A Guide to Shopping with Kids in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a bustling town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. It’s also a great place to shop with kids! With dozens of shops, attractions, and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone in the family. From stocking up on souvenirs to enjoying a day of fun and shopping, this guide will help you get the most out of your time in Pigeon Forge.

Finding the Perfect Souvenir

No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without something to commemorate the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a t-shirt, a mug, or a stuffed animal, there’s bound to be something that your kids will love. Popular souvenir spots include the Tanger Outlets, The Island, and the Shops at Five Oaks. Each of these locations has a variety of shops, so you can find something for everyone.

For even more of a unique experience, head to the Old Mill General Store. This charming shop has been in business since the 1800s and is filled with everything from homemade jams and jellies to old-fashioned toys. The kids will love browsing the shelves and finding something special to take home.

If you’re looking for something a little more special, stop by the Pigeon Forge Pottery. This store offers a variety of hand-crafted pottery, from mugs and plates to vases and bowls. You can even get custom items made with your kids’ names or initials. It’s a great way to remember your visit to Pigeon Forge.

Exploring the Local Attractions

When shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of attractions to keep them entertained. The kids can explore the wonder of Cades Cove, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, or experience the thrills of Dollywood. There are also plenty of go-karts, mini-golf courses, and arcades to keep them busy.

For a family-friendly activity, check out the Titanic Museum. This museum offers a unique experience that allows you to explore the history of the Titanic and its passengers. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, the recreated ship, and the chance to touch a piece of the actual ship. And don’t forget to take a photo of the kids standing on the Grand Staircase!

The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show is another great way to entertain the kids. This interactive show is filled with music, comedy, and plenty of audience participation. The kids will love the show and the delicious dinner. Plus, they’ll get to meet the characters from the show after the performance.

Finding the Best Deals

When shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge, it’s important to find the best deals. There are plenty of outlets, discount stores, and thrift shops that offer great prices on clothes, toys, and other items. The Tanger Outlets feature dozens of stores with discounted items, and there are also plenty of thrift stores in the area.

If you’re looking for even better deals, visit the Pigeon Forge Flea Market. This outdoor market has a variety of vendors selling everything from antiques to handmade items. It’s a great way to find unique items at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the kids will love exploring the different vendors and searching for treasures.

For a more upscale shopping experience, visit the Shops at Five Oaks. This outdoor mall features a variety of upscale stores, including designer brands. You can find great deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as unique souvenirs. Plus, the kids will love the fountain and the miniature train that runs through the center of the mall.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Pigeon Forge offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as scenic overlooks and waterfalls. You and the kids can also go fishing, kayaking, or tubing on the Little Pigeon River.

For a unique experience, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This 200-foot ferris wheel gives you a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains. The kids will love the views and the chance to spot some wildlife. And don’t forget to grab a gelato from the wheel’s cafe for a sweet treat.

The area also has plenty of ziplines, ropes courses, and adventure parks. These attractions let you explore the great outdoors in a whole new way and will give the kids an adrenaline rush. Plus, many of these attractions offer discounts for kids, so it’s a great way to save money while having fun.

Enjoying a Relaxing Day at the Spa

It’s not just the kids that need a break when shopping in Pigeon Forge. There are plenty of spas and salons in the area that offer a wide range of services to help you relax and unwind. The kids can enjoy a manicure or pedicure, while you can enjoy a massage, facial, or body wrap. The Little Pigeon Spa even has a special kids’ package that includes a massage, facial, and manicure.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Anakeesta Chondola is the perfect option. This cable car takes you up the mountain to the Anakeesta Adventure Park. You can relax in the treehouses and enjoy the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, or take the kids on an adventure with the Alpine Coaster, the Tree Canopy Walk, and the Dueling Zip Lines.

For a truly unique experience, take a ride on the Dollywood Express. This authentic steam train takes you on a journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, giving you a chance to relax and take in the stunning scenery. The kids will love the wind in their hair and the chance to spot some wildlife.

