Tennessee is a wonderful place to vacation and explore. The scenery there is lovely, and there are tons of great hiking trails. Of course, the big cities are nice too. Another thing we love about this state? Tennessee amusement parks!
There are lots of awesome amusement parks in Tennessee—so many, in fact, that it can be difficult to pick and choose which ones to visit. That’s where this article comes into play. Below is all the information you could ever need to plan a Tennessee amusement park getaway.
Tennessee Amusement Parks
Let’s start by narrowing down your options. If you feel overwhelmed when you see how many amusement parks there are in Tennessee, this is the list for you. These are our top 8 favorite amusement parks in the state. Choose from this list and you can’t go wrong:
- Dollywood and Splash Country
- FunStop Family Action Park
- Nashville Shores RV Resort
- Soaky Mountain
- Anakeesta
- Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
- Wild Bear Falls
- Wilderness at the Smokies
Unfortunately, you can’t just pick a park name and expect your trip to go off without a hitch. You’ll need to gather some info and do some planning before you hit the road. Keep reading to learn what you need to know before visiting each of these fantastic Tennessee amusement parks.
Dollywood and Splash Country
First on our list of Tennessee amusement parks is probably also the most popular amusement park in Tennessee: Dollywood. This park is located right outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the family vacation hotspot of Pigeon Forge. It’s jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and Miss Dolly Parton herself, and together they do an amazing job of creating a fun, clean, and family-friendly environment you’re sure to enjoy.
Some of the best rides at this park include the Firechaser Express coaster and the Lightning Rod wooden coaster. Want big thrills? Don’t miss the Mystery Mine coaster and the Wild Eagle. Meanwhile, little ones will appreciate The Mad Mockingbird swing ride, Black Bear Trail, and the many kiddie rides and playgrounds throughout the park.
In addition to rides, Dollywood is also famous for its awesome entertainment lineup. There is always a good show to catch in the park, and special seasonal events help keep things fresh even if you’re visiting for a second or third time.
Lastly, we must mention the Dollywood water park, Splash Country. This is a fantastic outdoor water park and is the perfect addition to a summer getaway. Here you will find a huge water playground, family slides, thrill slides, a super fun lazy river, places for toddlers to play, and more.
RV Camping near Dollywood
One of the great things about visiting Pigeon Forge is that there are so many options available for RV camping. Therefore, it just makes sense to bring your RV when visiting Dollywood and the surrounding attractions. Not sure which campground to pick? Check out the great option below!
The Ridge Outdoor Resort — One of the best reviewed campgrounds in the area, The Ridge Outdoor Resort is an excellent place to call home for a few days. The views of the pond are fantastic, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and the amenities include a pool, lazy river, sports courts, a fishing pond, and even hot tubs at your site if you choose a signature site.
Planning Your Trip to Dollywood
Tickets to Dollywood start at $89 for a single day. Discounts are available for seniors, children under 10 years old, and a few others. You can also save by purchasing a multi-day and/or multi-park ticket.
Parking at Dollywood is $22.80 when bought online. There is RV parking available for an additional fee. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the park, but there are plenty of food vendors within the park gates.
FunStop Family Action Park
Looking for even more Tennessee amusement park fun in Pigeon Forge? Consider adding FunStop Family Action Park to your trip itinerary. This awesome park is perfect for thrill seekers, arcade fanatics, and speedsters who want to try their hand at driving.
Attractions in FunStop Family Action Park include GoKarts, a super tall Skyscraper ride, an intensely thrilling Slingshot ride, and a super fun Zipline. There is also an onsite arcade with a fun circus theme, state-of-the-art games, and plenty of prizes that can be purchased with tickets won through playing the games.
RV Camping near FunStop Family Action Park
As mentioned before, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place for an RV getaway. There are tons of excellent campgrounds around, and you certainly won’t be bored when surrounded by so many great attractions as well as an amazing National Park. Below is one of our favorite campgrounds in the area.
Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge — This is a gorgeous park with all the amenities you need to feel truly relaxed. The full-hookup sites are complete with cement patios and cable TV hookups. There is a pool and the bathhouses are clean and well maintained. Best of all, this park is in an excellent location that’s close to all kinds of attractions, dining, and shopping.
Rent an RV near FunStop Family Action Park!
Planning Your Trip to FunStop Family Action Park
Admission to FunStop Family Action Park is free. However, you will have to pay for each individual attraction you choose to enjoy. Go-karts cost $12 for a single ride or $25 for three rides. The Skyscraper is $25 per ride and the Slingshot is $25 per ride, but you can buy a combo ticket for $40 for both. A ride on the Zipline costs $20 per person.
Refreshments are available onsite, so you won’t have to leave the park to grab a snack or a drink.
Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort
Next on our list is Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort in Hermitage, just outside of Nashville. That’s right, we’ve included an RV resort on a list of Tennessee amusement parks. Why? Because this particular RV resort is home to both a water park and an adventure park! If you’re looking to have a good time without ever leaving your campground, this is the place for you.
