Tennessee's Best Amusement and Theme Parks: Your Complete Guide to Fun and Adventure

Get ready for an adventure! Tennessee is bursting with exciting amusement parks and destinations perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your family. Whether you're seeking the thrill of a rollercoaster, the splash of a water ride, engaging entertainment, or truly unique experiences for the little ones, Tennessee has an amusement park that's just right for your crew. Let's dive into the best amusement parks in Tennessee!

Dollywood

Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is more than just an amusement park; it's a world-class destination offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, award-winning shows, and authentic Appalachian charm. From high-flying suspended coasters to family-friendly amusement rides, there's something for every age. Don't miss the iconic wooden coaster, Thunderhead, the lightning-fast Mystery Mine, or the newest coaster, Big Bear Mountain. For 2025, keep an eye out for exciting new shows and limited-time summer events that make this the ideal year to visit this beloved Tennessee amusement park.

• Admission Prices: Single-day tickets typically range from $89-$109 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Multi-day passes are also available for extended fun. Prices are subject to change, so check the official Dollywood website for the most up-to-date information.

• Operating Hours: Hours vary by season, but during peak summer months, Dollywood is generally open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Always check the park's calendar for specific dates and times during your visit.

• Accessibility Options: Dollywood offers extensive accessibility services, including wheelchair and ECV rentals, accessible restrooms, and detailed ride accessibility guidelines. Guests with disabilities can find comprehensive information on the park's website or by contacting guest services.

• Nearby Accommodations: From charming cabins and cozy bed and breakfasts to full-service resorts like Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, there's a wide range of lodging options in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to suit every family's needs and budget.

Anakeesta

Gatlinburg

While not a traditional amusement park with your typical rollercoasters, Anakeesta in Gatlinburg offers an unparalleled mountain-top adventure with unique amusement rides and activities that will thrill the whole family. Take the scenic open-air chairlift up the mountain, then explore the Treetop Skywalk, zip lines, and thrilling alpine-style mountain coasters. Restaurants and shops are also available.  Stay till dark and experience the unforgettable Astra Lumina night walk.  It's an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and breathtaking natural beauty.

• Admission Prices: General admission for adults is approximately $35-$40, with discounts for children and seniors. Activities like zip-lining and Astra Lumina are extra.

• Operating Hours: Anakeesta is generally open year-round, with hours varying by season. During summer, it typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes later in the evening, sometimes 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM for special events.

• Accessibility Options: The Chondola and most pathways are wheelchair accessible. Some attractions, like the Treetop Skywalk, are also accessible. Guests are advised to check Anakeesta's website for detailed accessibility information for all attractions.

• Nearby Accommodations: Gatlinburg offers a vast array of lodging, from cozy cabins and chalets perfect for families to hotels and motels, all within a short distance of Anakeesta.

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

Hermitage

When the summer sun is shining bright, Nashville Shores is the perfect answer for a refreshing family adventure. This sprawling lakeside waterpark, located on Percy Priest Lake, boasts over 20 water attractions, including thrilling slides, a massive wave pool, and a lazy river. Get your heart racing on slides like Mega Mayhem or Riptide Racer, or challenge your balance at the Aqua Park on the lake. Beyond the water, there are also ziplines and a beautiful sandy beach, making it a true lakeside resort experience.

• Admission Prices: Daily tickets typically range from $44-$62 for ages 3+. Season passes are also available for frequent visitors. Prices are subject to change.

• Operating Hours: The waterpark generally operates seasonally, from late May to early September. Hours are typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM during peak summer. Zipline hours may differ. Check their website for exact dates and times.

• Accessibility Options: Nashville Shores offers accessible pathways and restrooms. Specific ride accessibility varies, and guests are encouraged to check with park staff or their website for detailed information on individual attractions.

• Nearby Accommodations: Nashville Shores offers on-site cabins and an RV park, providing convenient lakeside lodging. Plenty of hotels and vacation rentals are also available in the greater Nashville area.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge

Searching for an amusement park near me with a little bit of everything? The Island in Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex packed with rides, shops, restaurants, and shows, making it a fantastic destination for families. While it doesn't feature traditional full-scale rollercoasters like Dollywood, you'll find plenty of amusement rides to get your adrenaline pumping, including the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering observation wheel offering stunning panoramic views. Other popular rides include the Spinning Parrots Coaster, Happy Swing, and Reverse Time. Don't miss the dazzling Island Show Fountains, a free spectacle of water, light, and music.

