gear up for your pigeon forge family vacation

June 09, 2025

The Perfect Itinerary for a Pigeon Forge Family Vacation

Are you ready for your Pigeon Forge family vacation? Pigeon Forge has become a popular destination for travelers thanks to an endless list of exciting things to do, see and eat! You’ll find all sorts of excitement and fun in Pigeon Forge that isn’t replicated anywhere else. With so much to do, it can be difficult to plan a full trip. To assist you in getting the most out of your trip to the Smoky Mountains, we’ve put together a suggested sample itinerary based on everything we know about the Smokies! Here is the perfect itinerary for a Pigeon Forge family vacation:

DAY ONE

1. Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant

Wintertime photo of The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.

Folks rave about the food at The Old Mill Restaurant! Start off your trip with a hearty breakfast at The Old Mill. You’ll be blown away by an awesome selection of Southern classics, like biscuits, pancakes, french toast, omelets and more.

2. Explore The Old Mill

After you’re done enjoying breakfast, spend some time exploring The Old Mill. You can spend plenty of time enjoying one-of-a-kind experiences. Check out The Old Mill General Store to grab a souvenir to commemorate your experience, visit The Old Mill Candy Kitchen for some sweet treats or even check out The Old Forge Distillery.

3. A Day at Dollywood

Palace Theater Dollywood

You can’t come to the Smokies with kids and not visit Dollywood! Voted Tripadvisor’s #1 Theme Park in the United States, Dollywood is a blast for children of all ages. This Pigeon Forge theme park lights up the Smokies with awesome rides, slides, music, food and laughter.

4. Family Dinner in Your Cabin

Nothing bonds everyone together quite like a family home-cooked meal! When you stay in one of our cabins, you’ll be able to make the most out of your fully equipped kitchen. Gather everyone together to prepare a delicious meal before sitting down together to eat and enjoy each other’s company. Did we mention this also helps save money?

DAY TWO

1. Breakfast at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant

Sawyer's Farmhouse Restaurant is the perfect place to start another day on your Pigeon Forge family vacation. This locally owned and operated restaurant makes a variety of tasty breakfast dishes like crepes, waffles, made-from-scratch pancakes, syrups and compotes, plus even some lunch options. No matter what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong here.

2. Explore The Island

fountains at the island in pigeon forge

Following breakfast, make the short trip up Parkway to The Island in Pigeon Forge! The Island is family-friendly destination where you’ll find all sorts of fun things to do. It's full of awesome attractions like a ropes course, escape games, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, and of course the special fountain show. Feel free to grab lunch here from one of several restaurants like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen or check out some of the shops for unique shopping finds.

3. A Pigeon Forge Dinner Show

Close out an evening on your Pigeon Forge family vacation with exciting entertainment and a tasty dinner at one of the many dinner shows in Pigeon Forge! Dolly Parton's Stampede features 32 majestic horses and a four-course feast of home-cooked country cravings. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud features two feuding families settling their differences complete with a Southern homestyle feast. Pirates Voyage features magical pirates and mermaids and includes a feast fit for a pirate.

DAY THREE

1. Coffee & Breakfast at Lil Black Bear Cafe

food on a pigeon forge family vacation

Lil Black Bear Cafe is a tiny breakfast and lunch restaurant in Pigeon Forge that packs a major punch! The menu here includes favorites like pancakes, french toast, eggs, plus sandwiches and salads. Start your day off here with some tasty coffee and an excellent meal.

2. Drop By Pigeon Forge Deli to Grab Sandwiches For Later

Before moving on, you have to stop for the best sandwiches in Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge Deli serves up incredible sandwiches that are piled high with meat! Pretzels, soups, pot roast, chicken salad and more made from scratch can be found here. Grab some sandwiches to take with you on your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

3. A Day Trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When in town, one has to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! It’s without a doubt the best way to explore the incredible nature and scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Spend your day hiking trails with the family or spend some time in serenity while fishing for trout. No matter what you do here, you’ll be in awe at the natural beauty you find.

4. Dinner at The Pottery House Cafe & Grille

Pottery House Cafe and Grille at Old Mill

It’s time to close out your Pigeon Forge family vacation with dinner at The Pottery House Cafe & Grille. Located at The Old Mill, The Pottery House Cafe & Grille restaurants are perfect for a delicious sit-down meal. The menu includes options like shrimp and grits, gumbo, burgers, steaks and fish. You can’t go wrong with any options on the menu here.

Where to Stay on Your Pigeon Forge Family Vacation

We hope this itinerary will help you plan your next Pigeon Forge family vacation! When you stay in a Pigeon Forge cabin from Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you’ll receive the very best in luxury accommodations! With cabins featuring hot tubs, pools, scenic views and those that are pet friendly, we’re confident we have the perfect cabin to suit all of your needs. Take a look at our Pigeon Forge cabins and start planning your Pigeon Forge family vacation today!