The water park at Nashville Shores is home to all kinds of awesome attractions. The water playground is perfect for the kids, and the lazy river and wave pool are great for the whole family. Want slides? This park has those too! There are nine different slides in the Nashville Shores water park. These include a funnel slide, various body slides, and a family raft slide.
Wondering about the adventure park? This part of the resort offers a variety of treetop adventures for people of all ages. You’ll cross suspended bridges, hop on giant ziplines, swing like Tarzan, and more as you navigate the treetops in this super fun park.
RV Camping near Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort
Obviously, you will want to bring your RV and stay at Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort while you enjoy their onsite water park and treetop adventure course. This is just perfect because it makes returning to your home-on-wheels after a day of fun an absolute cinch.
Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort — The RV park itself features 88 concrete full-hookup sites. Pull-through and back-in sites are available, and there are a handful of lake-view sites for those who like to be out on the water. A clean bathhouse, dog park, playground, and general store are all available as well, so your whole family is sure to be happy for the duration of your trip.
Rent an RV near Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort!
Planning Your Trip to Nashville Shores Lakeside RV Resort
Daily tickets to the water park are $49.99 each (or $39.99 when bought online). Treetop Adventure Park tickets are also $49.99 when bought at the gate, but are only $25 when bought online. RV park guests receive discounts on both parks, but must buy those discounted tickets onsite.
Day parking is available to offsite guests for $10 a day. Rental lockers are available at the water park. Outside food is not allowed, but there are places to buy food on property.
Soaky Mountain
Another fantastic water park in Tennessee, Soaky Mountain is located in Sevierville, just minutes away from Pigeon Forge. This makes the park a perfect addition to your Pigeon Forge getaway, especially during the hottest days of the summer.
Soaky Mountain is home to a wide variety of watery attractions. One favorite is the new “The Edge Dueling Watercoaster,” which features colorful lights as well as a fun backwards section. Mini Mayhem is a fun one for young thrill seekers, and The Hive is a fantastic multi-story water playground with all kinds of interactive features.
Want something to do with the family? The Soaky Surge wave pool is one great option. Another great one? Black Bear Rapids, a wild adventure float river.
RV Camping near Soaky Mountain
Planning to take your RV when you visit Soaky Mountain? This is an excellent idea, and either of the Pigeon Forge area RV parks will work well as a home base. That said, if you want another option, the park below is also fantastic.
Jellystone Park Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg — If you have kids, you’re going to adore Jellystone Park. This park features a super fun playground, a bouncing pillow, and some Yogi Bear touches that are sure to get the attention of littles. The sites offer full hookups and the bathhouses are clean and well kept.
Rent an RV near Soaky Mountain!
Planning Your Trip to Soaky Mountain
Daily admission to Soaky Mountain is $47.99 for adults, $39.99 for seniors and those under 42 inches tall, and free for kids ages 2 and under. Military discounts are available.
Parking is $13.75 per day, rental lockers are available, and outside food and drinks are not allowed. There is food available for purchase onsite though!
Anakeesta
Yet another amazing attraction in the area of the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta is located in Gatlinburg. This is a unique Tennessee amusement park that is ideal for those who love adventure in nature and want to experience some thrills. It’s the perfect way to connect with the mountains and your family simultaneously!
Attractions at Anakeesta include an observation tower with amazing views of the Smokies, an incredible Treetop Skywalk, and super exciting Dueling Ziplines. The Treeventure Challenge Course is ideal for kids, and the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster will give you that adrenaline rush you crave.
For more family fun at Anakeesta, be sure to try your hand at Gem Mining and try the BearVenture Challenge Course with the kiddos. Kids will also love playing in the Treehouse Village Play Area, and if it’s hot out, you will want to spend time in the adorable Splash Pad area.
RV Camping near Anakeesta
We’ve mentioned a few great campgrounds in the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg area already. That said, these are far from the only options. If you want another option to choose from, you might look into the campground below.
Twin Creek RV Resort — Located in Gatlinburg, Twin Creek RV Resort is just minutes away from Anakeesta. The staff is beyond friendly and helpful, and there is plenty of greenery throughout the park. The sites have full hookups, there is a pool, and there is even a free Trolley Stop just up the road.
Planning Your Trip to Anakeesta
General admission to Anakeesta is $34.99 for adults, $22.99 for kids aged 4–11, and $27.99 for seniors. Those aged 3 and under enter for free. This admission includes most attractions, but the zipline and Rail Runner do cost extra, as does the beautiful nighttime light spectacular, “Astralumina”.
Anakeesta does not have its own parking lot. That said, there are a few different paid parking options nearby. Outside food is not allowed in the park, but there is food available for purchase.
Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
A year-round park located in Pigeon Forge, Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark is the ideal place to experience winter in the mountains, but is also tons of fun in the warmer months. Rather than a traditional amusement park, this park is an outdoor adventure park, meaning you’ll find a variety of unique attractions and things to do while you’re there.
During the winter months, Rowdy Bear’s plays host to Tennessee’s longest outdoor snow-tubing hill. This hill is 500 feet long and sends you on a super fast ride. In the summer, this same hill offers summer tubing, which is equally fun, even if there is no snow involved.
