Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay turns a round of mini golf into a story. Play beneath the waves on an indoor mermaid course, take to the rooftop with the sky pirates, or play both, with live characters, photo ops, an arcade and a candy shop all in one stop on the Pigeon Forge Parkway.

Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay calls itself the world's first "epic golf adventure," and it comes from the team behind Toy Box Mini Golf and Crave Golf Club. It was named Best New Attraction in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. With two full 18-hole courses, it's an easy way to fill an afternoon or evening with the whole family.

The story of Mermaid Bay

Every hole ties back to one tale. The year is 1690. Captain Thunderbeard and his crew of sky pirates sail the Smoky Doubloon, the world's first and only flying ship, in search of treasure. Their target is Mermaid Bay, where the mermaid folk guard a hidden treasure of their own.

Which side are you on? You can join the swashbuckling pirates in their quest for gold, or help the mermaids defend their underwater kingdom. Either way, watch out: the dreaded Kraken lurks in the shadows, and it doesn't care whether you're a pirate or a mermaid.

Two 18-hole courses

The Mermaid course (indoor)

The Mermaid course takes you under the sea. This 18-hole indoor course winds through coral reef canyons and underwater caves filled with mythical sea creatures, and mermaid characters appear along the way. The course is climate-controlled, so it's comfortable whatever the weather is doing outside.

The Sky Pirate course (rooftop)

Head upstairs for the Sky Pirate course, an 18-hole rooftop course "high in the clouds" among airborne pirate ships. Daring obstacles stand between you and the treasure, and buccaneer characters keep the adventure going. The course is designed to be accessible to all.

Play one or both

Short on time? Pick the course that fits your crew. Want the whole story? Play both and see whether the pirates or the mermaids come out on top. Because the Mermaid course is indoors, it's a good choice on a rainy or hot day. The rooftop course is the pick when the weather is nice.

Live characters and photo ops

What sets Sky Pirates apart from a typical putt-putt is the cast. Interactive mermaid and sky pirate characters appear around the courses, ready to cheer you on or pose for a picture.

The themed sets make nearly every corner photo-worthy. Kids who want to fully join the story can stop by the dress-up and face painting stations before they play.

The Arrrcade Adventure

Between rounds, take a break in the arcade. The Arrrcade Adventure has the latest point-and-shoot games, racing games, basketball, skee ball and more, with prizes to win. It's a fun way to settle any ties left over from the course.

Planning an arcade night, too? See our guide to the best arcades in Pigeon Forge.

Candy Cave

The Candy Cave is a treat in itself. Look for a Jelly Belly display, massive cartons of Nerds and Sour Patch Kids, towering four-foot pixie sticks, and plenty of pay-by-the-pound containers so everyone can build their own bag.

Food, treats and souvenirs

Don't putt on an empty stomach. The concessions stand serves pizza, nachos, soft pretzels and churros, plus the signature pineapple Dole Whip float. Grab a souvenir cup to remember the trip.

There's also a toy store with themed gifts, so the kids can take a little piece of Mermaid Bay home.

Great for groups and parties

Traveling with a crowd? Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay welcomes groups, including church youth groups, field trips, sports teams and scout troops. That makes it a natural stop for a team tournament weekend or a youth trip to the Smokies. It also hosts parties, so it's worth a look if you're celebrating a birthday while you're in town. Check the official website for current group and party options before you book.

Tips for your visit

• Pick your side. Let everyone choose pirate or mermaid before you start. It makes the story more fun, especially for kids.
• Check the weather for the rooftop. The Sky Pirate course is outdoors on the roof, so plan it for a clear stretch of the day and save the indoor Mermaid course for rain.
• Bring the camera. Between the characters and the themed sets, you'll want photos.
• Save time for extras. The arcade, Candy Cave and concessions can easily add to your visit, so build in time beyond your round.
• Check hours before you go. Hours are subject to change, so confirm on the official website before you head over.

More mini golf in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is one of the best mini golf towns in the Smokies, and each course has its own theme. Try Crave Golf Club for a candy-themed round, Toy Box Mini Golf for a toy-themed round, or Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf for an outdoor adventure. For more rainy-day options, see our guide to the best indoor mini golf in Pigeon Forge.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay?

It's at 2420 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

How many holes are there?

There are two 18-hole courses: the indoor Mermaid course and the rooftop Sky Pirate course.

Is Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay indoors?

The Mermaid course is indoors and climate-controlled. The Sky Pirate course is on the rooftop.

Are there live characters?

Yes. Interactive mermaid and sky pirate characters appear around the courses.

Is there anything besides mini golf?

Yes. There's an arcade, the Candy Cave candy shop, concessions, a toy store, and dress-up and face painting stations.

Plan your visit

Keep the games going back at your cabin. Some of our cabins have their own arcade games, all set to free play. Browse our cabins with arcade games or our family cabins.

Stay close to the Parkway with our Pigeon Forge cabins, look at Gatlinburg cabins, or browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabins.