Inside: Read the review and get a first-hand account of riding and racing on the NEW Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, with all the information and details you need to go!
Imagine flying on twists and turns on the side of a mountain and racing your kid, friend, or partner to see who can complete the course first. If it sounds like go-kart racing, it is modeled after racecar driving, but the brand-new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is even cooler since it’s faster, has amazing views, and you can totally trash-talk your competitor the whole time since you’re racing on parallel tracks.
If you love high-flying, fast adventure, put the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster on your list the next time you visit the Smokies! Special thanks to the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for inviting us to experience this unique adventure.
Look at those views!
Watch Us Race!!
About Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster
The racing coaster is the only one of its kind in the entire world. There is no other parallel mountain coaster like this one, and as someone who has ridden several mountain coasters, I can confirm this one is completely unique.
Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is owned by BJ and Jessica McLeod. BJ is a NASCAR race car driver, and he and his wife own Live Fast Motorsports. They happened to visit Pigeon Forge and had the idea of a racing alpine coaster. It was literally sketched out on a napkin!
The theme is everywhere
The coaster has two parallel racing tracks and is a timed course. Since there were three of us who went, I rode with my youngest daughter so we could race my other daughter but I saw two adults ride the car together so you could make it work with however many people you have with you.
There are basically two courses that you ride with your ticket and these tracks are fast and fun – and long. They total 7,714ft, nearly 1.5 miles, together. And while you’re pushing hard on the throttle, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and Pigeon Forge. The tracks even include an 80-foot double helix and a 360-degree spiral tower. It’s a very smooth ride since it’s a double track on the car and not a single track.
Racing the Coasters: “We built this one to start fights between cousins.”
I’m ridiculously competitive by nature and sometimes my daughters like to join in on the trash talking, which we could totally do on this ride because we were side by side. My daughter smoked us on both tracks but even though I lost, I would do it again 100% because it was so much fun.
The ride can get up to 30 mph and there are cameras on the car itself plus others that take photos during the ride and clock your speed. We both got up a little over 25 mph but it felt faster – we were flying around the curves! I was also easily distracted by the views because I just love mountains. The views were stunning.
Getting ready to race
The founders of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster set the tone for the ride starting with their website. You know these people are fun when the website reads: “This isn’t just another mountain coaster. It’s the one everyone else is going to wish they built first. We didn’t come to Pigeon Forge to play it safe. We came to build something no one else had the guts to pull off…We built this one to start fights between cousins.”
You know what I’m doing? Going on that coaster.
Nighttime Rides
We rode the coaster during the day but the night photos and videos we saw made us want to come back in the dark! The coaster has an extensive collection of LED lights that run the entire length of the track. You can go race in the dark and start fights with your cousin then.
The coaster is open until 10 pm most nights and some nights until 11 pm. See their website for current hours.
The ultimate spirals
Know Before You Go
It’s important to know these things before you book your ticket:
Must be at least 56″ tall to ride alone.
Weight limit: 375 lbs. in dry weather and 330 lbs. in wet weather conditions.
Riders with back, neck, or other injuries, or those who are pregnant, are not permitted to ride.
Proper footwear recommended, no loose items like hats on the ride.
If you drop something on the ride, you’re not getting it back.
Tickets are $25/adult (ages 13+) and $18/youth (ages 7-12). You can purchase coaster tickets online. Kids ages 3-6 (who are at least 38″ tall) ride free with an accompanying adult ticket. Discounted tickets are sold for further rides and photos and videos of your ride are available for purchase.
Inside: A guide to the Island at Pigeon Forge, TN created by parents who’ve visited multiple times, including things to do, places to eat, and where to stay.
The Island at Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, TN, is full of fun things to do for the whole family, whether you like exciting rides, good food, or prime shopping. We visited the Island and have all the details you’ll need to plan a great trip.
Some of the experiences listed below were provided as complimentary tickets or stays for Kidding Around.
If you have ever seen photos of the iconic Ferris wheel in Pigeon Forge, this is where it is, on the Island at Pigeon Forge. While the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is absolutely a must-do and oftentimes the photo you will see everywhere when reading about Pigeon Forge, the Island where it’s located is filled with tons of things to stay busy and have fun for the whole family.
My kids and I have visited the Island a couple times and never run out of things to do and see! While many of the attractions require admission tickets, there are plenty of things to do there that are free. Additionally, Pigeon Forge has a wonderful guide with coupons that is available online and via hard copy at the Welcome Center. It can also be mailed to you.
Playing at The Island
Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island was our favorite thing to do. We went on once during the day and too another spin at night. We could see so far and the views of the mountains were stunning. We visited in the winter and we could see snow on the tops of the mountains and we loved it. We felt very safe (I have a slight fear of heights!) and really enjoyed the views.
At night was also amazing as we could see all the lights around Pigeon Forge – so cool. You go 200 feet up so you get a great bird’s eye view. Tickets are $16.99/adult, $11.99/kids 3 – 11. You can buy a day/night pass for $22.99.
Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel
Island Ropes Course
The Island Ropes Course consists of three levels of obstacles plus gives participants the option of doing a free fall controlled jump on the highest level to complete the course. You can spend as much time as you want on the course, which includes two zip lines. The course is all outdoors so definitely dress for the weather.
There is also a little ropes course, the Sky Tykes Course, for smaller kids under 48″ tall. The bigger ropes course is open to anyone 42″ or taller. Those under 48″ need an adult on the ropes course with them. Tickets are $16.99/person for the Island Ropes Course and $5.99/kid for the Sky Tykes Course.
Island Ropes Course
SkyFly: Soar America
This is a relatively new attraction to the Island, only having opened in 2021, but SkyFly has already received the “Best New Attraction” award by USA Today in 2021. I had no idea what to expect with this ride but it was so, so cool. You are suspended in a seat in front of a 50-foot dome screen and taken on a six-minute ride across 20 iconic locations in the United States from Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon to Alaska. I absolutely loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat. Tickets are $22.99/adult and $17.99/ages 11 and under. Kids must be 40″ tall to ride.
