to all appetites, ranging from quick-service stands to sit-down restaurants! Enjoy a taste of the islands right here in the Smokies with a meal at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant or chill out with some delicious pizza at the Mellow Mushroom! If you’re feeling extra hungry, head into Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen for a family dining experience where they serve up endless portions of Southern-style entrees and side dishes! For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Big Rock Candy Kitchen, Byrd’s Famous Cookies, the Fudgery, and the Yee Haw Snack Shack!
Unique Speciality Shops
Another one of the top reasons why families love visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge is to enjoy all of the unique specialty shops! Whether you’re looking for some new toys for the kids, Smoky Mountain-inspired home decor, or a t-shirt to remember your trip to the Smokies, this is your one-stop shopping destination! Altogether there are more than 60 stores to explore, including the Earthbound Trading Co., Island Tiki General Store, Southern Charm Boutique, and the Toychest Company. Be sure to stop into Emery’s 5 & 10, the oldest five-and-dime shop in the south!
Rides From Mild to Wild
The Island in Pigeon Forge has a collection of amusement rides that are perfect for families, as there is something for everyone! This includes a collection of children’s rides that are designed just for the little ones in your family, such as the Happy Swing, Lil’ Ribbits, and the Flying Horse Carousel. If you’re looking for something a bit more thrilling, spin in circles on Reverse Time or literally go head over heels on the Dance Party 360 pendulum ride! The premier attraction is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel with amazing views of the Smokies!
Read More: “4 Unique Attractions at The Island in Pigeon Forge You Don’t Want to Miss”
The Island Show Fountain
The Island Show Fountain is a state-of-the-art fountain show that features a spectacular presentation of water dance and light, all perfectly choreographed to 14 pieces of music! There are over 89 nozzles that help to create the show’s performance, including a center nozzle that projects water 60 feet into the air! The best part is that the show is free and takes place frequently throughout the day, making it easy to catch a performance. Be sure to watch the show at night to see a beautiful array of colors added to the presentation!
Where to Stay
Want to be close to all the fun at The Island in Pigeon Forge while also enjoying privacy, mountain views, and unique amenities? We have a fantastic selection of cabins, from 1-bedroom cabins all the way to 8 bedrooms for larger groups! Check out all of our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals and book your stay today. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Smokies!