• Admission Prices: Admission to The Island itself is free, allowing you to explore the shops and restaurants. Rides are individually priced, or you can purchase an unlimited ride pass, typically ranging from $35-$45. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a separate ticket.

• Operating Hours: The Island is generally open daily, with retail and dining hours typically from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (or later) and ride hours often extending into the evening. Check their website for specific daily schedules.

• Accessibility Options: The Island is very wheelchair-friendly with paved pathways and ramps throughout. Most attractions are accessible, and manual wheelchairs are available for complimentary use on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Nearby Accommodations: Pigeon Forge offers an abundance of hotels, motels, cabins, and condos, many within walking distance or a short drive of The Island.

Ober Mountain

Gatlinburg

Perched high above Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain offers a unique blend of amusement park thrills and mountain recreation, accessible by a scenic Aerial Tramway ride from downtown. In the warmer months, enjoy the Alpine Slide, the thrilling Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, chair swings, a wildlife habitat, and an indoor ice skating rink (a fantastic indoor amusement park option!). When winter arrives, it transforms into a ski and tubing area, providing year-round fun.

• Admission Prices: Prices vary depending on activities. A round-trip Aerial Tram ticket is approximately $29. Activity Passes (Fun Pass, Adventure Pass) combine multiple attractions and range from $50-$90+.

• Operating Hours: Ober Mountain is generally open year-round, though hours and available activities vary by season. The Aerial Tram typically runs from 9:40 AM to 9:00 PM. Check their website for current operating schedules.

• Accessibility Options: The Aerial Tram is wheelchair accessible. While many areas of the park are accessible, some attractions may have limitations. It's best to check with Ober Mountain directly for specific ride accessibility.

• Nearby Accommodations: Gatlinburg offers a wide variety of hotels, chalets, and cabins, many with easy access to the Aerial Tramway for a convenient trip up to Ober Mountain.

Dig N' Zone

Sevierville

For a truly unique and hands-on amusement park experience, head to Dig N' Zone in Sevierville. Forget traditional rollercoasters; here, you get to operate real construction equipment! Kids and adults alike can get behind the controls of excavators, skid steers, and even crush a (toy) car with a pavement roller at "The Crusher." It's an interactive and educational amusement park where you're not just riding, you're doing! This is definitely one of the most distinctive and unique amusement parks in Tennessee.

• Admission Prices: Day passes are required for all guests aged 3 and older, typically $55-$69. Children under 3 are free. TurboPass options are available for faster access to attractions.

• Operating Hours: Dig N' Zone typically operates seasonally, with hours varying. Check their official website for the most up-to-date calendar.

• Accessibility Options: The park is designed with accessibility in mind, allowing guests to operate modified construction equipment. Contact the park directly for specific accessibility needs and details.

• Nearby Accommodations: Being in Sevierville, Dig N' Zone is surrounded by a vast selection of hotels, resorts, and cabins, offering options for every family's budget and preference.

Outdoor Gravity Park

Pigeon Forge

For an experience that's pure, unadulterated fun and unlike any other amusement park ride, head to Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge. This is the only zorbing park in the USA, where you climb inside a giant inflatable orb (called an OGO) filled with a little water and roll down a 1,000-foot hill! Choose from different tracks – a fast track, an extreme zig-zag track, or a combination funnel. It's a fantastic, giggle-inducing adventure for ages 5 and up.

• Admission Prices: Prices typically range from $27-$29 per roll, with discounts for Sevier County residents. Multiple roll packages and video options are available.

• Operating Hours: Outdoor Gravity Park operates seasonally, generally from spring through fall, and is open rain or shine. Check their website for current hours and availability. Reservations are recommended.

• Accessibility Options: Due to the nature of the activity, guests need to be able to climb into and out of the OGO. Contact the park directly for any specific accessibility questions.

• Nearby Accommodations: Pigeon Forge offers a vast array of lodging options, from hotels and motels to cabins and resorts, all just a short roll (or drive) from Outdoor Gravity Park.