SkyFly: Soar America
Arcade City
We aren’t a huge arcade family and we had the grandparents with us when we visited Arcade City on the Island, but we had such a fun time! The place is super clean, and there are tons of games for all ages. The games included everything from basketball and crane games to virtual reality, multiple-person games.
It’s the kind of spot that works great for all ages — perfect if you’ve got a range of ages with you or just need an easy indoor activity. Game cards are: $25 gets you $30, $50 gets you $65, and $100 gets you $145. Sometimes you can even find better deals around town or online.
Arcade City
Other Attractions on the Island
Other attractions on the Island include an arcade, an Escape Room, a mirror maze, bumper cars, a carousel, a 7D theater, racing track, a little kids-size roller coaster, and lots of other games. You can pay for these individually or get an unlimited rides two-day pass for $40-50/person, which covers a great many rides on the Island.
You can also visit the parrot shop and see live parrots or even some baby parrots. They are adorable. There’s also a Build-A-Bear Workshop and lots of shops to explore that carry unique gifts.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in Pigeon Forge for New Year’s, you can see fireworks at the Island for New Year’s Eve!
Eating at The Island
The Island was designed to look like a small village with cozy streets lined with cute little shops where you can buy toys or clothes, take one of those Old Time Photos in sepia with your family, and The Fudgery (get the chocolate fudge). It’s fun just to stroll around and check all these places out. Take a break and relax in one of the many inviting chairs surrounding the small lake where the dancing fountains spray the water in coordination with the outdoor music.
When you’re hungry, the on-site restaurants include a Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, and Timberwood Grill. You can grab an authentic, and quite delicious, margarita at the Changes in Latitude bar at the Margaritaville hotel, as well as enjoy a quick bite (get the pretzels with cheese dip…mmmm).
Shopping on The Island: 80+ Fun Shops to Explore
We had so much fun exploring the shops at The Island in Pigeon Forge! With over 80 stores, there’s a little something for everyone, from unique souvenirs and home decor to silly toys and sweet treats. We wandered in “just to look” and end up laughing at quirky finds and even bought some vintage candy that Grandma remembered from her childhood.
One of our favorite stops was Pepper Palace, where they offer free hot sauce samples (yes, really!). Our teenager tried every single sauce they offered — even the really spicy ones — until we hit the level where they required a waiver. That was our cue to tap out!
You can browse the full list of shops and plan your must-visits here: Shopping at The Island
Shopping at The Island at Pigeon Forge
Lodging at The Island
The Island at Pigeon Forge is central to pretty much all of the attractions in town. It’s 10 minutes from the Smoky Mountain Opry and Titanic Museum and 15 minutes from Dollywood. You can walk across the street to a couple different pancake houses and other attractions if you like.
Choosing to stay on the Island is a great decision for all of these reasons! The Margaritaville Island Hotel on the Island is incredible and guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and hot tub all year long. There’s also the Margaritaville Island Inn on the Island, which is under the same brand but is a little less expensive and includes a continental breakfast.
Parking at The Island
Parking at the Island is free – take a right past the Margaritaville Island Hotel and over the bridge, where there is a huge lot. Park for free there and take a trolley into the main part of the Island if you don’t want to walk.
Pro-Tips
Don’t forget to grab the coupon books around town or check online since many of them have coupons to attractions and restaurants on the Island. The Island’s website offers many coupons as well that you can use.
You can plan to spend a few hours or a couple of days here, especially if you stay at one of the properties on the Island.
If you visit The Island during Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, the Wonders of Lights Walking Trail starts at the Island and is free to walk through.
Inside: A real parent review of The Great Escape Room in Pigeon Forge, TN. When you’re looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge with the family, this is one that family groups can do together.
Looking for something fun that teens and grandparents will enjoy? This spooky escape room at The Great Escape Room in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, entertained our whole family from teens to grandparents — even if Nana’s end was not quite as lucky!
The 60-minute challenge is full of eerie twists, creative puzzles, and just the right amount of suspense. It’s all set in total darkness, which means your family is solving clues by flashlight. (Yes, that’s fun and a bit chaotic.)
We made it out with minimal hints, but we would rate this room as challenging, especially for a group new to escape rooms.
The Storyline: What Happened to Nana?
You’ve lost touch with your reclusive Nana Hannah. It’s been weeks. You arrive at her mountain cabin at night and find…something’s not right. Are those blood streaks? Why is the power out? And where is Nana?
Why Plan a Trip to The Great Escape Room
Escape rooms are great for all ages: Our group had teens, parents, and grandparents, and everyone had a blast.
Rainy day or hot weather? Perfect indoor activity.
Teens and grandparents working together? Escape rooms are awesome for bonding!
They have multiple rooms with options for different sizes of groups and ages. We tried a spooky room, but they also had non-scary options.
Quick Tips for Escape Room First-Timers
You’re never actually locked in — the door opens anytime.
Phones are allowed for photos and video.
Unlimited hints: Use the in-room monitor and button when you’re truly stuck.
Start with observation: Look around and see what moves or stands out — most clues are connected!
Don’t force anything: If something resists, it’s probably not part of the game.
The new Compass by Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge, TN is the latest addition to the brand’s hotels and one you won’t want to miss if you’re heading out that way. It has both indoor and outdoor waterparks, a huge free breakfast, and amazing family suites.
Thanks to Compass by Margaritaville for hosting us so we could write this review. All opinions are our own.
Any Margaritaville property I’ve ever stayed at has always exceeded my expectations and Compass by Margaritaville is no different. Walking through the lobby is an invitation to drop all your stress at the door and get on island time, even in the middle of the Smoky Mountains just three hours from Greenville, SC.
I loved this new hotel – as did my daughters (ages 10 and 14) – for the waterparks, delicious food, and comfortable and spacious suite. Read on to learn why this could be your next hotel destination in Pigeon Forge.
