Are you looking for the best water parks in Tennessee? Summer is almost upon us, and if you are looking for a weekend getaway to cool off from the humid Tennessee summer temperatures, check out these day trips from Nashville.
One of the best ways to beat the heat this summer is to visit one of the great local waterparks in the Nashville area.
Therefore, we have dedicated this article to highlighting some of the best water parks near Nashville for 2024; continue reading to learn more.
Tennessee has so much to offer, from watering holes to waterfalls to lakes, and of course, some of the best water parks are in Tennessee.Â
Pack up the kiddos and take a road trip to Gatlinburg. Spend the day at one of the many water parks, which include tubing, wave pools, and non-water rides.Â
Keep reading below and plan your next trip hiking alongside some of the best waterparks near me in Tennessee.
- Nashville Shores
- Wave Country
- Wilderness at the Smokies
- Dollywood’s Splash Country
- Soaky Mountain Waterpark
- Outdoor Gravity Park
- Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
- Wild Water Dome
- Wetlands Waterpark
- Sound Waves at Gaylord
The Best Waterparks Near Me (Nashville)
1. Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores is a premier lakefront resort located just outside of Nashville. Sprawling across 385 acres, this massive property features a world-class waterpark with incredible attractions.
Nashville Shores is situated next to Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is the perfect retreat to escape the heat!
The park has eight water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and the famous Kowabunga Beach! Kowabunga Beach is a 4-story water play structure with over 70 water spray features and slides.
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At the heart of the park is a massive wave pool that generates 4-foot swells, perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. Nearby, you’ll find a lazy river that winds past lush landscaping and shady spots to relax.
If you are adventurous like my daughter there are numerous high-speed slides and flumes, including the Lightning Run, a six-story body slide that sends you plummeting down a nearly vertical drop.
Beyond the waterpark, Nashville Shores offers even more entertainment, from a full-service marina with boat rentals to an 18-hole mini golf course and a zip line course that soars high above the lake.
If you are not a local and need somewhere to stay, the resort has its own on-site cabins and RV sites and a hotel located right next door, making it easy to spend the night and extend your day of fun and relaxation.
The three tiers of seasonal passes are as follows:
- Gold – $69.99 each
- Platinum – $89.99 each
- Treetop – $29.99 each
2. Wave Country
Nestled within the lush, rolling hills of Nashville’s Westhaven neighborhood, Wave Country feels like a hidden oasis just moments from the city’s bustling downtown..
It’s easy to see why Wave Country has become a beloved institution among local Nashvillians.
While Wave Country certainly has its fair share of rides to satisfy adrenaline junkies, I was most drawn to the areas designed for pure relaxation.
The sandy beach surrounding the wave pool is the perfect spot to lay out a towel, crack open a book, and let the soothing rhythm of the swells wash over you.
The shaded cabanas scattered throughout the park offer a welcome respite from the summer heat, with plenty of space to enjoy a picnic lunch with friends or family.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover an old favorite or a visitor seeking a tranquil oasis amid the bright lights of Music City, Wave Country is a true gem worth seeking out.
Its combination of high-octane fun and laidback leisure makes it the perfect destination for a refreshing day of play.
3. WILDERNESS AT THE SMOKIES
Are you looking for a fun-filled, family-friendly getaway perfect for all seasons? Look no further than Wilderness at the Smokies!
Nestled just minutes away from the bustling tourist hubs of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, this resort offers a waterpark experience that will be fun for the entire family.
With both indoor and outdoor waterparks spread across hundreds of acres, Wilderness at the Smokies has everything you need for a year-round aquatic adventure.
Head to the outdoor waterpark to float down the winding lazy river during the summer, speed down the Cyclone Racer slide, or splash around in the Wilderness Springs children’s area.
In the cooler months, the massive, climate-controlled indoor waterpark’s retractable roof allows you to still enjoy swimming and sliding.
But that’s not all! Wilderness at the Smokies offers many other activities and amenities to entertain the whole family.
Challenge each other to a round of mini-golf on the 36-hole course, show off your skills at the arcade, or unwind at one of the resort’s restaurants or spas.
And with on-site accommodation options, from cozy hotel rooms to spacious log cabins, you can easily turn your day of splashing into a multi-day getaway.
