Remembering Dolly at Dollywood

Unlike many entertainment stars, Dolly Parton appealed to all age groups. Her sparkling personality and family-friendly entertainment made her a universal favorite and her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, like Dolly herself, appeals to all ages.

It’s always easy to keep older kids happy at a big theme park, but Dollywood pays just as much attention to younger ones who aren’t tall enough (or brave enough) for the seriously adrenaline-pumping thrill rides.

Two areas in particular are ideal for young children. Most rides in the County Fair area are themed around farm animals and nature. A giant scarecrow watches the Piggy Parade as pink pig cars (big enough for parents to ride along) circle around. Similarly, the Lucky Ducky ride includes space for ride-along adults.

Parents can get dizzy right alongside children on the Lemon Twist, where lemon cups twirl around a giant lemonade pitcher. For more 3-D action, kids can ride in bouncing up/down “bee” vehicles on a rotating, flying ride.

The County Fair area isn’t just about rides for very young children; older sibling and parents can ride together on the Shooting Star drop tower, a less-scary version of the drop ride teens love. Older kids won’t have any trouble finding these in other park areas.

Also geared to younger kids is Wildwood Grove, where they can glide through the woods on the backs of black bears or ride a frog through a marsh of flickering fireflies. Frogs & Fireflies is a mild thrill ride geared just right for youngsters.

At Wilderness Pass, a new FireChaser Express is for kids under 39 inches, and the interactive children’s play area in the Firehouse Fun Yard includes pop-jet water features, a “soft play” structure where children can slide and play, a block table, and a chalkboard coloring wall.

Just about every type of ride fills the rest of Dollywood, and some of the major thrill rides with height requirements offer a parent swap option, so parents can take turns watching a younger child without each having to stand in line. Be sure to stop at the entrance to have younger children measured; a wrist band will save them from constant measuring on height-limited rides.

For all the ride and entertainment details, get the Dollywood app in advance. And be sure to pay homage to the star of the show with a visit to The Dolly Parton Experience, where interactive features take you alongside Dolly as she journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. Exhibits span her iconic career, her dreams and inspirations, her family, and even Dolly’s signature fashion style through the years.