Can you imagine yourself sitting here with a margarita?
Compass by Margaritaville: The Rooms
We stayed in one of the two-bedroom family suites, which is amazingly spacious. There is a separate room for kids with two twin beds, a dresser, and television. The door even closes.
Down the hall is a table for dining, a Keurig with coffee pods, a counter top, and a mini-fridge. The bathroom is cavernous. There is a beautiful glass shower with a rain shower head, double sinks, and a tub. The main bedroom has two queen beds, a closet, a dresser, and a large television.
The kids room in the family suite
I felt so relaxed here. It was nice to be able to spread out and for the kids and I to each have our own space. The hotel offers a variety of other rooms to choose from but this one was just incredible. It’s decorated in the typical blues and teals of the Margaritaville brand.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Waterparks
There are few things my kids love more than waterparks. They were thrilled to learn this hotel has two of them: one indoor and one outdoor.
Indoor waterpark
The indoor one has a large pool and small waterslide plus a great space for toddlers to run around and play in a pirate-themed splash pad. It’s adorable.
The outdoor waterpark has an infinity pool, those cool chairs where you can sit in the pool and in a lounge chair at the same time, a waterslide, pool, zero entry toddler area, lazy river, and hot tub.
The weather wasn’t particularly favorable when we went but we were determined to try everything out and ended up having such a great time. The lazy river and waterslide were our favorites. Don’t think for a second I didn’t go down the waterslide – I went down several times! It was a blast. I feel like there is something for everyone at these waterparks. Little kids will love the splash pads and zero entry pool while tweens will like the slides and teens can also play on the slides and hang out at the lazy river and infinity pool.
Part of the outdoor waterpark
They have the bar and corn hole turf area right next to the bar so you can order up margaritas, hummus, or pretzels right from the pool. You literally don’t need to go anywhere all day.
The waterparks are open daily 8 am – 11 pm.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Breakfast
Honestly, the breakfast here probably deserves its own story. I took one look and was sad I wasn’t hungry enough to eat everything in front of me. This isn’t your typical hotel continental breakfast.
They have cereal, bagels, French toast, omelets, fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, salsa, some kind of pepper dish, and pastries. They have cranberry, apple, and orange juice plus coffee. Their pancake/French toast bar has every topping you could ever want.
Best hotel breakfast
I didn’t know where to start. The only other hotel breakfast that comes close to this is at another Margaritaville property I fell in love with a couple years ago: Camp Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge. I remember a good hotel breakfast and this one was excellent. I wish I could have tried everything here.
The best part about the breakfast is that it comes free with your stay at the hotel. Breakfast is from 6:30-10 am daily. We ended up eating enough for breakfast that we skipped lunch one of the days there and had an early dinner. That’s how fantastic this breakfast is. I mean, you could probably just stay here for the breakfast and be happy.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Game Room
I caught sight of the arcade game and foosball table before my kids did so it was fun to see their reaction when they finally saw it. They all but ran over to check it out. The game room is right off the lobby of the hotel and besides two arcade games where I taught my kids how to play Tetris, the room also has board games and a shuffleboard table. I had to Google shuffleboard rules so yes, we learned how to play while there. It was fantastic.
My girls indulged in a lively game of Monopoly while I ordered hummus and the Bavarian soft pretzel (since that is by far one of my biggest food weaknesses). Both were delicious and my daughters even ate vegetables with the hummus. Island time worked out well.
We had a great time hanging out with each other and enjoying the comfortable chairs and tranquil atmosphere. Margaritaville has completely nailed this whole relaxation thing.
One other thing to mention is that there is a complete fitness room at the hotel. We didn’t use it because my daughters were too young but I wish I could have gotten in a good workout there. They have weights, treadmills, bikes, and other equipment. You can easily take your workouts on the road here.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Location
Let’s talk location. It’s perfect really. The hotel is right off the main strip in Pigeon Forge so literally within a short distance of most of the cool stuff there like the Island at Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, all the dinner shows, and other attractions.
The hotel is about 25 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so if you want to go hiking, you’re pretty close to many wonderful trails.
There is also Gorilla Tacos literally right outside the doors of the hotel. I didn’t try it this trip but I have to say the menu looked pretty good. Next time!
Booking Your Room at Compass at Margaritaville
Cost of the rooms depend on size and time of year. I personally think summer is the best due to the waterparks but really, anytime in this area is great.
You can check prices and book your trip at the Compass at Margaritaville website. Be sure to check for special offers.
Inside: One family visits Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show on vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN, and shares their experience, real review, with tips for a great visit.
If cheering on pirates as they perform acrobatic tricks and engage in sword fighting while eating a delicious meal sounds fun, then you’re in for a real treat at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Kristina took her kids and has the full review.
Quick Summary: Pirates Voyage
Kristina and her kids recently checked it out and had an amazing time! Here’s what you need to know:
Incredible high-diving stunts and sword fights ⚔️
A full dinner menu that even picky eaters loved 🍗
South Pacific Celebration featuring fire artists 🔥
Adorable animal performers 🦭
Tips: Book early, go hungry, and try for side seats!
My kids and I love live theater and enjoy awesome food so why not put those two together and try out the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show? This was a show I had been wanting to go see for years and on a recent trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, I walked the plank and bought tickets for us. So is it worth the price? Read on to find out.
Part of the show
About Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is owned by Dolly Parton, as are many attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She’s a saint in these parts (I love her, too though). The pirate show is, you guessed it, full of pirates. But there’s so much more than pirates.
There are mermaids and animals and birds and music and tricks. It’s a fast-paced show with lots of action, including several dives into the water which makes up parts of the stage, sword-fighting, acrobatics, and adorable sea lions.
New to the show in Pigeon Forge is the South Pacific Celebration. I think this was actually my favorite part. It includes amazing music, a fire artist, and super cool drums that looked like the drummer was making music by hitting water. It was really neat.
