Family fun in a Tennessee winter wonderland - On Location: Pigeon Forge (Winter Edition)

A winter getaway to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a “choose your own adventure” treat for all ages. Multigenerational fun abounds at attractions that pride themselves on welcoming all members of the family. Summer is always a popular time for a visit, but don’t overlook the cold weather options for a vacation to remember.

Winterfest

Light up the winter darkness with the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration. Don’t miss the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, a free walk through 45 light displays on the flat, paved Riverwalk nature trail. It continues through Feb. 18. Follow it up with even more displays accessible by car. Get details and a map of the driving tour at mypigeonforge.com/event/winterfest.

Dolly reigns here

She is the queen of our hearts, but Dolly Parton is definitely beloved here in her mountain home. And her entertainment empire is growing. The recent opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort (dollywood.com/heartsong) offers families a refined cabin atmosphere that reflects Parton’s love of the Smoky Mountains. Stone, iron and earth come together in a welcome retreat that offers amenities like complimentary trolley service to Dollywood Parks, peaceful mountain views, a natural playground area (complete with daily Imagination Library story times), games and activities for the whole family at Camp DW and more.

Dollywood

of course, remains a favorite for families. The park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration continues through Jan. 6, with six million twinkling lights illuminating every corner. Visit with Santa, check out your favorite rides and special seasonal shows, and don’t miss the warm cinnamon bread at Spotlight Bakery. Close out the night with the new Joyful drone show, a mesmerizing holiday light show that – as with most attractions in Pigeon Forge – is designed to delight all ages.

Visit dollywood.com.

Snow is guaranteed

No need to check the forecast. Pigeon Forge Snow is open every day of the year (even Christmas) with indoor, climate-controlled snow tubing and a SnowPlay room. It’s all real snow made with pure water and no chemicals. The SnowPlay area is for all ages but to participate in tubing, kids must be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old. Grandparents, parents and kids all can all find something to love here. Book tickets online at pigeonforgesnow.com.

An adventure for history buffs

The Titanic Museum Attraction just might surprise you. Embracing both the “museum” and the “attraction” parts of its name, this spot has plenty to engage guests. Enter and receive a boarding pass with information about an actual passenger or crew member on the Titanic. Learning details about the person’s life and whether or not they survived the voyage makes the experience far more powerful than expected. (Note that young children are always given the boarding pass of someone who did survive.) Education is paramount, and history buffs will be captivated by the details and authentic items available to view. In fact, education is such a prized part of the site’s mission that virtual field trips are available for schools around the world. Through Dec. 31, teddy bears are featured in holiday decorations, a reminder that this is the museum’s “Year of the Titanic Children,” highlighting the 135 passengers and crew members who were age 15 or younger when the Titanic set sail. For tickets, education information and more, visit titanicpigeonforge.com.

A new adventure is on the horizon

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay: An Epic Golf Adventure, an indoor, themed mini golf adventure, opens Dec. 18. Immerse yourself in the story and choose your course – mermaids under the sea or pirates in the sky. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay is part of a park hopper pass only available for purchase on site at the participating attractions: Toy Box Mini Golf, Crave Golf Club, TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena, and Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay: An Epic Golf Adventure. The cost is $39.99 for unlimited access to all attractions (listed above) for one day or $49.99 for two days. Individual admission is also available. Visit skypiratesgolf.com.

An island like no other

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a sprawling entertainment, shopping and dining complex that, again, has something for all ages. Admission is free. Pay for food and attractions that you choose. Rides here include the 200-feet tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a ropes course and more, as well as SkyFly: Soar America, which lets riders “fly” over iconic spots across the country. Eat at family favorites like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and shop for toys, locally made art and even moonshine. During Winterfest, the Island is decked out with lights galore. Visit islandinpigeonforge.com for coupons and details about a 48-hour unlimited rides wristband.

Quick hits:

There is lodging for every style, need and budget in Pigeon Forge. Here are a few to get you started, in addition to Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

• Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa is an elegant spot that is still very welcoming to families – some rooms include twin bunk beds in addition to a king-sized bed. The resort also offers the value-added benefit of trolley service to and from Dollywood. If the vacation budget is highly flexible, you can even book a stay on Dolly Parton’s former tour bus, now known as Dolly Suite 1986, with proceeds benefiting The Dollywood Foundation. Visit dollywood.com/resort.

• Jimmy Buffett fans can pay homage to the late sailor songwriter at Margaritaville properties throughout the area, including Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge. The lodge offers oversized rooms, including some with a separate tent area for kids, as well as daily activities for all ages like ukelele lessons, crafts, movies, and bonfires with marshmallows. Visit margaritavilleresorts.com/camp-margaritaville-rv-resort-lodge-pigeon-forge.

• Need a little Christmas now or in July? Try The Inn at Christmas Place. Yes, it’s decorated all year, and a stay includes visits with Santa, activities, nightly cookies and more. Visit innatchristmasplace.com.

Park and ride! Pigeon Forge Mass Transit trolleys feature more than 200 stops and even select locations in nearby Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Get route information, costs and an app at mypigeonforge.com/planning/mass-transit-trolley.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Family fun in a Tennessee winter wonderland - On Location: Pigeon Forge (Winter Edition)