As temperatures rise in the Smokies, Dollywood’s Splash Country is ready to welcome families back for another season of slides, wave pools and summertime memories. The 35-acre water park begins daily operation, bringing with it a mix of new nighttime entertainment, upgraded guest amenities and fresh menu additions designed to make visits even more enjoyable during the 2026 season.

One of the biggest additions this year is Neon Nights, a separately ticketed after-hours event that transforms the water park into a glowing nighttime playground on select Fridays and Saturdays. Running from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., the event features neon lighting effects, immersive glow experiences, live entertainment and reduced crowds, allowing guests to experience Splash Country in a completely different atmosphere after dark.

The new event continues Dollywood’s recent trend of expanding seasonal entertainment offerings beyond traditional daytime operations. Guests attending Neon Nights also will find exclusive food and beverage options, specialty merchandise and select attractions operating throughout the evening. Individual event tickets start at $39.99 plus tax, while combination packages with daytime admission also are available.

New Food and Drinks Make a Splash

The culinary lineup at Splash Country also is expanding this season with several colorful additions perfect for hot summer days in the Smoky Mountains.

At The Watering Hole, guests can try Firecracker Street Corn topped with cilantro lime crema, cotija cheese and a spicy crunch topping. Ned’s Bear Paws introduces the Rocky Paw, featuring vanilla icing, chocolate toffee crumbles and caramel drizzle. Meanwhile, Oakley Bros. Food Wagon adds Loaded BBQ Fries topped with queso blanco, smoked pork, barbecue sauce and green onions.

New beverages arriving this season include Ube Lemonade, Neon Pink Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Boba, adding bright flavors and Instagram-worthy colors to the park’s drink menu.

Splash Bash LIVE Returns This Summer

Beginning June 9, Splash Bash LIVE returns on select Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, bringing DJs and live entertainment back to the Wave Pool stage. The event adds an energetic festival atmosphere during peak summer weeks and gives families additional entertainment between water slide runs.

Water Safety Remains a Major Focus

While the new attractions and food additions bring excitement, Splash Country continues emphasizing water safety as one of its top priorities.

The park’s 16th annual Water Safety Day returns June 25 in partnership with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The event includes the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, where children and families can learn water safety skills in a fun, supervised environment led by trained professionals.

The annual event has become an important tradition for the park, reinforcing safety education while helping families feel more confident around water throughout the summer.

Upgraded Canopies and Cashless Operations

Several guest comfort improvements also debut this season. All canopies throughout Splash Country received offseason upgrades and now include fans, mobile charging capabilities and mobile order delivery service.

The park also transitions to fully cashless operations in 2026. Guests can pay using debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay throughout the property. For visitors carrying cash, complimentary Cash to Card kiosks are located around the park, allowing guests to convert cash into prepaid cards usable anywhere cards are accepted.

The move mirrors a growing trend across the theme park industry, where parks increasingly use cashless systems to improve efficiency and shorten transaction times.

School’s Out Sale Offers Summer Savings

Families looking for early summer savings can take advantage of Splash Country’s School’s Out Sale through June 14. Children ages 4-18 can receive admission plus a personal cheese or pepperoni pizza for $34.99 plus tax when presenting their latest report card.

Daily operations continue through Aug. 8 before the park transitions to a reduced operating schedule through Sept. 20.

Located next to Dollywood in the heart of the Smokies, Splash Country consistently ranks among the nation’s most beautiful water parks and remains one of the region’s top summer attractions for families planning a Tennessee getaway.

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(Photo courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)