The show overall is about 1.5 hours long.
The Food at Pirate’s Voyage
I know food at dinner shows can sometimes be meh and average. This wasn’t one of those shows. You can view the menu online and they do have accommodations for those with special diets.
We were offered a variety of sodas, sweet tea, lemonade, and water. Our server was fantastic and worked so hard to get everything out on time and served us fast. He had refills available whenever we wanted as well.
Part of our meal at the show
First up was a soft biscuit with creamy vegetable soup that even my vegetable-hating teen loved. The main course was huge: it was fried chicken with a side of corn on the cob, mac & cheese, and ham. That fried chicken was especially tasty and one of my daughters said it was the cheesiest mac & cheese she’s ever had.
Dessert was either an apple turnover or coconut chocolate cake. Everything was delicious. My daughters had to take home some of their meals since it was that big. Overall, this was a great meal.
The Show
We really enjoyed how fast and fun the show is. The storyline is that the two dueling pirates – the Crimson and Sapphire pirates – have to fight to get the dead pirate’s treasure. The audience is split between the two colors and cheer for their pirates to win it all.
I was impressed with the actors because they had to know how to dive (from high places no less), do acrobatics, sing, and dance. They were all so talented.
The South Pacific addition to the show is fantastic. The lights are dimmed as drums play and an actor (maybe an actor – he looked like a legit South Pacific person) came out who looked like he belonged in the movie Moana. He was the fire artist who spun a stick on fire like nobody’s business.
The other actors played drums that looked like they were made by hitting water. There were dancers and more fire. It was awesome.
The awesome pirates
I’m not about to spoil the show for you but sea lions and swimming dogs are involved in Pirate’s Voyage, much to the delight of the audience.
My daughters (ages 10 and 14) and I really enjoyed the high divers and the pirate competition towards the end of the show. Overall, the entertainment value is high at Pirate’s Voyage.
Tips: Enjoying Pirates Voyage
Here are a few tips on getting the most out of the show:
Book early: if you have the date you want, book the show. I waited too long and the value tickets were sold out so I had to pay more for the time I wanted.
Go hungry: you’ll be getting a lot of food so go hungry.
Kids will love this: I saw kids of all ages there. My tween and teen really enjoyed it but I saw small kids there who were awed as well.
Try to get seats on the sides: if you can get seats on the sides of the arena, those would be better than in the corners where we sat. The poles on the stage blocked some of our views.
Tickets to Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
The show lasts about an 1.5 hours total and you’ll pick up your tickets when you get there.
Ticket prices are not inexpensive. Ages 10+ are considered adults so they pay the adult ticket price and kids are ages 3-9.
Ticket prices depend on the time. During busier times of the year, there are three shows most days: 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm. The most expensive show I saw listed was the 6 pm show. Ticket prices start at $59.99 (~$71 with tax) and go up to around $81 (~$95 with tax).
There are also VIP tickets which gets you the best seats at the show, meet & greet with cast members, and a cheering flag. This costs an extra $28/person.
Pirates Voyage also offers Animal Encounters before some of the shows were guests get up close with the animals in the show. The admission for Animal Encounters is $74/person plus tax.
So Was the Show Worth It?
That’s the question, right? The cost was high for this experience but the memories made were worth it. My kids and I really enjoyed the show, the food, and the atmosphere. If you’ve got room in your budget for this amazing dinner show, then go for it!
SkyFly Pigeon Forge is a newer attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN that has already won awards for its unique and amazing experience. We’ve got all the details on how to see it.
I really had no idea what SkyFly: Soar America was going to be like when we walked into the building, which is right near the big Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel on the Island at Pigeon Forge.
The decor looked like what I’d expect the workshop of some old scientist who was studying time travel may look like with gadgets and goggles. I was intrigued for sure and definitely wanted to try out whatever the ride entailed.
About SkyFly: Soar America
SkyFly: Soar America won the “Best New Attraction” award in 2021 by USA Today Readers’ Choice. They only opened in July 2021 so the award was quite the accomplishment. SkyFly was manufactured and designed by Dynamic Attractions, which also designed and made the super popular Disney Soarin’ attractions all over the world.
Once you purchase your tickets, you enter into a room where you’ll learn about explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter Hannah as they try to get ready their steampunk airship for takeoff. We were the only ones in line for about ten minutes and watched the video of the two characters for a bit to try to imagine what in the world was about to happen. A few other guests joined the line and soon we were taken into the Tram room.
Our guide instructed us where to stand and off we went. Actually, we didn’t go anywhere but the screens on the top of the tram certainly looked like we were moving as we virtually sped through the countryside and came to a stop where the airship supposedly resides.
We exited and got in line to enter the next room, which held the massive, 50-foot spherical screen. I didn’t know that yet though. While waiting, we got some safety instructions from Mr. Wilder and his daughter, which were quite the characters. They seemed a little unprepared for this journey, which was all part of the fun.
Then we were off and entered the ride. And that’s where it got exciting.
Soaring Over America
Once we got situated into our seats, buckles buckled and checked, and bags underneath our seats, it was time to get flying.
As soon as the show started, our seats moved straight up and our feet were dangling in the air, ready to fly. The screen looks like we are going through some big tube and then we’re off high in the sky above Chimney Rock (I was so excited to see such a familiar spot) soaring like the peregrine falcons. It was such a cool sensation.
Next, we took flight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, over the geyser in Yellowstone, glaciers in Alaska, and above the massive Grand Canyon.
SkyFly: Soar America
We flew over Niagara Falls and even got sprayed with real water and felt the wind. Then it was on to the Grand Tetons, over the beauty of Hawaii, through the Sequoia National Forest, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We flew low over the flat waters of the Everglades and up high to get a glimpse of the presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore.
It was so cool and you really do feel like you’re flying. The seats move around as you fly so the experience is totally immersive.
