Why these two Tennessee water parks are ranked among the best in the country for adults
Amusement parks are not just for kids, and neither are water parks. Thrillist named its top 10 water parks in the country for adults and two in Tennessee made the cut!
Whether you’re seeking thrilling waterslides from heights in the sky or just want to float on a tube down the lazy river and stay cool during the hot summer, water parks now have appealing activities for everyone.
Dollywood’s Splash Country and SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Tennessee both received shout outs by Thrillist for their adult-fun qualities. The recognition comes after Splash Country and Soaky Mountain were named among the best water parks in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best awards this year.
Here’s why Splash Country and SoundWaves are fun for adults, according to Thrillist.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dolly Parton herself is reason enough to spend a day at Splash Country, Thrillist claims. Though it's probably unlikely you’ll spot the Queen of Country zipping down a water slide, you’ll still enjoy one of its many rides and the cozy canopies.
Highlights noted by Thrillist include the water coaster RiverRush and the white-water-rafting–inspired Big Bear Plunge.
The 8,000-square-foot lagoon pool The Cascades featuring 25 interactive elements, including two grotto slides, a massive waterfall, underwater jets, an active geyser and shaded seating was chosen as the site’s favorite Splash Country attraction.
Admission: $54.95+
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville was designed for adults, just as much as it was for kids. In fact, the upscale indoor/outdoor aquatic experience has an adults-only upper-level lounge with its own bar, infinity pool and private cabanas.
The elevated food options were a highlight for Thrillist. The menu includes lobster rolls, poke bowls, Mexican style paletas, and more.
Visit soundwavesgo.com for packages and day pass information.
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
Top water parks for adults to enjoy
The eight other water parks from around the country chosen by Thrillist for adults to enjoy are:
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park (Denver)
Mandalay Bay Beach (Las Vegas)
Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort (New Braunfels, Texas)
Slide Rock State Park (Sedona, Arizona)
Summer Fun Water Park (Belton, Texas)
Tidal Cove (Aventura, Florida)
Volcano Bay (Orlando)
Zoombezi Bay (Columbus)
Other water parks in Tennessee
Along with Splash Country and SoundWaves, Tennessee has several water parks around the state, mostly located in East and Middle Tennessee areas.
Boro Beach features two giant water slides, a splash pad, a climbing wall and a floating bridge.
Address: 2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
This is “Nashville’s biggest water park,” with more than 1 million gallons of summer fun. Nashville Shores has 10 thrilling water slides, water treehouse and playground, and a lazy river and beach for summer leisure.
Address: 4001 Bell Road, Nashville, Tennessee
The 50-acre water park was ranked No. 8 on the 2024 10Best water parks list. It has water coasters, including The Edge, a dueling coaster that opened in 2023, water slides, an adventure river and a wave pool.
Address: 175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville
Nashville’s Wave Country is an outdoor water park with three water flumes, two speed slides, and a kiddie pool with water-dropping features and a playground.
Address: 2320 Two Rivers Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee
Wetlands has several water slides, including 80- to 200-foot flume slides. There also is a lazy river, zero-depth wading area and a children’s area.
Address: 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee
Wild Bear Falls is an indoor water park with a retractable roof. You can float along the lazy river, glide down a giant water slide or explore the interactive treehouse. The water park is accessible even without booking a room at the adjoining Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
Location: 915 Westgate Resorts Road, Gatlinburg
There are two outdoor water parks at Wilderness at the Smokies. Lake Wilderness has the new Treehouse Springs and tall thrill slides, The Wall, Wild Vortex and Cyclone Racer. And Salamander Springs features 150-foot-long body and tube slides and a multi-level play and spray structure.
Address: 1424 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville, Tennessee
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Best U.S. water parks for adults? Dollywood, Opryland make this list
