Dollywood Rides for Toddlers: A Parent’s Essential Guide to the Park

Nestled in the foothills of Southern Appalachia lies a magical land of rides, festivals, and amusement. Crafted by the Queen of Country herself, Dollywood delivers more than its fair share of Tennessee thrills and down-home charm.

However, is Dollywood good for toddlers? Thankfully, yes! This family-friendly theme park loves to cater to the sandbox set. Follow along to discover everything you need to know about Dollywood for toddlers.

Strap in for a positively pink ride with the Piggy Parade, or soar sky high with the Amazing Flying Elephants in Country Fair.

Thanks to heaps of kid-friendly attractions and entertainment, Dollywood is a go-to locale for Pigeon Forge families in search of fun.

From stroller rentals to height requirements, our comprehensive guide will ensure you and your kiddies do it all at Dollywood.

toddler skipping in front of Fire Station Number 7 at DollywoodDollywood with Toddlers: Tips

An amusement park with a toddler might seem like a recipe for disaster. Luckily, Dollywood knows how to roll out the red carpet for kids. Families of all shapes and sizes will discover a plethora of pre-k rides, festivals, shows, and more to enjoy at Tennessee’s favorite theme park. Take note of our expert tot tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a perfect Dollywood day.

Measuring Station

First things first, before bopping around on the Black Bear Trail your tyke will need to hightail it to the measuring station. Many of Dollywood’s most popular kid rides contain a height requirement. If you are visiting Dollywood with children 48 inches or shorter, we highly recommend visiting the station upon entry to the park.

Located next to the Dollywood Emporium, your charming Dollywood host will measure your tot and provide them with a color-coded wristband. This band color will correspond to the color-coded information displayed on signs at each ride in the park.

Getting measured ahead of time will save you the tears of waiting in line only to discover your toddler is too short to handle the Scrambler.

Close up of two kids in a silver car on the Rocking' Roadway at Dollywood on a sunny day
photo credit: Dollywood via Facebook

Ride Symbols

Please note that throughout Dollywood, all rides will be categorized by one of three symbols to signify their intensity. Parents can utilize these symbols to make an informed decision about whether a particular ride is suitable or not for their child.

Related Post: 10 Facts About Dollywood You Didn’t Know

The highest thrill level is denoted by a black diamond, a moderate thrill level by a blue square, and a green circle signifies a mild thrill.

Strollers

Worried your mini munchkin won’t be able to tackle tons of strolling through Wildwood Grove or Country Fair? Push those fears aside because conquering Dollywood with a stroller is as easy as can be. You can either bring your own or rent at the park on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stroller rental fees are as follows: $18 for a single; $20 for a double. Be sure to park that bad boy at the designated stroller parking areas at each venue or attraction.

Ground view looking up at the The Waltzing Swinger ride at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAChanging Stations

Babies, toddlers, and teens, oh my! Dollywood loves all kids and has made it even easier to enjoy the park with your clan. Throughout the park, you will find plenty of Baby Care Centers, Family Restrooms, and Changing/Nursing stations. In addition, feel free to inquire about bottle warming at any Dollywood park restaurant.

Food

While no outside food or beverages are allowed in the park (except for unopened bottled water), famished families will be dazzled by the diversity of eats at Dollywood. From PB&J sandwiches to fresh turkey wraps accompanied by applesauce, juice, and animal crackers, your toddler will be well-fed.

Related Post: Dollywood Tickets Discount – Ultimate Guide

Skip out on the frustration of ordering a full-size lunch or supper that will only be picked at when you opt for a kids’ meal at any of the following eateries.

  • Aunt Granny’s
  • Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse and Fried Chicken
  • Hickory House BBQ
  • Grandstand Cafe
  • Red’s Diner
  • and Iron Horse Pizza
Close up of loaded barbecue cheese fries from Miss Lillian's at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Dollywood via Facebook

Dollywood Rides for Toddlers

Ready and raring to show off your buzz with the Busy Bees or hop aboard the Village Carousel? Toddlers yearning for some mild thrills will be over the moon with the ride options at Dollywood. Indeed, the Country Fair area is specifically designed for kids and contains some of our favorite pre-K rides, such as:

  • The Amazing Flying Elephants
  • Busy Bees
  • Lemon Twist
  • Lucky Ducky
  • Piggy Parade

Another area that overflows with enchantment for the tinier set is Wildwood Grove. Swing on my this hidden land of towering trees and flowing creeks to enjoy the following kid-approved rides:

  • Black Bear Trail – please note you must be 36 inches tall for this ride.
  • Frogs and Fireflies
  • Treetop Tower
  • Hidden Hollow – frolic and let your imagination run wild in this secret play area
  • Wildwood Creek – cool off after hours of excitement in this splashtastic area for wading.
Close up of two little girls sitting near a garden at Dollywood eating popcorn on a sunny day
photo credit: Dollywood via Facebook

Other toddler hotspots include:

  • Lil Pilots Playground
  • Village Carousel
  • Granny’s Garden
  • Rockin Roadway
  • And the Firehouse Fun Yard

Of course, no Dollywood journey is complete without a soaring mountain-soaked recursion aboard the Dollywood Express. Adults and kids alike will go wild for the 20-minute, five-mile-long ride aboard this authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine. Soak in the stunning Smoky Mountain landscape and pastoral scenery as you travel back in time.

Dollywood Hotels

Before you hop aboard the Dollywood Express, and choo choo your way toward Cinnamon Bread and the Firehouse Fun Yard, you’ll need to secure some accommodations. Let you and your little ones relax in style when you book any of our Hotels Near Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. From budget-friendly lodges to spacious mountain resorts, we offer tons of options at every price point.

Splash about in outdoor pools complete with water slides, or curl up in your suite with a cozy mug of cocoa. From Smoky Mountain views to on-site saunas, make your reservations worry-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Psst..on the hunt for even more Dollywood deals? Bundle your tickets with other premier attractions, from ziplining to Pirates Voyage, and save big with a Pigeon Forge Vacation Package.

exterior of Christmas Inn with pond with sprouting fountain in foreground surrounded by plants during day with blue sky in Pigeon Forge, Tennesee, USA
photo credit: The Inn at Christmas Place via Facebook

Authentic mountain melodies, the sweet whisper of acapella, and the sound of happy screams may well be the soundtrack to a delightful day at Dollywood.

While many might flock to this Pigeon Forge paradise for their annual festivals or array of roller coasters, Dollywood offers loads to do for the Pre-K crowd.

Toddlers will get to play pretend pilot as they explore a 22 by 16-foot wooden bi-plane, and feel like a big kid as they glide along the Black Bear Trail.

Nursing mothers will never be too far from a service station, and the entire family will relish the opportunity to share platters of delicious BBQ or orders of chicken tenders.

Grab the wheel of destiny and command your classic car of choice on the Rockin Roadway, or play with chalk and pop water jets at the Firehouse Fun Yard.

Whether you enjoy moderate thrills or would rather lean into some Smoky Mountain leisure, Dollywood for kids is always a great idea!

Did We Miss Any Valuable Dollywood Toddler Tips?

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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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