So why wait? Whether you need a refreshing break from the crowds of Smoky Mountain or an action-packed family vacation, Wilderness at the Smokies has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Come on over and soak up the fun!
4. Dollywood’s Splash Country
This 35-acre waterpark is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after exploring the Dollywood theme park.
You’ll find water attractions that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing a unique and immersive experience.
For the daring and adventurous, the TailSpin Racer is a must-try. This high-speed tube slide sends you through a series of dizzying loops and turns, leaving you thrilled and exhilarated.
For those who want to take it easy, the Mountain Scream provides a relaxed and gentle journey through a wooded mountain setting, ending with a refreshing splash down.
But what’s a waterpark without a lazy river and a wave pool? Dollywood’s Splash Country has got you covered with a lazy river that lets you float along while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
The Wave Pool, on the other hand, is a tranquil oasis where you can ride the gentle swells and soak up some sun.
Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect destination for families looking for quality time together.
With convenient on-site hotels and other Dollywood amenities, you can maximize your vacation and explore the best of East Tennessee.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a laid-back sun-worshipper, this waterpark promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Dollywood’s Dreammore for a good time!
5. SOAKY MOUNTAIN WATERPARK
Hey there, have you heard of the newest must-visit destination for families seeking a refreshing break from the crowds in Pigeon Forge? It’s the state-of-the-art Soaky Mountain Waterpark!
What sets this waterpark apart is the stunning natural setting. It’s seamlessly integrated into the lush landscape of the Great Smokies, making it a waterpark experience that truly immerses visitors in the serene beauty of nature.
Imagine towering peaks providing a breathtaking backdrop and innovative designs incorporating the region’s natural features, from babbling brooks to cascading waterfalls.
It’s a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Nashville.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark offers an incredible array of thrilling water attractions that are perfect for all ages.
Adrenaline junkies can tackle the Soaky Surge, a high-speed raft ride that sends you plunging down a near-vertical drop, or the Lazy River Rapids, a winding course filled with churning whitewater.
For a more relaxed experience, the Breakers Beach Wave Pool generates gentle swells perfect for floating on inner tubes or body surfing.
And if you have kids, they’ll love the splash pads, interactive water play structures, and designated kids’ areas.
Whether you’re seeking a heart-pounding adventure or a tranquil day of leisure, Soaky Mountain Waterpark delivers an unforgettable experience.
It’s a true oasis of fun and relaxation in the heart of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destination. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one!
6. Outdoor Gravity Park
Are you looking for a thrilling adventure in the heart of the Smoky Mountains? Look no further than Outdoor Gravity Park! This waterpark is a must-visit attraction when you’re in Pigeon Forge.
The park’s highlight is the OGO, a massive transparent sphere that sends you careening down a steep, winding hill. You’ll feel like you’re defying gravity as you spin around inside the ball and catch a 360-degree view of the stunning landscape surrounding you. It’s a sensation like no other!
But the OGO is just the start of the fun at Outdoor Gravity Park. You can also float along a lazy river, splash around in an interactive splash pad, or test your skills on the high-speed waterslides.
And if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, you can lounge on the sandy beach and soak up the sun.
One thing that sets Outdoor Gravity Park apart from other waterparks is its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
The park’s designers have seamlessly integrated the man-made attractions into the rolling hillsides, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and technology.
In short, Outdoor Gravity Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to Outdoor Gravity Park and make some unforgettable memories today!
7. Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
Are you looking for a fantastic waterpark adventure? Then, you must check out Wild Bear Falls Waterpark in Gatlinburg, located within the stunning Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
As soon as you enter the park’s grand, rustic-themed gateway, you’ll be transported to a whimsical, woodland-inspired oasis with towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and a giant, multi-story treehouse at its center.
The treehouse structure is the heart of Wild Bear Falls, home to an array of water slides and interactive play areas.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, there are plenty of exciting slides to try, like the Smokies Plunge, a high-speed tube slide that takes riders through a series of turns and drops, or the Black Bear Challenge, an exhilarating body slide that drops down a near-vertical descent.
For younger guests, the treehouse’s intricate network of bridges and platforms includes many water jets, sprayers, and mini-slides.
