When I think of summer, I think of all the moments and things to do that make it special. It is the most fun, but the chaos that is life without routines and schedules can be a bit, well, chaotic. I find myself spending a lot of time finding ways to fill all the daylight hours with two little ones, especially on the weekends. We do a lot of ice cream runs, splash pad splashing, four-wheeler riding, and playing in the dirt until the sun goes down, but I also try to throw in adventures here and there. Our favorite way to beat the heat and enjoy the hours together is to head to a water park. Luckily for us, there are several parks surrounding Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama. You can literally find a splash pad in any town and while we love those, when I think of a water park, I want it to have a lazy river, a big slide, and a kiddie splash area. This summer, I made it my mission to find several water parks, so I have made a list and I am excited to share them with you! I hope it makes the last few weeks of school free special, but also gives you something to fill your weekends with until Labor Day! It will definitely save you some planning time. Let’s go for water slides!!
Water Parks in Tennessee
Tullahoma Splash Island
While Tullahoma Splash Island isn’t a large water park, in the traditional sense, it has a large pool, several slides, a lazy river and a kiddie splash area. I was extremely impressed when we visited the first time. It is definitely worth the trip if you are in the Middle Tennessee area. They have food, drinks, and an inexpensive entry ticket! Tickets are $8 per person and kids 2 and under are free. You can’t beat that with a stick!! Find more information about Tullahoma Splash Island here.
Boro Beach
A catchy name for a mini water park, Boro Beach is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The large slides make it a little more than a splash pad. They have a splash pad area available, as well as smaller water features for the littles. Similar to Splash Island, they have concessions and a low entry fee. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. If you have military members or seniors in your life, they only pay $5 too! Find more information about Boro Beach here.
Nashville Shores
One of the true water parks in Tennessee, Nashville Shores is located on Percy Priest Lake and has 10 thrilling water slides, splash areas, a lazy river, a pool, a wave pool, and a water spill area. Kowabunga Beach is a mini water park for the littles. Nashville Shores is a full service water park with a gift shop, restaurants, ice cream, and more! This a perfect day trip, sure to fill your entire day and wear out those kiddos! Tickets are $54.99 but Nashville Shores offers ways to save. You can save $10 for one visit during the summer season. Find more information about Nashville Shores here.
TIPS ON THE LO: Go during the week and save $15, making your ticket price $39.99
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Soaky Mountain Waterpark is located in Sevierville, TN . Depending on where you live, you may need to spend a night or two here. Sevierville isn’t a one-day drive from my house, but the park is well worth the splurge. It is the ultimate summer weekend getaway. We visited for the first time when my son turned two and loved it! I am a Splash Country fanatic (see below), but this park rivals Splash Country for sure. Similar to Nashville Shores, there are numerous slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, food options, gift shops, and a fantastic kids’ splash area. They also have a surfing area, an inflatable obstacle course, and a mini water park for the really littles. Another location that will fill a day, maybe even two! The ticket price is actually cheaper than Nashville Shores and there is so much more available. $49.99 for most. If your kiddos is under 41” tall, they are $41.99. Find more information about Soaky Mountain Waterpark here.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Tennessee’s best water park! Is there anything Dolly does that isn’t wonderful? If you have ever been to Dollywood, you know what to expect. If you haven’t, you are in for a real treat. Her company doesn’t do a single thing halfway! Again, this one will likely cause an overnight stay or two, but it’s worth it! This park is really similar to Soaky Mountain. Dollywood's Splash Country has multiple thrill water slides, a wave pool, and splash pad area, gift shops, restaurants, a lazy river, but it also has a floating adventure. You can float down a 1,500 foot “river” complete with waterfalls. This is a great option if you want to add on the amusement park too! Dollywood's Splash Country has the option to buy a meal with your ticket. The entry fee and a meal is $59.95 but you can spend a few dollars more and get a snack added too for only $64.95. If you have never ordered food for multiple people at a waterpark—this is a deal! Find more information about Dollywood's Splash Country here.
TIPS ON THE LO: Buy a two day pass to combine the amusement park for $102 for 1 day and $129 for 2 days. Seniors and children get discounts!
North Alabama Area Water Parks
Point Mallard
Starting off strong with this waterpark, not far off I-65. I truly love Point Mallard. It is a bit smaller than Nashville shores, but that just means less of a crowd. They have several dining options, shopping, ice-ees, ice cream in addition to an awesome kiddo playing area, a large swimming pool with diving ledges, multiple water slides, a great lazy river, and a wave pool. We spent an entire afternoon at Point Mallard recently and cannot wait to go back again soon! Tickets are $28 for adults, $23 for kiddos ages 3-11 and seniors! Those under 2 are free! Find more information about Point Mallard here.
TIPS ON THE LO: Check their calendar online for half price days. There are several options!
Wild Water Cullman
I had no idea this place existed, but it is now on my list to check out before the end of summer. Wild Water Cullman has 8 slides, additional slides specific for littles, a wave pool, a lazy river, a splash pad area, and a kidz racer. As with the others, there are also shopping spots and plenty of dining choices. The ticket price is the winner for this one! Tickets are $24.99. Find more information about Wild Water Cullman here.
TIPS ON THE LO: Visit Tuesday and Thursday after 2pm for only $19.99
Pirate’s Bay Waterpark
Another new to me waterpark, a little over 2.5 hours away from where I am in Pulaski is this cute park in Leesburg, AL. Pirate's Bay Waterpark describes their experiences as gushing waterfalls and sparkling pools. Water slides, pools, a kid’s area, dining, and shopping will make for a cool experience in a new place! An excellent way to explore this summer- a new place! Tickets are $24.99 with kids 3 and under FREE! Find more information about Pirate's Bay Waterpark here.
TIPS ON THE LO: Arrive after 4pm and pay $15.99 for entry
Spring Valley Beach
I am not overly familiar with Alabama attractions outside of Athens, Huntsville, and the coast, so once again, a park I didn’t know about before my research. Spring Valley Beach is located in Blountsville, Alabama and has been recognized as a “driving destination”. Plenty of activities spread across 25 acres. Spring Valley Beach has multiple pools, slides, a kiddie play station and dining. If you like to visit multiple places, or need a quick pit stop on a road trip, it looks like a really neat place to go! Tickets are $35 for adults, $28 for kiddos, and those under 2 are free! Find more information about Spring Valley Beach here.
These are all great options and sure ways to occupy time and wear down those littles. If you are having a hard time choosing, I would weigh your kiddos age/height. Each website lists height minimums for their rides. I would also look at the entry fee. A few of these are worth more than their ticket prices suggest. If you can, I think it would be so fun to check out multiple and have your family vote on their favorite. A great way to encourage adventure and conversation! As always, I encourage you to stop and shop locally at each destination. They have great stores and restaurants near by!
Here's to the last weeks before Fall officially begins! Kowabunga, baby!
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