Ever Wanted to Homeschool at Dollywood in TN? With Their Special Homeschooling Days, You Can!

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Have you ever thought about homeschooling in Dollywood? Did you know that the famed theme park, Dollywood, has Homeschool Days? The park offers reduced admission and educational programs for epic field trips that are lots of fun! Plus, access to all the fun of the rides and attractions.

Quick Facts: Dollywood Homeschool Days 2026

📅 DatesAugust 3 – September 13, 2026
📍 LocationDollywood Theme Park, Pigeon Forge, TN
🎓 AgesGrades K–12 (homeschool families)
💵 Tickets$41/student (K–12) · $51/adult · $37/person at Splash Country (ages 4+)
📞 BookCall (888) 428-6789 at least 72 hours before your visit (Mon–Fri)
🎡 ActivitiesRides, Science in the Park curriculum, Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, craftspeople demonstrations

If you’re looking for an educational adventure, Dollywood will be offering Homeschool Days for families that homeschool. The 2026 Dollywood Homeschool Days are August 3 – September 13, 2026. These days focus mostly on science and math. And really, what’s cooler than learning about the laws of physics by riding a roller coaster?

Dollywood roller coaster

Be sure to check out the newly installed whimsical area of the park, Wildwood Grove, complete with rides and a new roller coaster called DragonFly. There is plenty to see and do at the park in addition to the educational programs offered.

What Do Dollywood Homeschool Days Include?

Homeschool Days at Dollywood are geared for kids in Kindergarten through 12th and include a new curriculum, Science in the Park, that teaches scientific principles like velocity and speed that make many of the rides at the park possible.

Wildwood Grove at Dollywood

There will also be lots of visual learning through craftspeople doing glass-blowing, candle making, and forging.

Kids can also learn about the science of birds by visiting the 30,000 square feet Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at the park, which houses the largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles in the country.

Admission and Dates: Homeschool Discounts

Normal admission to Dollywood starts at $94.99 for adults in 2026, but on Homeschool Days, parents can take advantage of $41/ticket for kids in grades K-12 and $51/ticket for each accompanying adult. Huge savings!

To get tickets, you must call 888-428-6789 at least 72 hours ahead of your visit. These tickets are not available at the gate. Parking fees apply. Confirm the current rate when you call to book.

Homeschool days for 2026 are August 3 – September 13, 2026. The park is not open every day, so be sure to look at the Dollywood calendar before planning your trip. Dollywood Splash Country also has Homeschool Days during the same time, and tickets are discounted to $37/person.

Where to Stay for Homeschool Days at Dollywood

Use the map below to find great places to stay near Dollywood for Homeschool Days. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through the map.

Homeschool Lodging Deals

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort both offer special rates for homeschool families and free transportation to the park. Call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD to ask about current resort discounts during Homeschool Days.

Our Favorite Places to Stay for Dollywood Homeschool Days

We’ve personally stayed at these places below and can recommend them as wonderful options for families.

Mountain Shire
This is a wonderful hobbit and Harry Potter-themed tiny house village less than 10 minutes from Dollywood. It’s relaxing and so much fun!

Mountain Shire in Tennessee
Gotta play the part

Margaritaville Island Hotel
A stay at this beautiful and trendy hotel will be a relaxing experience. Margarita makers are in every room, and balconies overlook either the river or the Island at Pigeon Forge. You can explore the Island, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, grab a margarita at the bar (or in your room), and just chill. Read our review of this awesome hotel. 

131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN

Greystone Lodge By the River
One of the very last family-owned hotels in Gatlinburg, the Greystone dates back to the early 1960s and has become the go-to hotel for generations of families. The location cannot be beat as it’s just steps from the aquarium and across the street from Anakeesta, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. They also have a great pool and free breakfast. It’s perfect for families looking to have a restful and accommodating place to call home during their trip. We stayed there and absolutely loved it

559 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Greystone Lodge by the River in Gatlinburg, TN

Foothills RV Park & Cabins
If you’re not into tent camping but are still looking for a cheaper option than a hotel, Foothills has a bare-bones cabins available to rent. You bring your own linens/sleeping bags and pillows. This is a good option if you’re really trying to stay within a budget but want someplace clean and comfortable. The location is right on the cusp of Pigeon Forge, very close to Dollywood, and maybe 10 minutes from Gatlinburg. Camping cabins are availavble April through October and start at $52/night.

4235 Huskey St, Pigeon Forge, TN

The Ridge Outdoor Resort
The Ridge Outdoor Resort is about 10 minutes from Dollywood and has two zero-entry pools, a lazy river, a catch and release pond, a deli and laundry facility on-site, two fenced in dog parks, a playground, a game room, and a hot tub. We stayed in one of their two-bedroom glamping tents and it was amazing!

1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN

Glamping tent at the Ridge Outdoor Resort
Some of the glamping tents at the resort

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge
A water slide, pool, beautiful rooms, on-site restaurant, arcade, and amazing staff make this spot an incredible place to stay. Relaxation and fun are perfectly balanced here. Read our review of Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge to plan your own trip.

149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pool at Camp Margaritaville

Go Lodge

Be blown away by the 17-room game mansion in Gatlinburg! It has more than 300 indoor and outdoor games and sleeps up to 20 people. This is perfect for a multi-family or big friends vacation and about 15 minutes from the main strip in Gatlinburg.

GO Lodge

Camp LeConte
Kicking up the glamping a notch further is Camp LeConte, which offers a treehouse, safari tents, and a retro camper. You can even catch the trolley into Gatlinburg from the campground. Depending on the time of year, the two-person safari tent starts around $128/night. Read our Camp LeConte review.

1739 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN

A tent at Camp Leconte

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are a ton of things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is minutes away, and it’s free. Anakeesta, the SkyBridge, PINK Jeep Tours, and lots more are all within a 20-30 minute drive of each other and excellent opportunities for both learning and fun.

Our Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge lists of all kinds of activities to enjoy during a trip to the area. We also have a guide to nearby Sevierville, TN for some lesser-known, but super fun, things to do and places to eat and visit.

homeschooling days

Love Homeschool Days? Get more of them! We have a guide for that.

Kidding Around® Guide to Homeschool Days

Frequently Asked Questions: Dollywood Homeschool Days 2026

When are Dollywood Homeschool Days in 2026?

Dollywood Homeschool Days 2026 run August 3 – September 13, 2026. Note that the park is not open every day during this period, so check the Dollywood calendar before planning your trip.

How much do Dollywood Homeschool Days tickets cost?

For 2026, homeschool tickets are $41 per student (grades K–12) and $51 per adult. Splash Country homeschool admission is $37 per person (ages 4+). Prices do not include tax. All tickets must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance. They are not available at the front gate.

How do you get Dollywood Homeschool Day tickets?

Call Dollywood Group Sales at (888) 428-6789 (Monday–Friday) at least 72 hours before your planned visit. Payment is due in full at the time of reservation, and each homeschool family must book separately.

Can you stay at a Dollywood resort during Homeschool Days?

Yes! Both Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offer special rates for homeschool families during Homeschool Days. Call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD to inquire about current resort discounts for your dates.

About the Author
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she is in love with the Upstate and could not imagine raising her kids anywhere else. She enjoys hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, camping, cooking, and exploring all that Greenville has to offer. And she really loves baby goats. Follow her on Instagram at @scadventurer.

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