July 13, 2022
Summer heat doesn’t mean you have to avoid the fun at Dollywood. There are plenty of ways to stay cool at this Smoky Mountain theme park! Here is a list to get you started:
One of the great things about Dollywood is the plethora of shows offered throughout the day, many indoors! Take a break and cool off in the air conditioning and see one of these amazing productions.
There are several places to grab a bite to eat indoors, and my favorites are Aunt Granny’s Restaurant and the Front Porch Cafe. For a cool ice cream treat, pop into the Sweet Shoppe!
Throughout the park you will find mister fans that are perfect for walking under to get a nice breeze and cool water mist. My husband Bobby is a big “fan” of them!
I love watching the kids in Wildwood Grove run through the Wildwood Creek splash pad. What a fun way to keep them entertained and also perfect for cooling off. Just make sure to bring an extra change of clothes.
My daughter is obsessed with Smoky Mountain River Rampage, and we love guessing who is going to get soaked each time! Just remember, you WILL get wet, you MAY get soaked!
Something that a lot of people don’t know is that you can walk up to any counter service food location and ask for a complimentary cup of iced water. Stay hydrated to stay cool!
I LOVE my season refillable mug. There are so many places around the parks to refill them and make sure I stay hydrated. You also can purchase a mug that’s good for free refills for one day. Worth it.
This place truly is hidden in Wildwood Grove—and you need to find it! It’s an indoor playground complete with places for parents to sit and wall plugs to charge your phone. Bobby has been known to take a nap here from time to time while our daughter plays! Look for the building across from The Mad Mockingbird.
During Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, there are even more ways to stay cool! Keep in mind, these are only here through Aug. 7!
This fountain is near the entrance of the park in Market Square, and is a lot of fun! (Plus, it’s a great photo op!) Again, just make sure to bring extra clothes.
Don't miss the dance party that ensues when a musical maintenance worker tries to repair a fire hydrant. Sing and dance along to familiar favorites such as “Singing in the Rain” and “Splish Splash" as the fire hydrant turns into a refreshing sprinkler.
There are hundreds of beautiful kites floating in the sky along Showstreet, which is a great place to take cover in the shade and people watch. Your kids can play with parachutes (just like I did in P.E. as a kid!), and it’s a great place to grab some shade as well.
In The Plaza at Wilderness Pass, look for the Bubble Foam Zone. There is an area designated for small children and one for bigger kids (and adults!). There also is plenty of shade here to sit and watch all the fun unfold. (Again, bring an extra change of clothes!) While not an exhaustive list, this should get you started and remind you that just because it’s hot outside, it doesn’t mean you should forgo all the fun that Dollywood has to offer. Grab your sunscreen and go make some family memories!
All Insiders Trip Planning
All Insiders Trip Planning