The movie is six minutes long but I could have done it at least a couple more times, which you can actually do for a greatly reduced price once you’re done with the first ride.
How in the world did this movie get made? That’s what I kept thinking. SkyFly says that they used drones and helicopters to film it and that there is nothing else like it in the world.
Experiencing SkyFly for Yourself
SkyFly: Soar America is located on the Island at Pigeon Forge and is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm.
Our total time at SkyFly was around 30 minutes but if you have to wait in line, it could be longer. SkyFly says to allow 30-60 minutes once you enter the queue.
Guests must be 40″ to ride and guests between 40” and 55” must be accompanied by an adult. Guests taller than 76″ are not permitted on the ride. If you have a child shorter than 40”, you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room while your partner rides the ride and then you can switch out. They do tell you that if you have a fear of heights, you may not like the ride and you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room. I’m not a big fan of heights or flying but had no issues with the ride. I thought it was awesome.
Also, if you’re a pregnant mom, SkyFly does not allow you to ride. SkyFly is fully ADA-accessible and can accommodate. If you have other questions, there is a great SkyFly FAQ section on their website.
Tickets to SkyFLy can be purchased online or in person. During peak hours and seasons, which is pretty much all year except January and early February, they advise you to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22.99 and kids ages 11 and under are $17.99.
Pigeon Forge officially has its first indoor waterpark at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort, only a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. We’ve got all the details on this new spot for great family entertainment!
Thank you to Country Cascades Waterpark Resort for hosting us. All opinions here are our own.
Watch! Our Visit to Country Cascades
My daughters and I love waterparks in general but especially indoor ones during wintertime. What’s better than sliding down a waterslide when it’s chilly outside and still staying warm and having fun in the water? You can do all of that and tons more at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. But read on to learn how they’ve recently renovated rooms to make sure a family of six – yes, six – can fit comfortably!
View of the waterpark from the waterslide tower
About Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Country Cascades Waterpark Resort is right on the main strip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, only about 20 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is walkable to the Island at Pigeon Forge.
The resort has two restaurants, a candy shop, coffee shop, indoor and outdoor waterpark, and tons of activities for the family right on-site. If you get there and don’t want to leave during your trip, you won’t have to since it has everything you need to have fun with your family.
They are also home to Pigeon Forge’s only indoor waterpark, which opened in November of 2024, called Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark (keep reading for a detailed review!). The resort is only a little over three hours driving distance from Greenville so it’s a great spot for a weekend adventure or just to get away for a few days but not travel too far.
The Rooms at Country Cascades
Country Cascades recently finished a large-scale, multi-million dollar addition of the River Tower, which features new cabin and treehouse suites that are just awesome with lots of thoughtful touches.
We stayed in one of their new cabin suites, which can sleep a total of six people. Yes, six. It includes a king bed and four bunk beds. The bunk beds are in their own little room that has a flat screen TV and a light and electrical outlets next to each bed. They are really cute and such a lifesaver for larger families who need more space for kids.
The treehouse suites sleep four people and have a king bed plus two twins.
Bunk beds inside the Cabin Suite
They do have other rooms that sleep six with pull out beds but the new suites are fantastic for their design. They also have really cute scavenger hunts within the room that the kids can do. Rooms do have a small fridge but no coffee maker or microwave.
One thing that I absolutely loved was that your room key is your wristband that you get when you check-in. Every member of your party has one, which honestly saved me so much stress. I’m one of those people who have to check their pockets a million times before leaving a hotel room to make sure I have the keys. This method is amazing and I loved that the kids could open the room door with their own wristbands as well.
Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark
The brand new Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark is a $14 million addition to the resort that opened in late 2024. It includes a four-story waterslide, dueling mat waterslides, a huge soaking tub, large pool with basketball hoops, a zero-entry splash pad, several smaller waterslides, and cabanas you can rent.
Obviously we loved this part of our stay. My daughters are 10 and 14 and while there is probably more to do for younger kids, they weren’t bored at all. They loved all the waterslides, pool, and soaking spa. I thought the huge water slide was super cool because of the light patterns they have throughout it. And I did the dueling mat slides a few times to try to beat my kids (they won). That was a favorite of all of ours.
One of the best parts about the indoor waterpark was that it was open late at night, until 11 pm. I really try to stick to bedtimes at home but it’s a free-for-all when we travel and my daughters took advantage of the freedom. We stayed up late both nights hanging out and playing at the waterpark, which is a lot of fun and a great way to get out the last of any energy the kids may have left. My energy was gone long before then but per usual, my kids had some left.
Splash pad
While I didn’t take advantage of this option, the resort offers a cool feature where you can order food and drinks from the Snack Shack through a QR code right on your chair and it will be brought to you. I love that, especially if you’re a parent of a smaller child who needs to keep an eye on them but you’re also hungry.
Speaking of smaller kids, they will be endlessly entertained here at the waterpark. They have so many options to have fun that you could probably spend hours here with them and it wouldn’t be enough.
The indoor waterpark has life jackets available as well as towels for guests. And I have to give the lifeguards a lot of credit. They were very attentive to every guest the whole time I was there. My daughters said the lifeguards at the smaller water slides were really nice and I saw one lifeguard stop a little kid from errantly climbing up the stairs to the big water slide. The staff were constantly on watch for any trash and emptied garbage cans regularly. So a big high-five to all of them!
The indoor waterpark is only for guests and access to it is included in your stay. They do not sell day passes. And they do have an outdoor waterpark that is open over the summer but we went in February so I can’t give you an opinion on that one! I saw some slides though and it looked like a lot of fun.
The Endless Activities at Country Cascades
The first thing I noticed after we checked into the resort was the amazing number of things to do as a family. The front desk attendant gave me a list of all the activities they had going on that weekend and it was literally something every hour from 9 am – 9:30 pm. Some of the activities were paid things to do like build-a-character doll or cookie decorating but most of the activities were totally free. Their weekday schedule is a bit shorter but still has lots of things to do.