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

Nashville

For an unparalleled indoor amusement park experience that takes water fun to a luxurious new level, look no further than SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. This upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction is not just a waterpark; it's an immersive oasis with thrilling slides like the Rapid Remix (a mega-raft ride with LED lights and music!) and the exhilarating body slides of Stage Dive and Record Launch. You'll also find a fun-filled Up Tempo Rapids River, a relaxing Down Tempo Lazy River, interactive play areas for all ages, and even Nashville's only double FlowRider for surfing thrills. The indoor section is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round, making it perfect no matter the weather, while seasonal outdoor attractions provide even more splashy fun.

• Admission Prices: Guaranteed access to SoundWaves is typically obtained by reserving a "SoundWaves Experience Package" which includes your room at Gaylord Opryland Resort and wristbands. Day passes are generally not offered for walk-in guests. Party rooms can also be booked, which include access. Pricing varies by date and package.

• Operating Hours: The indoor attractions at SoundWaves are open year-round. Outdoor attractions operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through Labor Day. SoundWaves package guests can access the water attraction from check-in time on the day of arrival until noon on the day of check-out. Check their official website for specific calendar details for 2025.

• Accessibility Options: SoundWaves offers accessible pathways and restrooms throughout the facility. Specific ride accessibility information is available on their website or by contacting guest services.

• Nearby Accommodations: SoundWaves is located within the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center itself, so book your SoundWaves experience when you’re reserving your room.  

Wilderness at the Smokies

Sevierville

Prepare for an aquatic adventure like no other at Wilderness at the Smokies, featuring two incredible waterparks! The Wild WaterDome is a massive, year-round indoor amusement park with a transparent roof that lets in sunshine while keeping you warm, offering thrilling slides like the Storm Chaser and Runaway Canyon, a huge wave pool (The Great Wave), and interactive play structures like Washout Mountain. When the weather is warm, Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark opens up with even more slides, a zero-entry wading pool, and relaxing areas. With so many options, it's truly one of the best amusement parks in Tennessee for water fun!

• Admission Prices: Waterpark admission is included with your room rate when staying at Wilderness at the Smokies. Day passes for non-guests are generally not available.

• Operating Hours: The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark is open year-round. Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark operates seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check the Wilderness at the Smokies website for detailed waterpark hours and specific dates.

• Accessibility Options: All main floor entryways are wheelchair accessible, and elevators are available throughout the buildings. Life jackets are provided. Specific ride accessibility information is available on their FAQs page.

• Nearby Accommodations: Wilderness at the Smokies is a resort itself, offering a variety of lodging options within its Stone Hill Lodge and River Lodge, as well as Wilderness Villas.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Sevierville

For an absolutely epic outdoor water adventure, Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is a must-visit! This sprawling waterpark is packed with high-energy thrills and massive slides that will have your family screaming with delight. Experience unique rides like Avalaunch, a first-of-its-kind water coaster, or compete on the four-lane Splash & Furious mat racer. With a massive wave pool (Soaky Surge), an adventure river (Black Bear Rapids), and a dedicated area for the little ones (Boomer's Bay and The Hive), Soaky Mountain offers plenty of experiences for all ages.

• Admission Prices: Daily tickets are available for all ages, with prices varying seasonally. Season passes are also available. Cabana rentals and parking are extra. Check the Soaky Mountain Waterpark website for current ticket prices and special offers for 2025.

• Operating Hours: Soaky Mountain Waterpark operates seasonally, typically from late May through early September. Hours generally run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM during peak summer. Consult their calendar for precise dates and times.

• Accessibility Options: Soaky Mountain strives to be accessible, with information on specific ride accessibility available on their website or by contacting guest services.

• Nearby Accommodations: Located in Sevierville, Soaky Mountain Waterpark is close to numerous hotels, resorts, cabins, and vacation rentals in both Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, including its sister property, Wilderness at the Smokies.

Tennessee truly has an incredible collection of amusement parks and family-friendly destinations designed to create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. From the world-class thrills of Dollywood and the splashtastic fun of Nashville Shores, the hands-on excitement of Dig N' Zone, and the year-round winter wonderland of Pigeon Forge Snow, your family vacation in Tennessee is sure to be packed with excitement and laughter. So pack your bags, get ready for some serious fun, and discover why Tennessee is one of the best states for amusement park adventures!

For even more inspiration, check out these articles:

Choose Your Outdoor Adventure in Tennessee

Water Parks and Attractions Fun for the Whole Family

Family Vacation Ideas in Middle Tennessee