Guide to Visiting Dollywood Theme Park with Kids
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood stands as a beacon of entertainment, adventure, and Southern hospitality. Since its inception in 1986, this beloved theme park has captured the hearts of millions with its unique blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious cuisine, and wholesome family fun. Named after the legendary country music icon, Dolly Parton, Dollywood embodies her spirit of warmth, creativity, and inclusivity, offering an experience that resonates with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Guide to Visiting Dollywood Theme Park with Kids
As you step through its gates, you are welcomed into a world where imagination knows no bounds and every moment is filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Join us as we embark on a journey through the wonders of Dollywood, family-friendly theme park, where dreams come alive and magic is always in the air for the whole family.
Dollywood ranked as #1 Theme Park in the United States by TripAdvisor in 2022 and after visiting I can most definitely understand why. Dollywood is a theme park owned by Dolly Parton and loved by so many families and visitors. Dollywood is situated on 160 acres located in the heart of the great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood happily welcomes guests from all over the world mid-March to the Christmas holidays – Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee. You will definitely want to read more to find out why visitors young and old love Dollywood in Tennessee.
Dollywood TN Family Visit Review
The amount of time needed to fully experience Dollywood depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, the crowd levels during your visit, and the extent to which you want to explore the park's offerings. Generally, many visitors find that they can enjoy most of what Dollywood has to offer in a single day. However, if you want to take your time, see all the shows, try all the rides, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, you might consider spending two days at the park.
Dollywood's extensive lineup of attractions, entertainment, dining options, and shopping opportunities can easily fill up multiple days, especially during peak seasons or if you want to experience everything at a leisurely pace. Additionally, the park often hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, which may require extra time to fully enjoy.
Ultimately, whether you choose to spend one day or multiple days at Dollywood depends on your individual preferences, schedule, and budget. Regardless of the duration of your visit, you're sure to create lasting memories and have a fantastic time at this beloved theme park in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood hosts a variety of special events year-round, each adding its own unique flavor and excitement to the park experience. Here's an overview of some of the special events you can expect to find at Dollywood throughout the year:
Festival of Nations: This annual event celebrates cultures from around the world through music, dance, food, and crafts. Visitors can experience performances by international artists, indulge in global cuisine, and explore artisanal creations from different countries.
Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival: During this event, Dollywood combines mouthwatering southern barbecue with the soulful sounds of bluegrass music. Guests can enjoy delicious barbecue dishes while tapping their toes to live performances by renowned bluegrass bands.
Summer Celebration: As temperatures rise, Dollywood's Summer Celebration offers cool ways to beat the heat. This event features extended park hours, electrifying nightly fireworks displays, and a lively atmosphere filled with summer-themed entertainment and activities.
Harvest Festival: Embracing the colors and flavors of autumn, Dollywood's Harvest Festival showcases the beauty of the season with vibrant fall foliage, festive decorations, and a pumpkin-themed wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy live musical performances, seasonal treats, and craft demonstrations.
Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Part of the Harvest Festival, Great Pumpkin LumiNights transforms Dollywood into a mesmerizing wonderland illuminated by thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. Guests can wander through enchanting pumpkin displays, enjoy festive music and entertainment, and savor seasonal treats.
Smoky Mountain Christmas: Celebrate the most magical time of the year at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, where the park is adorned with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can experience heartwarming holiday shows, meet Santa Claus, enjoy traditional Christmas meals, and take part in seasonal activities like ice skating and carriage rides.
New Year's Eve Celebration: Ring in the New Year with Dollywood's spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration, featuring live music, dazzling fireworks, and festive entertainment throughout the park. Guests can dance the night away, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and count down to midnight in true Dollywood style.
These are just a few examples of the special events that take place at Dollywood year-round. With something for every season and every interest, Dollywood's calendar is filled with excitement and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
High-Energy Entertainment for Kids of All Ages
Wildwood Grove
Wildwood Grove is a hit for preschoolers and young children. There are 6 rides perfect for little visitors while at Dollywood in Wildwood Grove. The lines moved quickly during our June visit which was perfect for a little rider who was excited to hop right on!
