Tennessee, a state renowned for its rich musical heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm Southern hospitality, also boasts a surprising array of destinations for thrill-seekers and families alike. Thanks in no small part to the influence of the iconic Dolly Parton and her renowned Dollywood, Tennessee has cemented its place as a premier destination for amusement park enthusiasts. Alongside Dollywood, its adjacent water park, Splash Country, offers a refreshing escape. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Volunteer State is home to a diverse collection of theme parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers, each offering unique experiences and attractions. From adrenaline-pumping rides to relaxing water features, Tennessee has something for everyone. Let’s embark on a journey through the state’s most exciting destinations for fun and adventure.
Exploring Tennessee’s Amusement Landscape
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Tennessee’s theme parks and water parks, cataloged alphabetically, to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure.
Anakeesta (Gatlinburg)
Nestled high in the majestic Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta is more than just a theme park; it’s an immersive mountaintop experience. Accessible via a scenic gondola ride, Anakeesta invites visitors to explore a whimsical world of natural beauty and thrilling attractions. The park’s centerpiece is its enchanting tree canopy walk, which allows guests to stroll among the treetops, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For the adventurous souls, dueling ziplines provide an exhilarating rush, while the mountain coaster offers a thrilling descent through the forest. Anakeesta also features gem mining for those seeking a treasure hunt, a charming dining and shopping complex, a serene botanical garden showcasing the region’s flora, and a peaceful forest walk for those seeking tranquility. Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
Adrenaline Park (Sevierville)
As its name suggests, Adrenaline Park in Sevierville caters to those seeking an intense thrill. Unlike traditional amusement parks, Adrenaline Park focuses on providing high-octane experiences. The park’s main attractions include extreme zip lines that send riders soaring through the air at incredible speeds. The Skybridge is another highlight, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. While it may not offer the variety of rides found in larger theme parks, Adrenaline Park delivers a concentrated dose of excitement for adventure enthusiasts. Find Adrenaline Park at 168 Lee Greenwood Way, Kodak, TN 37764.
Dollywood and Splash Country (Pigeon Forge)
No exploration of Tennessee’s theme park scene would be complete without mentioning Dollywood, a true gem that celebrates the vibrant culture of the Smoky Mountains and the legendary Dolly Parton. This world-class theme park offers a diverse range of attractions, from heart-stopping roller coasters to captivating live shows. One of its standout features is Lightning Rod, the world’s first launched wooden coaster, which catapults riders into a whirlwind of thrills. Dollywood is renowned for its exceptional entertainment, showcasing talented performers and celebrating the region’s musical heritage. The park also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Christmas in the Smokies and the Festival of Nations, adding to its appeal.
Adjacent to Dollywood lies Splash Country, a sprawling water park that offers a refreshing escape from the Tennessee heat. This separate-admission park boasts a wide array of water rides and attractions, including the exhilarating RiverRush water coaster, family raft rides, high-speed slides, and an interactive play area complete with a giant dump bucket.
For those seeking a complete vacation experience, Dollywood also offers the luxurious DreamMore Resort, with exclusive perks such as early park admission and line-skipping privileges. A second hotel, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, is set to open soon, further expanding the resort’s accommodations.
Dollywood and Splash Country are located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
FunStop Family Action Park (Pigeon Forge)
FunStop Family Action Park in Pigeon Forge provides a more intimate amusement park experience, focusing on a selection of exciting rides and attractions. Go-karts are a central attraction, allowing visitors to race against each other on challenging tracks. The Soaring Eagle zipline provides a unique perspective of the park and surrounding area. For those seeking extreme thrills, the Skyscraper pendulum ride and the Slingshot reverse-bungee ride deliver an unforgettable adrenaline rush. FunStop also features an arcade for additional entertainment. Visit FunStop at 3275 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3421.
The Island in Pigeon Forge (Pigeon Forge)
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a mix of shopping, dining, and attractions. The centerpiece of The Island is The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering Ferris wheel that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other attractions include a classic carousel, carnival games, dancing fountains, and live music performances. The Island’s central location on Pigeon Forge’s bustling tourist strip makes it a convenient destination for visitors looking for a diverse range of entertainment options. Find The Island at 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
Lake Winne and Soakya Water Park (Chattanooga)
Located just across the state line in Georgia, but advertised as being in Chattanooga, Lake Winne is a classic amusement park with a nostalgic charm. The park features a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, including the Wild Lightnin’ steel coaster, the wooden Cannon Ball coaster, spinning rides, and kiddie rides. Included with admission to Lake Winne is Soakya Water Park, a small outdoor water park offering a selection of slides and water features for visitors to enjoy. Lake Winne can be found at 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741.
NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains (Sevierville)
For racing enthusiasts, NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains in Sevierville offers a unique and thrilling experience. The park’s main attraction is its collection of go-kart tracks, with eight different tracks catering to various skill levels. In addition to go-karts, NASCAR SpeedPark also features a family-friendly coaster, a carousel, bumper cars, bumper boats, a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, kiddie rides, and spinning rides. Visit NASCAR SpeedPark at 1545 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862.
