pink Dolly butterfly sign at Dollywood's Dolly Parton Experience

June 20, 2025

7 Things to Do at Dollywood Other Than Rides

Dollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN. While Dollywood’s thrill rides have made the theme park famous, there are a lot of other fun things to do, too. If you aren’t a fan of roller coasters, don’t worry–you can still have a fun-filled day at the park! Here are some of the best things to do at Dollywood other than rides:

1. Explore Craftsman’s Valley

You’ll love exploring Craftsman’s Valley at Dollywood! This is one of the most unique things to do at Dollywood. This section of the theme park features shops where you can purchase handmade goods and watch craftsmen at work. Some of the craft demonstrations you can see include glassblowing, candlemaking, leatherworking, blacksmithing, and others. You can even sign up for a Make-Your-Own Craft experience! During this experience, you can try your hand at making your own customized craft, such as a forged knife, blown glass ornament, dipped candle, or leather item.

2. Watch Shows

Celebrity Theater at Dollywood

Dollywood is known for its award-winning live performances! You can watch a variety of shows on stages throughout the theme park. You may also find some performers singing and dancing in the streets! You can easily fill your entire day with incredible entertainment by talented singers, dancers, musicians, and actors. There are even shows tailored to kids! While the show lineup changes depending on the season, you’ll have no trouble finding entertaining and heartfelt shows to watch during your visit to Dollywood!

3. Visit the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

If you love animals, one of the best things to do at Dollywood is visiting the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. This 30,000-square-foot aviary houses majestic bald eagles on the side of a mountain. These birds of prey are under the care of the American Eagle Foundation and are not able to be released back into the wild. Near this aviary, you can visit other rescued birds and learn more about their stories. You can also watch the Wings of America Birds of Prey show to learn fascinating facts about these incredible creatures and see them in action!

4. Play Games

game booths at Dollywood's Country Fair

Are you looking for exciting things to do at Dollywood that keep your feet firmly planted on the ground? You can play a variety of carnival-style games and win fun prizes! Most of these game booths can be found in the Country Fair section of the theme park, but there are also a few in Craftsman’s Valley near Tennessee Tornado. These games range from ring tosses to basketball free throws and much more! You can play these games solo or challenge a family member to see who can win the bigger prize!

5. Explore The Dolly Parton Experience

If you’re a fan of Dolly Parton, one of the best things to do at Dollywood is The Dolly Parton Experience! This Dollywood attraction dives into the life and legacy of the theme park’s namesake. It features exhibits and interactive elements that showcase Dolly’s career, dreams, inspirations, and, of course, her signature style! You’ll learn more about the country music legend and get behind-the-scenes looks into the creative processes behind her music and fashion. You can also step inside her tour bus to experience Dolly’s life on the road!

6. Eat Award-Winning Food

Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread

One of the can’t-miss things to do at Dollywood is trying their award-winning food! Dollywood is known for its selection of delicious food that you won’t find at most theme parks. You can enjoy everything from classic Southern dishes like BBQ and fried chicken to unique creations like potato tornadoes to seasonal specialties. You can’t visit this theme park without trying their legendary cinnamon bread or a slice of 25-pound apple pie! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sit-down meal, an all-you-can-eat feast, or a quick snack on the go, you’ll have no trouble finding something delicious to enjoy during your visit!

7. Experience Seasonal Festivals

Each season features its own unique things to do at Dollywood! The theme park hosts a number of seasonal festivals throughout the year, bringing new sights, sounds, and tastes to experience! In the fall, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival celebrates the season with carved pumpkins and hearty fall flavors. During winter, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas transforms the theme park into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and heartwarming shows. Spring and summer each have their own festivals that feature unique shows, foods, and decor throughout the park!

Want to learn more about Dollywood? Make sure you also check out this list of 10 things about Dollywood that might surprise you!

Where to Stay Near Dollywood

There are so many fun things to do at Dollywood, and you won’t want to miss out on any of it! To help you make the most of your visit to the theme park, you should stay close by to minimize time spent in transit and maximize your time at the park. We have a great selection of cabins near Dollywood that put you just a short drive from the theme park and other popular attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN!