Planning the Ultimate Family Reunion in Pigeon Forge

On October 10, 2023

Are you ready to take the reins and create a family reunion that your clan will be talking about for generations? Well, dust off your suitcase and rally your loved ones because Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is the gateway to family adventures!

Pigeon Forge isn’t just a place; it’s an oasis of joy where cabins become cozy havens, thrilling activities unite family members of all ages, and where the Great Smoky Mountains provide the best backdrop for family bonding. In this guide, we’re here to help you plan a family reunion that’ll have your loved ones laughing, sharing stories, and cherishing moments that’ll forever warm their hearts in our East Tennessee town.

1. Set Dates and Check the Events Calendar

 

Now, folks, we all know that getting your entire family on the same page with dates can sometimes feel like a tough task alone. You’ve got Aunt Sally double-booking herself, Uncle Bob claiming he’s too busy, and Cousin Jenny, the perpetual canceler, who needs not one, but two reminder texts and a singing telegram!

On a serious note, consult the Pigeon Forge events calendar to ensure your chosen dates don’t clash with local happenings that might affect accommodations and availability. Consider the seasons as well, to make the most of the attractions and experiences this fantastic city  has to offer throughout the year.

2. Determine Your Budget and Explore Accommodations

Now, let’s talk about where your group is going to rest their heads. We all know that when it comes to accommodations, family needs and preferences can ary drastically.  Fear not though, because Pigeon Forge has got you covered with an endless number of lodging options!

Here, you can rent cabins big enough for up to 100 people, ensuring there’s room for everyone under one roof. For those seeking a more secluded mountain getaway, our cabins and chalets off the Parkway are perfect. And if you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure, we’ve got campgrounds for RVs and tents.If you’re looking for a cozier stay, smaller cabins are also available along with  popular chain hotels, family-owned properties, and luxury condos . 

And for those who want to pamper themselves like Dolly Parton herself, don’t miss Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa – it’s a slice of heaven in the Smokies!

3. Select Exciting Activities For Your Itinerary

Alright family reunion planners, it’s time to kick your itinerary up a notch with some bonding activities that will have everyone grinning from ear to ear. Pigeon Forge is your playground for family fun, and we’ve got a lineup that’ll make your loved ones want to high-five you endlessly.

• • Mini-Golf Mayhem at Crave Golf Club: Picture this: a friendly mini-golf competition under the radiant Tennessee sun, where champions are born and laughter is the soundtrack. Grandma might even surprise everyone by sinking a hole-in-one! But Crave Golf Club is more than just mini-golf; it’s the #1 mini-golf destination in the entire USA! And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Inside, you’ll discover thrilling escape rooms, a mini-bowling alley and a candy shop for your sweet tooth.

 

• • Roller Coaster Thrills at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster: For the adrenaline junkies in your group, the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is a must-visit. Explore tunnels, curves, and 360-degree turns on 20 lush Smoky Mountain acres. It’s Tennessee’s longest coaster, reaching speeds up to 30 mph.

 

• • Nature’s Beauty at Wears Farm City Park: Calling all nature-loving families! If you’re planning a family reunion in Pigeon Forge and want to enjoy the great outdoors, look no further than the 118-acre Wear Farm City Park. With sports fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and plenty of space for games and fun, it’s the ideal spot to gather, play, and make lasting memories. 

 

• • Toe-Tapping Entertainment at Country Tonite Theatre: The day might be filled with adventure, but the night is reserved for a different kind of excitement. Head over to the Country Tonite Theatre for an evening of live entertainment that’ll have your family tapping their toes and clapping their hands. From country classics to mesmerizing performances, it’s an experience you’ll treasure together.

 

4. Coordinate Transportation

Before the fun and laughter can begin, one of the vital tasks is to ensure that everyone has a reliable way to reach your Pigeon Forge family reunion. Think of it like choreographing a family dance-off, where it can take some time to get everyone in sync and the moves just right. It’s all part of the fun! Whether it’s arranging carpools, booking a big, comfy bus, or smoothing out airport transfers, having a transportation plan is key. After all, we want the journey to be as enjoyable as the destination itself. 

 

5. Plan Food and Entertainment

Let’s talk about the heart and soul of every memorable family reunion – the food and entertainment! We’ve got a spread of options that’ll keep your family’s spirits high and their taste buds delighted.

• Cooking Together: While at your cozy cabin, why not whip up a feast together? Imagine the sizzle of bacon and eggs on a lazy morning, pancakes flipped by Aunt Susan, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Or, try your hand at a good old-fashioned Southern barbecue with ribs, brisket, and all the fixins. Your cabin’s fully-equipped kitchen is your playground, so let your culinary creativity run wild!

 

• Dining in The Mountain Air: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy meals on your cabin’s deck, surrounded by stunning mountain views. It’s the perfect setting for a family barbecue or a picnic-style lunch. Let the crisp mountain air and serene landscapes be the backdrop for your family’s shared meals.
  
  

 

• Taste Local Flavors: Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best Southern cuisine you’ll ever taste. Explore local restaurants for a true taste of the South, from savory biscuits and gravy for breakfast to delectable fried chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner. Don’t forget to try the famous Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show for a delicious feast served with thrilling entertainment.
  

• Don’t Forget Dessert: For dessert, indulge in classic Southern sweets like homemade pecan pie, banana pudding, or deep-fried apple pies. You can even challenge your family to a bake-off at the cabin and crown the best pie maker in town!

• Entertainment Extravaganza: Besides delicious food, bring a wealth of entertainment options too! Pack a deck of cards for late-night rounds of Uno, board games to challenge each other’s wits, and plan some hilarious family competitions. Movie nights under the stars with a projector and a white sheet can become unforgettable bonding experiences.

So, whether you’re cooking up a storm at the cabin, savoring the flavors of Pigeon Forge’s culinary delights, or diving into a whirlwind of family games and challenges, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the fun rolling at your family reunion. After all, what’s a family gathering without laughter, delicious food, and some friendly competition? 

6. Capture Precious Moments

If a family reunion isn’t caught on camera, did it even really happen? Encourage everyone to whip out their smartphones, cameras, and even those dusty old camcorders to capture the hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly unforgettable moments of your family reunion. After all, you need some prime material for that family reunion picture that’ll grace the wall for generations or the epic photo slideshow that’ll have everyone reminiscing for years to come.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, why not go all out and hire a professional photographer? It’s not just about high-quality images; it’s about making all the other families jealous because you have the best family reunion in Pigeon Forge! So, get ready to say cheese and create memories that’ll be talked about at family gatherings for decades!

7. Create Memorabilia

Why settle for a regular family gathering when you can transform it into a memorable fashion statement? Craft custom reunion t-shirts emblazoned with a catchy family reunion name that’ll have everyone talking. Keep the design top-secret until the big reveal, adding an element of surprise to your festivities. These one-of-a-kind treasures will become cherished tokens, ensuring your Pigeon Forge experience is forever remembered by the family. So, swag up your reunion and let the memories live on in style!

Well, that’s a wrap. Get ready for a family reunion that will rock the Smoky Mountains! For additional resources and information on planning family reunions in Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out the Reunions section on the My Pigeon Forge website.