We got there late afternoon on a Friday and just made it in time for Family Trivia, which my daughters wanted to do. They host all their activities in the Friendship Forest Activity Center which looks like you’re in the woods. It’s cute.
Playing bingo
The trivia was a blast. There were a couple other families and you play a game of 20 questions with a bonus question. If there’s a tie, you go into the tie-breaker round. The first night’s trivia theme was Disney. We had a bit of a rough go of it but ended up in the tie-breaker round with one other family amazingly.
We both got the first question wrong so went on to the next one, which we got right! It was pretty exciting I must say. My daughters were thrilled and we won a free box of popcorn from the candy kitchen.
Next up was bingo. My daughters were already wishing this would last all night. They were having so much fun. Lots of people joined in for bingo and we played several rounds. The hosts made it interesting and we had to get bingo using different shapes on the board. One of my daughters won a round and got a $5 coupon to the candy kitchen. It was a good night.
But there’s even more things to do besides the games. They have a big arcade with lots of fun games and a virtual reality arena. There’s also duckpin bowling, gem mining, and a nightly dance party. It was never-ending fun.
Be sure to get the schedule of activities when you get there or you can check out their calendar online ahead of time to plan your adventures.
Dining at Country Cascades
For dining options at the resort, you can get breakfast at Granny Cluckets, delicious fudge and other delectable sweet treats at Candi’s Candy Kitchen, pizza at Nonnaroni’s, and coffee and pastries at Refuel. The Snack Shack at the waterpark also serves up food.
We had breakfast one of the mornings we were there at Granny Cluckets, which is an all-you-can-eat setup. I loved how they did this though: you just go in and the host seats you and then your server brings you a huge platter full of breakfast food. There was bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, potatoes, and breakfast sausage. The meal comes with coffee and orange juice.
Granny Cluckets breakfast
You can ask for refills of anything you want on the platters. I thought it was efficient and better than tons of people grabbing serving spoons off a buffet table. Plus, the food was great!
Kids 13 and under eat free with a paid adult. Breakfast for adults is $14.99 or you can grab a discounted breakfast ticket online for $10, which includes a pass for one adult and one child.
They also offer meal deals and some of their hotel packages include breakfast passes so be sure to check them out before booking or just call the resort.
Honest Mom Review
I think the best part about Country Cascades was the focus on making sure that everyone in the family had fun and that they enjoyed their stay with each other. My daughters absolutely loved the Family Trivia and Bingo games. We actually rearranged our schedule on Saturday to make sure to be there that evening for them since we did the games on Friday night and it was such a huge success.
The indoor waterpark was a blast and something really fun to do over the winter months especially. It extended our family time in the evenings and I loved seeing my daughters having so much fun. We have been to the other waterparks in the area and as a comparison, Country Cascades is smaller than the others in size and water activities but it’s just as fun.
And all the activities you can do right at the resort is a huge plus. It’s also one of the more affordable trips, especially if you add on the breakfast vouchers to your room.
The behavior of the staff at the hotel was something I noticed. Every single person we talked to was kind and happy to help or just did their job so well. All the people who did the activities with the families were upbeat and funny. The front desk people were patient and helpful. And everyone working at the waterpark obviously wanted to be there.
I know so many businesses have challenges with staffing but this business got it right. The resort also communicates with their guests via text message and is quick to reply to any questions, which I found to be a seamless way to work with guests.
The location cannot be beat. We walked to the Island at Pigeon Forge and you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, or pretty much anything else you want to go if you want to explore elsewhere.
The other amazing thing I loved was the double bunk beds. I only have two kids but I know many, many families who really need that space – all in one room – to fit their families and the way that the resort constructed these rooms was very thoughtful. It was easy to see that making those memories as a family together is a focus of the entire resort, which I certainly appreciated since that’s our focus at Kidding Around as well.
Booking Your Reservation
You can easily book your trip at the Country Cascades Waterpark Resort’s website. You can get a discount when you sign up for the free Smoky Mountain Rewards program so be sure to do that when you’re there.
Ever want to jump into a huge ball filled with warm water and then roll down a giant hill? You can do it at the only place for zorbing in the United States, the Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Kidding Around’s Kristina got to try it out with her kids and she has all the details on the full experience.
Thanks to the Outdoor Gravity Park for hosting us in their big balls so we could write this review.
I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up to go “zorbing” with the Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge, TN. I just saw big, inflatable balls and a giant hill and them rolling down said hill and somehow thought this was missing in my life. In the end, I was definitely missing out by not zorbing and I’m here to tell you all about this crazy adventure.
One of the balls going down the Red track
About Outdoor Gravity Park
The park opened in April 2015 and has been rolling down hills in giant inflatable balls ever since. They are located in Pigeon Forge, TN, only about a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. This is the only place in the entire country where you can do this kind of crazy adventure – and what a crazy adventure it is.
Outdoor Gravity Park is a family-owned and operated business. They were inspired to bring this unique adventure to Tennessee after they went on a trip to New Zealand.
Outdoor Gravity Park balls
What is Zorbing?
Zorbing was invented in New Zealand and is the act of rolling down a huge, 1,000 foot long hill inside of an 11’ inflatable ball with water inside. The water is only about a foot deep but it’s to help you slide easily around while you have no idea which way is up as you roll down the hill. You’ll also get soaking wet.
There are three tracks at Outdoor Gravity Park – Purple, Red, and Orange. Purple is the beginner one, which I loved. Red is the intermediate one, which my kids loved, and no one was brave enough to do the Orange one.
Up to three people can fit into one of the big balls on the Purple and Red tracks but the orange track is single person only because it’s for the extra crazy people. They told us the balls often go airborne. Oh my gosh. If you’ve got a teenage boy who thinks he is invincible, this is where he needs to go.
Being Inside the Inflatable Ball
I legitimately had no idea what I was getting myself into. Truly, I did not. I’m all for adventure and this looked fun so I said, why not go down a hill in a bouncy ball? I had watched videos but nothing could have prepared me for what it was like speeding down a hill in an inflatable ball rolling around in water.
