You have probably heard the adage that taking kids out of town is not a vacation—it is a family trip. There is truth to this sentiment, since wrangling kids and all their gear takes a special skill set that isn’t exactly relaxing. Getting away with kids can be an adventure all its own, though, so there is no need to skip your trip just because you have little ones.

Some places are more suited than others to having a wonderful and relaxing family trip. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of those places. Situated in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this area is known for nature, adventure, and being the birthplace of country music legend Dolly Parton.

My family recently traveled to Pigeon Forge for a conference, kids in tow. We snagged a cabin near the main strip yet beside a gurgling stream. This kept us conveniently located to restaurants, shops, and attractions while still letting us feel like we were away from it all and surrounded by nature.

Renting a cabin for the week meant my little boy had room to run, jump, and play without worrying about disturbing people in surrounding rooms. It also provided us a kitchen to accommodate our picky eaters!

If staying in a cabin is not your preference, don’t worry. Pigeon Forge offers hotels in all categories from basic to luxury. Most offer swimming pools and splash areas, and some even have arcades and mini water parks. Many come with a stunning mountain view to boot.

We visited Dollywood theme park while in town, which is one of hundreds of attractions in the area. It has a variety of rides for kids of all ages. Lines were manageable, and because Dollywood allows you to bring in outside food, we kept snacks on hand for curbing hunger while staying within our budget.

Overall, we had a fantastic time in Pigeon Forge. Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation or a go-go-go kind of trip, you will find what you are looking for—even with kids—in the hills of Tennessee.

Search out all the details of Kid Friendly Venues in Tennessee on our newly launched app (KFV) provided by this website.

Katie C