If you’ve ever driven down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, chances are you’ve seen the massive upside-down building that looks like it crash-landed in the Smoky Mountains. That building is WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, one of the most popular indoor attractions in East Tennessee.
Designed to blend entertainment and education, WonderWorks Pigeon Forge TN is packed with hands-on exhibits that explore science, art, and imagination. From hurricane simulators to glow-in-the-dark ropes courses, it’s a place where learning meets play – all inside a climate-controlled, family-friendly space.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about WonderWorks: what it is, how much tickets cost, when it’s open, and what real visitors are saying. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just passing through, here’s everything you need to know before stepping inside.
Location, Parking & Ride Restrictions
Address & Contact Details
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge is located at:
100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
You can reach the attraction by phone at (865) 868‑1800 or email at info@wonderworkstn.com. It’s right off the Parkway, near other major attractions like the Titanic Museum and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, making it easy to spot thanks to its massive upside-down building.
Hours & Ticketing Notes
WonderWorks is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 9 p.m. Admissions are valid all day and generally allow re-entry, but during peak days (especially holidays or rainy weekends), re-entry may be restricted based on capacity.
Parking Information
There is free on-site parking available directly in front of the WonderWorks building. No offsite parking or shuttle services are required.
Ride & Attraction Restrictions
Some attractions have specific safety rules regarding height, weight, footwear, and clothing. Here’s a breakdown:
- Wonder Coaster
• Must be at least 48 inches tall to ride alone (or 42 inches with an adult)
• Combined weight must not exceed 500 lb
• Riders must be free of injuries
- Ropes Course
• Minimum height: 48 inches alone (42 inches with an adult)
• Maximum height: 6 feet 8 inches
• Max weight: 300 lb
• Closed-toe shoes required
• No skirts, dresses, or injuries allowed
- Astronaut Training Gyro
• Minimum height: 54 inches
• Max height: 6 feet 2 inches
• Max weight: 225 lb
• Hair must be tied up
• No injuries permitted
- Extreme Bikes 360
• Minimum height: 52 inches
• Max weight: 250 lb
• Closed-toe shoes required
• No skirts or dresses
• No injuries permitted
- Rock Wall
• Weight range: 40 to 250 lb
• No skirts or dresses
• No injuries allowed
- 4D XD Theater
• Minimum height: 40 inches
• Riders must be injury-free
Health Note: Some exhibits include strobe lights, motion simulation, and flashing imagery. Guests with heart conditions, vertigo, epilepsy, light sensitivity, or similar concerns should use caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a visit take?
Expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours exploring WonderWorks. - Can I bring food inside?
No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. - Is photography allowed?
Yes! You’re encouraged to take photos throughout the attraction. - Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The building includes elevators and is ADA-friendly. - Can children enter alone?
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). - What forms of payment are accepted?
WonderWorks accepts cash, major credit cards, and travelers checks.
For more information learn more here. Last updated August 2025.
What is WonderWorks Pigeon Forge?
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge TN is an indoor amusement park that combines science, exploration, and hands-on learning in one interactive experience. Known for its upside-down exterior, WonderWorks is designed to spark curiosity from the moment visitors arrive. The attraction is built to resemble a top-secret laboratory that was lifted into the sky by a tornado and crashed upside down onto a brick warehouse in the Smokies. Inside, guests are immersed in a world of discovery, where education and entertainment go hand in hand.
This 35,000-square-foot facility features more than 100 interactive exhibits and is divided into six distinct “WonderZones,” each focused on a different area of science, physical challenge, or imagination. From experiencing the force of hurricane winds to designing your own roller coaster, WonderWorks is built to engage all ages through touch, movement, and creativity.
The Six WonderZones
Each WonderZone offers a unique mix of education and excitement, allowing guests to engage with science and nature in a way that feels more like play than study.
