WonderWorks Pigeon Forge

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks is impossible to miss on the Pigeon Forge Parkway - its building appears to have been flipped completely upside down, with the foundation pointing to the sky and the roof buried in the ground. This eye-catching architectural landmark houses one of the most entertaining family attractions in the Smoky Mountain area, featuring over 100 interactive exhibits spread across 35,000 square feet of hands-on fun.

The backstory of the building (shared as you enter) tells of a secret laboratory that was caught in a tornado and deposited upside down in Pigeon Forge. While the story is whimsical, the science inside is real. WonderWorks manages to make learning fun in a way that appeals to kids and adults alike, covering topics from natural disasters to space exploration to the physics of light and sound.

Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are behind glass, nearly everything at WonderWorks is designed to be touched, pressed, pulled, climbed on, or experimented with. This hands-on approach keeps kids engaged for hours and makes the experience genuinely educational without ever feeling like school. Adults are often just as fascinated as children, especially with exhibits like the hurricane simulator and the bed of nails.

Exhibit Zones

Natural Disasters

Experience the power of nature through simulations of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena. The hurricane simulator lets you stand in sustained winds up to 74 mph, while the earthquake table recreates the shaking of famous historical earthquakes. These exhibits are both thrilling and educational, showing the incredible forces of nature in a safe, controlled environment.

Physical Challenge

Test your physical abilities with exhibits that measure your strength, agility, reaction time, and coordination. Compete against family members in various challenges, from rock climbing walls to balance tests. The physical zone gets everyone moving and laughing as they discover their own capabilities and limitations.

Space Discovery

Explore the wonders of outer space through interactive exhibits about the solar system, astronaut training, and space travel. Sit in a Mercury space capsule replica, experience a motion simulator ride, and learn about the challenges of living in zero gravity. Space enthusiasts of all ages will find something fascinating in this zone.

Light and Sound

Discover the science of optics, acoustics, and visual perception through exhibits that play with light, color, and sound. Create art with laser beams, see your skeleton in an X-ray display, play a giant floor piano, and experience optical illusions that will make you question your own eyes. This zone produces some of the most Instagram-worthy moments in the entire attraction.

Imagination Lab

Build, create, and experiment in this zone dedicated to creativity and engineering. Design structures, experiment with simple machines, and explore mathematical concepts through play. This area is particularly engaging for kids who love building and tinkering.

Beyond the Exhibits

Indoor Ropes Course

Suspended three stories above the main exhibit floor, the WonderWorks ropes course is one of the tallest indoor ropes courses in the area. Navigate through 20 obstacles including rope bridges, balance beams, and cargo nets while safely harnessed. The course offers different difficulty levels, making it accessible to both kids and adults. Looking down at the exhibits below from the ropes adds an extra thrill.

Laser Tag Arena

A large, multi-level laser tag arena provides fast-paced action for groups and families. The arena features fog effects, fluorescent lighting, and strategic hiding spots that create an immersive battle experience. Games run approximately 15 minutes, and the competitive fun brings out the playful side of visitors of all ages.

6D Motion Theater

Experience the thrill of a simulated ride with motion seats, 3D effects, wind, water, and special lighting. Multiple film options are available, each providing a different adventure. The experience is brief but exciting, perfect for a quick break between exhibit zones.

Tips for Visiting WonderWorks

• Plan 2 to 4 hours: There is a lot to do. Do not try to rush through.
• Buy combo tickets: Packages that include ropes course and laser tag offer better value than buying separately
• Great rainy day activity: WonderWorks is completely indoors, making it one of the best bad-weather options in the area
• Visit on weekday mornings: Less crowded than weekends and holiday periods
• All ages welcome: Toddlers to grandparents will find something engaging
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be on your feet exploring for hours, and the ropes course requires closed-toe shoes
• Check for online discounts: Tickets purchased online are often cheaper than walk-up pricing