Top Water Parks

Posted by Marketing on Friday, May 26th, 2023 at 11:00am.

Middle Tennessee residents and visitors, listen up: it’s time to prepare to beat the scorching summer heat in the coolest, most enjoyable way possible – by hitting the best water parks in Tennessee! These aquatic sanctuaries are a great way for the whole family to stay active and have fun during the warmest months of the year.

Dive into adventures large and small on water slides that twist and turn, in peaceful wave pools that bring the beach to you, and down lazy rivers that evoke memories of childhood days spent floating on quiet waterways. Your small children can spend hours bouncing through splash pads and paddling in safe, shallow pools while vigilant lifeguards stand watch.

Gather your swimwear, slather on some high-SPF sunscreen, and prepare for a day of aquatic excitement that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a blissful respite from the summer sun. Sound enticing? Then read on for our picks for Tennessee’s top water parks.


Wave Country
2320 Two Rivers Pkwy | Nashville

Wave Country welcomes crowds of visitors throughout the summer, and it’s easy to see why! Water flumes, speed slides, a children’s slide, and a gigantic, wave-action swimming pool are this water park’s most popular features.

In addition to these large attractions, a kiddie pool with water features and a playground are available for children under 48” (the minimum height for the flume and speed slides.)

While Wave Country offers shade umbrellas on a first-come, first-served basis, supplies are limited, so visitors are advised to bring chairs and shade popups whenever possible. Wave Country does have concession stands, but outside food and drinks are also welcome.


Cumberland Park
592 S 1st St | Nashville

Tucked against the vibrant Nashville riverfront, Cumberland Park’s 6.5 acres include refreshing water features for children and those who are young at heart. Beneath stunning views of downtown, this play space incorporates rainfall from a bridge, interactive water nozzles, and a shallow wading zone. Head over to “The Scoops” to cool off as you walk over gently misting stepping stones.


Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
4001 Bell Rd | Hermitage

Nashville Shores is the largest water park in Middle Tennessee, located just ten miles from downtown Nashville. It offers a variety of attractions including 10 water slides, a rolling wave pool, relaxing lazy river, multiple pools, safe and gentle kiddie areas, a sprawling sandy beach, and a hugely entertaining Aqua Park located on the lake.

You can enjoy carnival-style eats and drinks from five concession stands, but please note that outside food and drink are not permitted.

If you wish to avoid crowds, arrive early, or visit during the week. Parking, locker space, and concessions are all hot commodities as hundreds of visitors pour in on weekends and after 12pm. The pavement throughout the park will be sizzling hot, so make sure the whole family brings well-fitting water shoes.

Pro Tip: Seek out reduced rate tickets online!


Brentwood Splash Park
920 Heritage Way | Brentwood

Nestled within the confines of the Indoor Sports Complex in Brentwood, the newly unveiled Brentwood Splash Park emerges as a captivating oasis in which to escape the suburban summer heat. Spanning an expansive 10,000 square feet, this interactive venue promises an exhilarating water play experience for visitors of all ages, though young children are certainly who the designers had in mind.  

Embark on a thrilling descent down four slides, each with its own distinctive shape.Marvel at the gravity-defying twists and turns of the two double loop slides, surrendering yourself to the descent into refreshing sprays.The single loop slide offers a more singular journey, though the straight slide results in a build of momentum that presents its own thrill!

As you explore further, ground and ring sprays reveal themselves, playfully engaging visitors with their refreshing jets of water. Delight in the rhythmic patter of droplets as a rain curtain, reaching a mesmerizing height of 27 feet, cascades down to the park’s splash pad.

The grand centerpiece of the park, a colossal 100-gallon dump bucket, sits above four elevated platforms packed with sprays, poised to unleash a torrential downpour onto throngs of thrilled children below.

Seek shelter from the sun’s powerful rays beneath the park’s ample shade areas, where visitors can set up chairs, beach towels, or pop-up shade tents.


Boro Beach
2310 Memorial Blvd | Murfreesboro

Welcome to Boro Beach, a delightful hot spot for affordable and unforgettable water adventures! Prepare to be thrilled by two towering water slides that will make your heart race with excitement. Take the plunge and let the refreshing waves carry you to a world of pure exhilaration.

But that's not all—get ready to conquer the climbing wall, where your determination and skills will be put to the test as you ascend to new heights. Those seeking a whimsical aquatic experience can venture onto the floating bridge, a pathway that leads to unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned water adventurer or a first-time visitor, Boro Beach has something for everyone.

Recharge and refuel at the on-site concession stand, where delicious snacks and refreshing drinks await. Indulge. Treat yourself to carnival-style eats as you take a break from the water-filled excitement.

Don't worry about missing a thing—this park was designed to be just the right size, allowing you to soak up every delightful moment. Splash and play on the splash pad, where even the youngest water enthusiasts can join in on the fun. Speaking of little ones, the beach and kids' area were tailor-made for their enjoyment!