1. Extreme Weather Zone
This area allows guests to experience the power of natural disasters. Inside the Hurricane Shack, visitors can stand in wind speeds reaching 74 miles per hour. There’s also an Earthquake Café, which simulates a 5.3 magnitude quake. Visitors can dip their hand into icy cold 28°F water to see how long they would last in Titanic-like conditions. The Tesla Coil exhibit safely demonstrates 100,000 volts of electricity and allows guests to control bolts of lightning using a touch-sensitive plasma globe.
2. Physical Challenge Zone
This zone is focused on testing the limits of the human body and reflexes. Visitors can lie on a real bed of nails, made up of over 3,500 steel points, to learn about pressure distribution. There’s also a pulley challenge that demonstrates mechanical advantage, a giant Bubble Lab for blowing life-sized bubbles, and a virtual sports area where guests can try football, soccer, and baseball simulations. A speed and reaction test measures how fast you can press buttons against a timer.
3. Light and Sound Zone
Guests can explore how sound and light interact with the world around us. A floor piano lets visitors step on large keys to play music. There are shadow walls that freeze your silhouette in place, and light experiments that demonstrate reflection, refraction, and the color spectrum. This zone is ideal for children and adults alike who enjoy artistic, visual learning.
4. Space Discovery Zone
This area is dedicated to outer space and astronaut training. Visitors can climb into a replica Mercury capsule, try on a space suit, and attempt to land a space shuttle in a flight simulator. The Astronaut Training Challenge is a multi-axis trainer that spins guests in all directions, mimicking the disorientation astronauts feel in zero gravity. The Wonder Coaster allows guests to design and ride their own roller coaster using a virtual reality simulator.
5. Imagination Lab
In this creative zone, visitors are encouraged to use problem-solving skills and think like inventors. Activities include an oversized Lite-Brite wall for creating colorful designs, a digital painting station, gear-building puzzles, and brain-teasing games. This zone is geared toward younger guests but appeals to anyone who enjoys tactile, constructive play.
6. Far-Out Art Gallery
This space features optical illusions, 3D artwork, and perception-based exhibits. Guests are invited to examine hidden object paintings, observe visual tricks, and explore how the brain processes information differently when confronted with unusual patterns or perspectives.
Learn more about the WonderZones here.
Key Interactive Attractions Beyond the WonderZones
In addition to the six WonderZones, WonderWorks Pigeon Forge offers several large-scale experiences included with admission.
Indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course
Suspended four stories high inside the building, this ropes course features over 50 obstacles including swinging bridges, tightropes, and balance beams. The course is illuminated with black lights to create a visually striking environment. Guests must wear closed-toe shoes and meet height and weight requirements, but it’s suitable for both kids and adults looking for a physical challenge.
Laser Tag Arena
WonderWorks includes a single-level laser tag arena with black lights, fog, and music to set the atmosphere. Players can compete in short rounds using laser blasters while weaving through barriers and hiding spots. It adds a competitive, high-energy break from the educational exhibits and is suitable for older children, teens, and adults.
Summary
So what is WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge? It’s not just a museum or a play area—it’s a full sensory and learning adventure for all ages. With six uniquely themed WonderZones and bonus attractions like the ropes course, laser tag, and 4D theater, it delivers on the promise of WonderWorks Pigeon Forge: to educate, amaze, and entertain all under one upside‑down roof.
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge Tickets & Pricing
If you’re planning a visit to WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, understanding ticket options, group pricing, and available discounts can help you get the most out of your trip. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, a school group, or for a special celebration, there are flexible pricing options for every type of visitor.
General Admission Tickets
Click here to visit the official WonderWorks Pigeon Forge website
General admission includes all-day access to WonderWorks’ 100+ interactive exhibits, the indoor glow-in-the-dark ropes course, the 4D XD Motion Theater, and one round of laser tag. Once you enter the upside-down building and pass through the inversion tunnel, the entire experience is yours to explore — from the Bed of Nails to astronaut simulators.
Here’s the current price breakdown:
- Adults (ages 13–61): $36.99 + tax
- Children (ages 4–12): $27.99 + tax
- Seniors (62+): $27.99 + tax
- Children under 4: Free
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and stay as long as they’d like. Re-entry is typically allowed throughout the day, though it may be limited during busy weekends or holidays when the attraction reaches capacity.
