Lin NormanI used to love going to water parks in Nashville when I was younger. Sliding down water slides and floating in lazy rivers were the highlights of summer!
Now that I have a kid, I want them to enjoy those same fun days. Watching them smile and splash around brings back so many good memories.
Water parks in Nashville are still a great way to stay cool, have fun, and make family memories. Here are our favorites!
1. SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
Media Credit: gaylordoprylandresort/
Website: https://www.soundwavesgo.com/
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN (in Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center)
Contact Details: +1 615-889-1000
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland is one of the best water parks in Nashville. It’s a big indoor and outdoor water park that’s part of the Gaylord Opryland hotel –a one-of-a-kind water park experience that’s clean, beautifully designed, and fun for all ages.
Guests can enjoy everything from water slides and lazy rivers to wave pools and splash zones for younger kids. We love that there’s two lazy rivers—one gentle for when we just want to relax and the other a fast-moving river with rapids for when we want something exciting.
The outdoor area (open seasonally) also has towering slides and a wave pool that’s always a hit!
When we stayed at the hotel, we got to use the water park before check-in and even after we checked out. That gave us a lot more time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
We also saw cabanas you can rent if you want your own spot to relax, but they go fast—next time, we’ll try to book one early.
Pro Tips:
- Stay at the resort if you can. It’s totally worth it. You get to start using the water park early—even before your room is ready—and you can keep having fun after checkout.
- It gets chilly inside. The indoor water is warm-ish, but the air can feel cool—especially for little kids. We brought towels and hoodies, and we ewe glad we did.
2. Nashville Shores Waterpark
Media Credit: nashvilleshores
Website: https://nashvilleshores.com/waterpark/
Address: 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN (in Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort)
Contact Details: +1 615-889-7050
Operating Hours: Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM; Monday to Friday – Closed
Admission Cost: Start at $36.99 online, $56.99 plus tax at the gate
We spent a full day at Nashville Shores, and honestly, we left soggy, sunburned, and completely happy. It’s a waterpark right on Percy Priest Lake, and it’s got a little bit of everything—big slides, a lazy river, a lake obstacle course, and even a beach!
The first thing we tried was the Breaker Bay wave pool. It looked calm at first, then boom—once you’re in the pool–waves everywhere. It felt like being in the ocean, but cleaner and without jellyfish.
Mega Mayhem was one of the big rides we tried. It’s a huge raft slide that feels like being flushed down a watery toilet. We all screamed, laughed, and immediately got back in line.
We also hit The Big Scream. That slide is not joking around. The drop made our stomachs disappear for a second. Probably screamed louder than the kids next to us. No shame.
When we got tired of the thrills, we floated down Castaway Creek, the lazy river. It was the only time our group was quiet. The sun was out, the winter was warm, and we didn’t have to move–just pure relaxation.
Pro Tip:
- Food inside takes forever. The lines are long and people get cranky when they’re hungry. Try packing sandwiches, chips, and juice bones, and have a picnic in one of the outside areas. It will save money and time!
- You’ll pay less if you go later in the day. You don’t get as many hours, but the park is cooler, the lines are shorter, and you still get to have fun without spending as much.
3. Wave Country
Media Credit: wave_country
Website: http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Water-Activities/Wave-Country.aspx
Address: 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-885-1092
Operating Hours: Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM; Monday to Friday – Closed
Admission Cost: Starts at $14
For those in Nashville and need to cool off, awe Country is a great place to go. It’s right off Briley Parkway, next to Two Rivers Park. This fun and affordable water park has a big wave pool, fast slides, and kid-friendly spots.
Locals have been coming here since it opened in 1980—and now visitors love it too.
The wave pool is the main attraction. It’s like a beach day, just without the sand or the long drive. We floated around in big tubes and enjoyed the waves as they rolled in. It’s fun for both kids and adults!
There are two tall slides perfect for those looking for a little rush and two smaller ones that are great for younger kids—or adults who like to take it easy. There’s also a kiddie pool and splash pad, which are perfect for toddlers and younger children who want to play safely!
As a water park that’s been around for more than 40 years, we can easily see why! The staff is friendly, and the lifeguards are alert and helpful. Everything felt clean and well taken care of. And even though it was a warm weekend when we went, the park didn’t feel too crowded!
Pro Tip:
- Shade is limited, and once the picnic tables and umbrellas are taken, they’re gone for the day. If you’re hoping to snag a good spot—especially one near the wave pool or splash area—plan to get there before the gates open!
- You don’t need to bring your own float. The big tubes in the wave pool are free to use. They’re first come, first served, but there are usually a lot. Just grab one and enjoy the waves.
