TL;DR
We escaped from Chattanooga for a day at The Island in Pigeon Forge during the first run of Jurassic Adventure. We hunted dinosaurs, enjoyed the fountain show, grubbed on some good food, used unlimited ride passes, and even bribed our kid with ice cream while we sampled moonshine. Bonus: smart parking tips, sun coverage info, and one trip your kids will ask to repeat.
Setting the Scene
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a lively hub of shopping, dining, rides, and attractions. During the spring when we visited, the new Jurassic Adventure event brought 20+ life-sized animatronic dinosaurs to the complex. We were looking for a family-friendly getaway where the adults
could enjoy some leisure shopping and the kids could have a themed adventure—and this hit the sweet spot.
Our Game Plan: Smart & Fun
We made it a weekend trip from Chattanooga. We arrived in the evening and enjoyed a fun dinner at Margaritaville. We saw a couple of dinosaurs and the fountain show, but then headed to our local cabin with plans to see the rest the next day.
The dinosaur scavenger hunt was the highlight. Each animatronic display had QR codes and fun facts (like “Carnotaurus Carl” and “Brachiosaurus Bruno”) that made the walk interactive. My son loved the face-painting station, which was dinosaur-themed but had girly options too—because yes, even dinosaur adventures have sparkles in our house.
Why Jurassic Adventure Works for Families
· Makes shopping fun for kids. While we adults browsed stores, our son was waiting for his ice cream reward (pro move, ahem!) and got to spy for dinosaurs along the way!
· Interactive, educational fun. Kids scan codes, learn about dinosaurs, and earn their little prize at the end.
· One location, mixed activities. Whether you want thrilling rides and attractions, great eating, quiet shopping, or themed entertainment, The Island offers it.
Parking & Travel Tips for The Island
· Parking at The Island is free in marked lots between The Island and the LeConte Events Center.
· For peak times, arrive early—lots near the entrance fill fast. Some lots may require a tram ride.
· The tram is helpful, but we found that we arrived faster by walking than waiting for the tram.
· Strollers or wagons are a must for younger kids— it’s a large complex with lots of walking and sunshine.
· Most families can enjoy this as a day trip, but if you do stay overnight, there are plenty of nearby lodging options.
· Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel during both day and evening — different vibe: daylight mountains and sunset lights.
What to Know Before You Go
· Unlimited ride pass = more freedom. It made the most sense for us, given what we wanted to do. Two rides on the ferris wheel were the same as or more than an unlimited pass.
· Activity ticket tiers vary: some attractions are included, others cost extra. Check what your purchase includes to avoid disappointment.
· Time of day matters: fountain shows and ride views differ between day and night—manage your time for both.
· Snacks/rest breaks: The Island has plenty of food options, but having a small snack on-hand helps avoid cranky moments.
· Weather & outfit check: Most of the adventure is outdoors and sunlit. Dress accordingly and stay hydrated.
Final Takeaway
If you’re looking for a family-friendly escape that gives you a mix of adult ease (shopping, dining) and kid-approved fun (dinosaurs, rides, themed experiences), the Jurassic Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge is a gem. Whether you stay overnight or just visit for the day, this is a memory-making opportunity for all ages.
Get ready to roar, explore, and shop!
Because adventures don’t have to be complicated—they just need a little planning and a big imagination.