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

No shopping trip is complete without a treat for the kids. There are plenty of sweet spots in Pigeon Forge that offer everything from ice cream to candy. The Old Mill Creamery has been a favorite with locals for decades, and it’s the perfect spot for a scoop of ice cream. The Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream shop is another great option, offering handmade chocolates and freshly made waffle cones.

For a unique experience, head to the Donut Friar. This family-run shop has been serving up delicious donuts for over 40 years. The kids will love the variety of flavors, and there’s even a drive-thru for a quick and easy treat. And don’t forget to grab a dozen to take home for a sweet reminder of your trip to Pigeon Forge.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the Old Mill Candy Kitchen is the perfect spot. This family-owned shop has been making handmade candy since the 1930s. You can watch them make the candy and sample all of the different flavors. The kids will love the experience and the chance to take home some candy.

Exploring the Local Culture

When shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge, don’t forget to explore the local culture. The area is filled with museums, art galleries, and historic sites that will give you a glimpse into the area’s past. The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center is a great place to start, with interactive exhibits that tell the story of the area’s early settlers.

The Mountain Life Museum is another great option. This museum offers a unique look at the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains. The kids will love exploring the replica cabins, as well as the interactive exhibits. Plus, you can take a tour of the museum’s working grist mill and see how it was used in the past.

For something a bit more modern, head to the Titanic Museum. This interactive museum takes you back to 1912 and gives you a glimpse into the life of the passengers on the day the ship set sail. The kids will love exploring the replica of the ship, the interactive exhibits, and the chance to touch a piece of the actual ship.

Staying at a Family-Friendly Hotel

When shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge, you’ll want to stay at a hotel that offers plenty of family-friendly amenities. The Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge is a great option, with an indoor pool, arcade, and kid-friendly restaurant. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located close to all of the shops and attractions in town.

The Dollywood DreamMore Resort is another great option. This resort offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a variety of activities for kids. Plus, the resort is just steps away from Dollywood and the DreamMore Waterpark, so you can enjoy a day of fun and relaxation without having to leave the resort.

For a more luxurious stay, check out the Margaritaville Island Hotel. This hotel offers spacious rooms, a lazy river, and plenty of activities for the kids. Plus, the hotel is close to all the shops and attractions in town, so you can make the most of your time in Pigeon Forge.

Finding the Best Restaurants

When shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge, you’ll want to make sure you’re eating at the best restaurants in town. The Old Mill Restaurant is a popular spot, serving up classic Southern fare and homemade desserts. The Little Pigeon Cafe is another great option, with a kid-friendly menu and a relaxed atmosphere.

For a unique experience, head to the Bullfish Grill. This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a full bar. The kids will love the fun atmosphere and the chance to spot some wildlife in the river. Plus, the restaurant offers a variety of kid-friendly dishes, so there’s something for everyone.

For a special treat, take the kids to the Pigeon Forge Snow. This indoor snow park is filled with real snow, and you can sled, snow tube, and even enjoy a snowball fight. The kids will love the chance to play in the snow, without having to worry about the cold weather.

Exploring the Local Music Scene

Pigeon Forge is also home to a vibrant music scene, with local bands playing everything from bluegrass to country. You can find live music all over town, from the Old Mill Square to the Pigeon Forge Music Hall. The kids will love the chance to experience live music and dance the night away.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, check out the Smoky Mountain Opry. This multi-million dollar theater offers a variety of live shows, from musicals and concerts to comedy acts. The kids will love the spectacle of the show, and you’ll have a night to remember.

For a truly unique experience, take the kids to the Country Tonite Theater. This theater offers a variety of family-friendly shows, from country music to Broadway-style musicals. The kids will love the spectacle of the show, and you’ll all be talking about it for years to come.

Summary

Shopping with kids in Pigeon Forge doesn’t have to be a chore. There are plenty of shops, attractions, and activities for all ages. From stocking up on souvenirs to enjoying a day of fun and shopping, this guide will help you get the most out of your time in Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, exploring the great outdoors, satisfying your sweet tooth, or just taking in the local culture, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone.