Ready to have some fun? Tennessee is home to some of America’s finest theme and amusement parks, each offering unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Buckle up as we set out to explore 9 of the best Tennessee theme parks an adrenaline junkie could ask for!
1. Dollywood: Tennessee’s Most Popular Theme Park
Owned by country music star Dolly Parton, Dollywood attracts more than three million visitors annually. The 160-acre family-friendly park is located in Pigeon Forge and features roller coasters, water rides and, of course, live country music shows.
Adrenaline junkies will love top attractions like the Lightning Rod, a high-speed wooden roller coaster that lets riders zip through the mountains. With a top speed of 73 mph, he is one of the fastest wooden coasters in the world.
Other popular thrill rides include Wild Eagle, a 21-story high steel roller coaster, and Smokey, a white water rafting adventure that takes riders on a thrilling journey full of twists and turns. and Mountain River Rampage.
The park is usually closed in January and February. We host several seasonal events throughout the year, including the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas Event.
Visitors can also explore the park’s many shops and restaurants. Here you’ll find some of the best Southern-style food anywhere.
Dollywood is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Tennessee, so no matter how you spend your time, make sure to take a photo!
Other Popular Theme Parks in Tennessee
Besides Dollywood, there are many other parks in Tennessee.Whether you live nearby or plan to holiday, you’ll want to check them all. Eight more are high on the list.
2. Dollywood’s Splash Country
Adjacent to Dollywood splash country A 35-acre water park that offers visitors a refreshing break from the summer heat. Part of Dollywood, but requires a separate ticket. But that means he’s one of the most popular water parks in the state and well worth it.
The Big Bear Plunge is a guest favourite, taking riders on a whitewater rafting journey on a river-like course. Thrill-seekers can brave the Fire Tower Falls and descend the 280-foot-long trail.
Splash Country also has a wave pool, a lazy river, and a water playground for the little ones. Shaded cabanas can be rented in one of the lounge areas, and several dining options are available, including barbecue, pizza, and ice cream.
3. Pigeon Forge Island
Pigeon Forge Island A 23-acre family-friendly zone filled with rides, entertainment, special events, and shopping opportunities. Best place? There is no admission fee to enter!
The 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Observation Wheel offers spectacular views of the area. Test your mettle on the ropes course and zipline. Take flight with SkyFlight, Soar America, and experience his double-decker free fall with Twist ‘N Shout.
Want unlimited access to all rides? Purchase a wristband and get access to all outdoor rides for 2 full days of family fun.
While you’re there, catch one of the synchronized water fountain shows that take place every 30 minutes. Watch at night to see the added color.
4. Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, almost a must see Wild Bear Falls Water Park It’s an incredible experience. This mountain-themed heated indoor water park is the perfect getaway for families of all ages.
Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, lets guests slide down a 350-foot tube slide. Not to be outdone, Laurel Falls takes riders down his 300-foot-long slide.
Rent a private cabana to relax and make your stay more enjoyable. There are plenty of dining options, and you can even spend the night at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
5. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coasteralso in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a one-of-a-kind Theme park Offer your visitors a unique experience.
The park’s main attraction is the Alpine Coaster, a fast-paced mile-long winding trail through the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Unlike traditional roller coasters, the Alpine Coaster allows visitors to control their own speed, making it a great choice for visitors of all ages and thrill levels. (Minimum height requirement is 38 inches.)
There are other alpine coasters in the area, but this is one of the best. With the motto “Ride the Hill and Feel the Thrill”, it’s sure to be fun!
6. Over
over- Year-round mountain resort and amusement park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. When it’s not snowing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy including alpine slides, indoor ice skating rinks, mountain coasters and scenic chairlifts.
During the winter, Ober transforms into a winter sports paradise offering skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. You can also eat and shop in the park.
One of Ober Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions is the Aerial Tram, which takes visitors on a scenic ride to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
7. Wilderness of the Smokies
Wilderness of the Smokies It’s home to the Wild Waterdome, Tennessee’s largest indoor water park. Located in Sevierville, this resort is the perfect getaway. family People who want to stay where the action is.
In the wilderness you can ride a thrilling storm chaser. This is a screaming water slide that sends riders 55 feet down a dark tunnel, dropping them in a weightless drop, then splashing them to the bottom.
Play in the 10,000-square-foot Great Wave wave pool, bodysurf on the Smokies Surf Rider, or raft through Runaway Canyon.
When you’re ready to dry off, check out Adventure Forest at the Family Adventure Center. Features include multi-level laser tag, a three-level ropes course, blacklight mini-golf, a giant arcade, and more. The resort also has numerous dining options, including pizzerias, grills and sweets shops.
8. Anakeesta
Anakeesta Tennessee’s premier mountaintop adventure park offers a unique experience for adrenaline junkies in the Smoky Mountains. Attractions include a 600-foot scenic chairlift to the summit of Mount Anakesta, a zipline that tests your courage, a canopy walk, and a heart-pounding 1,600-foot mountain coaster.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Treetop Skywalk, the longest suspension bridge over trees in North America. At 50-60 feet in the air, you can cross 880 feet to the other side with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Within the park, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants to suit your needs. For example, enjoy a snack at the bakery or cool down at the ice cream parlor.
Anakeesta hosts seasonal events throughout the year, such as the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk, as well as live music and other entertainment.
9. Paula Dean’s Lumber Jack Feud Show
There is more to this park than meets the eye. At first, it may not seem like Lumberjack Show is on the list of the best theme parks and amusement parks, but wait until you see what they have to offer.
First, the show itself is not to be missed. The whole family can enjoy her 1.5 hour world class lumberjack competition. Next, head to Adventure Park where you can hop on the Flying Fox, the world’s first zipline roller coaster. Take on a lumberjack-themed ropes course, try a logroll or do a free fall jump from Timber Towers.
You can add dinner to your show ticket, or dine at the nearby Paula Dean Restaurant before or after your park adventure. One thing is for sure, it tastes good!
Make plans to visit Tennessee’s best theme parks
Head to the Smoky Mountains. Here you’ll find good old-fashioned family fun, from roller coasters and water parks to scenic chairlift rides. Tennessee is home to some of the nation’s finest theme and amusement parks, each offering unique family attractions.
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Karee Blunt is the founder of OurWovenJourney.com, a travel blog focused on inspiring others to create memorable adventures with their loved ones. Callie is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life of their dreams.She has her four children, including her four by her adoption. A mother of six, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. For more information on her Callie, visit her About Us page.