Other attractions in the park include Axe Throwing, a playground, and the Ski Lift Shootout Coaster, a coaster and shooting game/ride all in one.
RV Camping near Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
Obviously, you will want to pack up the RV and bring it along when you visit Rowdy Bear’s. The Pigeon Forge area parks mentioned above are all great places to stay, but if you want yet another option you’re in luck! The park below is another wonderful lodging pick.
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday — KOA parks are always a good bet. We love the Pigeon Forge KOA for its full-hookup sites, playground, pool, hot tub, and onsite store. The location is also fantastic, as getting to the many area attractions is super simple.
Rent an RV near Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark!
Planning Your Trip to Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark
Tubing at Rowdy Bear’s is $35.99 per person. Parking is free for tubers, and advance reservations are required. Tubers must be 40 inches or taller.
Food and drinks are available onsite at Sugar Bear’s Cafe and Creamery. Here you’ll find ice cream, baked goods, coffee, hot cocoa, hot dogs, nachos, and more.
Wild Bear Falls
Hoping for some wintertime water park fun? Wild Bear Falls is an inside water park in Gatlinburg that is well worth a visit. The forest theming at this park is absolutely adorable, and despite being a smaller park, there is plenty to do during your time there.
Attractions at Wild Bear Falls include something for everyone. The interactive water treehouse offers lots of interactive features that kids absolutely adore. Meanwhile, older kids and thrill-seeking adults will appreciate the two fast-moving water slides. There is a lovely lazy river that is perfect for families, and little ones will love the toddler play area.
Looking to relax? You’ll adore the Moonshine Hollow indoor/outdoor sauna as well as the Grotto Falls hot tub.
RV Camping near Wild Bear Falls
Wondering where to stay during your visit to Wild Bear Falls? As always, we recommend camping, and seeing as this park is in Gatlinburg, we’ve already given you several great campground options in the area. If you need yet another option, we suggest looking into the park below.
Camp LeCont Luxury Outdoor Resort — Looking to camp in the lap of luxury? This resort might be the perfect pick for you. This lovely Gatlinburg campground is just minutes from Wild Bear Falls and features full-hookup sites with concrete pads. There is a pool onsite, the bathrooms are especially clean, and the play area is fun for little ones.
Rent an RV near Wild Bear Falls!
Planning Your Trip to Wild Bear Falls
Admission to Wild Bear Falls is $24.95 for a single day, $53.85 for three days, and $84.75 for five days. Kids under 3 years of age enter for free.
There are cabanas and lockers available for rent. Additionally, food is available onsite so you won’t have to worry about leaving the premises because you’re hungry.
Wilderness at the Smokies
Last on our list of Tennessee amusement parks is Wilderness at the Smokies. Yes, this is another Smoky Mountain-area park, but this Sevierville park definitely deserves its place on our list. Technically, this is a hotel and villa resort, but it also plays host to not one but three fantastic waterparks, making it a great place to spend a day or two with your family.
First, there is the Wild Waterdome, an indoor waterpark that is open all year long. This park features a variety of slides, a surf simulator, a large wave pool, and an activity pool for the youngest visitors.
Next up, Lake Wilderness. This is one of two outdoor waterparks that offers tons of fun during the summer months. This park is home to some of the area’s tallest thrill slides, making it an excellent pick for thrill seekers. It is also home to Treehouse Springs, a well-themed water playground that couldn’t be more fun.
Finally, there is Salamander Springs, another outdoor waterpark that packs tons of fun into a small space. A body slide and tube slide are available for those who enjoy a good ride, and the 500-gallon dump bucket is tons of fun for people of all ages. Kids love the zero-depth entry pool, and the kiddie play area makes the place even more fun.
RV Camping near Wilderness at the Smokies
You might think it makes sense to stay in the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort itself. We disagree. RV camping is always more comfortable, and it’ll allow you to add some camping fun to your trip that you really wouldn’t get staying in a hotel.
Camp RiversLanding — A lovely little campground in Pigeon Forge, Camp RiversLanding is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. A creek runs through the park, which guests are usually allowed to float on. Additionally, the sites provide full hookups, the bathrooms are immaculate, and the staff is happy to help however they can!
Rent an RV near Wilderness at the Smokies!
Planning Your Trip to Wilderness at the Smokies
Day passes to the waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are available for offsite guests. The price varies based on the season and the day of the week. During the summer, admission includes access to all three parks. Children under the age of 3 do not need a waterpark ticket.
Rental lockers are available at the parks. Outside food is not allowed, but there are snack bars in the waterparks.
There you have it—eight wonderful amusement parks in Tennessee! Want even more amusement park fun during your time in the state? Try searching “amusement parks near me” once you arrive at your campground of choice to see what kinds of gems you can come up with.
Maybe you prefer to add other sorts of attractions to your trip itinerary in addition to the Tennessee amusement parks. That’s totally doable! In fact, there are tons of amazing things to do in Tennessee. The blog posts below include some of our favorite options. Choose from these lists and you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring the Volunteer State!
