5 Reasons To Take Your Toddler To Dollywood This Spring And Summer

Dollywood, a 150 acre theme park in the foothills of The Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN offers rides, attractions, shows and plenty to do with your toddler. I have rounded up 5 reasons why you should visit this spring and summer with a few tips along the way.

1. The Dollywood Express.

Dollywood

The Dollywood Express provides a 30-minute ride every hour – rain or shine on a breathtaking five mile ride through the foothills of The Smoky Mountains. If you have a child that loves trains like mine this should be the first stop on your list! Passengers catch a glimpse of Owens Farm, Rivertown Junction, Craftsman’s Valley, The Village, Country Fair, Showstreet, Jukebox Junction and Timber Canyon. In one day, the train burns two tons of coal, drinks about 4,000 gallons of water and can carry 550 people in its seven cars.

Two Baldwin coal-fired steam trains—Klondike Katie, No. 192, built in 1943, and Cinderella, No. 70, built in 1939—have interesting histories. They were originally built for the U.S. Army, and both engines were used in Alaska during World War II to transport troops and lumber. Klondike Katie and Cinderella now serve as the Dollywood Express.

The train has been a part of this location since June 1, 1961, when the park was known as Rebel Railroad and has been known as the Dollywood Express since May 1986 when the park became Dollywood.

Tip: Bring some sunglasses for your little one as the pieces of coal can get pretty messy and land in your child's eye.

2. Owen's Farm.

Jennifer Hedley

Nestled just outside Craftsman’s Valley, this farm-themed area is reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s days spent at her mother’s, Avie Lee Owens Parton, childhood home. This charming area of the park combines the new and old to make a can’t-miss stop for family fun. Area highlights include Granny’s Garden and the Pig Pen with slides, drums and much more. This kids-only play area is the perfect place for your little ones to have fun. My little boy loved the slide. Tip: Bring a bathing suit as there is a small splash area your toddler will love!

3. Demolition Derby Bumper Cars

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My son loves cars and has hundreds around the house that end up under my bare feet, in the shower, hallway, and most recently in bed. That being said, any type of car he can crash or in this case, bump is a natural hit. Tip: Children under 48 inches can't drive alone. He sat next to me as a passenger and still had a blast!

4. The Village Carousel.

Smoky Mountain Views

The line is typically short and if your child likes it as much as mine does, he/she will want to ride it over and over but I always sit or stand next to him as he is still young and can get scared.

5. Live Entertainment.

Facebook: DWShows

Dollywood offers daily entertainment you and your child will love to sing and dance to all the way to nap time. Country Crossroads and Live at The Back Porch offer live music including country and chart topping hits at different showtimes throughout the day. Check the website for more information!