Ober Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg)
Ober Gatlinburg is a unique destination that transforms from a ski resort in the winter to an amusement park in the warmer months. Visitors can ride the aerial tramway, which is the country’s largest according to its owners, enjoy a thrilling ride down the Alpine slide, and cool off on the two water coasters. Ober Gatlinburg offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. Ober Gatlinburg is located at 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
Nashville Shores: Hermitage
Nashville Shores in Hermitage is a medium-sized outdoor water park that offers a refreshing escape from the Tennessee heat. The park features eight water slides, a lazy river, the Cowabunga Beach interactive water play center with a tipping bucket, swimming pools, and a lake beach. In addition to the water park, Nashville Shores also offers lake cruises and the Treetop Adventure Park, featuring zip lines, cargo nets, tree swings, suspended bridges, and other challenging activities. Find Nashville Shores at 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076.
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing (Sevierville)
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing in Sevierville is a hotel that offers both indoor and outdoor water park attractions. The resort’s water park provides a convenient and enjoyable amenity for guests, allowing them to relax and have fun without leaving the property. The Resort at Governor’s Crossing is located at 225 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862-6911.
Rowdy Bear Mountain (Gatlinburg) and Rowdy Bear Ridge (Pigeon Forge)
Rowdy Bear Mountain in Gatlinburg and Rowdy Bear Ridge in Pigeon Forge are two adventure parks that utilize the natural topography of the mountainside to create unique and thrilling attractions. At Rowdy Bear Mountain, visitors can ride the Alpine Coaster, which allows passengers to control the speed of their descent, or the Mountain Glider, a zipline-like ride that sends passengers soaring through the air. Rowdy Bear Ridge features the Laser Gun Coaster, where riders can shoot at targets along the course, as well as a year-round tubing hill and the Power Coaster, an alpine coaster where passengers can control their speed.
SkyFly: Soar America (Pigeon Forge)
Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, SkyFly: Soar America is a flying theater attraction that provides a simulated hang gliding experience over iconic locations across the United States. Visitors can soar above the Great Smoky Mountains, Alaskan glaciers, Niagara Falls, and the Grand Canyon, all while experiencing the sensation of flight.
Soaky Mountain (Sevierville)
Soaky Mountain in Sevierville is a large outdoor water park that debuted recently. The park features a wide array of water rides and attractions, including the Avalaunch water coaster, the Blue Mountain Mayhem halfpipe slide, the Whoop body slide with a launch chamber, the Holler speed slide, the Splash and Furious mat racing slide, the Hang 10Esee dual FlowRider surfing ride, the Soaky Surge wave pool, the Black Bear Rapids adventure river, The Hive interactive water play structure, and the Boomer’s Bay area for younger children.
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland (Nashville)
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville is an indoor and outdoor water park that offers a unique and exciting experience for hotel guests and day pass holders. The music-themed indoor park features a variety of water rides, including Rapid Remix, a family raft ride, the Crowd Surfer FlowRider surfing attraction, the Down Tempo lazy river, and the Stage Dive body slides. The outdoor water park features Beat Drop, a looping water slide, Rock’N Racer, a four-lane, mat-racing slide, and the Tidal Track wave pool.
Storyville Gardens (Location TBD near Nashville)
Slated to open in 2025, Storyville Gardens will be the first major theme park in the Nashville area since Opryland U.S.A. closed. Designed to celebrate and promote reading, developers say the park will include attractions and shows based on stories from Africa, Europe, Asia, and America. The planned site is scheduled to include hotels and a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex in addition to the park.
The Track (Two Locations in Pigeon Forge)
The Track, with two locations in Pigeon Forge, offers family entertainment centers that are known for their go-kart tracks. The Track also offers SkyFlyer, a thrilling, skydiving-like experience, and kiddie rides such as a carousel, a mini-Ferris wheel, and a train ride. Other features include mini-golf, bumper cars, bumper boats, and an arcade.
The Wetlands (Jonesborough)
The Wetlands is a small, municipal outdoor water park in Jonesborough. The park features a few water slides, a lazy river, a pool, a water playground, and sand volleyball.
Wild Bear Falls (Gatlinburg)
Located at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Wild Bear Falls is a medium-sized indoor water park in Gatlinburg. The park features a lazy river, water slides, and an indoor/outdoor hot tub.
Wilderness at the Smokies (Sevierville)
Wilderness at the Smokies is an indoor water park resort in Sevierville that is part of the Wilderness chain. Attractions include the Wild Vortex, a water slide with a launch chamber and a near vertical loop, as well as the Tornado, a funnel ride. The park features a translucent roof that allows sun to shine indoors year round.
This guide is designed to assist you in planning your Tennessee adventure. Remember to check the parks’ official websites for the most up-to-date information on hours, pricing, and special events. Enjoy exploring the thrilling world of A Guide to Tennessee’s Theme Parks and Water Parks!
