August 20, 2025
Planning the perfect family getaway with toddlers and preschoolers can be both exciting and challenging, especially when seeking destinations that offer age-appropriate adventures. Luckily, Herschend properties are thoughtfully crafted with your youngest family members in mind, providing gentle thrills, sensory-rich explorations, and delightful experiences specifically designed for children ages 0–5.
Explore our carefully curated guide to the best toddler-friendly attractions, and make this the year your little ones discover new wonders, make lasting memories and embark on joyful adventures perfect for their curious young minds.
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 0–5): Gentle Fun & Early Explorations
Toddlers thrive with gentle adventures and sensory-rich activities tailored specifically for young explorers.
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Discovery Meadow was thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering a safe, engaging and fun environment where kids will love:
Riding the charming Cumberland Express mini-train.
Spinning along to cheerful bluegrass tunes on Scout’s Squirrel Race.
Exploring the whimsical, shaded Happy Hollow playground, with safe, supervised obstacles and soft surfaces ideal for traveling with preschoolers.
Meeting Scout the Squirrel, a friendly character perfect for memorable family photos.
Water’s Edge was intentionally created for close-up animal encounters the whole family can enjoy, offering an interactive and educational space where kids can experience:
Gentle rides like the Boat Parade spinning carousel, perfect for vacationing with toddlers.
Panoramic views aboard the family-friendly Horizon Wheel, offering relaxing summer fun for all ages.
Quiet Rooms, offering a cozy escape designed for children with sensory sensitivities.
Open to all guests, interactive pools where little ones can safely touch gentle sharks and rays are an exciting sensory experience for curious young explorers.
Vibrant exhibits like Kaleidoscope Cove, home to glowing reef creatures.
Experience the thrill of Shark Bridge, where kids under 5 can join the adventure with an adult by their side, as long as they can walk across on their own.
Interactive touch pools that offer engaging experiences with gentle sea creatures.
Entertaining animal presentations at the Shark Ray Bay Theater, ideal for keeping toddlers entertained.
Soft, playful environments like Clownfish Cove, featuring foam corals, tunnels, and slides specifically designed for toddlers.
Hands-on Wet Lab sessions, where preschoolers gently touch sea stars and sea cucumbers, enriching their vacation experience.
Marveling at vibrant butterflies in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.
Kiddie beach adventures at Robin Lake Beach.
Child-friendly nature walks and introductory ropes courses, making it a perfect destination for vacationing with young children.
See feathered friends soar and swoop overhead at the must-see Birds of Prey show.
Delightful rides like the spinning Busy Bees and gentle Black Bear Trail, perfect for toddlers and young kids.
Indoor, climate-controlled playground fun at Hidden Hollow, featuring safe climbing nets and foam obstacles.
Scenic, multi-generational family rides aboard the Dollywood Express steam train.
Charming Fire District area with young children's rides: Fire Wagon Frenzy, Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, and gentle thrills aboard rides like The Fireman’s Flyer.
There’s fun for the whole family at our properties. Click below to explore options for kids of all ages.
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