Dollywood hosts its annual Homeschool Days now – Sept. 21, and with more people turning to homeschooling as an option due to the current pandemic, some families who visit may be surprised at how much they can learn from a trip to the Smoky Mountain Park.
During Homeschool Days, students in grades K-12 may purchase a ticket to the park for just $37 plus tax. Accompanying adults may purchase a ticket for $47 plus tax. To purchase tickets, homeschool families should call Dollywood group sales at (888) 428-6789 Monday-Friday. Purchase must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the planned visit. Homeschool tickets are not available at the front gate.
Additionally, homeschool students may take advantage of a special rate at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. When calling to purchase their tickets, families should ask about booking at the resort. The rate of $129 per night (Sunday-Thursday only) is available for homeschoolers now through Sept. 24.
Not many classrooms measure 160 acres, but Dollywood is at the head of the class when it comes to fun, interactive learning in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Dollywood’s rides represent principles of physics that thrill students in more ways than one. The law of conservation of momentum can be observed on the bumper cars. On the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, Archimedes’ principle, buoyant force, and displacement can be learned. Dollywood also has created a new curriculum based on some of its most popular roller coasters called “Science in the Park.” A Science in the Park workbook—downloadable at dollywood.com/groups/education—guides students through how the park’s coasters demonstrate the principles of gravity, speed, velocity and so much more.
Dollywood offers a unique ornithology lesson at the spectacular Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, home to the country’s largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles. Dollywood also is headquarters for the not-for-profit American Eagle Foundation (AEF), which promotes the preservation of the bald eagle and other birds of prey. A 1.5 million-cubic-foot natural outdoor aviary in the park’s Craftsman’s Valley area recreates the birds’ natural habitat, giving students the rare opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close. Adjacent to Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, the Wings of America show provides an in-depth look at several different species of raptors, including hawks, vultures, owls, and golden eagles. Download the Wings of America workbook and worksheet—created in conjunction with the AEF—at dollywood.com/groups/education.
TVA, Dollywood’s Official Education Partner, has created a number of STEM-based experiences that correlate to the park’s attractions. Several online learning modules can be found at TVAstem.com/Dollywood. The Dollywood-related curriculum teaches about water filtration and conservation, potential and kinetic energy, alternative modes of transportation, harnessing water to create electricity, and more. Additionally, TVA “Did You Know?” signs can be found throughout the park which feature educational facts tied to the Dollywood experience.
Those looking for a history lesson can see centuries-old techniques come to life as Dollywood features dozens of craft demonstrations daily. Students visiting Dollywood can see master craftspeople practicing unique art forms like glass blowing, blacksmithing, leather crafting, candle making, wood carving, and pottery.
For more information about Homeschool Days and how Dollywood can provide the ultimate field trip, visit dollywood.com/groups/education.
