Dollywood's Splash Country Summer in Pigeon Forge ,Tennessee

Summer has officially arrived and with it comes warm weather, vacations, fun and excitement. Whether your looking for a day of fun in the sun or just a weekend away from home, and plan to be in the popular Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area of east Tennessee, then you will want to add Dollywood's Splash Country to your list of things to see and do.

There is nothing better on a hot summer day, than having fun and cooling down at a water park. Dollywood's Splash Country will give you an exciting wet and wild experience for the entire family. Of course the rides and slides vary from mild to wild, so there's plenty for the little ones and those who prefer a slower more relaxing scene. Then of course you have higher, faster and wilder for the thrill seekers of the bunch!

The park offers so many rides, I couldn't possibly name them all but I have listed a few of my favorites. The Downbound Float Trip, is one you really must ride. It is a tubers delight! You will float down a river under a 200 foot waterfall, which will get you very, very wet and will have you screaming with excitement. Fire Tower Falls is the tallest and fastest slides ever! Rising 70 feet into the air, these exhilarating twin free-fall slides propel riders on 280-foot tracks for a journey through the tree tops! I would say take in the sceneary but your going way too fast for that! Take a chance on Mountain Scream, I think the name pretty much says it all!

They also have a great children's area for the little ones to have a blast, but don't be afraid to join right in! In fact I found myself spending a lot of time there and if you can keep a secret, it wasn't just because of the kids. The Cascades is a large lagoon-style pool, and it has a geyser as well as hidden , bubblers and slides in secret coves that the kid's really love to explore. Then there is Soaker Springs where there are countless interactive activities. Dodge the mist overhead from the trees while you dodge the spraying water from the rocks. This one is great for the little ones right up to the adults.

If you have ever been to a water park before than you know how much energy it takes out of you. So when your ready to relax, take advantage of the many seating areas situated throughout the park. Now just like most parks, they don't allow you to bring in any coolers but they do offer many places to get eats and drinks throughout the park. Try out Uncle Elmer's Country Flatbread, I am sure you will enjoy it! In addition you can get some great treats to help cool you down from the inside out, like delicious creamy ice cream and juicy shaved ice. Now doesn't that sound refreshing?

Of course anytime you are out in the sun you want to make sure you bring protection and these items are a must . Sun glasses, sunscreen , a light weight cover-up and the most obvious your bathing suits/swimwear. To capture those kodak moments, don't forget to bring your camera or video camera! Because yes, they are allowed in the park.

The parks seasonal hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from May 19th - Sept. 16th. See their website for actual days.

Prices the last time I checked were around $39.00 for adults and $33.00 for children and under 3 are free, seniors are $37.00..

Directions:Off Interstate 40, take Exit 407 toward Gatlinburg / Sevierville / Pigeon Forge.

Follow TN Hwy.66 South which becomes US 441.

At Traffic Light #8 in Pigeon Forge, turn left and follow the signs to Dollywood's Splash Country.

Dollywood's Splash Country is located 35 miles southeast of Knoxville at 1020 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

There are plenty of hotel accommodations, restaurants, shopping and unlimited activities in the area. To save you money you can purchase a splash & Play ticket for 3 days for both parks Dollywood's Splash Country and Dollywood Theme park for an unforgettable time!