Dollywood Splash Country: Your Summer Guide
Visiting the Smokey Mountains has been one of my favorite places to take my family for a vacation. There are so many family-friendly things to do. Most recently during Memorial Weekend 2019, my family was able to visit one of the most magnificent parks located in the hills of the Great Smokey Mountains, the Dolly Parton owned Dollywood Splash Country Water Park in Pigeon Forge. This adventure park is one of Tennessee’s top family vacation destinations. With over 16 rides and attractions, the best food and dining, and great entertainment, you are sure to find fun activities for the whole family. Here are a few things you won’t want to miss on your summer vacation to Dollywood!
Slides and Attractions
Dollywood Splash Country Water Park is made up of over 35 acres of rides and attractions. When I tell you this place is enormous, I think that is an understatement. There are so many things to explore that my family and I did not have time to see all of the attractions. There is a 1,500-foot lazy river, a 25,000 square foot wave pool, and so much more. Below I am going to highlight some of our favorite attractions and tips to keep in mind when experiencing them.
Downbound Float Trip
When we arrived at the Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark, it was close to 100 degrees outside. It was hot! So one of the first things we wanted to do was cool off. We decided to try the Downbound Float Trip. It was definitely a favorite for all of us. As we floated down the 1,500-foot lazy river, we were able to experience the picturesque beauty of the Smokey Mountains and the rest of the park. We were surrounded by a 200-foot waterfall that kept us cool and refreshed as we went floated around the park. It indeed was a beautiful experience. I had my 8-month-old son with me, and he was the calmest I had ever seen him. He loved the calmness of the water and the refreshingly cool water on his skin.
FAMILY TIP: Everyone who measures under 36 inches in height will need a life jacket, including infants. So be sure to stop and grab one from the life jacket area in front of the river.
Little Creek Falls
Because I have an infant, my family and I spent a lot of time at Little Creek Falls. Little ones will be sure to have fun splashing around the activity center and riding the slides. If you are looking to catch some shade from the harsh sun, you can relax under one of the Butterfly wings or reserve one of the seven canopies available in the Little Creek Falls. The lines for the slides are short and easy to get to for little ones. My daughter rode the slides multiple times in less than 30 minutes and had so much fun doing it.
FAMILY TIP: An added plus is that Little Creek Falls it is right next to Dipping Dots and a drink station, so you have quick, easy access to refreshing treats and drinks in the hot weather!
Mountain Waves
Dollywood Splash Country Water Park is home to one of the largest wave pools in the Smokie Mountains. The Mountain Wave pool is 25,000 square feet. It is huge! You can hang out on the side of the pool and get sun-drenched or ride the waves at the park. Unfortunately, during our visit, the wave pool was down, but I have hopes to experience it when I go back.
Family Tip: There are many shaded areas and several retreats or canopies where you can hide from the sun in this area.
The Butterfly
If you and your family love thrills. This is an attraction you’ll have to check out. My daughter loves slides, and she loves thrills even more so of course as soon as she saw this slide she had to ride it. I, on the other hand, am the biggest chicken, so I sent my sister with her to try it. The Butterfly has a steep drop that sends you on a 55-foot long slide down to a butterfly pool. Scary, right? Well, I guess this is right up my kid’s alley because they loved it! Be sure not to miss this attraction while visiting Dollywood.
FAMILY TIP: There is no footwear or cover-ups allowed on this ride.
Things To Know Before You Go
Planning is Key! – There is a lot to see and do so prepare for your trip before. Check out the park map to help give you the best experience possible.
The Dollywood Printable Calendar is your friend – Dollywood has a printable calendar to help you figure out the best dates and times for your visit. Check it out!
Baby friendly environment – There are two Baby Care Centers for Moms. They include gliders, baby changing stations and sinks.
Time Saver-H20 – Guests are able to reserve a position in line for many of the water park’s most popular attractions, without standing in line so you can enjoy more time at your favorite attractions. If you are trying to save time check the Time Saver – H20 out!
Don’t miss out on the Season Pass Benefits – For additional perks and benefits check out the Season Pass. Perks include early entries to the park, discounts and free parking.
Military Discount – Dollywood has always been proud to assist our military families and is pleased to offer a 30% discount on one-day admission tickets.
Retreats and More – If you are planning on checking out the retreats or canopies try to make reservations as far in advance as possible – these are very popular amenities! Check out more about retreats and canopies HERE.
Dollywood Splash Country Water Park is one of Tennessee’s top family vacation destinations that you must take your family to. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Disclaimer: I kindly received complimentary tickets from Dollywood Splash Country in exchange for sharing them on my blog and social media. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
I am such a fan of Dolly and would love to one day visit this attraction! It seems so fun!
Dollywood sounds really nice for a family vacation, the slides looks so thrilling..! Thanks for sharing your experience..!
Oh my goodness, this place looks so fun! Although I’ve never been to Dollywood Splash Country before myself, I would love to make my way over in the near future. Thanks for sharing all of this! 🙂
I would love to go there just for the sakes of saying “I’ve been there!” It is such a memorable and fun place to visit!
How fun! Went to the Smoky Mountains for the first time this year – but didn’t have time for Dollywood. Didn’t know about the water park. On the list for next time!
I’ve been eager to go here, so thanks for such an informative post. That float trip sounds so much fun – I also love all the “know before you go” tips! Soooo helpful when you have kiddos.
Making your kid the model for this post makes everything looks more adorable. Missing the waves!
I am in complete love with Dollywood. I have visited similar water park in India. Love the wave pool where you just flow with the waves. The Creek Falls look so stunning. Beautiful pictures. Your daughter is cute, she looks so happy.
I would really love to visit Dollywood someday! Huge fan of her 🙂
I have never visited the place, but it sound like lot of fun. I would love to visit with my family x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Aaah! looks like you had a lot of fun!
Wow, this was full of surprises. I never considered this area, but it honestly sounds like the perfect place for me and my family. It’s so fun out there!
What a fun family get away. I’ll definitely have to add this to my list of places to visit as a family.
This seems such a fun place. Amazing for kids and adults too
It seems like you had a wonderful family bonding and your daughter looks really happy. All of your activities was quite interesting. Would love to try it someday.
Like!! I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest.