When the summer heats up or the kids are craving some splashy fun, nothing beats a day at the water park. When you visit the Smokies, whether you’re staying in Wears Valley, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge, you’re never far from a world-class water park experience.
From massive indoor water domes that keep the fun going year-round to sprawling outdoor parks perfect for sunny summer days, here are the best water parks in the Smoky Mountains!
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
If you’re visiting the Smokies in the summer and want to experience some serious outdoor water park thrills, Soaky Mountain is the place to be. This massive 50-acre park in Sevierville is open from late May through early September and is packed with cutting-edge slides, high-speed thrills, and family-friendly attractions.
Admission is $53 for adults and $43 for children under 42” tall (free under 2 years old), and midweek promotions can provide great value for families and groups. Highlights include The Edge, a dueling water coaster with a zero-gravity drop, the speedy Rafter’s Rage raft slide and the FlowRider surf simulator. For the younger kids, The Hive is an interactive kids’ splash zone with small slides they will love. Visitors can rent private cabanas, enjoy food trucks and shady lounge areas, or float on the lazy river. This newer park is one of the most popular in the region, so early in the season or mid-week can be a great time to visit with fewer crowds.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Bring some Southern charm and Smoky Mountain magic to your waterpark experience at Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge. Conveniently located next to the main Dollywood theme park, Splash Country is an outdoor park open seasonally from May through early September and offers more than 20 water rides and attractions.
Single day admission is $55 for adults ($45 for kids), and you can bundle access to the Dollywood theme park as well. Popular attractions include the RiverRush water coaster, Big Bear Plunge raft ride, multi-lane mat racing slides and several splash pads and play areas. A lazy river and expansive wave pool make it easy to float the day away too. Riverside cabana rentals and dining options also provide plenty of space to take a break. The park’s thoughtful layout among the trees and balance of rides and relaxation make this a great choice for families.
Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark
The Wild WaterDome in Sevierville is one of the largest indoor water parks in Tennessee. Located within the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort, this 66,000-square-foot water park is open year-round and combines wild rides and unique features like a transparent roof. Access is prioritized for resort guests, but a limited number of day passes are available to the public for $79 and often include admission to other resort attractions.
Inside the dome, you can enjoy a large wave pool, a surf simulator, multiple water slides, a kid-friendly splash zone and an enclosed lazy river with a kaleidoscope light display. The park’s variety makes it a favorite for thrill-seekers and families with young children, and during the warmer months, the connected outdoor section opens up with even more rides. Add in the on-site dining options, cabana rentals and spacious layout, and it’s easy to spend the entire day here.
Wild Bear Falls
Located at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, Wild Bear Falls Water Park is a fully indoor, mountain-themed water wonderland that spans over 60,000 square feet. Open all year long, this water park is perfect for families visiting in any season. With a retractable roof that lets the sunlight in when the weather’s good, Wild Bear Falls offers the best of both worlds.
Admission is priced at $35 for adults and $25 for kids ages 4-13, while children under 3 are free. The park includes a lazy river, heated pools, a large water treehouse, two water slides, and even private cabanas equipped with TVs and mini-fridges. It’s a fantastic pick for families looking for a weatherproof option close to Gatlinburg.
Plan Your Smoky Mountain Visit
Whether you’re looking for high-speed thrills, little tike splash zones, or an all-weather indoor retreat, the Smoky Mountains are home to incredible water parks that are perfect for cooling off and having some fun. When you’re ready to dry off, your Compass vacation rental cabin is the perfect relaxing retreat. With nearly 100 Smoky Mountain cabin rentals across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Seviervile, we offer rentals for any size group and occasion. Book your stay today and get ready to dive into fun this summer!