We really lucked out the day we went zorbing though. The park is open year-round and uses really warm water in the winter and cooler water in the summer. We went in February and amazingly, it was 75 degrees when we went. The water was nice and warm and when we got out after zorbing, we weren’t totally freezing.
Action shot while rolling down the hill in the ball
Once you sign your life away on the waiver, you can get changed into your bathing suit, or whatever you want to wear that will ultimately get wet. They have nice changing rooms and cubbies to leave your clothes. They’ll hold onto your keys as well for you.
Then you get into an adorable little bus and head up to the top of the hill to get into your ball. Once at the top, there are the three tracks with big balls and you choose which track to run. We chose the Purple route for our first run and the attendant started to fill the ball with warm water (it’s changed after every guest) and put some extra air inside to make sure it was totally safe and bouncy.
We had to jump into the ball and into the water. I managed to do it the first time with ease and slid into the ball and ahh, that water felt so nice. Next it was time for my kids to jump in and they thankfully managed without too much trouble. Then we were zipped in the ball and pushed, rolling downhill.
I’ve thought about how to describe this ride and I decided that whatever I write won’t be sufficient but here it goes: I had no clue where I was on this hill. All I could see was water flying everywhere and my kids’ feet and legs in the air. We were yelling, laughing, and wondering what the heck was happening the whole time. It was nuts. It felt like we were flying down this hill.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity (in reality, it was only around a minute maybe), we made it to the bottom after a surprisingly soft landing. I thought we would have bounced everywhere and then came to a stop but it didn’t feel like that.
Our attendant rolled the opening of the ball to the ground where we each slid out like a baby being born, water splashing everywhere, onto the turf. Then I tried to walk and probably looked like I had too much moonshine. It took the three of us a few seconds to get our bearings and my kids immediately asked to do the Red track next.
After hesitating for a moment to think through my life’s questionable decisions, I said yes and got back on the bus.
The Red Track
I thought the Purple track was crazy but it was child’s play next to the Red track. The Purple track is straight down. The Red track is more like a pinball machine where the track zig-zags down the hill.
After our zorbing adventure, I watched other people go down in their balls on the Red track and it seemed like they went slow but when you’re inside, it definitely doesn’t feel like that. After making, um, several attempts to jump into the ball at the top of the hill, I finally made it in, my kids easily following my hilarious attempts at jumping into the ball.
Lots of zorbing
Then we were zipped up and pushed down the hill. While I didn’t regret my life decision at this moment, I was certainly questioning it. We were bouncing against each other as the ball hit the turns and continued its trajectory towards the bottom. My kids were hysterically laughing. They were having a blast.
When we were finally reborn out of the ball back on land, we had one more roll to decide on. My daughters wanted to go on the Red track again and I decided to play it a little safe and have my own ball and head down the Purple track. It was a good decision but I still had to collect myself afterwards in order to walk straight. What an adventure.
Running of the Balls
Not only can you go in a ball and roll down the hill, you can actually run away from balls chasing you down said hill. This exceptionally fun event is called the Running of the Balls and it takes place at the Outdoor Gravity Park in May and September.
This is a charity event and you must register ahead of time on the Outdoor Gravity Park website.
Tips on Zorbing
There are some things you need to know before you choose your zorbing adventure:
It’s best to make reservations online on their website, especially during the busier months.
Bring a towel and change of clothes.
If you want video, they give you a camera and prices start at $15 to acquire your video of rolling down the big hill in the giant ball.
The minimum age to go zorbing is 5-years-old and they must ride with an adult. Ages 6+ can go by themselves.
Weight limit per rider is 275 pounds.
You have to be in good health and have full mobility to go zorbing. People who have high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart conditions, or back or neck injuries cannot go. Also, if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, you won’t be getting in one of those big balls.
In total, we were there for about 45 minutes between check-in and zorbing.
Booking Your Tickets
A walk-in roll is $27/person and online is $25/person. You pay by person and not by roll so if you have three people in one roll, you pay per person. It’s a good idea to book ahead of time.
They also offer group and private event rates. You could literally have a zorbing birthday party if you wanted to or do a corporate event and roll your co-workers down the 1,000 ft hill – in a ball of course.
Deck at Outdoor Gravity Park
Overall Review: Outdoor Gravity Park
This was quite the experience and I’d totally do it again. It was so unique and fun and my kids absolutely had a great time. If you’re looking for a fun adventure with teens, this is it. Sometimes it’s tough to find things to do together with them but you won’t have that problem here.
It’s also so cool that this is the only place in the country where you can go zorbing. That alone is probably worth the trip since, otherwise, you’d have to go to New Zealand.
If you’re up for adventure while you’re in East TN, definitely consider the Outdoor Gravity Park. At least you’ll have a good story to tell afterwards!
The Inn on the River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has lots of great amenities for families as they enjoy time together and exploring the fun town of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the time of writing (January 2025), The Inn on The River in Pigeon Forge was voted the #1 best hotel in Pigeon Forge for 2024!
A complimentary stay was given to us so we could review the hotel. All opinions are those of the author.
If you’re looking for a central place to stay when you visit the Smoky Mountains that has a lot of great amenities that help your dollar stretch pretty far, then look no further than theInn on the River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The hotel is centrally located amidst all the great attractions in Pigeon Forge, has several family-friendly amenities, and has staff that truly go the extra mile to make you feel at home.
The Inn on the River
The Inn on the River is exactly like it says, right on the Little Pigeon River. We had a riverfront view from our room, complete with chairs outside so we could sit and watch the calming river run by. We even saw a Blue Heron fishing for dinner on our first night there. Plus, we could see the Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel and were within walking distance to several attractions and restaurants.