Inside of Wildwood Grove you can find The Wildwood Tree which is a beautiful spot to stop and take a break with musical instruments built into the tree. My children thought this was so cool and I was so impressed with how well the entire park was laid out for enjoyment and fun nestled into every single detail. Music is weaved into all of Dollywood with live performances, music playing in all areas of the theme park, and it is so much fun to watch children eagerly gravitate to the music play in The Wildwood Tree.
Hidden Hollow
Wildwood Grove is also home to the Hidden Hollow at Dollywood which was one of my favorite parts of Dollywood for my 3-year-old. We were at the theme park during record breaking Tennessee temperatures, and it was HOT! Hidden Hollow is an indoor air-conditioned play area that will entertain your kids for HOURS. Seriously, we had to drag our children out of there. This is a great place to stop and play if your group/family is splitting up for a bit to conquer different areas of the park. Hidden Hollow is also dark inside which would make it a great place for a tiny one to take a nap in a stroller while older siblings play!
Country Fair
My preschooler loved the Country Fair section of Dollywood. Country Fair has 11 rides that he could ride most of and loved them all. This is a must stop area for little ones in your group while visiting Dollywood.
Firehouse Fun Yard
Be sure your pack your swimsuit to be ready for some splashing in the Dollywood Firehouse Fun yard. It was such a great way to cool down after a lot of walking in the heat during our summer visit. This area is great for various ages with climbing water structure, large Legos to build with in or out of the water, lots of shade and seating for parents. This is also located close to some of the larger rollercoasters so if you have a little one that isn’t tall enough it’s a great time to keep them busy while other members of your family go on a few rollercoasters.
Wildwood Creek
Wildwood Creek is a water play featured nestled into the Wildwood Grove area and is a family and child favorite during the warmer months.
Dollywood offers a variety of activities and attractions specifically designed to entertain preschoolers and toddlers, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Here are some toddler-friendly activities you can enjoy at the park:
Country Fair: The Country Fair area of Dollywood features a selection of gentle rides and attractions perfect for younger children. From classic carousels to pint-sized Ferris wheels, there are plenty of age-appropriate rides that will delight toddlers and preschoolers.
Imagination Play Area: Located in the Country Fair section, the Imagination Play Area offers a safe and interactive space where little ones can climb, slide, and explore to their heart's content. This play area is designed specifically for young children, with colorful structures and soft surfaces.
Meet & Greets: Keep an eye out for opportunities to meet beloved characters from Dollywood's shows and attractions. Meeting characters like the Dollywood bears, or even Dolly Parton herself (on select occasions), can be a magical experience for toddlers and preschoolers.
Showtime Attractions: Dollywood's lineup of live entertainment includes several shows tailored for younger audiences. From puppet shows to musical performances featuring favorite children's songs, there are plenty of opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers to clap, sing, and dance along.
Lil' Pilots Playground: This aviation-themed play area is perfect for toddlers who love to pretend to be pilots. With airplane-themed climbing structures, slides, and interactive elements, little ones can let their imaginations take flight in a safe and engaging environment.
Splash Country's Little Creek Falls: If you're visiting during the warmer months, be sure to check out Splash Country's Little Creek Falls, a water play area specifically designed for young children. With shallow pools, gentle slides, and interactive water features, it's the perfect spot for toddlers to splash and cool off.
Storybook Adventure: Take a leisurely ride on the Dollywood Express train, which takes guests on a scenic journey through the park. This gentle ride is suitable for all ages, including toddlers and preschoolers, and offers a relaxing way to see the sights of Dollywood.
These are just a few examples of the toddler-friendly activities and attractions available at Dollywood. With its focus on family-friendly entertainment, there's no shortage of fun-filled experiences for even the youngest visitors to enjoy.
Mom Tips for Taking Small Kids to Dollywood
Planning a trip to Dollywood with small kids can be an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
Check Minimum Height Requirement: Before you go, familiarize yourself with the height requirements for rides and attractions. This will help you plan which attractions your children can enjoy based on their height.
