Spring break fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. However, with the kids being out of school for a whole week, finding entertainment options that fit the budget can be a challenge. Don’t worry though, Pigeon Forge has plenty of free or almost free activities that are sure to entertain your family. After all, it is called the “Center of Fun” in the Smokies for a reason!
Explore this list of free, or almost free, things to do during spring break in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
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Hang out at Mountain Mile & Tower Shops.
Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is one of the newest developments in Pigeon Forge. The multi-purpose retail, dining and family entertainment complex spans 174 acres. Spend some time with the family exploring the wide variety of shopping and dining options. The Lawn at the Tower Shops is a large outdoor space that offers a seating area, fire pits and play structures. It’s a great spot to let the kids run and play while you sit back and take in the majestic mountain views.
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Watch candy being made at Old Mill Square.
It’s easy to spend hours at shops at the Old Mill! Start your visit by spending some time watching the potters at Pigeon River Pottery. It is fun to try to guess what beautiful pottery piece they are creating as they slowly and carefully form the clay with their hands over the spinning wheel.
Afterwards, head next door to the Old Mill Candy Kitchen. You can watch them pulling and cutting taffy or maybe even making their homemade fudge. Although watching may be free, you will probably not be able to leave the store without buying a delicious snack!
If your family is ready for even more fun, walk across the street and watch the blacksmith at work at Iron Metal Mountain Craft shop. You can watch as they heat and sculpt a piece of metal into a unique knife or ornamental décor.
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Feed the ducks at Patriot Park.
Bring some duck food with you or buy some from the Old Mill General Store. The kids will love feeding them and watching them swim along in the Little Pigeon River. You may also find some ducks to watch along the Riverwalk Trail.
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Take a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Go on a spring hiking adventure with the family in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See who can find the most of different leaves, trees, flowers or wildlife. There are also several great hiking trails for kids in the national park.
Spend another day touring Cades Cove. You can grab a map for a small fee/donation at the entrance that will give you the history of the area. As you travel along the 11-mile loop, stop to explore the historic structures like pioneer log cabins, restored churches and old grist mills.
Another free activity is to browse the natural history exhibits at Sugarlands Visitor Center. They also have a 20-minute video you can watch that offers information about the national park itself.
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Have a picnic at one of the parks.
While the food may not be free, your family must eat anyways, so why not make it a fun adventure. Wears Farm City Park has several covered pavilions with picnic tables for your picnic pleasure. There is also a basketball court, a football field, and two playgrounds, so you can spend the afternoon playing in the park after your picnic.
Patriot Park has plenty of open grass areas if you would rather throw down a blanket for your picnic. Here you can throw around a frisbee or fly a kite when you are finished eating.
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Watch the fountain show at The Island.
One of the highlights of a visit to The Island in Pigeon Forge are the dancing water fountains. The whole family will enjoy sitting in the rocking chairs and taking in this magnificent water show. The fountains come to life about every half hour with a choreographed music and light show. You can also do a little window shopping at more than 60 retail and specialty shops.
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Use the Pigeon Forge Trolley to get around.
An all-day pass on Pigeon Forge Mass Transit trolleys costs only $3 per person, and children 3 and younger ride free. It’s the perfect way to get around town without having to worry about the traffic or parking. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! You can get off at the different stops and explore or just hang out for a long ride.
Don’t break the piggy bank this spring break! Take advantage of these free or nearly free things to do in Pigeon Forge, the “Center of Fun” in the Smokies!
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