You can view the most up-to-date prices and book online through the WonderWorks Pigeon Forge ticket prices page.
Special Discounts & Offers
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge provides rotating discounts and seasonal promotions to make visits more accessible. Common offers include discounts for:
- Military personnel and veterans
- Tennessee residents (when available)
- Educators and homeschool families
- Special online promotions
These offers change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the discounts page before you buy your tickets.
Birthday Parties at WonderWorks
For families looking to celebrate a birthday in a truly one-of-a-kind way, WonderWorks offers birthday party packages that combine fun and convenience. Each party includes admission to all WonderZones and attractions, access to a decorated private party room, pizza and drinks, a party host, and optional add-ons like goodie bags or cupcakes.
It’s a great option for kids who want more than the typical birthday at home — and it gives parents a stress-free way to entertain a group in a safe, exciting space.
Full details are available on the Birthday Parties page, and you can also join the Birthday Club for exclusive offers and celebration perks throughout the year.
Group Visits and Educational Programs
WonderWorks has long been a favorite for field trips, youth groups, and corporate outings. Group reservations unlock special pricing and customizable experiences depending on the type of visit. Whether you’re coordinating a large travel tour or a team-building session for your staff, WonderWorks offers something tailored for everyone.
Some of the most popular group experiences include:
- Pigeon Forge Field Trips – hands-on science learning in a fun, safe environment
- Girl Scout Groups – includes patches, STEM-based activities, and personalized programs
- Fundraisers – host a memorable fundraising event that supports your cause
- Tours & Travel Groups – perfect for large bus groups and tour companies
- Team Building Activities – icebreakers, problem-solving exercises, and ropes course challenges
- Corporate Events – private meeting rooms, full venue access, and interactive sessions that build collaboration
Many of these programs are flexible and available year-round. Group reservations should be made in advance to secure availability and discounted rates.
STEM Programs and Themed Educational Events
In addition to its day-to-day exhibits, WonderWorks hosts STEM-focused events and learning programs that inspire students and young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a real-world setting.
Here are some standout programs:
- STEM Programs – a structured curriculum that connects classroom learning with interactive exhibits
- National STEM Day – a yearly celebration of science and learning through activities and field trips
- Annual Art Contest – open to students K–12 with art displayed in the museum
- Homeschool Days – special discounted rates and learning guides for homeschool families
- Sensory Nights – designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, with adjusted lighting and reduced noise
- Kids Corner – online activities and games that extend learning beyond your visit
- Saturdays in Space – space-themed programming, ideal for future astronauts and science enthusiasts
- Hidden Rocks Scavenger Hunt – a fun, free scavenger hunt around the museum with hidden rock paintings to find
These events often include partnerships with educators and school districts and are crafted to enhance learning through fun, physical engagement. For families and teachers looking to create meaningful experiences outside the classroom, these programs are a major highlight of what makes WonderWorks stand out.
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge tickets are more than just admission — they’re your all-day pass to explore, learn, and challenge your senses in one of the most interactive attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a birthday party, or an educational outing, there are flexible pricing options and memorable programs for every type of guest.
Click here to visit the official WonderWorks Pigeon Forge website
Wonder Café at WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
Located on the upper level of WonderWorks, the Wonder Café is the perfect spot to take a break, grab a snack, and recharge before heading back into the action. Whether you’re visiting with kids, teens, or adults, the café offers a range of quick and convenient options for all ages.
Menu Highlights
The café serves a selection of classic favorites and family-friendly snacks, including:
- Hand-tossed pizza by the slice or whole
- Hot dogs
- Nachos
- Soft pretzels
- Chips and popcorn
- Mini Melts ice cream
- Fresh cookies
The offerings are simple, quick, and ideal for a casual meal between exhibits or after exploring the ropes course and 4D theater.