In fact, our first night there, we walked across the street to try out Magiquest and then walked over to Five Guys for burgers and fries for dinner. It was really nice not to have to drive since we had just come from Greenville. There are several restaurants that you can walk to as well as shows and other entertainment. The Inn lists lots of those places on their website. Pigeon Forge is only a three-hour drive but I’m not a big fan of sitting in the car for long so this was perfect for us.
We explored several attractions during our visit and nothing was more than a six-minute drive. It was truly an ideal location. The 128 rooms have all been recently renovated and were clean and comfortable. Each room also has a customized Alexa device, which my kids endlessly used to request Dolly Parton songs and ask what cats sounded like, a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and a microwave.
So Many Amenities at Inn on the River
The Pools
Let’s start with what kids care about: the pool. The Inn on the River has both an indoor heated pool with jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. We traveled there in January so we didn’t use the outdoor pool but I did need to tear my kids away from the indoor pool because they loved it. The water is heated and there are pool toys and goggles available. The room is so nice and warm, too, which felt amazing after being outside in the chilly air most of the days we were in Pigeon Forge. The hot tub is so relaxing as well. Each night we spent at the Inn included a pre-bedtime swim, which was just a great way to wind down the busy days.
Free Breakfast
The Inn on the River also provides free breakfast each morning and has an assortment of both hot and cold offerings like eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, waffles, and oatmeal. There is a beautiful sunroom that you can choose to eat your breakfast in that overlooks the river. It’s really nice and calming and we loved eating out there. Fill up on that breakfast so you can tackle all your fun plans while in the Smokies.
Free Hot Drinks and Popcorn
Additionally, the Inn offers free hot chocolate, coffee, and tea all day long. I cannot even count how many times we had hot chocolate during our visit. It was a lot. They also offer free popcorn from 7 pm – 10 pm every night. My kids were in heaven.
One thing that we didn’t make use of that I completely forgot about was the outdoor fire pit. It’s right on the river but I forgot because the kids wanted to use the pool at night. Next time!
Gifts for Kids
When we checked in, the hotel staff let each of my kids pick a little gift, which included a small toy. So cute and personable. Check-in was fast and the staff was very kind and helpful, letting us know when breakfast was, how late the pool was open, and also that they had free books and games available for guests to make use of while they enjoyed their stay. The lobby is very inviting as well, with comfortable couches to relax on in front of the fireplace.
Honest Mom Review of the Inn on the River
There are tons of choices of places to stay in Pigeon Forge and it’s hard to know which one is right for your family. I was impressed with the Inn on the River because firstly, their staff was very kind, helpful, and welcoming. Everyone from the front desk clerk and manager to the employees cleaning the tables and replenishing food during breakfast to those sweeping the floors of the hallways was so nice.
Secondly, the location was perfect. I didn’t need to travel much at all once we arrived to the hotel and it was easy to get around Pigeon Forge both by car and foot. And lastly, I don’t think it gets much better for kids on vacation to have a pool all year round. I’m a lot more lenient with my kids when it comes to their bedtimes when we are traveling and was happy to have them enjoy swimming for a couple later-than-usual nights. The hot chocolate was awesome, too, and a free breakfast is so helpful when traveling to save on meal costs.
I also really loved the location right next to the river. It was chilly when we went but I could open the curtains and watch the river, which I really enjoyed. Anything close to nature like that is a win for me.
Making Your Reservation
Be sure to sign up for their email newsletters and check their Specials page before you book as they offer some packages that may be of interest. All active duty military get 10% off their stays.
Like any hotel, costs vary depending on the season and room type. During the slower winter season, you can get a riverside room with two queen beds for around $159/night. That same room in the busiest months of July and October is around $285/night and in December, is about $259/night. If you have AAA or AARP, that will knock the price down about 10%.
The new Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, TN, less than three hours from Greenville, SC, is part of the three-month-long Winterfest that happens every year in East Tennessee.
For those not familiar with Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it is a months-long festival in the area that has more than six million lights to delight visitors. The festival starts in November and runs through February and encompasses not only free holiday lights around town but also holiday-themed shows, attractions, and other entertainment for the whole family.
The newest installment of Winterfest is the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, a free walk-through light display that has several access points along the river in Pigeon Forge. I visited towards the tail end of Winterfest in late January and it was perfection because the Christmas crowds had come and gone and the town was in one of its rare down times. It was awesome. And it’s back for the 2024-2025 season!
Winterfest runs from November 7, 2024 – February 16, 2025.
The New Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
The trail runs from Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Lot, which is at 2936 Teaster Lane between the LeConte Center and The Island in Pigeon Forge along the Riverwalk Greenway to Patriot Park, which is about a mile-and-a-half one way. There are more than 40 light displays along the paved path, including light tunnels (my favorite). It’s really neat and such a lovely display of lights.
We parked at the Island of Pigeon Forge to start at the beginning and before long, my kids and I were surrounded by blue and white sparkling lights that made a tunnel. Then we saw a huge display that looked like a fountain of lights with snowmen, stars, and snow mounds followed by blue and white stars hung high along the path and then a giant 52-foot long caterpillar – it was quite sparkly.
There are butterflies, shooting stars, deer, bears, squirrels, and all kinds of imaginative and fun characters along the way. My kids, ages 12 and 8, and I really enjoyed it.
Accessing the Walking Trail
So there are several access points along the route if you only want to do a part of it. A handy map can be found here that is very helpful.
Access points include where we started at the Island at Pigeon Forge, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Patriot Park, the city’s Municipal Parking Lot, and the Old Mill. The entire path is paved so it is handicap and stroller-accessible. It’s also pet-friendly as long as pets are kept on a leash.
Visiting the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
There is no charge to visit the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, which is awesome. Thank you to the City of Pigeon Forge!
You can walk the trail from November 7, 2024 – February 16, 2025.
After you walk the trail, you can visit the Island at Pigeon Forge, where you can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel, fly over the country at SkyFly America, enjoy shopping and dining, and watch the water light show. There are free trolleys available from the parking lot to the Island.