Download the Dollywood App: The Dollywood mobile app is a handy tool for planning your visit. It provides real-time ride wait times, show schedules, interactive maps, and more. You can also use it to purchase tickets and dining reservations in advance.
Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving at the park early in the day. This will give you ample time to enjoy the attractions with shorter wait times and make the most of your visit before the park gets busier.
Rent Strollers or Bring Your Own: If you have young children who may need a break from walking, consider renting a stroller at the park or bringing your own. Strollers are available for rent near the main entrance and can be a lifesaver for tired little legs.
Use the Parent Swap Option: Dollywood offers a Parent Swap option for families with young children who may not meet the height requirements for certain rides. This allows one parent to wait with the child while the other parent rides, and then swap without waiting in line again.
Pack Essentials: Be sure to pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, snacks, and water bottles to keep your little ones comfortable and hydrated throughout the day. You may also want to bring a change of clothes in case of spills or water rides.
Take Breaks: Pace yourselves throughout the day and take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Dollywood offers plenty of shaded areas, benches, and indoor attractions where you can take a break from the sun and heat.
Visit Kid-Friendly Areas: Explore Dollywood's kid-friendly areas, such as The Country Fair and Wilderness Pass, which offer a variety of rides and attractions specifically geared towards younger children.
Enjoy Live Entertainment: Don't miss out on Dollywood's live entertainment offerings, which include family-friendly shows, musical performances, and character meet-and-greets. These can provide a welcome break from the rides and a chance for the whole family to relax and enjoy some entertainment together.
Have Fun and Be Flexible: Most importantly, have fun and be flexible with your plans. Allow plenty of time for spontaneous moments of fun and exploration, and don't worry too much about sticking to a strict schedule. The goal is to create lasting memories and enjoy quality time together as a family.
Grab a big water bottle and refill through the park for free at any water station. You can also ask for cups for free water at any refill station around the park.
There are charging stations all over the Dollywood Park as well to recharge phones to stay in touch with other members in your party.
If you want to break and stop to eat at a full-service restaurant for a break from walking, be sure to add your name to the list and they will text you when the table is ready.
Dollywood theme park, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Here are some of the family-friendly rides you can enjoy at Dollywood:
Dollywood Express: This is a classic steam train ride that takes you on a scenic journey through the park's beautiful surroundings. It's a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family. The Dollywood Express is one of the most popular attractions and is such a beautiful way to take in the changing season and give your feet a break.
Dolly's Demolition Derby: This bumper car attraction allows families to have fun crashing into each other in a safe and controlled environment.
Lumberjack Lifts: This is a gentle chairlift ride that offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
The Amazing Flying Elephants: A whimsical flying ride where kids can control their own elephant as it soars through the air.
Lemon Twist: A spinning teacup ride that's perfect for families to enjoy together.
Lucky Ducky: A classic carnival-style game where players can win prizes by picking up rubber duckies as they float by on a lazy river.
Sky Rider: A suspended monorail ride that provides a bird's-eye view of the park.
Village Carousel: A beautifully crafted carousel featuring hand-painted animals that kids and adults can ride.
The Scrambler: A spinning ride that's thrilling but not too intense, making it suitable for families.
Rockin' Roadway: Kids can hop into vintage cars and cruise around a track in this nostalgic driving ride.
These are just a few examples of the many family-friendly rides and attractions you'll find at Dollywood. The park offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to charming kiddie rides, ensuring a memorable experience for families visiting together.
What Can My Family Do at Dollywood Outside of Rides?
Featured Dollywood Live Shows
The live shows at Dollywood are absolutely amazing and I highly recommend catching one and taking a break from walking. My three small children really enjoyed the Wings of America interactive show.
Dollywood Express
Climb aboard for a memorable train ride on the Dollywood Express! The engineer sounds the whistle, and your 20-minute mountain excursion will begin. This 110-ton coal-fired steam engine takes you on a stunning five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains where you'll enjoy beautiful green scenery and some of the most jaw dropping views that nature has to offer. The engineer will tell you about the history of the area and Dollywood and provide a fascinating trip back in time when travel in and out of the mountains of Pigeon Forge relied on trains like the Dollywood Express.
