Whether your children favor classic kid’s meals or are adventurous eaters, you’ll find at least one Pigeon Forge restaurant they’ll love. Trial and error is never fun with hungry kids in tow, though. That’s why we’re here to highlight some of the most kid-friendly restaurants in the area. Check out the seven following options and then get out there to try them all. Just remember that while these eateries have kid’s menus, it’s not uncommon for the little ones to go for the signature dishes instead.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen | 131 The Island Dr #8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Kids love to dine at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and for good reason. It’s much like going to grandma’s house for home-cooked fare done right. Their southern-inspired dishes are made fresh daily and never fail to delight with their rich, comforting flavors.
When ordering for your kids, take the easy route and get the ooey-gooey mac ‘n cheese, for sure. If your youngster has a big appetite, pair that dish with one or more fried chicken legs. Prefer to come by for breakfast? In the morning, you’ll find everything from butter pancakes to breakfast casseroles. Yum!
Mama’s Farmhouse
Mama’s Farmhouse | 208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Mama’s Farmhouse is another spot that makes kids feel right at home. They’re known for their award-winning, ultra-fluffy biscuits, but that’s just the start of what they have to order.
If your kids would like to enjoy those biscuits breakfast style, get them smothered in chocolate gravy and strawberry butter. Or they can skip that and go straight for the chicken tenders, which are served all day, every day.
Otherwise, this restaurant’s kitchen rotates between five exquisite meals each day of the week. They have meatloaf, turkey and stuffing, Salisbury steak, and other home-cooked favorites. Just be sure to tell everyone to save room for their delicious Banana Pudding.
Frizzle Chicken Cafe
Frizzle Chicken Cafe | 2785 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Do your kids dream of noshing on tasty diner food while surrounded by singing animatronic chickens? If so, you can make their dreams come true with a trip over to Frizzle Chicken Café. At this iconic joint, food, and fun come together to make for a truly memorable meal out with the family.
As the chickens warble out their favorite tunes, your children can start their day by digging into the pancakes, Belgian waffles, and other breakfast delights. If you land here after going on a few adventures, it’ll be time for chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and many other scrumptious lunchtime dishes.
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
FlapJack’s Pancake Cabin | 2734 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
If your kids are all about enjoying the fluffiest pancakes in town, don’t skip the trip to Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. This local favorite does pancakes in every way possible, smothering them in berries, chocolate, and so much more.
Their Reese’s Peanut Butter Pancakes are particularly popular with the kids. And it’s easy to see why: chocolate chip pancakes, crumbled Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream come together to leave a lasting impression.
If that’s not their jam, there’s also French toast, Belgian waffles, omelets, and skillet meals. You can get in on the fun by ordering yourself one of Flapjack’s Feasts, like the Country Ham and Eggs Breakfast.
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen | 3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Who can resist gourmet appetizers, pasta galore, and the best burgers around? At J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen, you and your kids can get all that and more in a single trip.
Start your meal with Fried Cheese Curds, Loaded Tater Tots, or Fried Pickle Chips to kickstart your appetites. After that, the sky is the limit to what you can order. Kids absolutely adore the Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken Tender Dinner, and Deluxe Nachos.
If you have particularly adventurous eaters, don’t hesitate to direct their attention to the Chicken Parmesan. Upon ordering this dish, your kiddo will get breaded chicken breast covered in marinara and shredded parmesan. As if that’s not enough, it also gets plated alongside alfredo penne pasta to bring it all together.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom | 131 The Island Dr Ste 3101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Mellow Mushroom might have a reputation for being an artisan pizza joint, but that doesn’t mean it’s not kid-friendly. In fact, kids of all ages greatly enjoy building their own 10” pizza pie. There are dozens of topping options to choose from, ensuring that everyone gets just what they’re craving. And there’s no shame in just going with plain cheese if that’s what your kiddo wants.
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, consider getting a calzone instead. They also have over a dozen burgers, hoagies, and sandwiches, including their classic Meatball Hoagie. This dish starts with seasoned meatballs baked to perfection and then tossed in Mellow red sauce. After that, the meatballs land on the hoagie roll and get topped with mozzarella before going through the oven to get hot and bubbly.
Mel’s Classic Diner
Mel’s Classic Diner | 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
All-day breakfast, lunchtime classics, and homemade dinners are the name of the game at Mel’s Diner. On their mile-long breakfast menu, you’ll find fan favorites like Cheese Omelets and Magnolia’s Pancakes.
Many kids eagerly go for Carson’s Chicken Fingers with Fries, Macaroni and Cheese with Fries, or Raelynn’s Cheeseburger with Fries. If your kids want to choose their culinary adventure, the Hotdog with 1 topping and Fries is a great choice. They get to top their hot dog in whatever suits their fancy (chili, anyone?) and then enjoy it with a side of hot, salty French fries.
Once you find somewhere your kids love, it’s tempting to stop the search right then and there. But you can trust that all the restaurants on this list will have something your kids love. If you aim to try them all, you’ll get to experience the best of the best in Pigeon Forge while broadening your child’s horizons. Who knows? They might even transform into budding foodies by the end of your journey.
