Headed to Dollywood and looking for the perfect things to do with a baby or toddler? I just wrapped up a trip with my four-year-old and six-month-old, and we had a blast! So while it’s fresh on my mind, I want to share a few notes to help make life easier if you’re planning on going to Dollywood with a baby or toddler in your group.
Here’s everything you’ll need to know, pack, see, and do to help make life easier and ensure you have the best day:
Travel essentials
Before you make the drive to Dollywood, there are a few essentials you’ll want to make sure you have on hand: a backpack, portable charger, water bottle, sunglasses, and stroller.
Backpack/diaper bag
Instead of bringing an oversized purse or tote-style diaper bag, opt to wear a light backpack that can hold all of your necessities and help you be hands-free. Being hands-free is especially important when it comes to easily catching the tram (if you park in General Admissions) or riding the trolley (if you’re coming from DreamMore Resort) with a toddler.
Stroller/wagon
Dollywood is a big park with plenty of hills so you’ll love having a stroller (or you can also rent one for the day at the Stroller/ECV/Wheelchair Rental near the ticketing booths). If you have a wagon that you want to bring, that’s another great option too. Just make sure it’s one that can easily fold and break down for getting on and off the tram. Having a stroller that you push instead of pull is helpful because there are a lot of hills.
Milk/snacks
One thing I love about bringing a baby is the fact that there are family nursing rooms throughout the park for breastfeeding mamas. They’re pretty spacious too! In them are three rooms: one with two gliding chairs for nursing, a singular restroom, and a separate room with a changing station for babies (and bigger kids) too. We frequented these rooms as a family, which also saved us from having to wait in lines for the restroom — perks, mama!
When it comes to snacks, you are allowed to bring in baby food for your little one. However, you aren’t allowed to bring in a cooler, so be sure to pack light snacks for your baby if they’ve started solids. I usually keep a few in a large Zip Lock bag.
Sunscreen
Remember your SPF!
Portable fan
There are several mister fans throughout the park that you can stand under to feel an extra cool breeze in between walks. However, for the moments when you’re on the go or at a standstill and need that extra wind, having a portable fan will come in clutch! There are tons to choose from on Amazon that are low cost. My favorite is the kind you can wear around your neck or attach to strollers.
Portable charger
You’ll be on your phone a lot trying to capture all the memories you’ll be making, so you’ll want to bring a portable charger (these can also be purchased throughout the park if you forget). I’m usually on my phone a lot using the Dollywood app’s GPS to easily get from one ride to the next or time how long it’ll take me to make it from one end of the park to catch a particular show or the train. Plus, there will be plenty of photo opportunities, which can kill your battery before the day is done!
Extra hands
The main part you’ll need extra hands with is the loading and unloading to get on and off the tram if you’re parking in General Parking. Trying to hold the baby while quickly breaking down a wagon or stroller can be challenging, so having help or baby wearing will be key. Someone will also need to hold/secure the stroller or wagon while on the tram as you aren’t allowed to prop it on the seat in front of you without someone holding it in place. The easiest option would be to just park in Preferred Parking, if you can swing it. That way you just load/unload directly from your car without all the extra hassle of having to hold the stroller and the baby while on the tram.
Baby and toddler-friendly activities at Dollywood
Surprisingly, my six-month-old was able to ride on about five things during our most recent visit. We got on the carousel, the train, and the bees near Country Fair together. We also did the acorns and the frogs in Wildwood Grove.
If you’re taking a toddler or other small child, here’s what I usually do for that age group:
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 10 AM | Ride Measuring Center | When you make it inside the park, the first thing you’ll want to do is get your toddler measured. If you’re coming in from Preferred Parking, the Ride Measuring Center will be straight ahead on your right. If you’re coming in from General Parking, you’ll make a left past Dollywood Emporium and it’ll be the booth next door. Getting a color wristband makes things a lot easier to eyeball which rides are okay and which ones you’ll have to skip when navigating around the park. |
| 10:30 AM |
| One of the first stops you’ll want to make is to Rockin’ Roadway in Jukebox Junction. It’s a fun car ride for people of all ages. There is no minimum height requirement. However, those under a certain height will need to be accompanied by an adult. Let your toddler practice driving for the first time. But don’t worry; there is no gas pedal and the cars are on railroad tracks! They’ll have a blast. Then grab a classic burger and fries or a salad at Red’s Drive-In, which is located right across from Rockin’ Roadway. To get to Jukebox Junction from the Ride Measuring Center, you’ll keep straight past General Admissions, go through Showstreet, then make a right when you get to the Showstreet Gazebo towards Adventures in Imagination. |
| 12 NOON |
| If your toddler is at least 36”, then they’re able to ride the Smoky Mountain River Rampage in Rivertown Junction. It’s a tubing ride the whole family should enjoy. Park your strollers up front at the entrance and prepare to get a little wet! To get there from Red’s Drive-in, veer left to cross the bridge. It’ll be one of the first rides on the right. |
| 12:30 PM |
| Prepare to spend a couple of hours in the Country Fair area, where you’ll find several rides available for those 36” and under (and plenty with no minimum height requirement at all). Rides like Busy Bees, Lucky Ducky, and Piggy Parade are even safe enough for your toddlers to ride adult-free. To get to Country Fair from Rivertown Junction, make a right. Since there’s plenty to do, expect to spend more time in this area. |
| 2 PM |
| Right next to Country Fair is The Village, where you’ll find the popular Dollywood Express Train Depot attraction. The express train boards every hour on the hour and is a 20-minute mountain excursion on an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you arrive in the area before it’s time to board, you can spend time on the carousel, catching a show in Heartsong Theater, or shopping in Temple’s Mercantile. This is where you’ll also find some of the best toys if you’re looking to bring home a souvenir, like the build a bear workshop for under $30. |
| 4 PM |
| Next, you’ll want to head towards Wildwood Grove. On your way there you’re going to pass by Owen’s Farm, where you can make a stop to play at Lil’ Pilots Playground or try the world famous Cinnamon Bread at Grist Mill. And if you don’t stop to play there, you’ll also pass by the Firehouse Fun Yard playground in Wilderness Pass on your way to Wildwood Grove. Also in Wilderness Pass, an opportunity to meet characters. |
| 5 PM |
| Wrap up your time at the park in Wildwood Grove. Take a break to recharge your phone and rest while your toddler plays in Hidden Hollow, an indoor playground kids of any age can enjoy. Enjoy Treetop Tower and Frogs & Fireflies rides with no minimum height requirement. If your little one is in the 36” club, join them on Black Bear Trail, Great Tree Swing, and The Mad Mockingbird. Have dinner at Till & Harvest, and then at closing gather around The Wildwood Tree for an enchanted storytime (and fireworks in the summer, weather permitting). |
| TBD |
| Also, you can’t leave the park without catching one of the amazing shows at Dollywood. Some favorites with a toddler are the Gazillion Bubble Show Aurora during Summer Celebration and Christmas in the Smokies during the winter. You’ll want to check the website, the Dollywood app, or grab a schedule when you arrive to check for showtimes and see when you can fit it into your day. |
Any advice for an exclusively pumping mom? I’ve got wearable pumps… but what about coolers for milk?
Bring a ceres chill! You’ll never regret owning it, and even if they made you this out the ice (which has never happened to me) you can refill it as soon as you get into the park.