hiker crossing footbridge over mountain stream

5 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge to Keep Cool During Your Summer Vacation

indoor pool at Inn on the River
May 20, 2025

Summer is one of the best times of the year to take a family vacation to Pigeon Forge TN! The season is filled with sunshine, warm weather, and an array of fun activities. If you start to feel a little too warm this summer, don’t worry–there are plenty of ways to cool off during your stay! Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge to beat the heat during your summer vacation:

1. Visit Dollywood’s Splash Country

One of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge to keep cool during your summer vacation is visiting Dollywood’s Splash Country. There’s something for every member of the family, from exciting water slides to kid-friendly splash pads! If you’re feeling adventurous, take a thrilling ride on the RiverRush water coaster or plunge down the exhilarating Fire Tower Falls. For family fun, slides like Big Bear Plunge and Raging River Rapids allow up to 5 people to ride together on one raft! If you want to relax and cool off, take a float trip along the lazy river or hang out in the wave pool.

2. Explore Indoor Attractions

Pigeon Forge Snow

If you want to escape the summer heat, head to one of the fantastic indoor attractions in Pigeon Forge! Take a break from the sun and explore an air-conditioned attraction like WonderWorks, MagiQuest, Crave Golf Club, or Titanic Museum Attraction. One of the especially cooling things to do in Pigeon Forge is Pigeon Forge Snow. This attraction stays a comfortable 60 to 70 degrees year-round and offers winter fun no matter the season! At Pigeon Forge Snow, you can go snow tubing and play in real snow during your summer vacation!

3. Go Zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park

Another one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge to cool off during your summer vacation is zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park. Dive into a giant 11-foot inflatable ball along with 10 gallons of water and up to 2 other people. You’ll then roll down the 1,000-foot hill for an exciting experience like no other! You can choose from 3 different tracks depending on whether you’re looking for a high-speed ride, one full of twists and dips, or a combination experience. The water in the ball will cool you off as you slip and slide your way down the hill!

4. Enjoy a Frozen Treat

buzzed bull menu

Enjoying a frozen treat with your family is a great way to beat the heat during your summer vacation! While you’re exploring all the fun things to do in the area, make sure you take time to stop at one of the best places to get ice cream in Pigeon Forge and indulge in a cold, sweet treat. Some of the most popular ice cream shops in town include The Old Mill Creamery and Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts. For a unique treat, head to Buzzed Bull Creamery, where ice cream and milkshakes are hand-crafted to order using liquid nitrogen!

5. Swim at Our Hotel Pools

You can cool off without spending a dime when you stay at The Inn on the River! During your summer vacation, your family can splash and swim as much as you’d like at our hotel with indoor and outdoor pools! Soak up the sun while you swim at our outdoor pool, head to our indoor pool to escape the weather. We also have a family-sized hot tub where you can soothe your muscles after a long day of exploring all the fun things to do in Pigeon Forge!

Book Your Summer Vacation at the Best Hotel in Pigeon Forge TN

Our Pigeon Forge hotel has so much to offer in addition to our indoor and outdoor pools! During your stay, you can take advantage of our free breakfast buffet to fuel up and save money each morning. Other hotel amenities to enjoy during your summer vacation include outdoor grills, covered patio and picnic tables on the river, free parking, and trolley stop access directly in front of the hotel! Explore our Pigeon Forge hotel rooms to find the perfect place to stay for your trip!