YMCA Camp Widjiwagan Pool and Splash Park
3088 Smith Springs Rd | Antioch

At YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, all campers make a splash as they swim daily as part of their summer program. The pool and splash park are the stars of this activity-packed camp, with water slides and spray zones keeping kids cool during the hottest part of summer afternoons.  Water games, pool races, a pirate ship (complete with a slide into the lake), and more are carefully supervised by a skilled team of lifeguards, ensuring your child’s safety at every moment.

Additionally, Camp Widgjiwagan’s 300-acre facilities (including campgrounds and cabins) are available for rent. Gain exclusive access to the pool, water slides, and entire camp for your family reunion, birthday bash, or corporate retreat.


Franklin Indoor/Outdoor Pools and Splash Park
1120 Hillsboro Rd | Franklin

The city of Franklin’s seasonal, outdoor pool is a whopping 6,000 square feet into which whirling water slides descend. Younger children can enjoy themselves in the safety of the splash park, while the whole family will love picnicking beneath your pop-up shade tent. If you didn’t pack a lunch, vending machines hold snacks and drinks to tide you over.

This popular spot brings in crowds, so arrive as early as possible to secure prime seating and score swim time with less competition.


Jimmy Floyd Center Outdoor Pool and Waterslides
511 N Castle Heights Ave | Lebanon

You’re invited to the world of the Jimmy Floyd Center's outdoor pool—where fun meets family! Dive into a delightful experience in the community of Lebanon. Dive, flip, and make a splash from the high dive, send your children down the jungle gym slide adventure, and take a relaxing dunk into this absolutely massive pool!

To ensure the safety of the littlest swimmers and splashers, teens and adults are kept within roped-off areas. Your little one can play without worrying about being overwhelmed by exuberant, adult-sized teenagers.

Now, let's talk about the concession food. Swimming can really work up an appetite, and what better way to satisfy those hunger pangs than with some carnival-style fried goodness? Get ready to swim, splash, and savor some delectable treats that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.


Wild Bear Falls Water Park
915 Westgate Resorts Rd | Gatlinburg

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is an exciting destination for families of all ages, featuring the incredible Wild Bear Falls. This world-class, mountain-themed indoor water park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Spanning over 60,000 square feet, Wild Bear Falls is filled with fun attractions that will leave your whole family exhilarated and exhausted at the end of a long day of play.

One of the highlights of Wild Bear Falls is its assortment of thrilling waterslides, including the enclosed body slide called Laurel Falls. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can float along the Cades Cove lazy river or enjoy exploring the Ramsey Cascades Treehouse water play features.

The Little Pigeon River toddler playground ensures that even the littlest members of the family have a blast.Kids of all ages will be thrilled by the lazy river, baby kiddie pool, and bigger kid pool.

There's also an impressive, massive pool that extends both indoors and outdoors, providing a delightful time for experienced swimmers. Adults can unwind and relax in the hot tubs, available both indoors and outdoors.

While the water park primarily caters to younger kids, teenagers can also have a great time here. The facility offers ample seating and tables on both the upper and lower levels, providing a comfortable space for families to relax. Towels are available for use exclusively within the water park, and the overall cleanliness of the area is commendable. The friendly staff adds to the positive experience and ensures that visitors feel welcomed.


Dollywood's Splash Country
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd | Pigeon Forge

Dollywood's Splash Country is a wildly popular water park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, adjacent to the internationally acclaimed Dollywood theme park. At Dollywood's Splash Country, there's something for everyone, whether you're seeking high-speed thrills or a more relaxed experience. The TailSpin Racer allows adventurous individuals to race together, while the Raging River Rapids offers twisting and turning fun for the whole family. Little Creek Falls provides a drenching experience for kids, and the massive wave pool, Mountain Waves, invites everyone to grab a tube and ride the waves!

This park offers an unparalleled array of aquatic attractions with nearly two dozen thrilling water rides. From the daring descents of the rafting ride Big Bear Plunge to the curvy surprises on the Mountain Scream body slide, you’ll be enchanted by every one of the family-friendly water rides.

The Cascades and Little Creek Falls interactive children's playground areas further enhance the fun and ensure there are activities suitable for all ages.

You’re sure to appreciate the cleanliness of the park and the friendly demeanor of the staff. The entry process is smooth, and the park offers a range of seating options, both shaded and in the sun. Safety and providing a positive experience for you and your loved ones will be prioritized throughout your visit.

The park offers lockers for your convenience if you wish to store personal items. As expected, lines for rides can be long; be sure to apply your favorite SPF while you wait.


The Takeaway

There’s no denying that summers in Tennessee can be sweltering. Luckily for you and yours, you don’t have to suffer to have fun outdoors. Head out to any one of these top-rated water parks and transform scorchers into screaming summer fun!

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