But that’s not all, Wild Bear Falls also offers opportunities for relaxation. The park’s lazy river provides a peaceful journey through the lush wilderness-inspired setting, allowing visitors to float and unwind.
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your experience, you can rent a private cabana with lounge chairs, mini-fridges, and personal televisions.
Whether you’re an adventure lover or a nature enthusiast, Wild Bear Falls Waterpark has something for everyone. It’s a perfect destination for an unforgettable experience that captures the magic and wonder of the Smoky Mountains.
8. Wild Water Dome
The Wild WaterDome is also home to the Storm Chaser thrill ride, Great Wave wave pool, the NEW AND IMPROVED Magnolia Grove Hot Spa, Smokies Surf Rider, Trail Twisters Tube Slides, Runaway Canyon family thrill slide and Washout Mountain play and spray structure.Â
Their Snapping Turtle Activity Pool is the perfect place to beat the heat, play some water basketball or just take a swim. Â
The Flying Squirrel Shallow Activity Pool is the perfect place for your little ones to enjoy the water. With bouncy seats, a mini-sized soft play slide and a mini squirrel house that is a smaller version of the big kid bucket dumps. So much fun!
As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel transported to a tropical island with palm trees, sandy beaches, and a laid-back Caribbean soundtrack.
You can’t miss the FlowRider, where you can show off your surfing skills on artificial waves. And if you’re feeling brave, you can take on the spiraling slides that will drop you off into the park’s different pools and lazy rivers.
But wait, there’s more! The Wild Water Dome is also the perfect spot to unwind and relax. You can float along the lazy river, enjoy the humidity-controlled air, or catch some rays on the sundeck.
And if you really want to live the high life, book a private cabana, complete with comfy lounge chairs, a mini-fridge, and first-class service.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a laid-back water lover, the Wild Water Dome is the place to be.
9. Wetlands Waterpark
Are you looking for a fun and exciting place to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than Wetlands Water Park, located just east of Johnson City!
At the park, you’ll find a variety of slides suitable for all family members, including the little ones. Take a relaxing float down the long lazy river or cool off in the zero-depth wading area.
The park also features tumble buckets, a children’s otter slide, and plenty of other areas for the entire family to splash and play!
Don’t worry if you don’t have water tubes —you’re welcome to bring your own, or the park provides them for a small fee.
So grab your swimsuits and sunscreen and come down to Wetlands Water Park – the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled day with your loved ones!
10. Sound Waves at Gaylord
Head over to Sound Waves, an incredible indoor/outdoor waterpark within Nashville’s stunning Gaylord Opryland resort.
This waterpark perfectly blends high-energy water attractions and the property’s signature elegant, Southern-inspired vibe.
You’ll have a blast riding the FlowRider, a thrilling surf simulator that lets you test your skills on cascading artificial waves.
And if you’re feeling brave, the high-speed slides and tube chutes will send you plummeting through twisting turns and drops, ending with a splash in the park’s various pools and lazy rivers.
You can also relax and unwind in the meandering lazy river or the sprawling outdoor pool area, soaking up the sun and taking in the resort’s lush, tropical-inspired atrium.
The best part? You don’t have to leave the resort to enjoy everything Nashville offers. Sound Waves seamlessly integrates with Gaylord Opryland’s dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
With a range of on-site accommodation options, from luxurious suites to family-friendly guestrooms, you can make the most of your stay and turn a day at the waterpark into a full-fledged vacation.
Head over to Sound Waves and experience the ultimate waterpark adventure in Music City. With world-class water attractions and Southern hospitality defining the Gaylord brand, you’ll have a blast all day!
Watch the Video of Nashville Shores Below!
Travel Insurance
I can’t say this enough, but please get insurance when traveling to Tennessee! Even if you only go on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.
I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.Â
Ready to plan your trip? Grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan it in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
Additional Articles On Exploring Tennessee
20 Reasons To Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
30 Things To Do in Gatlinburg This Summer
There are many things to do in Tennessee, and I love exploring and finding hidden gems.
If you are in one of our neighboring states and looking for a quick weekend getaway with the kids to cool off from the summer heat, these Tennessee water parks should be on your bucket list for your next family getaway.
What is your favorite water park in Tennessee? Did you even know Tennessee had water parks?Â
I would love to hear your thoughts on the best waterparks in Tennessee, so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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