Fun Outdoor Attractions near Pigeon Forge, TN

There are so many things to do in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, area that it can be hard to choose just one. Aside from the wondrous variety of activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, here are my family's favorite outdoor attractions.

Parrot Mountain & Gardens is a really neat place to visit in Pigeon Forge. Driving to Parrot Mountain is quite a challenge, however, because it is truly UP the mountain, but once there, you will not be disappointed. Entrance to the four acre eco-tourist bird park is from $7.95 to $14.95 depending on the age of the guest. Walk through beautiful garden areas, observe such tropical birds as Macaws, Toucans and Conures, feed the parrots or African Lorikeets, visit the baby bird nursery and watch the birds sing and talk. Parrot Mountain is open March through November.

Smoky Mountain River Rat in Townsend, TN, has been a hit with vacationers and locals alike since 1995. Float down Little River in a huge inner tube for $13.00 for a 1.5 mile and approximately 1.5 hour journey. A shuttle runs continuously to return you to the beginning and you can tube as many times as you like for the day. Have a picnic or go kayaking, too.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park located three miles above downtown Gatlinburg has a variety of things to do for all ages in the summer. Access the park by driving winding Ski Mountain Road to the small parking area or enjoy the Arial Tramway (from $8.50 - $11.00 per person) to the resort. An all-activity wristband may be purchased for $25.50 to $30 and includes Ice Skating, Scenic Chairlift, Blue Cyclone Rapids, Alpine Slide and much more. Skiing, snow tubing and snow boarding are available in the winter months. We really enjoy the Wildlife Encounter - a small zoo, of sorts, with real black bears.

Dollywood is open 10 months a year and hosts 5 different festivals: Festival of Nations, Great American Summer, Barbeque & Bluegrass, National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration and Smoky Mountain Christmas. Each festival highlights different award-winning shows, music and food. Winner of the 2010 Applause Award as one of the best parks in the world, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. Ticket prices range from $46-$57. Attractions include a variety of roller coasters and kiddie rides in themed areas of the park. The park's namesake, Dolly Parton, makes periodic visits during the year.

Dollywood's Splash Country is the sister park to Dollywood and is a world-class waterpark. Twenty-three different water rides tempt guests and for those less adventurous, a ride on the Lazy River or a dip in the Cascades is sure to please. New for 2013 is RiverRush, a water roller coaster. Open during the summer months, cost ranges from $42-$47.

These are just a few of the hundreds of things to do in the tri-city area that is Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tennessee. Find out more at http://mypigeonforge.com.