Atmosphere
The Wonder Café offers indoor seating in a relaxed, informal setting. It’s designed for convenience, allowing guests to enjoy food without having to leave the building or interrupt their visit. The space is clean, family-focused, and great for a mid-visit pause.
Things to Know
- The café is located inside WonderWorks, making it easy to access during your visit.
- It’s designed for quick service, so you can enjoy a bite without waiting too long.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed, so this is the designated place to eat inside the attraction.
- Great for families with kids, especially after high-energy exhibits like laser tag or the ropes course.
To preview the full list of available food options or plan a mealtime during your visit, you can check the official page here: Wonder Café
Click here to visit the official WonderWorks Pigeon Forge website
Visitor Reviews, Experience Tips, and Is It Worth Visiting WonderWorks Pigeon Forge?
What Visitors Are Saying
WonderWorks Pigeon Forge receives consistently strong reviews from families, tourists, and school groups looking for indoor entertainment that’s both fun and educational. Many guests describe it as one of the most memorable stops in the Smoky Mountains, especially for children ages 6 to 14. The hands-on exhibits, themed WonderZones, and immersive attractions like the ropes course and 4D theater are frequently praised for their ability to engage all types of learners and personalities.
Common Pros Noted by Visitors:
- Wide variety of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages
- Educational but entertaining – ideal for kids and adults alike
- Indoor setting makes it a great option for rainy or hot days
- Clean, well-maintained facility with friendly staff
- Fun extras like laser tag and the glow-in-the-dark ropes course
Common Cons Noted by Visitors:
- Can get crowded on weekends, holidays, and rainy afternoons
- Some exhibits may feel more geared toward children
- Food options are limited to quick-service café items
- Sensory-sensitive guests may find certain zones overstimulating
Most reviewers suggest allowing 3 to 4 hours to explore the entire attraction, especially if you’re including activities like laser tag and the ropes course. Families with young children or large groups may benefit from staying even longer to move at a more relaxed pace.
Is WonderWorks Pigeon Forge Worth It?
If you’re looking for an indoor activity that goes beyond the typical museum or arcade, WonderWorks is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. It offers a full-sensory experience that blends learning with play, which makes it especially appealing to families with school-aged children, educators, and groups looking for something more stimulating than a ride-based attraction.
It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Rainy days or extreme weather — everything is indoors and climate-controlled
- Family vacations where adults and kids want to do something together
- Educational trips or homeschool outings that want STEM engagement in action
- Group visits looking for hands-on interaction without needing outdoor space
Because the experience is self-paced, it works for both high-energy kids who want to move quickly and more curious learners who like to explore each exhibit in detail.
Tips for Visiting WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your visit:
- Best times to go: Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded. Weekends, holidays, and rainy days can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
- What to wear: Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are a must — especially if you plan to do the ropes course or any physical challenges.
- How long to stay: Budget at least 3 hours to see everything. If you’re with kids, you might need 4 or more to enjoy the space without rushing.
- What not to miss:
- The Bed of Nails and Hurricane Shack for physical experiences
- The Wonder Coaster and Astronaut Training Gyro for thrill-seekers
- The indoor ropes course and 4D XD Motion Theater for all ages
- The Space Discovery Zone and Physical Challenge Zone for hands-on learners
- Laser tag for a high-energy finish to your visit
- The Bed of Nails and Hurricane Shack for physical experiences
Overall, WonderWorks Pigeon Forge stands out as more than just an attraction — it’s an interactive, educational adventure that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something fun, family-friendly, and indoors, this upside-down building delivers on all fronts.
Click here to visit the official WonderWorks Pigeon Forge website
Where to Stay Near WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
If you’re planning to visit WonderWorks, why not stay close to the action? Our Smoky Mountain cabins are located just minutes from WonderWorks Pigeon Forge and other top attractions like Dollywood and the Titanic Museum. You can spend the day exploring hands-on exhibits, walking the Parkway, or enjoying the ropes course – and then return to your own private space to unwind.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a group trip, or booking a romantic weekend, our cabins offer the perfect balance of space, comfort, and convenience.
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