This was a family favorite during our time at Dollywood. However, I would recommend arriving 20 minutes early to get in line for the train. While it can seat a ton of visitors you will want to be sure you don’t miss out!
Splash Areas
The Firehouse Fun Yard and Wildwood Creek, outlined above, are great for those who want to play but do not enjoy the rides!
Benjamin the Bear / Fairy Meet and Greets
Be sure to be on the lookout for fun furry and flitting friends flying around the park for photo ops and high fives!
What Dining Options are Available at Dollywood?
With three small kids who did not want to sit down and miss out on more rides we ate at the fast options throughout the Dollywood Park. You will have more than 20 dining locations available. If you want to experience a full-service dining option, be sure to have your name added to the list ahead of time and you will receive a text when your table is ready!
Dollywood offers a wide range of dining options suitable for families, catering to various tastes and preferences. Here's a rundown of some of the dining options you can expect to find at the park:
Red's Drive-In: This classic 50s-style diner serves up delicious burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Miss Lillian's Smokehouse and Fried Chicken: Indulge in Southern comfort food at Miss Lillian's, where you can feast on mouthwatering fried chicken, barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and hearty sides like macaroni and cheese and baked beans.
Aunt Granny's Restaurant: Offering an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a wide selection of Southern favorites, Aunt Granny's is a popular choice for families looking to satisfy their hunger with home-cooked dishes like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and more.
Front Porch Cafe: Situated in the heart of Dollywood, the Front Porch Cafe serves up casual dining fare such as sandwiches, salads, and pizza, making it a convenient option for families looking for a quick bite between rides and attractions.
Victoria's Pizza: Craving pizza? Head to Victoria's Pizza for freshly baked pies topped with your favorite ingredients, along with other Italian-inspired dishes like pasta and garlic knots.
Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans: Experience the flavors of the Appalachian region at Granny Ogle's, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like country ham, pinto beans, cornbread, and fried apples, all served with a side of Southern hospitality.
Hickory House BBQ: For authentic barbecue flavors, look no further than Hickory House BBQ, where you can sink your teeth into tender smoked meats, savory sides, and homemade desserts.
Spotlight Bakery: Indulge your sweet tooth at Spotlight Bakery, offering a tempting selection of freshly baked treats, including cookies, cakes, pastries, and Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread.
These are just a few examples of the award-winning dining options available for families at Dollywood. Whether you're in the mood for classic comfort food, Southern specialties, or international flavors, you'll find plenty of delicious choices to satisfy every palate during your visit to the park.
What are the Hours at Dollywood Theme Park?
Dollywood’s hours vary depending on the season and time of year, but it opens in Mid-March typically with hours of 10am-7pm and stays open as late as 930pm for most of the summer. You can find specific hours for the date you are planning to visit by checking here to plan your visit ahead of time.
Should I Stay at Dollywood’s Resort if I am planning on going to Dollywood Theme Park?
You can stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa if you would like to be on property. Dollywood offers a shuttle service to and from the park. Staying at the DreamMore Resort and Spa is a wonderful way to take your Dollywood trip to the next level. You can find room options for your family and compare pricing to other options in Pigeon Forge, TN by clicking this link.
We did not stay on property while we were in Pigeon Forge, TN but it only took us 15 minutes to get there from our cabin.
As the sun sets behind the majestic peaks of the Smoky Mountains, bidding farewell to another day at Dollywood, one cannot help but reflect on the countless memories created, the laughter shared, and the joy experienced. From the heart-pounding thrills of the roller coasters to the soul-stirring performances on stage, Dollywood offers an experience unlike any other—a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that leave an indelible mark on the soul. Whether you're a thrill-seeker seeking the next adrenaline rush or a family looking to create cherished moments together, Dollywood beckons with open arms, promising adventure, discovery, and a warm Southern welcome for the entire family. So, until we meet again under the twinkling lights of the park, may your spirits soar high and your hearts be filled with the magic of Dollywood.