Conquering Dollywood with Kids: A Guide for Families
Dollywood, the beloved theme park in the Smoky Mountains, is the perfect place for a family vacation. With exciting rides, engaging shows, and a touch of Southern hospitality, there’s something for everyone. Planning a trip with kids? This guide will help you make the most of your Dollywood adventure. Start with our 7-Step Process and create your touring plan before you go to ensure your visit will go as smoothly as possible.
Guide for Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Go:
For a more relaxed Dollywood experience with smaller crowds, plan your visit for the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) seasons. These times offer comfortable weather and shorter wait times for rides. Summer (June-August) and holidays mean larger crowds and longer lines. Weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are generally less busy than weekends. It’s also a good idea to check Dollywood’s event calendar to avoid dates with special events that might increase attendance.
Tickets and Accommodations:
Dollywood provides a variety of ticket options, ranging from single-day passes to season passes. You can explore all ticket choices in detail in our comprehensive guide here. Be sure to check for discounts that can be combined with a stay at the Dollywood Resort, and consider buying your tickets online ahead of time to save both time and money. Additionally, Dollywood offers FREE season passes for preschoolers. Find out if your child qualifies in this article.
For accommodations, Dollywood offers options to suit different preferences, from the luxurious DreamMore Resort to charming cabins. Staying on-site comes with exclusive perks like easy access to the park, free transportation, time-saver passes, and early park entry.
Navigating the Park:
Dollywood is a large theme park, so it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the layout before you go. Download the park map or use the Dollywood app, which offers real-time wait times, show schedules, restaurant menus, and park hours. The app also helps you find rides, attractions, and dining options suited for all ages. Plus, you can use it to order food on the go and save time. We highly recommend using the app! To make the experience more manageable, consider exploring the park in sections. Stroller parking is available, and rentals are offered for those who need them. To learn about all things stroller related click here.
Strollers:
If you’re visiting with young children, bringing your own stroller or you can rent one at the park, as Dollywood is quite large and little ones can tire out quickly. You will have a much happier experience if tired little legs can rest for a bit while not slowing down your touring process.
Touring Plan:
Make sure to pack your touring plan so you aren’t walking in blindly. Touring with a plan will minimize stress and help you get to all of the must dos on your list!
TimeSaver Passes:
If your budget permits, consider buying TimeSaver passes to help reduce wait times for popular attractions and shows, allowing you to make the most of your visit. Kids and adults alike are much happier not having to wait in lines.
Family Rest Areas:
Dollywood offers several designated rest areas where you can take a break, change diapers, or simply relax for a moment during your adventure. Map out where these are by visiting the Dollywood website or app prior to your visit. Family restrooms featuring their own private entrance are located in Country Fair, Owens Farm, Wilderness Pass and on Showstreet.
First Aid:
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the locations of the first aid stations, just in case you need any medical assistance or have minor injuries during your visit.
Rides & Attractions
Dollywood has something for everyone, from gentle carousels to thrilling roller coasters. Be sure to check height restrictions and ride descriptions to ensure your children’s safety and comfort. Younger kids will love areas like Country Fair and Wildwood Grove, which offer age-appropriate rides, play areas, and interactive fun. There are also fun character interactions in special areas of the park. Check them out here!
Don’t Miss These Rides:
- Thrill-Seekers: Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle, Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, Big Bear Mountain
- Families: Dollywood Express, Smoky Mountain River Rampage, The Scrambler, Rockin Roadway
- Little Ones: The Amazing Flying Elephants, Piggy Parade, Busy Bees, Black Bear Trail
Dollywood also features fantastic live entertainment, including music, storytelling, and Appalachian craft demonstrations. Check the show schedule and plan to enjoy a few performances during your visit.
Dining
Traveling with picky eaters? Dollywood understands! They’re pretty flexible about bringing in outside food. Our family knows this firsthand. We often pack a variety of snacks to keep everyone happy, and we’ve even brought in things like a thermos of warm rice for our little one during a particularly picky phase. The bag check was a breeze. We simply explained what was in the thermos, the attendant took a quick peek, and we were good to go! It made our Dollywood experience so much easier.
Diverse Options:
Dollywood provides a wide variety of dining choices, from casual quick bites to full-service restaurants. You’ll find everything from classic theme park fare to Southern comfort food and international dishes.
Kid-Friendly Menus:
Many of the restaurants offer kid-friendly menus featuring familiar favorites like chicken nuggets, pizza, and mac and cheese. If you are looking for a dining experience where you will find something for everyone in your group, even the picky eaters, you can’t go wrong with Aunt Granny’s! More about Aunt Granny’s here.
Snacks and Treats:
Be sure to treat yourself to some of Dollywood’s iconic snacks, such as their famous cinnamon bread, kettle corn, and delicious ice cream.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Pack Responsibly:
Check out our packing list for your park bag! Remember the important items such as sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunglasses, your touring plan, baby supplies, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated or your refillable Dollywood Mug. More on that here!
Dress for Comfort:
Wear cool, breathable clothes during the warmer months, layers of warm clothes during the winter months that you can remove or add as the temperatures change throughout the day, and comfortable shoes suitable for lots of walking and standing.
Hydration:
Use a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated or your refillable Dollywood Mug. More on that here! Make sure to remind your party to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during the warmer months. It’s easy to forget to do this when you are having fun!
Be Flexible:
Theme park trips can sometimes be unpredictable, so be prepared to pivot and embrace any unexpected moments. We love to pack bubbles for our kids to enjoy while waiting in an unexpected line! It will help to pass the time in a fun way and can even make other kids experience being in line with you better as well!
Memories:
The most important recommendation we have for you is to enjoy the experience and create lasting memories with your family at Dollywood. Is it easy touring a theme park with kids in tow? Absolutely not, but it is so much fun and will provide memories you will cherish for a lifetime!
What are you Waiting For?
Dollywood isn’t just a theme park; it’s where Smoky Mountain magic meets family fun. It’s the kind of place where kids’ eyes light up, and parents rediscover their inner child. If you’re looking for a family adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, Dollywood delivers. Imagine soaring through the air on a thrilling coaster with the Smokies as your backdrop, then exploring the heart of Appalachian culture. That’s Dollywood. Traveling with kids? Dollywood gets it. They’ve woven together exciting rides, engaging shows, and a touch of Southern charm to create an experience that’s as memorable as it is fun. But making the most of your family’s Dollywood adventure takes a little planning. Simply Touring is your secret weapon. We’ll help you navigate everything from choosing the perfect time to visit to finding the right tickets and a place to call home during your trip. We’ll even share insider tips on navigating the park like a pro, keeping everyone hydrated (especially those little explorers!), and embracing the inevitable “oops” moments that come with family travel. Dollywood isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chapter in your family’s story. It’s a place where you can reconnect, discover new passions together, and create memories that will sparkle long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
