Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo

The park combines Christmas theming with a few rides and a small zoo. The site's own sections give you a good map of the day:

• Rudi and Rides: the amusement rides, built for younger children.
• ZooLand: the animal side of the park.
• Santa's House: the holiday-themed stop.
• Beverage and Fare: snacks and food.
• Gift Shop and Souvenirs: the usual last stop.

The park's own tagline is "A park filled with whimsy and excitement," which is about the right expectation. This is a throwback roadside park, not a major thrill complex, and most families move through it in a few comfortable hours.

The park's website lists hours of 10 AM to 5 PM on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The phone is (828) 497-9191. Ticket prices are not posted on the pages this site checked, so call or use the contact page before you drive.

Families with children in roughly the toddler-to-preteen range are the core audience. Younger kids tend to love the mix of rides and animals, since there is always something new to see when one thing gets boring. Teenagers and couples without children are more likely to find it underwhelming. It is a good match for a calm afternoon in Cherokee away from the casino and downtown crowds.

• Confirm the season end date and any weather closures by phone before you go.
• Bring small bills and a hat. Much of the park is outdoors.
• Weekdays are quieter, but remember the Tuesday and Wednesday closure.
• Cherokee is also home to the Museum of the Cherokee People, which is a better fit for adults and older children if you want a second stop. Check the museum's own site for current hours.
• Wolfetown Road is a few minutes from downtown Cherokee, so you can fit this in with a meal in town.

If your trip falls after November 1, plan on a different attraction. The park runs a seasonal schedule, and the website announces the next opening on its home page.